Hit a gun club range with a civilian-type pal today, guy who shoots a lot. I don't shoot much at all, maybe every couple of years.

First round was with his M-1 Garand at 50 yards. I never shot one, it was nice. Ol' Bob the M-14 guy, first boom-boom in a while, punched out a quarter-sized 3-shot group at 50 yds. with the M-1. He just looked at me, said nothing. I'm braggin' here.

Then we went to my M-1 Carbine (before it crapped out, wouldn't cycle, return spring n/g, I think). Same target, same group, just different spot on the paper. Now he's pissed, I'm showin' off.

Then we moved in to 25 yds with his 9mm Glock with a red dot sight. I never shot one before. Works great; just bulky, distracting to hold with the scope mount under yer hand. I had never shot a pistol with a scope-type sight. Other than the scope hardware, it was very easy and very accurate; the hole usually appeared right where the dot used to be.

Finally the .45, my M1911A1. Iron sights that adjust with a big hammer. First group baseball-sized in upper corner of the paper; second group, 3 a little bigger than a 119th coin, all in the center of the green. I cut and ran on that one, knew I couldn't do any better.

He was so damned mad I had to buy the beer after we packed up our crap. Best money I've spent lately.

Giggling in CT