Welcome to Pokin' Holes.

This blog is all about target shooting. Nothing is more fun that pokin' holes into paper targets! I use a variety of guns for this purpose. I have air rifles, handguns, rimfire and high power rifles, and shotguns. I am not a hunter. I simply enjoy the sport of target shooting.

I have created several targets that you can print and use. They are in PDF format. NOTE: When printing, don't let your PDF viewer resize the image. This will retain the original dimensions.


Air Rifle

Pistol

Scope

I have also created a specialty target just for the AK47 and SKS rifle. This target will help you sight in your rifle at 25-yards and be dead on at 100-yards.


AK47 / SKS

Feel free to use and distribute these targets. I hope you enjoy your visit here. Feel free to comment on the articles.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Food for thought on your next handgun purchase.


(Click on any image to enlarge)

When I make a firearm purchase I look for long term value. I don't have unlimited funds so I try to find a bargain. I have a couple Taurus handguns. I find that the Taurus line of handguns are very good quality for a good price. One more thing. They come with a lifetime warranty!

If you use a handgun long enough you may need some repairs. This can be pretty expensive if the gun is out of warranty. Not to worry with Taurus! They have a lifetime warranty on the firearm. This is not a warranty for the original purchaser, but for the firearm, no matter who owns it! If you purchase a used Taurus handgun, you also have the lifetime warranty. Something to consider when purchasing used firearms.

I have a Taurus PT-22. I have had it for around 12-years. This is a sub-compact semi-auto handgun that looks like a miniature PT92. This is a good handgun for concealed carry if you have the permit to do so. I'm sure it was never intended for heavy usage, but I have shot a few thousand rounds through it.

There is a "U" shaped steel strap that connects the front left and right slide. This fits under the barrel. It is a weak point and it did break. No worry! I just sent it to Taurus for a free repair. Now it's like new again.

Taurus and Kel-Tec both offer lifetime warranties. I think Kel-Tec's warranty is for the original purchaser only, but that's still better than most warranties. Something to consider on your next firearm purchase.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Charlotte Gun Show


(Click any image to enlarge)


The Dixie Gun and Knife Classic Gun Shows is haveing an event in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 18th and 19th. This is a good opportunity to stock up on ammo and look for that hard to find gun.

This gun show will be at the Metrolina Expo Center. The doors open on Saturday at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. On Sunday, the hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $7.00 for adults and children under 12 are free with paying adult. You can get a $1.00 off coupon here.


Saturday, April 11, 2009

Having fun making BIG holes!


(Click on any image to enlarge)

I have an IAC Hawk 982 pump shotgun and have shot some 00-buck and really liked the results, but beyond 25-yards, the pattern really spreads. I was looking for something that would go a little further downrange and be effective.

I was in the "mart" store and they had a great deal on some Remington 12-gauge rifled slugs. Now we're talking! A one-ounce 12-gauge bullet traveling 1560 FPS (feet per second) at the muzzle. A rifled slug is a huge, lead bullet with rifling built into the slug. This is best shot through a smooth bore shotgun. What you get is the equalivant to a rifle shooting a really big bullet with an effective range to around 75 to 100 yards. I have to try these!

I made arrangements with my shooting buddy, Warren, to meet me at the Springs Road Gun Club in Hickory, NC. They have an indoor range. You can't shoot high power rifles, but you can shoot just about any handgun, rimfire rifles, and SHOTGUNS! The maximum distance is 25-yards. Just right for my purposes.

I asked the range officer if it would be alright to shoot the slugs. He said, "Sure, just use the lane on the very end." I guess he wanted to be as far away from this shoulder howitzer as possible!

I went to lane one and mounted my target. I was using the full size silhouette target for this session. I taped it to the cardboard and ran it back to 25-yards. I loaded five shells and prepared for the worst. I fired five rounds and put my shotgun down. Man these babies kick! I noticed it was real quite. I looked up the range and everyone was looking my way. The shooter next to me said, "Man that makes me feel inadequate." His .40-caliber was the big dog just moments before. Now it sounded like a pop-gun.

I pressed the button to return the target. WOW! Those are some BIG holes! All five shots well within the lethal zone. You should have seen the eyes of the shooter next to me when he saw the size of the holes. The last time he saw a hold that big, he put a golf ball in it!

I really enjoy the versatility of my pump 12-gauge. There's a shotgun shell for just about any purpose. To see some of the exotic ammo available, click here! There is everything from armor piercing to tear gas shells.

Get out there and poke some holes! Let me know what you enjoy in target shooting. You can comment on any post.