MNSubaru Winter Shooting Event - January 21st, 2012 @ 9AM

Well, now that it's getting colder nothing warms the heart like shooting the hell out of evil paper targets. It's been too long since we've done this, so I figure it's about time we do it again. We'll head over to Bill's Gun Shop and Range in Circle Pines so that those of us with rifles can stretch them out a little bit more. I'm putting the date out there for now, if something comes up that a bunch of people can't make it then I may be open to changing it. Just like the previous shooting days, beginners/non-gun owners are more than welcome to come with and learn.
Directions to Bill's in Circle Pines:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Bills...ircle+Pines,+MN&radius=15000&t=m&z=15&iwloc=A

Hopefully we'll get another good turnout!

 

I'm a shot gun guy, do they have sporting clays or anything like that? I'd like to try shooting some hand guns, as I've only really ever used shot guns for hunting. This sounds like fun!!

 

Some us have shotguns that are more adapted for...anything other than waterfowl/deer.

I'll bring over both my Remington 870 Police Magnum and my Mossberg 590A1 so you can get some scattergun fun in. It's pretty startling for some people to see what buckshot will do on a silhouette and it helps to break the myth that you don't have to aim a shotgun, just get it in the general direction when you're in your home.

 

You aren't the only one. I still don't see the charm in those things.

Want a good house shotgun? Mossberg sells a 500 12 Gauge called the "Just in Case." Well, they used to. It's a pistol gripped shorty. Though if you intend for your wife to use it, I suggest one with a stock. Either way, they are dirt cheap, and super reliable.

 

The 500 Tactical is what I ended up with. The stock is adjustible and there's a slip grip strap on the pump handle. It also comes with the barrel heat shroud installed. It has been pretty consistent over its life. Easy to disassemble and clean. Lots of accessory parts available for it. I got it from Bill's for 319.

 

The M&P in any caliber is a great gun, I have a fullsize in .45ACP and I'll be getting one in .357Sig at some point. I'll also let you try my Glock 34, I've got a GripForce Adapter and a Hogue gripsleeve and it's one of my favorite guns to shoot with, and it's extremely accurate. I'm as good with it as I am my 1911, and that's saying a lot for a Glock. Is the M&P a fullsize? How much is he asking for it? You can PM me if you want.

As far as shotguns go, you can't really go wrong with either a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500/590. Both can be had in various flavors for pricing ranging from dirt cheap used to 3-800 dollars depending on which one you go with. I have one of each, an 870 Police Tactical with an 18in barrel and a 590A1 with a 20 in barrel. Both have the extended mags, and I run a Knoxx recoil reducing grip on each of them. The Knoxx is a pistol grip with an adjustable stock that will absorb up to 80% or so of the recoil, and allows you to short stick the shotgun for use in confined spaces. The recoil reduction actually works, I shoot magnum slugs for fun and don't have any bruising afterwards. It'll also make it more enjoyable to shoot for both you and your wife, so you'll actually want to shoot it rather than dread it.

If you're planning on using it for home defense, I recommend getting a good light for it, Surefire makes some great lights and they have plenty of mounting options. A good light will let you know what you're shooting at and will be bright enough to stun the hell out of someone. I like pump shotguns because they'll feed whatever you put in and they'll always cycle. Autoloaders can be rather finicky about ammo. A common thing I hear is to "rack the slide" to chamber a round to let the intruder know you're armed. Personally, I'm not that sporting. I'd rather not give away my position or the fact that I've got a weapon. If they manage to hear the safety come off, good for them.

My last two recommendations: when it comes to ammo for a shotgun in a home defense situation, anyone who tells you to use birdshot is to be smiled, nodded at and then immediately ignored. If you plan on being attacked in your home by some sort of waterfowl, use birdshot. People require buckshot or slugs. Find out what the local laws are regarding home defense and the use of deadly force and base your home defense plan around that, defense being the operative word.

 

Flechettes and Incendiary 12 gauge ammo. Alternating in the magazine. Make sure you fire 2 shots at each target. Alternatively, I've thought about loading small toys or other assorted small objects in there. I think a shotgun round with one of those plastic toy farm animal pigs would be alot of fun. It'd be the most spirited game of "Pass the Pigs" that any home intruder ever played. You can even go around after you're done shooting them and see how the pigs landed and tally your score accordingly.

 

Jason, I've instituted a new rule: I don't drink anything when I'm reading your posts in order to avoid spraying whatever I'm drinking all over the computer.

 

I figured you'd get a snicker out of that.

 

I have an idea: We should just leave your door unlocked and all of the lights off and put a big neon sign out front that says "Valuable stuff inside, homeowner out of town" and then we'll play Pass the Pigs with whoever comes in.

Chong, you have a PM Sir

 

It was my pleasure Sir

Bump for some more shooters!

 

I'm planning to finally make it out to one of these as a possible +4. I have a few subaru buddies who aren't on this forum that are also gun enthusiasts and are excited about this event.

I've shot before but never received any formal training on safety, proper handling, range etiquette, etc... anyone willing to help a n00b out?

 

Sheen, shoot me a PM and we can set up a time to have you come over to my place and go over some stuff.

 

how did I miss this? pm incoming!

 

If it's alright I'd love to give that a try. I'm very seriously considering an FNP-45 Tactical as my next pistol.