Casual Plinking...

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

I have some personal issues and the last couple weeks have been kinda rough. The other day I finished work, and saw this gun on the work-bench. I made it a couple years ago as a plinker/field pistol. It's been put away for a while and I had gotten it out for inspection and cleaning. It's a single-shot with a f4" barrel, and it's about 7" overall. The receiver is only 1/2" thick, and at 16.5 ounces it's no heavyweight. There is a safety notch to keep the hammer-mounted firing pin off the rim of the cartridge, but other than that the safety is 'don't cock it and pull the trigger and it won't go off.' The foregrip isn't meant to be useful, I just liked the way it looks.


I recalled that I had a box of CB Caps lying around, and there was a target and backstop set up at the other end of the clean-shop, about five yards from my chair. I plonked myself down, poured out a small handful of cartridges, lit a smoke and started shooting. It felt kind of decadent, sitting their in a comfy office chair and shooting. The CB caps aren't very loud, and shortly I was feeling better about the world. In a pretty good mood, actually!

I like going to the range and do so frequently, but lately it's become kind of a production. Loading the range bag, figuring out what to take, driving to the range. When I arrive there's always a gun that needs testing, a new load to try out, pictures to take for my blog... it's too easy to forget what a pure, uncomplicated pleasure shooting can be. The other day was a nice reminder of that. I'm gonna buy some more CB Caps...

 

[chicharrones]

Good to hear you got to relax this time. I think I recall you posting this single shot pistol before. It still looks like great work.

 

[Milt1]

Put a rat in front of those CB Caps and you'll be fine, Dr's orders!

 

[bannockburn]

Tinker

It's always good to unwind after a stressful day of whatever! I have found going to the gun range (or the driving range or the batting cages), to be a great way for relieving all of the tension that's built up over time.

Instead of CB caps I like to let loose with one of my BB guns down in the basement!

 

[WVGunman]

Shooting is a recognized way to improve mood for a lot of people. I've even heard professional therapists--no fans of the shooting sports themselves--say so. Personally, I used to shoot a low-powered airgun from one corner of my apartment to the other. Used a .22LR bullet trap, more than adequate for airgun pellets. Definitely a good time. I'm a bit more careful now that cats and my g.f's grandkids occasionally take up some space around here. Don't want to risk ricochets or have random bits of lead laying around. Being able to just step outside and shoot might be the only thing that gets me to buy a house with property down the road.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I shoot guns almost every day at work. Sometimes I have a light work load and can take my time and enjoy shooting a few of the nicer guns. But more often I am pressed for time tying to keep 24 hr. turnaround time on results so, that the Detectives can have real time leads on shootings. Sometimes shooting some guns are not fun, like the SKS used in a homicide, I had to to rush yesterday. The stock was broke off at the back of the action.
I always liked going to the range, but then it started becoming work. Getting guns and gear loaded up for the range trip and then the unloading and clean up when I got home. I realized that I was bringing to many guns at one time to the range. Once I started putting a limit on the guns for a range trip, no more then 3 or 4, it became fun again.
I did try air guns at the house, but they just didn't have that pop and the smell of gun powder.
I may have to set up a target trap in my shop for shooting CB. I wonder if I can fit my lazy-boy in my shop.

 

[Boarhunter]

The range is my therapy. I generally go to the local indoor range 3 or 4 or 5 times a week during lunch. Never stay more than 20 minutes or so and always shoot my carry that day. Sometimes/most of the time BS with my range buds more than I shoot. Can’t imagine going without my therapy.

BOARHUNTER

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Casual shooting is good therapy.

I hope you get some relief from what's bothering you.

 

[22250Rem]

Sometimes a very simple range trip is good therapy. Just a couple .22's, ammo, and some various targets. Instead of tons of gear and miscellaneous stuff like when I'm load testing, chronographing, etc. a few different high power rifles or pistols. Just putting up the targets and plinking at them with the .22's is relaxing and a great way for me to get some needed R & R. When life gets rough like it always does eventually; a plinking session can be a mood enhancer and provide some needed recreation.

 

[ontarget]

It's amazing what some casual plinking does for the soul. I find myself more frequently lately just loading up a few mags for one of my .22s or grabbing a box of 38s and stepping out the back door to plink at a pop can that the dog dropped off for me in the back yard. Sometimes 5 minutes or less but still rather enjoyable.

 

[entropy]

Shooting is a recognized way to improve mood for a lot of people. I've even heard professional therapists--no fans of the shooting sports themselves--say so.

They don't call it "Group Therapy" for nothing....glad you took some time for some, Tinker-sometimes it puts a smile back on the face, and this time of year, that's a very good thing!

 

[Bartojc]

I try to shoot 30 minutes a week year round. I joined the local range, and it forces me to go. Its a great mood changer
I only take a couple firearms, shoot my rounds, and done in 30 minutes. Since I'm a member I do not feel pushed to get my moneys worth for each session. It's same price regardless. Best decision I've made in a while.

If I find I do not have the time to shoot enough per month I'll go back to paying per visit but I do not see that happening anytime soon.
One day my plan is to have a range out the back door, but until then.

-jeff

 

[Pat Riot]

Gonna hit the range in a little bit. I am just going to take my Remingtons. My R51 and my RM380. Leaving all the rest of my handguns at home. I could use a little “group therapy”.

Hopefully the R51 keeps performing as it has. It’ll probably be another 700 rounds before I trust it....a little.

 

[BigBlue 94]

If the range has become a chore, pick up a single shot 22 and go walk in the woods. Doesnt matter if you even shoot it. Listening to the birds and animals rustling around is my kind of therapy.

Of course, not everyone has that opportunity

 

[DDDWho]

I don't "plink". I kill stuff. I sight um in for zero and thats it. Most days will find me setting on my front porch with one of the below on the table beside me. Ground Hogs and Armadillos are my prey. I'm getting pretty good with the 22/45 with the red dot on it.
Rossi Plinker (a misnomer)

22/45

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Rimfire shooting is good for the soul. Three hours with a bolt .22 rifle or a scoped Ruger Mark or Browning Buckmark, chasing small groups or a tin can, flies by in an instant.

 

[Eddietruett]

Shooting at my backyard range is my way to unwind from work stress. I usually go out every Sunday afternoon weather and mosquitos permitting and shoot. Last summer I got caught up in developing a couple of loads for hog and deer hunting and as is my nature, I probably took my testing way too far. Although I wound up with a couple of fantastic rounds for my 2 hunting revolvers, it almost became work. I've told myself not again. Now when I go out, I try to just have fun. I may have a snubbie day where I take a few snubs out and just try to make impossible shots. When you do hit a pine cone at 100 yards, you forget about the last 45 misses! I've also started shooting my .22 revolvers more. They are so much fun. Roll some cans, so some point shooting, anything but sit at the bench with 10-12 different loads and a notebook. I have to watch myself. I tend to be a perfectionist and if not careful I can take the fun out of things that are meant to just be fun and relaxing.

 

[Labguy47]

I know exactly how bad news affects you. Just found out I have cancer. First thing I did was go to the range. 2 revolvers and 2 auto chuckers with 2000 rounds. I wish I had remembered to do the challenge as I had some of the best groups I’ve seen in awhile.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I know exactly how bad news affects you. Just found out I have cancer. First thing I did was go to the range. 2 revolvers and 2 auto chuckers with 2000 rounds. I wish I had remembered to do the challenge as I had some of the best groups I’ve seen in awhile.

Cancer SUCKS. Cancer treatments also suck. Shoot as much as you can. I had to stop shooting for a year and then learn to shoot again.

 

[Labguy47]

Cancer SUCKS. Cancer treatments also suck. Shoot as much as you can. I had to stop shooting for a year and then learn to shoot again.

Yeah I’ve heard what it’s gonna be like already and then told to magnify that by 3.

 

[doubleh]

I don't "plink". I kill stuff. I sight um in for zero and thats it. Most days will find me setting on my front porch with one of the below on the table beside me. Ground Hogs and Armadillos are my prey. I'm getting pretty good with the 22/45 with the red dot on it.
Rossi Plinker (a misnomer)
View attachment 826130
22/45
View attachment 826131

Unlike you I don't kill anything, I plink. Don't get me wrong now. If there was something that needed killing I would do it without qualm one. It's just that I don't have any varmints that need killing except a gopher now and then. I usually get them with poisoned grain but once in a great while one will make the mistake of poking his head up and I get to shoot it. I inherited my grandfather's single barrel 410 and it's an excellent gopher getter. I don't have groundhogs, armadilloes, squirrels, ground squirrels, or anything else. The state says I can shoot grackles if they are a nuisance but I don't have enough of those to be much of a bother and since they eat grasshoppers they get a pass. In the summer houseflies are plentiful and I amuse myself with a bug-a-salt but they hardly count as vermin.There are coyotes but I never see them, just hear them, sometimes really close. They are probably the reason I have no pests.

I like the Rossi plinker you showed a bunch. I found a NIB one early last year. It's certainly misnamed. Pretty accurate and a very good single action trigger.

 

[RA40]

Life manages to demanding at times. Been in a similar spot the last few months that getting the weekly trip has become spotty. Now at every other and even then have to decide if it is work or sending some stuff downrange. The sad part is I have fixed day to do this and if something crops up, that blows the day and we all have experienced what Murphy does.

Making the time and taking the opportunity is Life changes so quickly and a misseed day may be a regret that lingers of "why didn't I..." Hard to put priorities at times when we only have X hours in a day to get accomplished. Tough...

 

[.38SuperMan]

I know exactly how bad news affects you. Just found out I have cancer. First thing I did was go to the range. 2 revolvers and 2 auto chuckers with 2000 rounds. I wish I had remembered to do the challenge as I had some of the best groups I’ve seen in awhile.

I truly feel for you. I’ve been there too, going on 4 years now and no signs of a reoccurrence. No cancer in my family so I figured I’d never hear the C word. Wrong! I didn’t have chemo but had radioactive implants. Looking back on it i had some tough days psychologically and physically. You just take life minute by minute and day by days because better days are coming and you’ll have this all behind you. Remember you’re not alone in this fight, you have people that love you and a team of experts helping with the fight.

From experience, keep your mind and body active as much as you can. Take good care of your body and spirit. Never give up! I wish you the very best.