Ending 2012 With A Bang

Actually, many bangs. I had an email over the weekend from a friend who's gotten interested in shooting recently. He was letting me know he had picked up a SIG P232 in .380 ACP. I arranged to meet him at the range this afternoon. I was already excited to be able to introduce a new shooter to the sport, and then he text messaged asking if his wife could come along and bring her new SIG Mosquito .22. "Sure, the more the SIG the merrier" I responded. "Okay," he replied, I'll bring my SIG 1911 too."

Now, many readers know I am an unabashed SIG Sauer fan, and this was getting truly exciting. He was bringing not one, not two, but three, brand new SIG pistols. Add my two into the mix, and we had quite a nice looking bench!

We arrived at the range and had to wait just a few minutes for an open bay. I started out by going over the 4 rules of gun safety, emphasizing very clearly that I did not want to see any guns swung my way. Next, we went over the features of the guns and their operation. Moving to the firing line, I worked with both the new shooters on grip and stance. Once we got to the actual shooting both of them were shooting decent groups at 5 and 7 yards.

When I take new shooters to the range, I plan to focus on their shooting, not my own. But of course, this trip I made sure to shoot the new SIGs too. I hadn't gotten to shoot a 1911 SIG previously. The 1911 Scorpion shot very nicely of course. I also let my friends shoot my guns. And as it never fails to do, the P226 impressed them both. I don't find it hard to imagine that a 226 will be added to their collection soon.

Introducing new shooters to the thrill of the sport, and helping them move toward self-defense independence was a great way to spend an afternoon. That it was a SIG Sauer-focused event was an additional thrill for me. I really can't think of a better way to finish out the year. I'm looking forward to shooting with these friends again in 2013.

After this afternoon's fun it's time for a movie and some snacks with my family. And of course a good beer to cap off the year.

Hypocrisy Defined

"Gun control" isn't about saving lives, it's about "people control" and creating a caste system where the so-called "elite left" has a set of rules for themselves, while promoting another set of restrictive, rights-limiting rules for the rest of us.

Need more proof? Try these:

Anti-gun Senator Donne Trotter Arrested For Trying To Take Gun On Plane

David Gregory Violates DC Gun Law On National TV

David Gregory Mocks LaPierre for Proposing Armed Guards, but Sends HIS Kids to School With Armed Guards

Don Lennon Violates Federal Law to Buy Rifle

Anti-Gun Piers Morgan Fakes Gun Violence Photo to Sell Newspapers

NRA Suggestion of Armed Guards In School Plan Was Proposed By Clinton Previously

Senator Feinstein Supports Conceal Carry - For herself, not you

Update, January 1:
Liberal media "elites" want armed guards for themselves, but not school children

Update, January 4:
Anti-gunner Michael Moore’s bodyguard arrested for unlicensed weapon

Update, January 9:
Anti-Gun NC Senator R.C. Soles shoots intruder in his home

Update, January 11:
Gun control fan Terry McAuliffe is Virginia's newest gun owner

Relaxing Over Old Beer

We enjoyed our second Christmas celebration Thursday with a Checkered Flag who was visiting for the day. The day began with a hearty brunch of Scotch Eggs, Scottish Baps with Bacon, "Chips" and Baked Beans. After the gift exchange we enjoyed an afternoon of fun conversation listening to seasonal music. Once we decided we wouldn't be hitting the range it was time for beer.

Our friend had read the Mad Elf post and remarked "That sounded good." So for him I grabbed a bottle of that from the cellar. "Look, the bottle is even properly dust covered." For Colleen, I poured a 2009 Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. We are in the Octave of Christmas after all. There can hardly be a better reason to celebrate.

I had just read a news release about this year's batch of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot arriving in the stores and was tempted to grab an old bottle of that favorite for myself. Instead, I selected a "fresh" beer; Starr Hill Northern Lights IPA. Not aged, but one (or two) I enjoyed immensely. Even though this time I didn't enjoy an older beer myself, I was happy to share the joy of some special beers with others.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been enjoying pulling out special beers we had set aside. There was a time I hesitated to finally open an "old" beer, but beer is meant to be enjoyed. And it's not like I'm not continually replenishing the cellar anyway.

A Mad Elf Christmas

After finishing off the excellent Christmas dinner of Standing Rib Roast, Oyster Casserole and Yorkshire pudding prepared by Colleen, I was ready to sit down with a special beer. Relaxing with a good strong beer is my digestive. I've been eyeing the bottles of Tröegs Mad Elf Ale stored away downstairs and Christmas evening seemed like the perfect time to break one out.

This Tröegs seasonal beer is one that I always keep around for at least a year before I drink it. Fresh, I find the beer a bit "hot" from the high ABV and overly sweet. The ale is brewed with honey and cherries. I am not a fan of fruit in beer and I find Mad Elf to be cloyingly fruity sweet when first released. However, I discovered years back that aging the bottles for at least a year mellows it out. I've got some 5 year old bottles still in the cellar. The bottle I enjoyed on Christmas was from the 2009 release and was quite enjoyable.

The beer is an attractive deep red color with a thin beige head. The aroma is sweet with dark fruit and a mild earthiness. The flavor of this aged beer is still a bit tart from the cherries, but a hint of sweetness balances that out. The high alcohol content is well-masked. The mouthfeel is thick, leaving behind a sticky coating on the lips.

Even aged, the beer is just sweet enough that one was plenty. Of course, the 11% ABV is a factor as well. In any event, I enjoyed lingering over my glass of Mad Elf Ale. Which reminds me, I probably should look at restocking my stash.

Merry Christmas

Christmas has arrived and now begins our celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord. Our family began the season with the Vigil Mass last evening. Today the celebration of this Feast continues with lots of good food and cheer, and just lazing around enjoying the day.

I wish you and your family a most blessed and holy Christmas. I pray that the joy of this season continues for you throughout the coming year. Let's make it a year of peace. And of course, one filled with good friends, tasty beer and fun times on the range.

Merry Christmas!

Birthplace of Jesus, Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Photo by C. Turley, August 2010

"Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

--Matthew 1:23

Christmas Eve

After the Christmas Vigil Mass, Colleen and I traditionally sit down to a good beer and some snacks while we reflect on the joy of the season. This year I found a bottle of Delirium Nocturnum in the cellar. This Belgian Strong Dark Ale goes just fine both with some chips and dip, as well as the Pickled Herring on crackers. And of course, Colleen's homemade fudge.

After the hectic days of preparing for Christmas, this evening is most peaceful, but filled with anticipation of the Feast ahead.

Vacation, Day One

Sleep in. (It's all relative.) Check
Cook big breakfast for family. Check
Dry fire practice. Check
Spend an hour at the pistol range. Check
Relax over a beer with wife. (New Belgium Snow Day) Check
Grill burgers for dinner. Check
Watch LOTR Two Towers DVD with family. Check

If Saturday was any indication, it's going to be a great vacation.

Candy Cane Factory

As we enter the Christmas holiday week, enjoy these scenes of a classic candy being made.