Tactical Games

About once a year, I start to consider shooting sports and tactical games.  My history with firearms is pretty thin.  I was originally introduced to shooting in the Boy Scouts with a 22 rifle.  As an adult, I have owned handguns (357, 22, 380, 9mm), a shotgun (12ga for bird hunting), 22 rifle and some WWII rifles.  I have had some training including the Hunter Safety Course and Johnny Appleseed Course.  As far as practical shooting experience, in addition to bird hunting, I recall going to trap ranges in Indiana and Colorado.

I have also had range memberships on and off at Silver Bullet Shooting Range in Wheat Ridge, Boulder Rifle Club and most recently BluCore Shooting Center.

The on and off nature is primarily associated with cost and convenience.  Aside from 22LR ($0.10/round), ammunition is not cheap and typically between $0.30/round (9mm) and $1.00/round (357 magnum).  Reloading brass reduces the cost, but unless the volumes are significant it has seemed like more trouble than it is worth.  

I reloaded 357 brass for about a year and only made about 200 rounds.  I did not lose any money selling the set up and it was a fun little hobby.

Convenience has to do with driving to the range (15 minutes), checking in, setting up targets, sending 50 rounds down range ($25), paying for range time ($15-$20), packing up and heading home.  I always plan on going once a week or a couple of times/month, but it ends up being a few times per year.

In addition to firearms, I have really enjoyed archery, which is quieter, arrows are cheap and there are indoor and outdoor ranges close to the house.

As another alternative, I decided to purchase a laser pistol.  These are used in modern pentathlon and competitive ergshoot.  The set up is painless, free and a lot of fun.  However, since buying the set-up in March, I have only been shooting in the basement 3 times (about once/month).

My latest "want" is an AR-15 tactical games rifle.  I am primarily considering the American Defense Manufacturing UIC MOD-2 and the Geissele Super Duty.  Both are roughly in the $2000 range and well regarded brands with premium upper and lower assembly, barrel and triggers.  Out of the gate, I would likely start with Arken Optics LH-6 1-6x24 which should be good for shooting to 400 yards.  The Arken would be around $300.  

I developed a small sense of urgency, when I learned that after August 1, 2026, AR-15 purchases would require training and sign off by the county sheriff.  This seems quite reasonable to me.  Aside from the up front cost of the rifle, I would like to get some training anyway.  Ammunition is pretty reasonable at about $0.50/round for 223.  I would be chambering in 223 Wylde (the other alternative is 5.56 NATO).  The 223 Wylde can accommodate both, but 223 ammunition is typically cheaper.

I am still hem hawing and will hopefully pass on this purchase.  The last thing my household needs is more stuff.  Especially stuff that cannot be transported easily.