Much to my chagrin, we’ve had to make some major HVAC “investments” recently. But, they say when life throws you lemons, you make lemonade. So I’ll look on the bright side and make use of the nice target stands the contractor left street side.All ready…

Now that the outdoor range is following summer hours, I haven’t even needed to hit the indoor range for practice in a couple of months. While I prefer shooting outdoors, it didn’t look like my schedule this week would allow for that, so a quick trip to the indoor range was called for.

This week I went a bit later in the day than usual and was pleasantly surprised to find just two other shooters present, and they seemed to be shooting at a conservative, controlled pace. (I make a point to observe for a few minutes before I get set up.) I stuck an IDPA target at 10 yards and went through 50 rounds, shooting in strings of one to four shots, concentrating on watching the movement of the front sight during recoil.

For the next 50 shots, I used splatter targets at 7 yards and concentrated on slow, aimed fire. I like the splatter targets in the dimly lit range mainly for the bright orange aiming area, more than the extra visibility of the hits.

As is typical, it was a short visit. I purposefully pack only 100 rounds when I go to the indoor range during the work day. Otherwise I’d never make it back to the office in a timely manner. Despite the short session, the practice was beneficial, and quite enjoyable. (I know I call it “practice” but it’s really about the fun, and getting away from my desk for a bit.)

During the winter, the temperature inside the range varies little from the temperature outside. And the same applies during the summer, although there was certainly more breeze outdoors. That’s something I’ll keep in mind  if  when I visit mid-summer.

Why not?H/T to Say Uncle.
[ This content originated at Musings Over a Pint ]

May we never forget to honor those who have sacrificed to preserve our freedoms.
[ This content originated at Musings Over a Pint ]

Finally, the weather is pleasant, the sun is shining and the grill will be fired up shortly. But first, what’s on tap tonight? To answer that question, Colleen and I headed over to Maltese Brewing to pick up a growler fill. Of course, we had to first d…

As we begin the unofficial start of Summer, please take a moment to pray for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Celebrate the holiday with food, fun and friends, but do it remembering the reason behind it. Without our fallen…

Somehow I missed this announcement the other day. Perhaps so many breweries are starting call Virginia home that the news doesn’t stand out any more. Ballast Point Brewing, the makers of the popular Sculpin IPA series, like the Habanero Sculpin reviewed earlier, is planning to build a new east coast brewery in Virginia. Brewbound has the information…

The Commonwealth of Virginia is quickly becoming the San Diego of the East.

Ballast Point today confirmed plans to purchase a massive 259,000 sq. ft. building in Botetourt County, Virginia, where it will build its first East Coast production facility.

According to a press release from the office of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, the company plans to spend $48 million to build the new outpost. Ballast Point spokeswoman Hilary Cocalis told Brewbound the new location will include a large-scale production brewery, distribution warehouse and retail taproom. The company — which was acquired by Constellation Brands for $1 billion last November — is also considering a restaurant component, she added.

The exact timeline and production details are not finalized, but construction is expected to begin later this year. I’m looking forward to visiting, and I hope the restaurant component comes through as well.

See “Ballast Point to Build $48 Million Brewery in Virginia” for more information.

Colleen sent me this photo she took at the range from a few years ago. The plant is a native orchid called “Showy Orchis” or Galearis spectabilis. I actually remember quite clearly the day we saw the blooms when were shooting and she stopped to take so…

The way the calendar worked out this month, the Rivanna and Cavalier IDPA matches fell on the same weekend, so I shot the former on Saturday and the latter on Sunday. It’s been a while since I could make it to Cavalier for their monthly IDPA match, so …

So, it’s been raining nearly every day for something like four weeks now. Saturday was no different when I left in the early morning to drive to Charlottesville for the monthly IDPA match at the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club. Fortunately the club …