Saturday, November 7th, was a beautiful day for those who do not hesitate to be out in the field. No, it was not cold. No, it was not hot. No, it was not wet. It was perfect weather. Due to bow hunting season, there was no shooting at Camp X in Monroe. Even so, for those who do not hesitate, this does not negate training. I still had to try out my new gear rig for comfort and reliability, so a march through the woods was required. I was not alone in this endeavor. Others were also trying out new equipment, as well. The walk was a great chance for tracking and observing. With camouflaged bow hunters out in the woods, what a challenge to track, find, and observe them or their blinds (from a distance, of course). We spotted two blinds and one tree stand. With fall upon us, and no leaves on the trees, your viewing distance is greatly increased. Not only for you, but also for those you are trying to observe. It is important to remember, that a large militia person will find it harder to hide behind very skinny and barren trees or bushes. Blending in while walking is almost impossible. This little walk demonstrated the importance of proper seasonal camouflage and stealth movements, plus a heightened awareness of the changes that occur in all environments.
Now, it was time to go do some shooting. With no shooting at Camp X because of Bow season, Ken suggested the Monroe Gun Club, which was not far from where we were. He is a current member, which allows him to bring guests. So off we went. Upon our arrival, what a surprise we had. The range was empty. We had the whole place to ourselves.
Great! Now I can try out my latest rifle, a CETME in 7.62x51(.308). Because it
was new, and I have not yet fired it, I had to check out the iron sights for adjustment.
So I started at the 25-yard target and fired five rounds, all center hits. Great! No right
or left adjustments needed. Next, the 50-yard target, fired five rounds…oh, oh.
The shots were centered, but 5 inches high, and I did not have the tool to adjust the pin sight down. Not to stop me, I compensated by aiming the pin lower…Hit! At this point, I am happy to know I did not buy a paperweight.
I'm ready for the 100-yard target now. I fired five rounds…oh, oh. Still a little high, but it is within the 9-inch target. Trying to compensate for the lower adjustment gets harder the farther the target, plus also the fact I have lousy eyesight. But I was getting bold, so now I had to try the 200-yard target. I could hardly see the target and felt I would be lucky if I hit the dirt mound behind the target, so lining up the peep sight for 200 yards and a steady focus on the target I fired 10 rounds slowly. Then picking up my binoculars, I look. I focus. I can't see a thing. Time to go down range. I tape up the 100-yard target. Now, down to the 200-yard target I don't know why I did not think it was hit. As I got closer I could see one hole high above center but it was still on the paper. I thought, great, out of 10 rounds, 1 hit. To my surprise, all 10 rounds had hit high…ON THE PAPER.
Ken was trying out some new magazines for his AR-10. He too was having a good day, hitting 3-inch groups at the 100- and 200-yard targets. After a couple of hours of shooting, with the whole range to ourselves, other members started to arrive. I put away the CETME for now. I had to adjust the pin sight down, and then took up my Mosin Nagant 91/30. After eating up 100 rounds of 7.62x54R at the 100- and 200-yard targets, the sun was starting to set. Time to close up shop and end another successful day of honing our skills. See you next time.
-Lou