National Matches - M-1 Garand shoot

[SFENGR]

Gang,

I had the privilege to take my new "toy" out to Camp Perry and participate in the John Garand Match on Saturday, 7 August.

I had bought my rifle two weeks earlier and it was my first time shooting in over thirty years. As they say about bikes, getting back on isn't too bad. But the M-1 slap from the recoil make the ol' arm a bit sore don'cha know! The rifle was manufactured in February 1944, when I was barely a year old! Dayam, make me get goose bumps!

I had carried the "Lovely Log" during my ROTC days, and had shot it "offhand" in competition. I realized that without some time to get to know my rifle and zero her in, it would be a difficult shoot; but, what the hay - it was fun anyway!

It was like old home week! Met a lot of old and new SF soldiers, along with a fine bunch of Regular/National Guard Army , and of course the "Devil/Bull Dog" Marines. Ther were also Navy and Coasties to take up the slack, along with a diverse bunch of civilian shooters that had the right stuff!

It doesn't 'get much better than participating with a weapon that took the tide to the enemy for us in WW II. That is what the John Garand Match is all about!

If you ever want to do anything - go to Camp Perry, Ohio for the National Matches - it is an exhillarating experience!

De oppresso Liber,