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Three Older Men at the Range



What do older men talk about when they go to the range? Here are Dave, Edmund and Ken, sitting in the clubhouse. They discuss powders, name drop and generally prevaricate.

Dave was the first to speak.

"Have you guys ever been to that web forum, 24 Hour Campfryer? I've been reloading for 42 years and a lot of the stuff they post is nonsense! I'm surprised more people haven't blown themselves up! And believe me, I know. Over 42 years working a press and reloading for 20 odd cartridges teaches a man something."

"Oh brother, the big kahuna has spoken! Dave has been handloading for 42 years and thinks 20 cartridges makes him an expert!! BWAAHH! I started reloading over FIFTY years ago and reloaded for over 40 cartridges! I used powders that you weren't even qualified to handle. Back then, it took a lot more than just reading a book! Heracles Powder Co. got most of my business. They KNEW how to make proper powders for rifles like the 256 Newton and the 270! In fact, Elmer Keith used to phone me regularly for advice!"

Ken laughed and said, "Oh, Elmer phoned you, did he? Were you emptying septic tanks then? Talk to me when you've learned something, Edmund. My reloading shed was bigger than your house! I had over 1000 lb of powder stored inside. You claim to have used Heracles? That's wonderful, but I reloaded for most of my gun club and the local police. I had plenty of Hogdung Powder, as well as Miracle, LoVel and Reliant! 55 years of reloading makes me king of the mountain! When I read about them guys on the Campfryer getting their panties in a twist about hot loads, I break out laughing! Ooooh! Half a grain over max! Did you live?"

Dave tried to defend himself.

"Well Ken, when I say 42 years of reloading, that's 42 straight years of doing it every day! I gave John Nosler the idea for the Partition. My favorite powders were made by MIR - Military Improved Rifle. I had two favorites - MIR 2020 was dead nuts accurate in my 30-06. I could shoot bullets a mile with it. And MIR 666 - it took skill and guts to even have it in the house! You remember when the government talked about not allowing anyone to have any powder in their possession unless they were chemists? Thank goodness, I went back to school! I was enrolled in one of the first university correspondence courses for chemisting. David Donald Davidson, BChem."

"You always were a Johnny-come-lately, Dave. I did my graduate work at the University of Arizona. One of my physics professors was THE Jack O'Connor! I got it from the horse's mouth!"

"Edmund, Jack O'Connor didn't teach any science courses. You're full of it, again! But I will say this about Jack. He was a good listener. Back when he was learning about the 270, I'd help him out, give him tips, and pass along my personal observations. He'd phone and ask questions like, 'Dave, what powders and bullets do you think I should try in my Remington 270?' I remember that conversation! 'Jack', I said, 'Dump the Remington and get a Model 70. It's a better rifle.' Which he did, of course! He always did what I told him..."

Ken couldn't contain himself.

"Dave, the fellow with the BChem, who knew Jack O'Connor personally, and guided his early writing career."

"That's right, Ken. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Jack always did!"

"Ahem, which 'Jack always did.' You're so full of it, Dave!"

Edmund was the last to speak.

"Well, how about a coffee, guys? We've been at the range most of the morning, and I'm just about worn out! Whadda you say?"

The three old men picked up their unopened gun cases and wandered toward the parking lot. Another good day at the range!

Some people probably will think that you made this up. (I bet I know Dave's last name.)

Silly people!

I wonder if I'll regret asking, but who do you think Dave is?

Dave Scovill according to him he invented everything worth a sh*t and if he didn't he told someone else how to do it. Hey you asked. MB

Magnum Bob for the win!

You guys know that I'm gonna tell Dave.

Three Older Men Discuss the Beer Virus at the Range



As always, Dave was the first to speak.

"Well, it's just about time for the annual flu shot. I get one every year. I wonder when they will have a vaccine for the Beer Virus? Edmund, your grandson is a pharmacist. What's the poop?"

"I don't know, Dave. And I don't care. I won't get a flu shot - ever! When I was in the army, the medical people always talked about "special shots" given to the troops. They wanted us to do whatever we were told! Shots like that were some kind of government mind control!"

Ken started laughing and said, "Edmund, why would the government want to control what's left of your mind?"

Dave started talking, but Ken told him to shush. "I want to hear Edmund's explanation. Do you get your information from those Men in Black*? Wait a minute. Probably not. They want to control your mind too, right Edmund?"

"Grow up, Ken. This is serious stuff! Everybody knows there is no such thing as Men in Black! How old do you think I am? I'm talking about the secret branch of the RCMP that kills off pensioners!"

"Ah...I had forgotten about them." Ken just shook his head and threw a gookie.

Dave couldn't keep quiet. "I don't know if it's a secret RCMP squad or not, but the government does get rid of people who cause trouble or cost them too much money!"

"Hah! Do you hear what he's saying, Ken? We may not cause any trouble, but we have been on pension for years!"

Ken looked straight at Edmund and said, "Alright. I'll bite. You're the oldest. Why don't you fill us in?"

"Okay, but this conversation cannot leave the room!" Edmund motioned for his buddies to come closer, and put his finger to his lips. "You can't let them know that you suspect anything..."

"Suspect what?"

"Oh, for God's sake, Ken! I just told you. There is a secret branch of the RCMP what gets rid of older people on pension!"

Dave nodded his head in agreement. "They call it the 'P Squad' "

Ken responded in a low, serious tone. "Yes. The Pee Squad. P standing for pee, of course. It's a bane of getting up in years. Do these youngsters come to your house armed with a box of Depends?"

Edmund looked angry. "Listen, I'm taking a hell of a chance even telling you this! Keep your smart ass comments to yourself! The P Squad is the 'Pensioners Squad'. They are tasked with bumping off older folks so the government can save some money! What do you think of that?"

Ken rolled his eyes. "I don't think much of it. Is there a magic age when they appear? When they bump you off, do they use an untraceable firearm?"

"I expected a stupid response like that. I'll spell it out for you. They don't kill you at a certain age. It's a kind of pensioner's lottery. But the kind you don't wanna win! And they don't shoot you. You will die from a fall, a heart attack..."

"Or the Beer Virus!" Dave smiled.

"Exactly! Haven't you noticed that more old people have died than young people?"

Ken threw up his hands and announced his departure. "I have to go. You're right, of course. It does seem odd that more old people die than young ones. Sneaky thing the government did when they came up with 'the COVID'. They can reduce the surplus population, reduce monthly pension pay outs and help feed more people by reducing food consumption in Canada!"

Edmund didn't catch the sarcasm. He just smiled and nodded. "Now you're getting it, Ken. The government has it in for old people!"

^ https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Men_in_black

Three older men - Nonsense - The one on the right dosen't look a hair over 90. The two others are lucky if they're 87 or 88!! Max.

Do you ever wonder what old guys talk about at the range? The topics range from bulls eyes to ice cream!



Three Older Men Discuss Milk

As always, Dave was the first to speak.

"I hate it when you go to the Dairy Queen for some ice cream and they still sell the same, old fashioned, drippy kind. It's not 1950 anymore!"

Edmund had a puzzled look on his face. He liked ice cream - even the drippy kind! "What's wrong with ice cream, Dave?"

"Come on, with all the chemicals we got, and modern technology, why can't somebody invent dripless ice cream? Geez! Maybe even make ice cream that takes a couple of hours to melt!"

Ken thought the idea was stupid and told him so. "That's ridiculous, Dave. Ice cream is made from milk. It needs to be cold or it will spoil. There's no way that it can last for hours at room temperature without melting. Ken looked at Edmund and said, "You're a dairy farmer. Tell him!"

"Tell him what? He's right. It would be a lot easier and cheaper if I could milk my cows and not have to worry about keeping it cold! And while we're on the subject, what's wrong with making milk clear instead of white? They could do that at the creamery. If you're a parent or someone who's spilled milk down your shirt, you'd really appreciate the idea of milk that doesn't stain! Cripes, these iPod carrying, dope smoking, university grads should be doing something useful! But no, they spend their parent's money or get government grants - paid from my tax dollars I'll add - for stuff like ending famines in Africa or saving whales! What about ice cream?"

Dave nodded his head in agreement. "You're right! And you know what? If whales are as smart as the university kids say, then let the critters save themselves! Nothing irks me more than seeing some degree wielding, brainwashed liberal type getting paid six figures a year to grow apples at the North Pole! It's cold there, okay? Are they stupid? Why not make some money packaging the ice up and selling it to the United States or Europe? Right?"

Ken laughed, but Edmund was worked up now.

"That's so true! And why don't they spend some time figuring out how to make brussel sprouts taste like cheesecake or chocolate? Vegetables are supposed to be good for you, okay? You would get more people eating this stuff if it didn't taste like cauliflower or gosh darn asparagus! You'd think that they could use their education and imagination to make the world a better place! One other thing: I think they should color code cows. It would make my job a lot easier. White cows for white milk. Brown cows for chocolate milk."

Edmund and Dave continued their ranting. Ken just sipped on a Coke. As always, the conversation was going nowhere fast...

Steve eat a piece of dark chocolate and you will feel better in the morning. Truthfully I enjoy your writing. Keep it up I may make the P squad give yoooooooooou a pass. Oh sorry. As I'm getting older I had to let one out and I was concentrating while on the o key. Can't afford to leave skid marks. Be Well, RZ.

Thanks, RZ! What is that expression? I'm not as young as I once was, but younger than I will be!

I can see why no one over 80 should govern the country.

That might be true, but Trudeau is in his 40s. We're in trouble!

Smiling here!

Beautiful story of the 3 older men. Every age group must be in love with firearm and know how to shoot one.

Thanks! I think it's fair to say that we are all products of our generations. Some things are gone or have become expensive. Wood has given way to polymer. Single shots and bolts are being pushed aside by autoloaders. It's oxymoronic, but you see camo clothing everywhere .

Things change, but we still have some of our treasures, and memories too!

Three Older Men Discuss Target Shooting
Copyright 2020 – Stephen Redgwell



As always, Dave was the first to speak.

“Cheese and rice! I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. Check out this target!”

Edmund and Ken went over to look. What they saw was a five shot group that measured eight inches across.

“Wow, that’s not very good for 25 yards, Dave – especially for someone who used to give shooting tips to Jack O’Connor.” Ken held the target up. “It looks like a shotgun pattern!”

“I know. I was a marksmanship master trainer* with the 82nd Airborne, so I’m kind of embarrassed. I'm wondering what Jack would say!”

Edmund said, “How can that be? You got out of the army in the early 1970s. The Marksmanship Master Trainer Course is pretty new...”

But Ken cut him off. “That’s right, Edmund. It’s a new course for a lot of soldiers. How did you get involved with marksmanship training, Dave?”

“I didn’t get involved with it, Ken. I developed it! It was during my time at Fort Bragg when I served with the 82nd Airborne. The young soldiers reporting in from boot camp were atrocious shots. I had a hard time running the range with platoons full of bad shots! But it wasn’t the fault of those fine, young men. It was their trainers! The range staff was awful!”

“You ran the range, did you?”

“Yes. I was brought in from Benning to revamp all the range training, actually.”

“Do tell. Go on...”

“The Command Sgt Major at Fort Bragg ordered me in. ‘I want Master Sergeant Davidson here now! He’s the only man that can sort out this mess!’ “

Edmund interrupted again. “But I thought you were a mess sergeant...”

Ken coughed loudly and said to Edmund, “Yes, the training was a mess. Dave was probably a sergeant when the army saw his potential. Thanks Edmund. So they got Master Sergeant Davidson in to fix things?”

Dave stared back at Ken with a big, toothy grin. “Absolutely! No one in the army had my organizational skills or panache.”

“Panache, huh? Somehow, I can believe that. Go on.”

“It took me almost six months, but I completely overhauled army marksmanship training and the course structure.”

“I see. So the CSM didn’t feel he could do the job?”

Dave shook his head. “Nope. Oh, he was a nice guy and all, but you know, he didn’t have the background for it. In fact, I had to turn down two promotions in order to get everything finished. The CSM would never have been able to manage it.”

“So the army was lucky they had you.”

“Absolutely. But I think my three tours in Vietnam were the reason for my superior shooting and organizational skills. A lot of people held me in awe.”

Ken looked at a very perplexed Edmund and said, “And now you know. Despite this, ah, unusual target, the country should be grateful that Dave improved army marksmanship training...and taught Jack O’Connor how to shoot!”

* https://www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/199th/MMTC/index.html

Three Older Men Discuss a New Scope for Ken’s Old Swede
Copyright 2020 – Stephen Redgwell



Nightforce NXS

One morning at the range, Ken and Edmund were discussing replacement scopes for Ken's old 6.5×55mm Mauser. His ancient Redfield Wideview had given up the ghost.

"Yeah, I bought the Wideview new in 1969. That was when they came out, I think. I used it every year since. I sure loved that old scope."

Edmund was concerned. "They don't make that model anymore! Are you gonna get another Redfield?"

"I was thinking about it, but have you seen the prices for new glass? I don't wanna sound like a cheapskate, but it's gonna be used for deer. I don't need optics that NASA had a hand in designing!"

Just then, a very tardy Dave appeared in the lounge. "I know, I know. Why wasn't I the first to speak? What's up?"

Ken explained his problem. Dave's response was one word, "Nightforce".

Ken ignored the suggestion. "I was figuring on a Burris or a Bushnell. It's going on a $10 sporterized milsurp."

"Oh brother, another one I gotta educate! You're just as uninformed as most of the guys at 24 Hour Campfryer! Didn't you have an old Redfield on that 6.5×55mm?

"Yeah. I loved that scope. The rifle too!"

"How romantic! Let me give you another piece of advice. ‘6.5 Creedmoor’."

"A what?"

"A 6.5 Creedmoor. Ditch the Swede and get a Creedmoor. Even the shooting challenged can hit the bull with that cartridge. Lucky for Hornady that I happened to be on a facilities tour there and got the Creedmoor ball rolling."

Edmund said, "But two Hornady guys, Dave Emary and Dennis DeMille, designed it."

Dave just shook his head. "Edmund, that's what Hornady wants you to think! What would the public's reaction be if they found out an ex-grunt came up with the idea?"

Edmund was confused. "What ex-grunt?"

"Me!" Dave sat down and explained. "I was touring Hornady when I heard a couple of ballistics guys having a heated discussion about 6.5mm bullets."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! I told them that they were overthinking things and gave them the measurements for a new cartridge that I called the 6.5 Creedmoor. It was easy. You remember me telling you that, don't you, Ken?"

Ken chuckled and said, "I think I do! Refresh my memory please."

"If you recall, I talked about designing the 6.5 CM just before I wrote a letter to Nightforce. I had one of their first scopes, but didn't like the radials. I sent them one of my own creations."

"Indeed."

"You bet! I wanted some useful adjustments, so I sent the plans for a crosshair that featured Mile-Radials."

"Oh. What are they?"

"Another time, Ken. It's pretty involved. I don't think you would understand. I like Mile-radials paired with the 6.5 Creedmoor. And you know what? Cabelas is having a sale on Remington 783s right now! One of the chamberings is 6.5 CM. Top it with a Nightforce NXS and my Mile Radial crosshairs, and you'll be dropping whitetails in the next county!"

If Dave is indeed Dave Scovill, please give him my regards and tell him, Edward (not Edmund) of Sheep River fame passed this spring. He may or may not have heard, but I think Ed would have wanted him to know.

Hi Ready. I have forwarded your request. All the best!