This month, we were assigned to shoot on the DPS (Dept of Public Safety, aka AZ Highway Patrol) range.  Normally, we would be shooting on the pistol silhouette range, but because of a big match being held there this weekend, we were relocated to the police range.  We are an adaptable group.

 

Although it rained last night, there was no standing water on the range.  The range deck is made up of DG – Decomposed Granite, and it drains really well.  Although it was moist, we did not get wet.  We got just a bit of rain on the drive in this morning, but the day brightened up to be one of the nicest we have had in a while, and especially for this time of year.  Bright blue skies, big puffy cumulus clouds, and what was forecast as “light and variable” winds.  Those same clouds were moving pretty good in the upper atmosphere and we almost thought we were going to get hammered by the wind, but we didn’t….

 

The wind was light at the beginning of the match, anywhere from non-existent up to 5 mph and increased to 10 mph by the end of the match, but with the emphasis on “VARIABLE”.  Pick a compass point.  That is where the wind came from.  It swirled inside the confines of the berms on 3 sides of the range, with enough obstacles at the rear of the range to redirect some of those wind currents.  Our pellets going downrange even got with the program at times, and floated “variably” with the breeze.  Fun stuff, but enough to drive you nuts trying to figure it out.  We set up our usual 48-shot course but Larry decided to give us a break and not to have any forced positions shots.  The higher scores were indicative of that.

 

We had but 13 shooters today.  I can’t help but get the feeling that last night’s rain may have scared away some of the regulars.  We do know that even though we had rain, the areas to the north of us (up towards Flagstaff) got snow.  Some areas in excess of 6” and enough to close some of the major roads, so we know why those folks did not attend.  Those who did shoot today had a great time under better conditions.  Van even brought along his daughter, Valerie, who proceeded to kick dad’s butt!  Don’t sweat it, Van.  You did your job as a dad and taught her how to shoot very well.  Good Job!