Range day

[CLASSIC12]

Switzerland has a lot of military ranges, which are also used by civilian shooting associations (generally run by former military personnel).

The range can be used for a limited amount of days, about 20 per year, due to noise, neighbours etc.. so they are concentrated between April and September. And it’s 1 mile from my home.

This weekend was the closing weekend for 2018. I showed up a bit late at the pistol range, straight out of bed in the early morning of Saturday, only to realise it was mostly about some friendly shooting competitions.

I entered three competitions out of four possible. All are at 25 meters. Pistols used are standard military issue, current or past. So Waffenfabrik Bern Parabellum (Swiss Luger), SIG P210 (P49) and P220 (P75) and variants as well as more modern stuff (SigPro, Sig Sauer, Sphinx and Glock).

For the first two competitions I used this 1954 beauty :



First was the speed shooting, 5 warm up shots first, then 5 shots in 30 seconds (which is not very fast in my book), twice.

The target used is the one on the left





I was very happy with the result. The warm up shots were all a bit high, so I could adjust for the ones that count. Result :



That earned me first place.

Next was duel, same target, 2 X 5 shots, the target presenting itself 3 seconds, then 7 seconds off (rotating sideways). There is a possibility to buy back up to two tries. I bought one, which was worse. Only the best pass counts.



That tied my for first with another competitor who was shooting right next to me. Interestingly, I always fired before him, maybe I was more nervous about the target flipping before I could shoot.

Last was the precision competition, with the other target :



I decided to change pistol and used this 1922 made beauty :



Again, I was shooting a bit high for the first warm up shots, so I adjusted my aim a bit lower.



That also took first place, guess the overall skill level was not very high that day. The after party with wine, jokes and meat fondue was great too. It’s actually quite sad to have to wait until next April for the 2019 season. I might try the rifle competitions then, 300 meters open sights. I have just the right tool for that.



In any case, a great closing of the season for that club (I am also a member at several other ranges that operate later, or all year round).

Now I need to find a kid to gift him the medal 🥇 as my wife and my 22 yrs old son made serious fun of me.

[jdlii]

Good shooting, great story and gorgeous firearms!

[Bakebfr480]

Do you shoot any K31's?

[Krogen]

Great story! I like the combination of serious shooting followed by socialization and good food! I belong to a club where every Friday evening we shoot standard Bullseye (slow, timed and rapid fire) followed by a 15 shot duel. Same timing as your duel, and fired in 5 shot strings. On Wednesday evenings, we have a 50 shot Scheutzen match with single-shot, iron sight rifles. Both of these matches are indoors since the days are getting short and the weather will turn bad soon. All shooting is with 22 long rifle at 50 feet.

It's a great deal of fun. We have the shooting and socialization covered, but we sure don't have the food in order. We've talked about bratwurst, sauerkraut and bier after our Scheutzen matches but do you think we can put it together? No sir, just a lot of talk so far. . . .

Thanks for the recount of your match. I'm sure it was great fun.

[bigwheelzip]

Sounds like a good day at the range. It's interesting to read about the differences in practicing our hobby. Thanks for sharing.

I miss the communal Fondue Chinoise meals over there. They were a special event to this expat.

Keep the medals, your grandkids will probably love them.

[CLASSIC12]

Originally Posted by Bakebfr480

Do you shoot any K31's?

I have a K11 , inherited from the deceased father in law. Tried it a few times at 300 meters, the sights make it a challenge to score, or even hit the target. And it kicks like a mule.

[CLASSIC12]

Originally Posted by Krogen

Great story! I like the combination of serious shooting followed by socialization and good food! I belong to a club where every Friday evening we shoot standard Bullseye (slow, timed and rapid fire) followed by a 15 shot duel. Same timing as your duel, and fired in 5 shot strings. On Wednesday evenings, we have a 50 shot Scheutzen match with single-shot, iron sight rifles. Both of these matches are indoors since the days are getting short and the weather will turn bad soon. All shooting is with 22 long rifle at 50 feet.



It's a great deal of fun. We have the shooting and socialization covered, but we sure don't have the food in order. We've talked about bratwurst, sauerkraut and bier after our Scheutzen matches but do you think we can put it together? No sir, just a lot of talk so far. . . .



Thanks for the recount of your match. I'm sure it was great fun.

Thanks. Can’t be that difficult to have food delivered ?

[CLASSIC12]

Originally Posted by bigwheelzip

Sounds like a good day at the range. It's interesting to read about the differences in practicing our hobby. Thanks for sharing.



I miss the communal Fondue Chinoise meals over there. They were a special event to this expat.



Keep the medals, your grandkids will probably love them.

Fondue chinoise is great, where were you based ?

[bronco45]

What a great day at the range.