I took my 6 year old grandson with me to the department range this morning. We allow deputies and officers to bring youngster's to the range on Saturday mornings as long as there is not some formal training on the schedule. We have very strict rules and guidelines but we find it's a great way for LEO's to spend time with their kids. I used to take my two sons regularly when they were young.

Although he has been to the sheriff's office with me a time or two this was his first trip to the department range and he was looking forward to it. His dad and he have been plinking around the Faulkner Homestead a few times so this was not his first time to fire off some live rounds. For this trip I took three Ruger 22/45's, a MKII, MKIII, and a MKIV and we went through a lot of ammo. He had a blast.

When we got home I told him we'd take the pistols over to my workbench and I'd show him how to safely clean them. Since no one has ever told him that Ruger MK's are supposed to be hard to field strip and put back together, he didn't know any better and wasn't intimidated. I walked him through disassembling the MKII first, then how to clean it, and verbally guided him though reassembly. It took him about a minute and a half to get it back together.

I have a Majestic speed kit on the MKIII so I explained that it was a little different to take apart, but we got through it without any hitch as well. He actually fumbled with the MKIV the most getting it apart, but he finally got the hang of it and after cleaning the other two whizzed right through the MKIV cleaning and he got it right back together.

After he tested the bolt and wiped it down with the rag he looked up at me and asked, "are we done?"

"Yes sir," I replied "you did good."

"Thanks, can I go play with Daisy now?"

Attached Images

Ruger MK 002.jpg (175.2 KB, 158 views)

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You are a good grandad. However, at his age, Daisy will always win out.

sounds like a pretty great day..

Face it, Grandpa, Daisy is cuter than you. Still sounds like a wonderful day. Made my day and I wasn't even there.

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The best I can with what I got

Can I borrow your grandson for a couple of hours? My old MKII needs a thorough cleaning.

I’ll let him shoot as much as he wants, and I have ice cream.

A day that you will both remember forever. Great that you could take him to shoot & that he was interested in guns, shooting, and spending time with grandpa.
My grandson, who is now in college was only interested in guns if they were in a video game.
Thanks for sharing.

Great post sounds like a great day at the range! Hope your grandson enjoyed cleaning to the point he volunteers in the future.
Our PD shut indoor range to unsupervised off duty use / bring family or friend due to some abuse and damage to facility.

For all those who struggle with Standard/MK1, MKII MKIII like I used to - check out this $17.00 Hammer Strut Support. Game changer.

Ruger MK Reassembly |the One-Time Fix |Hammer Strut Support

I hate to hear that about your PD range, we know how fortunate we are to be able to use ours and it is such a good opportunity for officers to work with young people on firearms.

I agree with you on the Hammer Strut Support. I have them on my two other MKII's, but they are not compatible with 22/45's.

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I enjoyed your post, Faulkner. In my mind, I can see the likes of a Norman Rockwell painting. A kid with Grandpa, having some fun together and then running off to play with the dog. You made me grin.