A 2+ hour drive each way, but well worth it. Packed up the car, the boy and the g/f and headed into the CA desert with almost the full arsenal (left the p225 at home for the cats).
Once you get far enough into BLM land, you can do pretty much whatever you want. There are "shotgun-only" areas that are just north of the mountains, but as you get close to Barstow it is ok for rifle and pistol as well. You just can't shoot in the OHV areas.
It was the first day out for the Mini 14 and Remington 870. And the first time I'd shot a shotgun, and many many years since firing any "high power" rifle. After 700+ rounds into the hills, here is the short story:
the Mini 14 ROCKS!!! It was the favorite of all three shooters. Easy to shoot, well controlled, and easy to hit things you pointed at. There was a propane tank that someone had left from a previous session. That proved to be a popular target as you got audible feedback for a hit (was probably 30-40 yards away). It was the first time for everyone on the Mini 14, and the g/f towards the end of the day took 5 shots at the tank and had 5 "pings".
The 870 is a mean little bastard. Kicks like a mule. My shoulder is still sore. But a big bang indeed. I'll have to learn how to properly use it - one of my SMEs offered to teach me the ins and outs of 12 guage shooting and I'll have to take him up on it.
The scope on the 10/22 wasn't zero'd and we weren't really set up to do it. I got it somewhat close but frankly I found it easier to shoot without the scope. It was nice having that magnification though. The boy appreciated the Walther as out here he could empty the magazine in about 2 seconds with no one complaining.
Then it was some fast food in Victorville, and the rest of the drive home. Time to order more .223 and I think an M1 or M1A might have to be added. Or maybe another Mini 14. I certainly need to order up more magazines as the 2nd 5rd one turns out isn't for a Mini14 and couldn't be used. Arrghh. I have a couple 10 rnd Promags coming next week.
Ruger good...
