Posted: 5/8/2011 11:34:14 AM EDT
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Central California SF Campout AAR
I would like to thank all who attended. You guys are a great group. They are: Taft, Patch5, SonofNorway, 12B1P, Coldboredreamer, Hunterdoggie, PARANOIDORNOT, thebrassnuckles. Patch5 brought his newphew Chris and my friend Brian and Jim also came by. Apologies to everyone for the Mothers Day planning of this event. My fault. We cut the campout a little short due to Mothers Day but had a great time nonetheless. We will plan better for the fall campout ! Special thanks to Brian for teaching the primitive fire starting class. Everyone loved it. Also special thanks to 12B1P for the armor plates for the long distance shooting. Lots of game in the area, Bob cat, deer, mountain rattlers, pincher bugs, frogs, quail. Some wild turkey’s came into camp Saturday morning to flap their wings and wake us up. The mountain quail wailed at us too. We did some CQB rifle/pistol drills, some long distance shooting, some hiking, primitive fore starting class and checked out our bug out / Get home bags. A very good friend of mine named Brian and his friend Jim came to teach the primitive fire starting class. Bow drill, hand drill, and flint and steel. I believe the group learned a lot ! Also Brian is thinking about being a new member here at AR15.Com SF. If he does, his first year Bronze membership is on me. A couple of observations: We were a well armed bunch. AR15’s dominate, a cut down M1 garand (Awesome rifle), AR10, Beretta’s, Glocks, Springfield armory XD’s, 10-22’s, and 12 gauge Shotguns. Never saw the same AR15. They are all different. Different sights, lights, grips, you name it. No two were the same. Thebrassnuckles brought his 2009 Larue AR15 he won in the 2009 Larue giveaway and it was a great rifle, and he can shoot it. Speaking of member thebrass knuckles, two things stand out. The first thing is he decided at the last minute to attend. He did not get directions as I was already on my way up. He is from this area and recognized the pics of the area taken by Patch5. He drove up Friday night, without directions, found the BFL marker and located the camp. Outstanding. Of course our camp OPSEC is compromised but thank goodness he is one of ours ! Second thing is we were doing 2x2x2 drills. I use these drills to speed up my shooters in CQB scenarios, or room entries / CQB applications. The shooter stands 15 feet from three(3) targets, about 1-2 feet apart and from a low ready position you engage all 3 targets with double taps. That is 6 shots, 2 ea, as fast as you can. I am well practiced and using a shot timer provided by hunterdoggie I set the bar at 1.33 seconds for 6 shots into the 3 targets. Member thebrassnuckles using his Larue rifle was dead set on beating this so I challenged him. 10 tries, meet or beat the time, and a renewed bronze membership is his. 1.32 seconds, Damn ! Good job thebrassnuckles ! 
Coldboredreamer is quite the mountain bike enthusiast and rode over to an old forest service lookout station high on a peak and back. Found out it is for rent on the weekends for camping ! Coldboredreamers DCM comp AR15 weighs in at 16 plus pounds or so. But he can sure shoot that bad boy ! His AR10 is also a very nice rifle ! 
There were some great BOB’s and GHB’s. Paranoidornot is a new member but obviously he has been lurking or doing this for some time. Patch5 has the med bag part dialed in and ready to start his own emergency room. The Coleman portable on-demand hot water heater is a great piece of equipment and well received. Add some Mountain house food and instant meals ! Instant coffee ! It can be charged in the car or at the house. This will be the subject of another thread I am sure. There was this one incident, I am hesitant to speak of, but, that will be another thread which will make its debut by hunterdoogie. Needless to say we have pics to prove it. Here are some of the pics from the campout:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Big Thanks to Taft for getting this together and to everyone who showed up. Great time, beautiful country and awesome mountain biking. Here's a pic of the encampment Saturday morning. http://www.ar15.com/media/viewFile.html?i=28841 That's a good shot with the Oak tree, probably a good screen background for a computer. 
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I just got back from the campout, living 3 hours away in Victorville. Myself, and two other members (I believe ParanoidOrNot and his friend, still having trouble matching screennames and faces) decided to stay the night and depart Sunday afternoon. After the others had left, we grilled up some dinner, and did some night shooting. This morning we awoke to the campground completely covered by a fog/ low lying clouds. We decided to hang around and wait for it to lift, but it then started to rain so we packed up and went home. It's a good thing the weather on Friday and Saturday was great, and this little storm didn't hit until today.
I have to thank Taft for setting this up, and all of the wonderful help and pointers I got from HunterDoggie and others. Overall it was a great time camping, getting up into the woods, and shooting different weapons. It would have helped if I hadn't left my guns and ammo in a bag at home 
Until next time |
Thank you to everyone who came out. I had a great time, it was great putting faces to screen names. Taft, this was a great idea. Next time, I'll even remember the backpack with my ammo.   Speaking of next time, we want to do this again in the fall/early winter? Or next spring again? The time of year we did it this time was absolutely perfect with the exception of the swarms of flying earwigs!
Lessons learned: 1) Plan and use a packing list. Throwing stuff in the Jeep that morning obviously didn't work that well, I forgot the dang ammo!! I guess there was a reason we had loadout plans in the .mil. 2) I need to brush up on/actually learn more about our local wild edibles. It's amazing what I don't know. 3) Don't let Brian carry the scattergun. Quoted:
You were using mature trees as backstops for rifle targets? That kind of thing is why the entire Cleveland National Forest is now closed to target shooting and we can only camp in designated campgrounds. Private property.
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There was this one incident, I am hesitant to speak of, but, that will be another thread which will make its debut by hunterdoogie. Needless to say we have pics to prove it. I think he should just post it here in this thread. Still surprised by the way that started. Not the way it usually goes down this time of year... ETA: Anyone got pics of the firebreathing dragon on Friday night? That thing is incredible. Also, went to the Blackstone Costco today, they do the cases of MH for $40, 194 left after I got my two. |
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ETA: Anyone got pics of the firebreathing dragon on Friday night? That thing is incredible.
Not me. I would not know where to begin to tame that beast either.
I think he should just post it here in this thread. Still surprised by the way that started. Not the way it usually goes down this time of year...
3) Don't let Brian carry the scattergun.
 Hunterdoggie has the option of posting it here or in a new thread. I PM'd the pics to him. All I can add is I am glad you are all okay.
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You were using mature trees as backstops for rifle targets? That kind of thing is why the entire Cleveland National Forest is now closed to target shooting and we can only camp in designated campgrounds. The three tree Oak used as a target backstop already lost the middle oak due to disease and the other two are already on their way out to. The property owner does not mind whatsoever. He planned on cutting up those trees anyway. |
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I wanted to go Me too! Next year we need to get some of the Texas crew to carpool out! Looks like a great campout, guys! Great job putting it together. Cali and Texas crew could have a little get together, I like it. Lots of places to ride a quad
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Thanks for organizing the campout Taft. I had a blast. It was good to meet like minded individuals.
I really enjoyed discussing different tactics, and training techniques with you. I like to learn as many different techniques as possible, and fromthere choose the fastest and most efficient. I regret missing the firebuilding class, but I had to get home to help the wife unload her treasures from shopping. Ha ha. At least I got to go on the walkabout, and try wild edible plants. That was very interesting. The areas I found myself lacking in were preplanning, and organization. I left the house in such a rush that I forgot to grab ammo for my new pistol, which I really wanted to put a couple hundred rounds through, and I forgot the fuel I bought for my soda can stove, I forgot to buy some coffee, and I forgot to bring the extra mountain house I picked up before leaving. On the whole bli d navigation thing, it was a bit risky, but I have been in the area before, and I knew that if I didn't find the campout location, I could just keep going to another campground. I also hadthe option of turni around and going home as I like only 2 hoursfrom the location. Nevertheless, I was pretty proud of myself for recognizing what road the picture were if. Especially since I had only driven that road once before. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I wanted to go Me too! Next year we need to get some of the Texas crew to carpool out! Looks like a great campout, guys! Great job putting it together. Cali and Texas crew could have a little get together, I like it. Lots of places to ride a quad I was not always as pious as I try to be now. I've had to stay on the porch for the last bunch of years....yes I'm a poser....Looking forward to getting off the porch. After saying that.....flashing back to some of my wasted youth....I think this is a fitting theme for some of the SFers.....  |
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I wanted to go Me too! Next year we need to get some of the Texas crew to carpool out! Looks like a great campout, guys! Great job putting it together. Cali and Texas crew could have a little get together, I like it. Lots of places to ride a quad
I was not always as pious as I try to be now. I've had to stay on the porch for the last bunch of years....yes I'm a poser....Looking forward to getting off the porch. After saying that.....flashing back to some of my wasted youth....I think this is a fitting theme for some of the SFers.....  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mzW3hstBfA
I am bad - Nationwide........ 
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On the whole blind navigation thing, it was a bit risky, but I have been in the area before, and I knew that if I didn't find the campout location, I could just keep going to another campground. I also had the option of turning around and going home as I like only 2 hours from the location. Nevertheless, I was pretty proud of myself for recognizing what road the picture were if. Especially since I had only driven that road once before.
We were quite impressed.
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I just got back from the campout, living 3 hours away in Victorville. Myself, and two other members (I believe ParanoidOrNot and his friend, still having trouble matching screennames and faces) decided to stay the night and depart Sunday afternoon. After the others had left, we grilled up some dinner, and did some night shooting. This morning we awoke to the campground completely covered by a fog/ low lying clouds. We decided to hang around and wait for it to lift, but it then started to rain so we packed up and went home. It's a good thing the weather on Friday and Saturday was great, and this little storm didn't hit until today. I have to thank Taft for setting this up, and all of the wonderful help and pointers I got from HunterDoggie and others. Overall it was a great time camping, getting up into the woods, and shooting different weapons. It would have helped if I hadn't left my guns and ammo in a bag at home
Until next time Glad you made it home OK man. Was fun hangin with you. |
Here are a couple pics of the lovely weather you guys missed this AM. It was just startring to come down when we left.
Thanks for organizing this Taft, thanks to EZ and his missus for allowing us on the property, thanks to Brian for the fire starting class and Patch for the peek inside his bag o' tricks. Thanks to the gent who gave the pistol class at the end (hunterdoggie?). It was fun and educational and it was great meeting you all. 12B |
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Here are a couple pics of the lovely weather you guys missed this AM. It was just startring to come down when we left. http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/robnoxious1_01/SF%20Campout/IMG_0039.jpg http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/robnoxious1_01/SF%20Campout/IMG_0040.jpg http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/robnoxious1_01/SF%20Campout/IMG_0042.jpg http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/robnoxious1_01/SF%20Campout/IMG_0043.jpg http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/robnoxious1_01/SF%20Campout/IMG_0044.jpg Thanks for organizing this Taft, thanks to EZ and his missus for allowing us on the property, thanks to Brian for the fire starting class and Patch for the peek inside his bag o' tricks. Thanks to the gent who gave the pistol class at the end (hunterdoggie?). It was fun and educational and it was great meeting you all. 12B Good to see you got some pictures of it up. I forgot to take some with my camera. Did you get anything from the game camera we set up? We need to go hunting sometime
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I really miss those.
| Paranoid called a bit ago, he said it got some pics of what he thinks is that same little deer. Said they were hard to make out because it was kind of far from the cam but it worked. As for the weather I guess it just goes to show you shouldnt go into the Sierra's without a little snivel gear regardless of the time of year. |
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As for the weather I guess it just goes to show you shouldnt go into the Sierra's without a little snivel gear regardless of the time of year. Ain't that the truth. It was 97 degrees outside when I was packing. I decided I didn't need no stinking pants. I also decided to take the least insulated of my sleeping bags, cause it packs smaller. That and the lack of sleeping pad insulating me from the ground. Great decisions |
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We got two pictures of two deer. They where hard to see at first as they were about 75 yards out. But from one frame to the other you can see movement and barley make out the shape. I would post them but they are not worth it.The picures are date stamped for exactly one hour after we left it. At the time of the picures (2323) the temp. was 49F.
Thanks to all. |
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In case anyone is curious, I figured out what was causing the FTF issue with my AR. The entire time I've owned it, the hammer spring has been in backward. Up to this point, the spring has been strong enough to overcome this, but I guess it finally decided to let me know it needs to be turned around. I've put about 6k rounds down the pipe of this thing too, crazy that its functioned perfectly until now.
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In case anyone is curious, I figured out what was causing the FTF issue with my AR. The entire time I've owned it, the hammer spring has been in backward. Up to this point, the spring has been strong enough to overcome this, but I guess it finally decided to let me know it needs to be turned around. I've put about 6k rounds down the pipe of this thing too, crazy that its functioned perfectly until now.Awesome. Thanks for the update. 
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First off a BIG thank you to Taft for setting this thing up! Man it was a great time.
I will write up the Rattlesnake fun later tonight. This was a fun time and it was good to meet all the people with like interests. I have gotten the OK from Mrs Hunterdoggie to go in the fall. I think Taft suggested a possible date of the weekend before Thanksgiving. Already getting set up on my end. LOL Made a bunch of changes to my BOB after seeing what others have. Still have to add some things. thanks to Brian for the primitive firestarting class. That was cool. Dan |
| Thank you everyone that took the time to help with training and drills. They were very insightful and fun. Special thanks to, Taft, Brian and Dan. All of you people are born instructors. It was a pleasure to meat a bunch of nut jobs like me. I look forward to seeing you all again. Anyone in the Bako area I put out an invitation to contact me anytime you want to get together to either train or play. Hunterdoggie, you have an open spot in my hunting camp any time you wish to take advantage of it. It was a great weekend! |
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First off a BIG thank you to Taft for setting this thing up! Man it was a great time. I will write up the Rattlesnake fun later tonight. This was a fun time and it was good to meet all the people with like interests. I have gotten the OK from Mrs Hunterdoggie to go in the fall. I think Taft suggested a possible date of the weekend before Thanksgiving. Already getting set up on my end. LOL Made a bunch of changes to my BOB after seeing what others have. Still have to add some things. thanks to Brian for the primitive firestarting class. That was cool. Dan Posted by Patch5: ETA: Anyone got pics of the firebreathing dragon on Friday night? That thing is incredible.
Posted by Taft: Not me. I would not know where to begin to tame that beast either.
On the otherhand, Might I suggest: 
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I'd like to be there for the Fall get-together (I had to work last weekend)...Are there going to be any tacit rules against spouses? She's fully half of our preparation team, and I'd like her to be there.
I don't want to fuck up a "guy's thing", though. Thoughts? |
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I'd like to be there for the Fall get-together (I had to work last weekend)...Are there going to be any tacit rules against spouses? She's fully half of our preparation team, and I'd like her to be there. I don't want to fuck up a "guy's thing", though. Thoughts? I don't see any problems with it. I don't see how spouses/children would have changed a single thing that happened. Pretty well behaved bunch, very professional. We might need a bigger fire pit, but thats about it.
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Not sure if this is outside the realm of the intent of the campout or not.
I've been thinking of how cool something along the lines of a biathlon event would be, but on mountain bikes. Basically shooters run through a series of steel targets. For any missed targets the player takes a lap on a small penalty area and then rejoins the event. The ride I did out the top of the property loops back around to the entry drive at a distance of around 3 miles. 3 runs around that loop would be awesome! It's great training for steadying fire position after physical exertion. We could do a round of each offhand, seated and prone separated by the 3 mile loop. At that altitude it would be a lot of fun! It's always interesting to see in biathlon events how quickly something changes when the shooter in the lead now has to take a penalty lap all of a sudden. I would like to give it a try...even if nobody else is interested. |
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Not sure if this is outside the realm of the intent of the campout or not. I've been thinking of how cool something along the lines of a biathlon event would be, but on mountain bikes. Basically shooters run through a series of steel targets. For any missed targets the player takes a lap on a small penalty area and then rejoins the event. The ride I did out the top of the property loops back around to the entry drive at a distance of around 3 miles. 3 runs around that loop would be awesome! It's great training for steadying fire position after physical exertion. We could do a round of each offhand, seated and prone separated by the 3 mile loop. At that altitude it would be a lot of fun! It's always interesting to see in biathlon events how quickly something changes when the shooter in the lead now has to take a penalty lap all of a sudden. I would like to give it a try...even if nobody else is interested. That sounds interesting, but I don't have a mountain bike, I only have a beach cruiser
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I may be able to bring a spare mountain bike.
Something like this double sling would be just the ticket. Double sling |
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I really like the idea of that. I'm not sure if we can shoot on the land where you went on your ride though. Riding a certain distance, dismounting and engaging the targets and then procedding on would really get your heartrate up though.
We might be able to do something like that on foot, using the valley up from the campsite. Start at the base, do 20 pushups and 20 jumping jacks, run to the first target, engage, run to next, engage, etc etc. |
I'm thinking of something along these lines. All shooting is done where we were already doing it. It lends itself well to spectating too since we return to the same targets after each loop of the route. The penalty lap only needs to be like 50-100 yards...just enough to cause a time penalty for the player. The targets here are about 50 yards out from the firing positions but we could go out to 100 too.
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Looks like there is such an event in Yellowstone in June!
http://www.rendezvousskitrails.com/events |
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I'm thinking of something along these lines. All shooting is done where we were already doing it. It lends itself well to spectating too since we return to the same targets after each loop of the route. The penalty lap only needs to be like 50-100 yards...just enough to cause a time penalty for the player. The targets here are about 50 yards out from the firing positions but we could go out to 100 too. http://www.ar15.com/media/viewFile.html?i=28986 I think I might be able to finish the penalty lap but we'd better have the Electro-Paddle-Thingys for Patch just in case. As far as a full lap, Ill cheer you on. |
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I'm thinking of something along these lines. All shooting is done where we were already doing it. It lends itself well to spectating too since we return to the same targets after each loop of the route. The penalty lap only needs to be like 50-100 yards...just enough to cause a time penalty for the player. The targets here are about 50 yards out from the firing positions but we could go out to 100 too. http://www.ar15.com/media/viewFile.html?i=28986 I think I might be able to finish the penalty lap but we'd better have the Electro-Paddle-Thingys for Patch just in case. As far as a full lap, Ill cheer you on. I keep the paddles charged and the water in a low ready position.........
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How about a first aid / blow out kit class one day, then the shooting on the move class the next day. Patch5 could teach the blow out kit class, I'll be the Rangemaster/score keeper for the second class. The rest of the members can run and gun, so-to-speak. I would have no problem with that.
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