This Sunday the Denver Mosin Club will be meeting at the shooting range outside of Lyons at the junction of 7 and 72 (the same place as our first meeting). Dust off your Mosin Nagant or other firearm and join us for some target shooting! Anyone without a firearm who wants to shoot with us is more than welcome to join.
This session we will focus on cultivating proper shooting form. We will review the advantages and disadvantages of different shooting positions and instruct interested members in how to use these positions. We will provide targets so you can see what shooting position works the best for you.
Directions (From Denver Area)
Go North on Highway 36-W continue toward Lyons
Turn left at CO Highway-66
Turn Left at W. Main St. in Lyons
Turn Left on 5th Ave. (Highway 7) and continue for 14 miles
The shooting range will be on the right and just before the junction with highway 72.
You will see a large clearing approximately 200ft off the road to your right, and there are likely to be parked cars in the vicinity. Feel free to park on the shoulder of the road.
We paln to arrive at the range at noon.
As always, if anyone is interested in making carpool arrangements (driving or as a passenger), feel free to contact us.
501-743-8984.
We will be leaving from Golden a little after 11am
We hope to see you there. Have fun, stay safe!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Nov. 1st range day cancelled
The good news is that we've found a pretty decent spot for shooting that is much closer to Denver than the Lyons range (20mins instead of 90min), and we think it may be a good venue for our next meeting. The bad news is that due to the heavy snow, the road to it may not be safe this weekend. It is a winding mountain road around Evergreen, and it sounds like they have had a few feet of snow. Unfortunately, the november 1st range meetup is cancelled.
As of now, we will have a definite meeting at the Lyons range November 21. There are also likely to be other impromptu range days inbetween. We will keep you informed as to which days we will be going.
As of now, we will have a definite meeting at the Lyons range November 21. There are also likely to be other impromptu range days inbetween. We will keep you informed as to which days we will be going.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sunday's Range Report and Other News
The Sunday Shootout was a great success. The weather was pleasant, albeit windy, and the range wasn't overly crowded during our stay. New and experienced shooters had the chance to try their hand at shooting the Mosin-Nagant rifles and other firearms. Katie, Kelsie, Nate and Kyle joined us this time for range day. We're glad you all made it and hope you will come with us next time.
Suday was intended for getting our feet wet and introducing the Mosin-Nagant rifle. This meant an explanation of the basic function of the Mosin-Nagant along with a chance to shoot it at cardboard targets, water jugs and soda cans. The atmosphere was relaxed without any rigorous drilling or MOA measuring. Most of the shooting Sunday was just for fun.
After we had our fun with our Mosins, we went on to shoot other firearms. An assortment of handguns and a couple shotguns saw some action on the range. A German Mauser also made an appearance (a German rifle contemporary to the Mosin Nagant). The M1 Garand was probably the crowd favorite (as it often is).
Just for fun, BF and I brought a couple cantelope to demonstrate the effect of different types of bullets on produce. Both 9mm hollowpoints and .357magnum XTP rounds were used on the cantelope. The shower of melon-juice and scattered viscera of the fruit commanded that we be in awe. The pieces of sharpie-drawn smile on the remains also stood as a reminder that blowing things up is damn good fun.
Katie takes aim at the janky targets we brought. You can also see our sophisticated range finding system (a string).
Kelsie tries her hand at shooting the Mosin.
BF demonstrates how to shoot from the sitting position and use the sling.
Wait a second! That's not a Mosin! Katie delivers some iron fisted justice to a fallen tree branch with the M1 Garand.
Nothing says confidence like an arched eyebrow and half dozen rifles at your disposal.
Suday was intended for getting our feet wet and introducing the Mosin-Nagant rifle. This meant an explanation of the basic function of the Mosin-Nagant along with a chance to shoot it at cardboard targets, water jugs and soda cans. The atmosphere was relaxed without any rigorous drilling or MOA measuring. Most of the shooting Sunday was just for fun.
After we had our fun with our Mosins, we went on to shoot other firearms. An assortment of handguns and a couple shotguns saw some action on the range. A German Mauser also made an appearance (a German rifle contemporary to the Mosin Nagant). The M1 Garand was probably the crowd favorite (as it often is).
Just for fun, BF and I brought a couple cantelope to demonstrate the effect of different types of bullets on produce. Both 9mm hollowpoints and .357magnum XTP rounds were used on the cantelope. The shower of melon-juice and scattered viscera of the fruit commanded that we be in awe. The pieces of sharpie-drawn smile on the remains also stood as a reminder that blowing things up is damn good fun.
Katie takes aim at the janky targets we brought. You can also see our sophisticated range finding system (a string).
Kelsie tries her hand at shooting the Mosin.
BF demonstrates how to shoot from the sitting position and use the sling.
Wait a second! That's not a Mosin! Katie delivers some iron fisted justice to a fallen tree branch with the M1 Garand.
Nothing says confidence like an arched eyebrow and half dozen rifles at your disposal.In other news:
This weekend I'll be scouting out what could be a potential shooting spots by Central City and Evergreen. If I can find some time, I will also build some new targets that can stand up to a little wind.
I will also be compiling a list of stores known to carry Mosin Nagant rifles. I be posting the list on the blog with phone numbers, directions and price quotes.
Also, facebook group for the Denver Mosin Club is in the works. We will keep updates on both this blog and our new facebook group. Check your profile for the group invitation later this week!
The next range session will be Sunday Nov. 1. Our next meetup will focus on shooting technique. BF and I will go over proper posturing and use of the rifle sling for offhand, sitting and prone positions. With suitable targets, you should be able to see a clear difference between the quality of your shooting with and without these techniques. Everyone is welcome to attend. Feel free to invite friends along.
Have suggestions? Concerns? Rude remarks? We want your feedback! Let us know what you want to take from the Denver Mosin Club.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday is Range Day
Come to the first official Denver Mosin Club meeting!
Where: National Forest rifle range near Lyons, CO.
When: Sunday, October 18 at 12 noon
Map:
View Larger Map
No rifles necessary - you are welcome to come and try ours!
The range is located on National Forest land, just East of the intersection of CO Highway 7 and CO Highway 72.
See you there!
Where: National Forest rifle range near Lyons, CO.
When: Sunday, October 18 at 12 noon
Map:
View Larger Map
No rifles necessary - you are welcome to come and try ours!
The range is located on National Forest land, just East of the intersection of CO Highway 7 and CO Highway 72.
See you there!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Know your Mosin
The term Mosin-Nagant rifle actually encompasses several particular rifle designs which have some important differences. For those of you interested in finding your own Mosin, you may want to first consider what your options are.
For this installment, I will only cover Russian variants. More to follow in the future.
Model 1891 (Russian M91)
"Grandpa"
The Dragoon and Cossack models are very similar to the original M91 design. They are 48 3/4" versions of the original Mosin rifle and were designed for the Russian mounted infantry and cavalry. The Cossack rifles in particular are designed to be used in conjunction with the bayonet.
Model 1891/30 (M91/30)
Made famous in the movie Enemy at the Gates, the M91/30 is one of the most common of Mosin Nagant rifles. Russia produced these rifles from 1930 to 1945 as the standard infantry rifle of World War II. Often times, these rifles were modified to accept scopes to be used by Russian snipers. These rifles can be identified by their 48 1/2" length, rounded instead of hexagonal receiver, hooded front sight and date of manufacture. Standard M91/30 rifles typically sell for about $100; however, the scoped rifles usually command a much higher price.
Mosin Carbines (M38, M44, M59)
"Shorty"
There are three variety of Mosin Nagant carbines. The numbers designate the year which these rifles were adopted and were introduced into manufacture. They are quickly recognized by the classic Mosin design with a shortened barrel and stock. Measuring 40" in overall length, these are compact rifles that are easy to handle.
Here's how to tell the difference,
M38
The M38 is the earliest carbine variant which will likely be apparent by the date of manufacture. These rifles feature a shortened rear sight, a wider front sight and do not accept a bayonet.
M44
The next variant of the Mosin carbines is the M44. This rifle is nearly identical to the M38 with the exception of a folding bayonet fixed permanently on the right side.
M59
This rifle is actually a M91/30 that has been cut down. They are most easily recognizable by the length of the rear sight (which is the same as that of the M91/30 model)
For this installment, I will only cover Russian variants. More to follow in the future.
Model 1891 (Russian M91)
"Grandpa"
The first model of the Mosin Nagant rifles and the Russian infantry rifle from 1891 to 1930. It's a whopping 51.5" long. They are most easily identified by their manufacturing date (1930 and earlier) as well as their hexagonal receiver. These are truly ancient rifles and are thus difficult to locate.
The Dragoon and Cossack models are very similar to the original M91 design. They are 48 3/4" versions of the original Mosin rifle and were designed for the Russian mounted infantry and cavalry. The Cossack rifles in particular are designed to be used in conjunction with the bayonet.
Model 1891/30 (M91/30)
"Meat and potatoes"
Made famous in the movie Enemy at the Gates, the M91/30 is one of the most common of Mosin Nagant rifles. Russia produced these rifles from 1930 to 1945 as the standard infantry rifle of World War II. Often times, these rifles were modified to accept scopes to be used by Russian snipers. These rifles can be identified by their 48 1/2" length, rounded instead of hexagonal receiver, hooded front sight and date of manufacture. Standard M91/30 rifles typically sell for about $100; however, the scoped rifles usually command a much higher price.
Mosin Carbines (M38, M44, M59)
"Shorty"
There are three variety of Mosin Nagant carbines. The numbers designate the year which these rifles were adopted and were introduced into manufacture. They are quickly recognized by the classic Mosin design with a shortened barrel and stock. Measuring 40" in overall length, these are compact rifles that are easy to handle.
Here's how to tell the difference,
M38
The M38 is the earliest carbine variant which will likely be apparent by the date of manufacture. These rifles feature a shortened rear sight, a wider front sight and do not accept a bayonet.
M44
The next variant of the Mosin carbines is the M44. This rifle is nearly identical to the M38 with the exception of a folding bayonet fixed permanently on the right side.
M59
This rifle is actually a M91/30 that has been cut down. They are most easily recognizable by the length of the rear sight (which is the same as that of the M91/30 model)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Introduction
Our Mission:
The Denver Mosin Club is focused on building a community of men and women interested in becoming skilled with rifles. Through practice and mutual support and teaching, our members will develop proficiency with the Mosin Nagant rifle and confidence in their ability to use it. The Mosin Nagant rifle is a durable and capable rifle that has seen service across the world for over a century. Owning one is also owning a piece of history. Your rifle might have even been carried by a Russian soldier whom marched on Berlin in World War II. Our goal is to restore our connection with firearms in our culture. Becoming a rifleman is becoming part of the legacy of American riflemen whom have fought to preserve our freedom since this nation's conception.
How to become involved:
The Denver Mosin Club is focused on building a community of men and women interested in becoming skilled with rifles. Through practice and mutual support and teaching, our members will develop proficiency with the Mosin Nagant rifle and confidence in their ability to use it. The Mosin Nagant rifle is a durable and capable rifle that has seen service across the world for over a century. Owning one is also owning a piece of history. Your rifle might have even been carried by a Russian soldier whom marched on Berlin in World War II. Our goal is to restore our connection with firearms in our culture. Becoming a rifleman is becoming part of the legacy of American riflemen whom have fought to preserve our freedom since this nation's conception.
How to become involved:
- Check the denver mosin club blog for range days. Time, date and directions will always be posted. If you can't make the next session, check back soon. We shoot often.
- Meet club members at the range. Email mosinclub@gmail.com if you are interested in carpooling. We will be happy to introduce you to the Mosin Nagant rifle. You will quickly gain an understanding of how a Mosin Nagant rifle operates and have the opportunity to try firing it yourself!
- Buy your own Mosin Nagant. At $100 the price of a Mosin Nagant is hard to beat. With affordable surplus ammunition, your range sessions won't break your wallet. If you are new to buying rifles or are concerned that you may not have the expertise to select a quality Mosin Nagant rifle, then email our group and we will work out a time when one of our members can go to the gun store with you to help you find the rifle you want. Also, this blog will keep a list of gun dealers in the Denver region who regularly stock Mosin Nagant rifles.
- Come to our range sessions. Now that you have your rifle and ammunition, you're ready to start shooting. Learn to master this excellent rifle alongside friends and club members. You will use your experience to help teach newer members.
Common Questions:
Q: What the hell is a Mosin Nagant?
A: The Mosin Nagant is a bolt-action Russian service rifle first used in 1891. In the years since, the rifle has been used by many armies across the world and has gone through several design changes. For a more comprehensive understanding, you should visit http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/mosin-nagant or http://7.62x54r.net/ . The best way to learn is to come to our next range day and see for yourself.
Q: Why Mosin Nagants? (____)'s are much better firearms!
A: The Mosin Nagant rifle is a sturdy, battle-proven rifle that has seen conflicts from the First World War to the Chechen War. The Mosin Nagant, like most weapons in the soviet arsenal, is of a simple design that works. Because the Mosin Nagant is reliable, widely available, affordable, easy to use and maintain, and fires a potent cartrige, we believe that this is the perfect rifle for this shooting club. A $2000+ rifle may shoot shoot sub-minute-of-angle groups from an equally expensive benchrest, but there are thousands of dead Nazis whom, if you could ask them, would say that the Mosin Nagant is a highly capable rifle. Plus, given the highly uncertain future of firearm laws and restrictions, choosing a bolt-action rifle (an unlikely victim of reactionary public policy and demagoguery) means that in the face of all but the most draconian legislation, we will still be able to legally enjoy and use our rifles and perhaps pass them on to our children.
Q: What's the point? Why should I learn to shoot some ancient Russian gun?
A: The culture of marksmanship and firearm sports in this country is small and getting smaller every day. How could we let something as integral to the traditional American lifestyle as shooting fall into the dusty bin of ancient history? Learning to shoot a rifle for sport, hunting or even for protecting your life can be both satisfying and very useful. Mastering your own rifle makes you the newest link in the chain of the long history of riflemen in this country. We are part of the renascence of the American rifleman.
Q: Why should we just shoot one type of gun?
A: Our primary focus is on community building. A club member who shoots an FAL battle rifle may not know how to help a troubled shooter with an AR-15. By using the same rifle, members are better able to understand each other's difficulties and are more able to help each other improve.
Q: What if I'm busy the next range day?
A: Check back with this blog for other range days. We go often! Also, as more members join, there will be more days at the range to accomodate our different schedules.
Q: I have never shot a gun before, so should I still go to the gun range?
A: Absolutely! Our mission is to help people of all skill levels. Even the best competition shooters were in your position at some point in their lives. It's never too late to learn, and you are never so good that you can't become better.
Q: But I don't even own a gun!
A: Your first club meeting should be a learning experience. The most important thing you can learn is, "Is the denver mosin club for me? Do I want to be a rifleman?" We will show you what the club has to offer before you have spent a dime on your rifle.
Q: I don't have a Mosin Nagant, but I do have a (_____ ) rifle/pistol. Can I still come?
A: Our club is centered around the Mosin Nagant rifle for several reasons. The first hour will always be dedicated to using this particular rifle. The end of our range sessions will usually be spent practicing with other firearms. If you don't have a Mosin, you are more than welcome to shoot with us at this time.
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