Holidays usually mean a trip to the flood diversion lake east of town with the boys (six of 'em), the girls who wish to (up to four, depending on how many tiny Walton's are dependent on them), and as many of the 26 grandkids we can stuff into trucks, suburbans, and jeeps to make the trip. Of course, none of 'em bring their own ammunition.....
Last trip out nearly wore out my Garand, and put some severe wear on two of the more popular AR's. It is not unusual to go through four cases of clay birds and at least a couple of shells for each bird. The boys have figured out that it's easier, and faster to just hand throw birds rather than setting up the trap and loading it. My old Model 12, the 1300, my 870's and 1100's get a severe workout! At first, the daughters and DIL's preferred the 20 ga. guns, but as they improved, they've moved to the 12 ga, the boys, who want more of a challenge have gone to the 20 ga, 28, and 410.....
It all nearly came to a screaching halt several years back when one son pulled out my pet K-38 S&W, a gorgeous mid-50's production revolver, had a squib load that left a bullet just under the front sight, and then fired again, not knowing what had happened. Just got the barrel replaced a year ago, which turned it into a faux Model 15, just like I packed in my early AF active duty days.
It don't matter much what cost, they get trigger time they wouldn't normally get, they all show improvement each time out, and for us, it's real quality time! Much better than sitting around watching whatever is the latest release from Hollyweird. Just wish that they'd get better jobs so they can start treating me with 'free' ammo and guns!!!
