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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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)
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