I don't have pictures, sadly, but this weekend I had a chance to have some fun with my in-laws. My wife's brother, Leeroy, wanted to do something fun for his father, Padre, - a belated birthday gift if you will. He also wanted to include his other sister's husband, Fuzzy, who tends to enjoy different things than what we often do. With that goal in mind he decided to set up a trap shoot. He and Padre both have shotguns (12 and 20 gauges respectively) and we were able to borrow Grand-Padre's vermin rifle (a .22 caliber and a 20 gauge over/under style). I borrowed a skeet thrower from a friend and Padre brought one. We had Leeroy's other two brothers, Tree (age 16) and Peanut (age 11). In the end, Fuzzy wasn't able to make it because he couldn't get work off, and I was late because of my piano lesson, but a good time was had by all.
This was my third time trap shooting and like my first two times I enjoyed it quite a bit. I enjoy the challenge that accuracy provides and even though a shotgun is known for firing a spread of shots, if you don't put that spread in the right place the clay pigeon flies away intact. I had quite a few where I would graze it, sending up a puff of clay dust as the pellets glanced off. I also had a could of well landed shots that left nothing short of a surprised looking cloud of orange. Padre was by far the best shot. He hunted in his youth and despite not being an active hunter or even an active shooter he pulverized more clays with more regularity than anyone else.
Leeroy and I had a little bit of fun. Leeroy would stand with his back to the field, the vermin rifle broken open, but the shell in his hand. On pull he would load, turn, and fire. He got it more times than he missed. I tried a could of "quick fire" drills myself. Standing with the gun open at my side and then racking the shell as I took my stance and fired. I got it once and missed one other. The other time I tried standing with the vermin rifle loaded but still broken at my side. On pull I would flick it closed and rise it one handed to shot at the clay. Missed both times and I learned why you don't shoot a shotgun one handed. It's rather hard on the wrist. To try to set you mind at ease, we were practicing good fire discipline.
Afterwards we returned back to Padre's and cooked steaks. It was a fun day. I feel very lucky to have the in-laws I do. I get along well with them, despite our very different backgrounds, and honestly enjoy spending time with them. Padre taught me everything I know about working on cars, wiring, framing, and just about everything else I know about working with my hands. My own father is a capable man with a hammer, drill, and saw, but is a casual amateur (I mean that in a very nice way) in comparison. Padre has worked with his hands for his own life and can turn wood or metal to his will. Using his shop I've been able to build a couple of pieces of furniture and can now change my own oil. I'm just glad the old codger puts up with me.
Love you, Padre!
This was my third time trap shooting and like my first two times I enjoyed it quite a bit. I enjoy the challenge that accuracy provides and even though a shotgun is known for firing a spread of shots, if you don't put that spread in the right place the clay pigeon flies away intact. I had quite a few where I would graze it, sending up a puff of clay dust as the pellets glanced off. I also had a could of well landed shots that left nothing short of a surprised looking cloud of orange. Padre was by far the best shot. He hunted in his youth and despite not being an active hunter or even an active shooter he pulverized more clays with more regularity than anyone else.
Leeroy and I had a little bit of fun. Leeroy would stand with his back to the field, the vermin rifle broken open, but the shell in his hand. On pull he would load, turn, and fire. He got it more times than he missed. I tried a could of "quick fire" drills myself. Standing with the gun open at my side and then racking the shell as I took my stance and fired. I got it once and missed one other. The other time I tried standing with the vermin rifle loaded but still broken at my side. On pull I would flick it closed and rise it one handed to shot at the clay. Missed both times and I learned why you don't shoot a shotgun one handed. It's rather hard on the wrist. To try to set you mind at ease, we were practicing good fire discipline.
Afterwards we returned back to Padre's and cooked steaks. It was a fun day. I feel very lucky to have the in-laws I do. I get along well with them, despite our very different backgrounds, and honestly enjoy spending time with them. Padre taught me everything I know about working on cars, wiring, framing, and just about everything else I know about working with my hands. My own father is a capable man with a hammer, drill, and saw, but is a casual amateur (I mean that in a very nice way) in comparison. Padre has worked with his hands for his own life and can turn wood or metal to his will. Using his shop I've been able to build a couple of pieces of furniture and can now change my own oil. I'm just glad the old codger puts up with me.
Love you, Padre!
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