I'll add a little detail about yesterday's shoot. The primary objective was for Pat to have his first session with his Ruger #1 barreled to .500NE.

Since .500NE was the centerpiece, I naturally took my .500NE Merkel for the day. But I also thought we might enjoy shooting my .500BPE Purdey, so I took it along too.

Pat had his .45/70 Ruger #1, and we had a couple of .375 H&H rifles. The .45/70 got to play, but there wasn't time for the .375's.

Pat did a great job with his .500NE. The first objective was to find out where it shoots in relation to the sights. This was accomplished by shooting off sticks and from the bench. I'll say this: Bench work with a .500NE is somewhat less than pleasurable, but a nice "pussy pad" helps.

Then the "balloon game". This is no mystery at all. We hang balloons at 50 yards and shoot them (or shoot at them) offhand. That's a great way to get to know a hard kicking rifle like the .500NE. It's a hit-or-miss proposition. There's a certain feeling of accomplishment in annihilating balloons as they flutter in the breeze.

After our workout with the .500NE I introduced Pat and James to the "kinder and gentler" .500 - the Purdey .500BPE. We were shooting my standard Nitro-for-black load. I have owned that Purdey for about 6 years. During that time a number of my friends have shot it. With yesterday being no exception, I can say that everybody who shoots it reacts the same way. Two shots are fired, and the shooter turns around with a broad smile. It's so pleasant to shoot, and so accurate. We had a great time shooting the Purdey.

Then we shot assorted pistols. I had two Colt Woodsmans in my range bag and my M29 S&W. They all got warm. Pat had a Ruger Bisley model .45 that saw good use.

About this time Pat's cellphone got active. It seems he was committed to an afternoon with his fiance to shop for a diamond ring! The day's shoot gave him great inspiration. He said, "You know, this thing about a man buying an expensive ring for his love is great tradition. I'm looking forward to it. But in this modern time with women fully equal to men, I think it would be appropriate for the woman to express her love and commitment by presenting a nice double rifle to the man." He vowed and declared he would put that idea to his girl. James and I stood in awe of his genius. We'll see how it goes.

So we packed up, and Pat went off to shop for a diamond ring. What a day!

Curl

P.S. Pat's no slouch as a shooter, and James, the quiet one, is deadly.