This afternoon was my semi-regular trip to the rifle range. Today was special because I broke in my new Savage Model 93FVSS in caliber 17 HMR. A lovely new rifle!

A new rifle normally means at least three things: a) you’ve got a freshly mounted scope on the rifle so you’re going through the process of “sighting in” to align the scope with where the rifle is actually pointing, b) you’ve got “break-in” to deal with as like a new pair of boots, a rifle has to be worn in a bit before it starts working smoothly, and c) you’re going through the process of determining what kind of ammunition a particular firearm likes. The same rifle will shoot dramatically differently depending on variables like who manufactured the ammo, how heavy the bullet is, what kind of gunpowder was used, etc. It takes some trial and error.

That part all went well today.  What was dramatic and unexpected was the major storm that hit while we were at the range.  About halfway through our shooting session the skies opened up and sleet started raining down.  Fortunately we shoot from covered positions so it didn’t really affect anything. It was so wild I had to snap a photo with the camera on my cell phone though! Just another day of dramatic weather in Seattle!

If the world as we know it is ever invaded by an army of neon colored dots, I am ready. Like Ash with his “boomstick” I shall face down the forces of evil with a wrath that knows no bounds. So tremble in fear foul dots, tremble and know that the number of your days grows short.

“Hail to the King, baby…”

Did I mention I’m an avid target shooter? It’s true… I’m generally at the range every Thursday afternoon, rain or shine. Yesterday was no exception. I had to take a few months off while recovering from my accident. Because of this I’ve been shooting my .22 a lot to get back into practice. I’ve just about got my form back now. I normally shoot .308 at 100/200 yards but with a .22 we normally shoot at 50 yards.

My .22 is a heavily customized Ruger 10/22. I was looking at it the other day and thinking, the only parts left from the factory are the receiver and the bolt. I think I’ve replaced everything else in the quest for accuracy. I’m pretty happy with it, it puts the rounds where I point it which is what I want. Any problems with accuracy are errors on my part now. That wasn’t much of a problem yesterday. I love a good day at the range…