Like many hunters out there,I go through withdrawal this time of year. In years past, The depression,restlessness and irritability can been reduced by doing various projects, and often this in the only time of year when time allows. So, here's a few ideas of some shotgun related activities to pass the time until good fishing sets in and the spring leagues take shape.
First, tear down those shotguns and deep clean them. For the auto folks, this is a good time to replace any O rings, friction rings, springs etc.
It's also a slow time for gunsmiths, so maybe this is the best time to get Ol' Betsy in for that trigger job, Forcing cone job, rechoke, and so on.
And there's home projects too, including one I just might get into, a stock refinish. I wouldn't recommend redoing your Perazzi as a first project, but prettying up your pumpgun may be within your abilities. Sandpaper, 4/0 steel wool, and a large helping of patience are required, and your choice of finishes, like Tru Oil, Urethane, etc. Suggestion, when doing this, use the sealer on the end grain also to minimize hydration changes and corrosion.
And, your results can oft imitate a professional job, depending on your skills and creativity. I ran across one trapshooter who used aniline dyes to make his Model 12 stock look very much like his 60s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with the Cherry Sunburst finish.Even to traditional minded me, it looked good.
Next, you might want to slip into the polypro, add a few layers of wool/down/fleece and hit the range. Great time for patterning,stock adjustments and zeroing.
And, there's getting ready for spring turkey, predator hunting, late snow goose season, and more than one might think of this time of year.
Another idea, learn to reload. New equipment is oft marked down post holiday, and used stuff pops up on range BB and in the want ads. Save money, or shoot more for the same money, and get better ammo to boot.
OK, folks, there's my ideas for fighting the Shack Nasties. How about yours?....
First, tear down those shotguns and deep clean them. For the auto folks, this is a good time to replace any O rings, friction rings, springs etc.
It's also a slow time for gunsmiths, so maybe this is the best time to get Ol' Betsy in for that trigger job, Forcing cone job, rechoke, and so on.
And there's home projects too, including one I just might get into, a stock refinish. I wouldn't recommend redoing your Perazzi as a first project, but prettying up your pumpgun may be within your abilities. Sandpaper, 4/0 steel wool, and a large helping of patience are required, and your choice of finishes, like Tru Oil, Urethane, etc. Suggestion, when doing this, use the sealer on the end grain also to minimize hydration changes and corrosion.
And, your results can oft imitate a professional job, depending on your skills and creativity. I ran across one trapshooter who used aniline dyes to make his Model 12 stock look very much like his 60s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with the Cherry Sunburst finish.Even to traditional minded me, it looked good.
Next, you might want to slip into the polypro, add a few layers of wool/down/fleece and hit the range. Great time for patterning,stock adjustments and zeroing.
And, there's getting ready for spring turkey, predator hunting, late snow goose season, and more than one might think of this time of year.
Another idea, learn to reload. New equipment is oft marked down post holiday, and used stuff pops up on range BB and in the want ads. Save money, or shoot more for the same money, and get better ammo to boot.
OK, folks, there's my ideas for fighting the Shack Nasties. How about yours?....
. Yesterday me and my shooting friend shot in the rain and 6 inches of slush and melting snow. You've just got to look at things positively. Sure the strong crosswind might blow rain in your face, but it makes shooting pigeons all the more unpredictable and funner. Plus snow can add adventures of it's own, we also put my car into (more like over actually) a large snow bank, it took us 30 minutes just to dig the thing out of it enough to rock it out of there. But then again we are young and strong and stupid, some older people don't like to think of spending as much time gettig there and back as they do shooting.