Mind Your Manners

For the past 6 weeks I've been taking some yoga classes. This is something I've dabbled in unsuccessfully before, but am really enjoying this time - the benefit of finding a studio I like and instructors I enjoy. Last night I went to what would have been a great class, only it included some rude folks.

This got me thinking about a posting I've long been meaning to write here - etiquette. Every sport or activity has rules, traditions, and unsaid things you should and shouldn't do. Social norms, if you will. Many of these are simply common courtesy and considering others. Some are safety. And others are just tradition.

Here are just a few examples that spring to mind:

• Skiing - the singles line is for singles. Don't cram three of your buddies in there and then hop in front of everyone else as a group. 
• Cycling - the paceline is a unique place with rules all its own. Most of them are for your own safety (NEVER overlap wheels). Some are courtesy - take your turn on the front, unless you're a weaker rider than the rest and in that case, own it and admit to it.
• Fly Fishing - again, lots of courtesies. Not low-holing the other angler is one. But there are some interesting ones relating to being a guest in another's boat - offer to bring lunch or beer, NO cleated boots, if you can row, offer to.
• Shooting - issues here are principally related to safety. Muzzle downrange. Don't shoot others targets. Treat every gun as a loaded gun. But there are some courtesy issues, too. Like sweeping up your brass and removing shot-up targets before you leave. Or offering to pick up post-range drinks or buy ammo when someone lets you try their gun.

The common theme here is courtesy and respect for others. Something our society is increasingly lacking. No matter the sport or activity, you can bet there are etiquette standards. In most cases, simple asking will get you a gentle introduction. For example, I was recently invited on an organized group bike ride. I've not spent much time riding in serious pacelines, so I knew I had some learning to do. Fortunately, my buddy Josh was there to guide me. As a result, I had a comfortable, fun, safe ride. I'm lucky enough to be friends with some fly fishing guides. They've taught me a TON - mostly because they'll be more candid with a friend than a client. I've learned things like holding your boot out to drain before stepping into a drift boat, is appreciated. Or that if a guide takes you to a spot, they don't want to see you there the next day. 

Bottom line? Pay attention. Understand that no matter what any sport of activity (not just golf or tennis) has protocols and etiquette. Take some time to observe, and if needed ask questions.You'll likely have a better experience, make some friends, and be welcomed back!

-Sean-

P.S. March 7th was my last post? Geez. Gotta' get after this...

Tack-Driver

My Browning Buckmark .22lr semi-auto has always been one of my favorite handguns to shoot. Feels good in-hand, very accurate, good sight picture. I just shoot this gun really well. But its not without drawbacks. First, it's a bit fussy on ammo. Anything less than mid-grade stuff and you get 2-3 stovepipe jams per box. It's very reliable with CCI MiniMag. Good luck finding any. And second, there's a lot of plastic in this gun. Yeah, I know, when properly engineered, plastic is fine stuff, blah, blah, blah. But somehow guns (like fly reels) should be metal. Finally the upper is really basically held together by two screws. These can work loose, affecting point of impact. Plus it makes it a bit of a pain to do a tear-down. Don't get me wrong - I love this gun and will likely never sell it.

But I'm looking to build the ultimate tack-driving target range .22 handgun. I want something that shoots nearly any ammo without a burp. That feels solid in-hand. And that enables me to put up dime-sized groups at under 30 feet. I've been poking around online for a while and found that the Ruger Mark III series has a reputation for having this potential. It's a solid, proven gun. Quality from the factory is basically very good. And there are a TON of aftermarket parts available to improve it.

A recent stop at Guns Galore, in Fenton, MI uncovered a Ruger Mark III Target model in stainless steel (hey, I have a shiny gun attraction...). And their prices were considerably lower than list. As soon as I held this fine firearm, I knew I'd found the basic platform for this project. Solid. Fits my hand like a glove. Great sight picture. I like the balance from the steel lower and bull barrel. Sold!

Of course, I'm aware of Ruger's reputation for difficult tear-down and re-assembly, but it seems like a small trade-off for the benefits. Plus, I watched the videos on Ruger's site and it doesn't look THAT bad. I'm eager to clean out the factory grease/protectant and get this one cleaned and lubed for a trip to the range!

I'll be writing more about this one after I get a chance to shoot it, and then as I start to make modifications. At the outset, I think it will be a candidate for a Volquartsen trigger/action kit, some Target style wood grips, and possibly Williams Fire Sights. But first I want to get to know it and see the strengths and weaknesses.

Looking forward to this journey!

-Sean-