Airguns in the Snow!
OK. Snow everywhere. Kids are out of school. We are all going stir crazy just sitting around, and I've had all the SpongeBob Squarepants I can stand blaring from the TV. It's time to do something else!
If you have a collection of air guns, or even just one that allows you to shoot indoors, then break out the backstop, safety glasses, and have an impromptu competition with the younguns in the house.
Live alone? There are postal matches that are run on the internet where you submit, on your honor, the results of a 5 or 10 meter target round consisting of a set number of shots that you either take a pic of, or send the actual target in for, grading and scoring. Bragging rights are posted on the 'net for all to see!
I have played games of tic-tac-toe with my kids inside during inclement weather, with each participant having to call their shot as to where they would hit in a given square in order to claim that square as either an "X" or an "O". The classic game, coupled with the new twist of shooting, is great fun for kids to enjoy. Adults like it too!
Want a reactive target? What could explode better than a nicely packed snowball about the size of a golfball? They shatter wonderfully when hit, are easy to make, and very environmentally friendly! They don't leave anything but water behind!
Here's a suggestiion. Make a snowman, leaving off the facial features. Use an airgun to try and shoot the eyes and nose onto the snowman. Shoot down the middle for coat buttons or pockets in strategic places. After you're done, go and fill in the holes you made with charcoal, a carrot, etc. Who knew you could use an airgun to make a snowman?
Bird feeder patrol! I've taken starlings the past two days who pester my native birds at their feeder that I keep stocked for them. And squirrels are also inclined to empty out the feeder if I let them. So I get in some target practice on live targets during snowy days like these. I am even able to use my CO2 guns in cold weather since I often shoot from inside the house through an cracked open window or door.
There is always the opportunity to do maintenance on your airguns during bad weather. Break them down, oil them up, change some scopes around.....whatever needed doing on your collection. What better time to do that than when you can't be outside hunting or shooting?
And last, but not least.....go online, like you are now, and catch up on the gossiip, advice, new products, golden oldies for sale.....all those great sources for airgun information that fill the internet. It's a good use of your time! For example, today I:
1. Bought a new airgun
2. Found schematics for a spring compressor I want to build.
3. Verified receipt of payment for a gun I had listed online for sale.
4. Chatted with friends about what shooting I was doing today.
5. Shot some pest birds while taking a break from the 'net.
As you can see, there is plenty to do that is airgun related if you just use your imagination and refuse to let the bad weather keep you from having fun. So go ahead.....go airgunning in the snow!
