Operation; DOG DAY AFTERNOON

Saturday, September 4th, 2002

It was a beautiful sunny day.  I had left my house late and along the way found cause to make myself even later.  I had listened to the weather reports and had decided that with the temperature planning on climbing as high as the mid 90's, that it was more than time to get a haircut.  (Boy am I glad I did!)

So, with the previously mentioned delays, and the inevitable construction, I would not be arriving until well after the planned 12 noon start time.  This month's Wayne county training, Charlie X was to be the FTO.  Out of courtesy I called ahead to let him know I would be arriving about 30-40 minutes late.  He let me know that he was already in the field with several people having already arrived.

I arrived at approximately 12:45.  There were several folks who had camped overnight and many more who had shown up for the training.  By the time I got all my gear unpacked and a cook fire going Charlie was already anxious to begin his shotgun presentation.  All those interested moved down range to about the 20 yard mark.

Charlie began with the basics.  He discussed the types of ammunition for a shotgun and the different caliber (gauges actually) that they come in.  He broke down a few of the different size shot shells to better illustrate them, and explain how they delivered their energy to the target.  He discussed the pro's and con's of each different size and type of shot, as well as the characteristics of slugs (hard hitting massive blunt force trauma, longer range, accurate to 75+ yards).

After this, he had me fire my sidearm (9mm) into a mock up of an exterior wall in a house.  Then I fired a round from my new SKS (7.62X39mm).  Both penetrated the dry wall and the exterior sheeting material of the mock wall.  He then fired a #8 shot shell, 00 buckshot shell and a slug into the mock wall.  The shot shell and the buck shot shredded the drywall and did damage to any stud material it hit but they were contained by the outer sheeting material.  (The buckshot really tore up the sheeting but none of the pellets penetrated with any significant energy if at all).  The slug tore through the mock wall, easily.

The next demonstration, Charlie showed the under arm position for carrying a shotgun (or any long gun). He explained how this made going through tight areas, such as room to room in a house easier.  For the short distances that would be encountered in room to room, it is a good compromise between mobility, weapon retention and still affords a degree of accuracy (if practiced).  Charlie looked on as each participant that wished to, practiced this carry method and then engaged a target around the corner door way.

  One of the last drills he covered was shooting and then reloading.  He demonstrated that this skill takes time to master.  He admitted that he finds he could still improve even though he has drilled many times.  He said that it is important if you should ever need to use a shotgun, it is wise to not fire the weapon till empty, stop short if the opportunity to do so becomes available and top off the tube.

I found Charlie's instruction very informative.  I know that several of the other attendees did too.  More than one person asked about each of the shotguns used.   They asked makes and models of the shotguns and what the prices would be to get their own.  I feel confident that there are at least 2 homes that will be better defended soon with new 12 gauges.

The rest of the day just seem to slip on by.  This was certainly a "good" example of the dog days of summer.  Somehow further activity, apart from gathering around the campfire (yes campfire in 90+ degree heat...go figure) and trading stories seemed less important.  Later in the afternoon, a couple of   late arrivals who had missed the shotgun demonstration did make it out to the range.  One group was there to sight in their matching pair of SKS's.  The other was a new shooter being instructed by her friend. We are always thrilled to see new shooters getting good instruction especially the ladies.  (Remember "girls with guns have more fun".)

If you missed this training I don't know what to tell you, other than don't let it happen again.  Training is what we make it.  There are always scheduled activities, as well as free time to sight in weapons.  Just about any one out there is more than willing to let you pop off a few with their rifle /pistol /shotgun /blunderbuss.  There is always something to be learned at our sessions.  The pace is whatever those in attendance can handle.  Sometimes, like this session we slow the pace way down.... But not too often.  So, I'll see you out there next month.

F.J.