Over the last few years, I have developed an affinity for pistols. To be specific, full-size tactical pistols. As this addiction has grown, I continued to adjust my sights on better and better options. Today I am bringing you a review of one of those amazing pistols, the Staccato XC 9mm pistol.
As I mentioned, my taste has matured. Partially in part to being exposed to many fantastic options. In my line of work, it is easy to be exposed to high quality firearms. My very first experience with a Staccato was a year or two ago, with a review of the Staccato P. I really liked that pistol, but all it really did was push me towards something even better. The Staccato XC is arguably at the top of the Staccato heap, which sits at the apex of 2011 pistols.
What is a 2011?
Staccato’s basic design is a modernized version of the OG 1911 pistol, with a widened grip allowing double stack 9mm cartridges to be used. After this complete redesign of the famous pistol, it makes perfect sense to rename it 2011. Basically a hundred years later, the title fits as a gun for the next century. Staccato popularized the 2011 trend, and it has been embraced by many other manufacturers. Big names like SpringField Armory and Wilson Combat have introduced 2011 models. Where before they only offered the 1911.
Why would you want a 2011 over a 1911 you might be asking? And if you are, you might be due for a prostate exam. The 1911 has seen incredible service life and action across the globe. The venerable 45 ACP cartridges it fires are heavy and lethal, so why would you abandon this design for something new?
An easy answer is that the 9mm Parabellum has basically won the popularity contest. I see no value getting into the weeds of cartridge arguments today, most shooters prefer the 9mm over the 45 ACP. And it’s easy to understand why, its far more affordable, offers more capacity in a given firearm, and is still quite useful in lethal and competitive fields.
These things considered, it seems the 2011 design was simply an eventuality waiting to happen. The popularity of the 1911, with all of its benefits, made an excellent candidate to customize and fill-out with a fat bottomed magazine brimming with 9mm cartridges.
The incredible compensator built into the front of the barrel greatly reduces muzzle rise, keeping the gun on target. You can even see the red dot all through the recoil most of the time.
I tried a variety of different red dots, but I like the Holosun 507 Comp
I remember the day I was first infected, it was before the turn of the century at a tightly packed local gun shop in Salt Lake City Utah. It was the day I picked up my first P-series pistol from Sig Sauer. I walked out of that shop carrying a Sig P239 compact, but it was just the beginning of my love affair with them. I’ve since enjoyed 220’s, 226’s, 229’s and of course the very popular P320. Today I bring you another variant of the popular striker fired pistol; the Sig Sauer P320 AXG Legion.
The AXG Legion is a slight departure from the rest of the P320 family, in that it uses an aluminum grip module. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is dead sexy and reminds me of the impure thoughts the P226 once inspired in me. Apart from its non-polymer grip module, the AXG Legion also incorporated a ported slide to compensate for muzzle-rise. It does this while maintaining the same footprint and familiarity of the popular M17 variant of the P320. Additionally, like most modern pistols the AXG Legion comes optics ready for your favorite red dot.
Two Port Slide Integrated Expansion Chamber for recoil mitigation
Optic Ready Slide with enhanced serrations
AXG Grip Module with installed Magwell and Hogue Custom G10 Grips
X Flat Skeletonized Trigger
XRay3 Day/Night Sights
(3) 21rd or (3) 10rd Steel Magazines
Romeo Pro footprint
Like most P320 pistols the AXG Legion has a suite of features that make it both adaptably modern, as well as historically rugged. (insert your “gun goes off” jokes here). Things like a picatinny accessory rail and night sights will make the gun familiar to those familiar with tactical pistols. And more modern features like the optics ready slide and muzzle compensator will impress even those who nerd out over such things.
The added weight of the AXG aluminum grip module makes the gun feel very potent, as well as keeping it pretty mild under recoil. It really feels like you’ve got a hold of something when you pick it up. The very same P320 trigger pack drops into the frame, like every other P320 pistol. Additionally the AXG comes with a flared aluminum magazine well, and some handsome grips that give it a pretty classy look.
The flat trigger feels nice and looks sharp as well, and the pistol uses the longer full-size 17 and up magazines. It comes with three of the larger 21-round magazines, and I had more from my P320 X5 Legion which uses the same.
Lastly, the model tested here today also came with the Romeo X red dot already installed. This is very convenient, particularly because I’ve become a bit of a red dot hound and am always looking for more.
note the perfect optics cut allowing the rear sight usage
Shooting the P320 AXG Legion
After securing a shipment of Trailforger ammunition from MWLP, I headed up to my shooting spot. It wasn’t long before I was stuffing twenty-one rounds at a time into the magazines. I mostly shot 115 grain ammo, but I also shot a few boxes of 124 grain ammo.
I also took advantage of the opportunity to use my newest Safariland ALS holster, crisp AF with an Arctic Multicam cordura wrap. I also installed my Surefire X300 weapon-light, as it completes the ensemble.
You may not believe this, but the AXG shoots very much like the rest of the P320 family. Of course the major thing that stands out is the muzzle compensator. The added weight of the grip module bundled with the compensator made this gun shoot smooth. Muzzle rise was significantly better with the dual port comp up front. I haven’t shot the Spectre Comp version of the P320, but others have told me that the AXG Legion is a flatter shooter. Perhaps I’ll get to try them both together someday soon.
the Legion pistol fit perfectly into my Safariland ALS holster (note tactical flip flops)
As is, I found the AXG Legion to be very flat shooting. It was fast and fun to transition from one target to another punching each one smoothly and often twice.
As an unrepentant Sig-ophile the controls to this pistol were just like coming home. Though occasionally I feel myself reaching for the de-cock lever 😜. The feel of the pistol is fantastic, and though I felt fine shooting with the stock trigger part of me wanted to see how well it could be improved.
Reloading the pistol was also as familiar as mom’s Sunday dinner. The flared magwell made it easy, allowing me to plow through far too much ammo.
Accuracy from the AXG Legion was as expected, by that I mean everything I aimed at could be hit as long as I didn’t pull the shot. The kind of shots you would do with a pistol were easily made, and accurate enough to be very deadly.
During the course of shooting the pistol, we had no malfunctions. Ejection was very predictable and well clear of the gun. Cycling cartridges was also flawless, and the gun always locked open when the magazine went empty.
A closer look at the two-port compensator
Pros and Cons
Remember what I said at the top of this piece, I’m a big fan of P-series pistols. So keep that in mind. First off this pistol is just handsome, it has the classic Sig look that first caught my eye years ago. And it shoots as good as it looks, chewing through ammo of all kinds. And since the P320 is so universally used, its aftermarket support is likely only eclipsed by the Glock family.
Lots of ammo went through this gun, both Federal Champion as well as Trailforger 115 loads
All the extra features make this a definite step up from many of the standard P320 models. And of course that comes at a cost, so it may not be in your budget range. It also weighs a bit more than it’s siblings, six ounces more than the M18 model for example. This can be a good or bad thing depending on what you’re looking for.
I think the P320 AXG Legion stands up to its price point, though that can be very subjective. Even so it might not be for beginners. Maybe you prefer the lower bore axis of other pistol designs, or maybe you like hammers.
Last Words on the AXG Legion
I really enjoy this pistol, it has everything a Sig fan could like. And even if you’re not a Sig fan there is much to like about it. Sure, it might be a bit much to bite off for a first time pistol enthusiast. But it brings more features, and it performs outstanding. You get all the familiarity and aftermarket support of the P-series, as well as some advanced enhancements.
If you too find yourself looking for a full-size tactical pistol, I can strongly recommend this one. It is incredibly fun to shoot, reliable and accurate. The included Romeo X makes the deal even better. It’s a big step away from my old P239 that started this infatuation, but in a good way. Either way, I don’t see my affinity for P-series pistols going away any time soon.
Polymer framed pistols are becoming more and more common every day. With so many options how can you tell which one to choose? Today we are going to dive into yet another new striker fired polymer framed gun so you can decide if it fits your needs. Today we are reviewing the Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 pistol, a 9mm handgun very similar to the popular Glock 17.
Specifications
Color
Black
SKU
CGP101-91917SSWC2POLY
Weight (lbs)
1.430000
Magazine Capacity
17 Round Magazine
Barrel Length
5
Twist
1:16
Barrel Finish
Stainless Steel
Material
416R Stainless Steel
Thread Pitch
Non-Threaded
Caliber
9MM
Flutes
Non-fluted
Gas System
Blow-Back
History
It would seem that BCA has made at least one attempt at a 9mm pistol before. An all metal version that looks very similar to the Grizzly 101. Perhaps that didn’t go the way they wanted it to, because I see no sign of it on their website. If I had to guess, I’d say that a polymer frame turned out to be much more profitable and perhaps easier to make.
BCA seems to catch a lot of negative attention from the public, at least if you believe what you read on social media and internet forums. I might be lucky, as the only experience I have had with BCA has been a positive one. You can read about the BCA BC-8 Huntmaster here. The Grizzly is only my second exposure to a BCA firearm, and I’m glad you can come along to see how it goes.
Features
Bear Creek Arsenal is known for manufacturing a variety of AR type rifles in assorted different calibers and configurations. The Grizzly is a departure from what BCA commonly manufactures, this could be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective.
The Grizzly is built on a polymer frame similar in size as I mentioned to the Glock 17. This is a great idea as it allows the Grizzly to use many of the Glock 17’s support products, like magazines, and other accessories.
In addition to the commonality, there are some things that set the Grizzly apart from the gun that it appears to emulate. Some cuts to the slide expose the stainless steel barrel, and the slide comes pre-cut for RMR type red dots. Something I would be sure to look into.
Some pretty standard green sights round out the top of the slide which are perfectly useful. If we turn our attention to the frame, you’ll find there is a nice texture molded into the grip. As well as some finger shelves alongside the top of the trigger guard.
No safety other than the trigger blade safety, which is fine by me. A nice undercut where the guard meets the grip makes the pistol comfortable in the hand. And the 17-round magazines are made by KCI.
Other models
The Grizzly 101 is available in a couple different options, mainly different barrel configurations. There are both threaded and unthreaded versions of the pistol. And you can select a couple different titanium nitrided colors of gold, copper and black. I’m no fortune teller, but I’d bet there are other options in the works that will also soon be available.
Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 Pistol review
Before shooting the Grizzly, I wanted to install a Trijicon RMR. It was easy enough and fit perfectly. Some red dots have a cutout to allow the use of the iron sights, the RMR sits high enough that you can almost see the iron sights but not quite. But with the RMR installed I was ready to hit the range.
I’d brought a couple boxes of ammo from Federal and AAC, and MWLP Trailforger. All were 115 grain FMJ. I started stuffing them into magazines in preparation, loading 17-rounds into the KCI magazines.
Shootability
My very first impressions of shooting the Grizzly were that it seemed a touch spicier than I expected. It’s a full size 9mm pistol, so I expected it to be fairly mild. I also noticed rather quickly that the grip seems a little more square than others. Some folks may find that preferable, but for me it felt just a touch less comfortable.
The Grizzly texture is definitely helpful in getting a good grip on the pistol. And I really like the two finger shelves above the trigger, it allows your thumbs a place to engage. The trigger feels like a striker pistol, I don’t mean that as a bad thing either, it feels just like every other similar gun I’ve used. Reloads were easy using the slide release, I often feel a great variation between different Glock type pistols. I was happy to see this one was easy to feel and press.
The Grizzly green sights were perfectly suitable, but the Trijicon RMR was more my style.
Reliability
During the course of my shooting, the closest thing to a malfunction I experienced was a failure to lock back. It seemed to follow the magazines, so I think it’s fair to put the blame there. I also used a Fab Defense 18-round magazine, which worked flawlessly. I was also able to shoot the Grizzly with a Glock magazine that also worked great.
Other than that the pistol chugged along through everything I threw at it.
Extraction and ejection were just as I’d expect, throwing spent cases clear. The controls were all smooth and never skipped a beat.
Ergonomics
I mentioned the square-ish feeling grip, which might just be my preference showing through. Other than that the gun felt very comfortable in my hand. The undercut trigger guard kept your fingers comfortable while gripping, and the angle of the grip was familiar and pointed well.
The Grizzly has a very similar profile to the Glock 17, but it wouldn’t fit proper in any of my Safariland Glock 17 holsters. So there must be enough difference to matter, though I expect it is likely due to the slide cuts.
Accuracy
Accuracy from the Grizzly was also as I expected, I guess it should come as no surprise that a Glock clone shoots like a Glock. Particularly when shooting with the RMR installed it was pretty easy to keep shots on target. At 10 yards groups would average between 2-4 inches depending on cadence and ammo. To put it bluntly, I felt just as accurate with this gun as with any other G17 styled pistol.
Value
Despite being a pretty close copy of the Glock, I was quite surprised by the low price of this pistol. But as I mentioned at the top, copies of these popular pistols are becoming more and more popular. So I shouldn’t be surprised that the cost keeps coming down.
The Grizzly is listed for $295.00 on the Bear Creek website, which is a pretty agreeable price. Obviously this pistol is priced there for a reason, and you can tell by looking at the gun that it is going to cost less than its cousins. What I mean by that is there are some features on the gun that suggest a less refined process. For example, the stainless steel barrel functions flawlessly but also appears slightly unfinished. Non-chamfered edges on the muzzle look just a tad raw for my taste. The conspicuous BEAR CREEK ARSENAL down the side is a little over the top for me as well, the logo alone should be enough. The machining and molding look good, and to be honest I’m surprised you can make any money on a gun at this price point.
I guess that means I think this gun is a good buy, and if it stands up to round count and use it probably will certainly be a good buy. Time will tell.
Compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories
Optics ready for RMR footprint
Good grip texture
Cons
Inexpensive suggests cheap
Doesn’t fit my safariland holsters
Slightly unfinished look
Report Card
Shootability (B) shoots well but seems to lack some refinement
Reliability (A-) Only malfunctions seemed related to magazine
Accuracy (B) Nothing fancy, does what you need
Ergonomics (B) Feels good, but also feels sort of like a first try
Value (A) If the Grizzly stands up to use, it seems like a great value
Ammunition Preference
The Grizzly didn’t seem to show a preference for any of the ammo I shot through it. Both 115 and 124 grain loads worked great. I usedFederal Premium 115with great results as well as AAC 115 grain ammunition.
Accessory Upgrades
Because it’s already cut for it, I would highly recommend adding a red dot. I used the Trijicon RMR which cost more than the gun itself. So perhaps something a little more comparable in price would be something like the Gideon Alpha red dot. A good weapon light like the Surefire X300 pictured would also make a good companion.
After shooting with the BCA Grizzly 101 for a while now, I can say I definitely like it. I wouldn’t be trading it for any of my other pistols, but it certainly has a home in my collection. I intend on shooting it a lot more, perhaps it can be my loaner pistol. That way I can see how it stacks up over time and higher round count. Follow me to see how that goes.
Taurus has made too many different handgun models to mention in their time. But their typical popular handgun is usually a close copy of something existing already in the market. In a strange turn of events, today we are discussing an original model from Taurus that has actually been copied by others in the market. The Taurus Judge is a unique revolver that shoots both .410 shotgun shells, as well as 45 colt pistol cartridges. We’ll put the Judge to work and see if it rules the shooting bench and the field.
the Taurus Judge with its diverse ammo selection
The Taurus Judge
Since its release over a decade ago, the Judge line of pistols has broadened significantly. With models ranging from the Raging Judge 6.5 inch magnum revolver, to the Judge Public Defender with a 2.5 inch polymer frame. Both stainless and blued models are also available, as well as the newer TORO models that are optics ready to mount your favorite red dot.
Leaving the various models aside, what makes the Taurus Judge different from other revolvers? The curious appearance of the Judge is due to the elongated cylinder used to accommodate the .410 shotgun shells. Why would you want shotgun shells in a pistol you might ask? I’ve stopped asking similar questions as I’ve aged. Some people don’t like the things I like, and that’s fine because that leaves more room for me to do what I like. Besides, this is America, and if somebody wants a palm-shotgun, that’s fine by me.
Hornady 45 Colt drops neatly into the Judge cylinder
The Taurus Judge not only has the ability to shoot .410, but it also can shoot traditional pistol cartridges as long as they are 45 Colt. This hybrid ability to shoot these different ammunition types makes the pistol useful for a variety of things. Shooting moving targets is easier with shot-shells, but deep penetration is better accomplished by heavy bullets. The Judge gives you the option for both.
Twenty-two rimfire semi-automatic pistols have been a touchy subject for as long as I can remember. Sure, you can get something like a Ruger MK IV or a Browning Buckmark, but those are the same pistols my grandpa used. I want something more modern, something that has the handsome looks and function of modern semi-automatic pistols. Today I bring you the latest chapter in the saga of the Taurus TX 22 TORO.
I got one of the very first TX22’s years ago, and it was love at first brick for me. I have since bought four more, with the latest being this new model the TX22 TORO. The TORO model incorporates all the best features from every model prior. It has the slide cuts of the TX22 Compact, the optics cut of the TX22 Competition model. And not to be outdone, the TORO model uses a thicker heavy barrel which of course is threaded. And an impressive magazine capacity of 22 rounds.
The Taurus TX22
I mentioned I am no stranger to this pistol, but there is more to it than that. I had a bit of a sour opinion of Taurus until I met the TX22, and while there are plenty of you out there doubting me, I can tell you the TX22 is probably the best overall 22 pistol out there. At first I thought maybe I was just lucky, but the resounding echo of popularity everywhere tells me I am not the only one who enjoys my TX22’s.
Hours of fun and gun handling training have been done at our house with the TX22. All of my children are huge fans, and it never fails when we head into the mountains “did you bring the Taurus Dad?”.
It seems like Glock clones are coming out of the woodwork lately. Almost every time I boot up the computer I find another new pistol that is building on the famous polymer framed pistols. But like a true gun nut, I embrace this storm of striker guns. And today I am bringing you yet another fresh handgun review, hot out of it’s mold. Today we are reviewing the ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistol, a pistol very similar to the Glock model 19.
ZRO Delta has been well known for making products like AR15 rifles and sub assemblies, as well as optics mounting solutions. Additionally they manufacture the FKS 9 pistol and “The One” modular pistol which is a similar 9mm gun with various modular interchangeable configurations. The ZRO FKS 9 is available with a variety of Cerakoted slide colors as well, with grey, green, bronze and FDE options. And of course the black Nitride standard finish.
SPECIFICATIONS:
9x19mm
Advanced Polymer Frame and Handle
Reversible Ambidextrous Magazine Release
Improved 18-degree Grip Angle
Standard, Deluxe (RMR® Cut), or Premium (Optic Cut with plates) Slide, 6.75”
4140 Precision Match Barrel, 4”
15 Round Capacity Magazine x1
Optional Premium Slide w/ Optic Cut (Plates available for purchase)
Sights: White Dot Rear/Front
Trigger Pull: 5.5lb
Width: 1.25”
Weight: 21.5 oz
The FKS 9 pistol that we are looking at today is very comparable to the Glock 19 sized pistols. There are of course some differences between them, for example; the FKS features an 18 degree grip angle. Many shooters find the 1911 comparable grip angle better for shooting. The FKS 9 has additional features like a match grade 4-inch barrel, available optics ready slide, and reversible magazine release.
The advanced polymer frame features molded textures very comparable to stippling. As well as thumb-shelves on both sides of the trigger guard area which also enhance your purchase on the grip. There is also an extended beavertail at the back of the slide to prevent getting bit by the slide. Under the muzzle of the gun you will of course find an accessory pic rail for weapon lights.
note the grip texture of the FKS 9
The pistol uses Glock style magazines, which is a huge plus due to the variety and availability of options. Sights for the FKS are white dots which I found to be quite effective. The compact size of the pistol and these features make it a great option for a CCW.
Shooting the ZRO Delta FKS 9
Shooting the FKS 9 was very predictable. I’ve found with many of these clone type pistols that they carry all the best of their ancestors while bringing new benefits as well. So one shouldn’t be surprised when these feel familiar. Like my other 18 degree pistols, the FKS 9 always seems to line up with my line of sight. The sights are easy to pick up when they are already lined up with your target.
As with other features of the FKS 9, the controls are also very familiar. And muscle memory takes over easily. The trigger feels great, breaking cleanly and consistently. Reloads came smoothly with the slide release easily activated with little resistance. Feeding from the Magpul P-Mag worked without any issue.
Chewing through boxes of ammunition went swimmingly for the FKS 9. I used ammunition from PMC Bronze, several boxes of AAC 115 gr, as well as a large volume of 115 gr Trailforger ammo. All of them worked great, save for a single malfunction out of hundreds. The malfunction appeared to be ammo related, as the round failed to go into battery. A quick rack of the slide solved the issue.
the ZRO FKS 9 was smooth shooting
Pros and Cons
I really like shooting the ZRO FKS 9, it fits comfortably in the hand. The texture feels grippy against my palms, and the thumb-shelf allows additional purchase. I often find smaller pistol frames harder to hold onto, but this one definitely didn’t give me that vibe. The extended beavertail also helped give better contact with the grip and help control the recoil. I found the overall gripping of this pistol to be noticeably better than many of its competitors.
The sights are pretty low key, and yet I found them very bright and easy to see. That said I love shooting pistols with red dot’s, so I think I’d rather have the FKS with the optics cut slide. Additionally I like that the FKS fits with most Glock accessories, such as holsters magazines and others. It makes the pistol very easy to step into.
Another great thing about the FKS is it’s affordability. Its not as affordable I guess as some of the cheaper clones like the PSA Dagger, but it also feels better and looks better as well. Time will surely tell if the performance will match the looks. But even at $400 for the base model, the ZRO Delta FKS 9 isn’t a hard buy to make unless you are dwelling around the bottom of the pistol pool.
note the extended beavertail, and sight picture
The ZRO FKS 9 pistol is an easy buy in my opinion, it has a comfortable reliable shooting performance. Surely due to the quality machining and quality coatings. And accuracy was just what you’d expect from a pistol like this, hitting clay targets at 20 yards was easy, even at a quick cadence.
Last Words
In a market full of clones, it might be hard to stand out from the competition. I have had the good fortune to shoot quite a few different clones, and while I haven’t really disliked any of them this one stands out. The smooth feel and operation of the FKS feel more refined than others. The great trigger snap and reset are as good as any other Glock type pistol. I suppose I could say this gun just looks and feels of better quality than many of the others.
I’ll continue to shoot the FKS 9, along with my other pistols. Not only to push up the round count, but also to continue comparing it with others. We are living in a truly exciting time where so many options are available. If you are looking into a striker type pistol for whatever purposes be it CCW or just shooting fun, have a look at one of these ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistols. They are definitely worth your time.
Since the introduction of John Browning’s Model 1911 pistol, countless others have copied and borrowed from it. Today’s subject is yet another one of those designs, today we are looking at the Taran Tactical Combat Master 2011 9mm pistol. The Combat Master is a 2011 style pistol, which dumped the single-stack 45ACP cartridge and magazines. In their place you can find double-stack 9mm cartridges. Adding both capacity and performance seems to be the norm with 2011 pistols.
This Combat Master was manufactured by a well known 2011 custom shop STI, who you probably know better as Staccato. I’ve played with a few of them, as well as other pistols. So today I am happy to get a full grip on this pistol and share it with you.
2011 Pistols
The success of the 1911 design is legendary, and regardless of whether you like it or not the design appears to continue. 2011 pistols take many of the greatest features of its predecessor, and bring more modern features. The main feature is double-stack magazines, which are typically for 9mm or 38 Super cartridges. With magazines like that, carrying twenty-plus cartridges in the magazine isn’t such a challenge.
Most 2011 pistols still use many of the same features from the 1911, such as the single-action trigger, safety mechanisms, etc. Excellent triggers, and ideal grip angles and all sorts of other advantages have also been mirrored in these pistols.
As a card-carrying member of the CZenofile club, I have a hard time saying no when someone shows me another P10 pistol. So it should come as no surprise that the CZ P10F Competition-Ready stuck with me as soon as I saw it. Today we are going to take look at this long-slide member of the P10 family. We’ll see if it’s worth the gold trim it’s adorned with.
Un-boxing the P10F
I love the feeling you get when you open up the box of a new gun. The polymer hard-case that the pistol came in contained the pistol, three magazines, some grip panels, and some assorted cleaning tools. The very first thing I noticed when opening the case was the bright gold-colored trim of some of the pistols components.
As I lifted it from the box I immediately noticed that this P10 is a bit longer than most. It’s actually a half-inch longer than the full size P10, giving it a slightly longer sight radius. Like every other P10 I’ve shot, this one felt great in the hand as I lifted it to chamber check. Smooth slide operation was also a familiar P10 trait.
as it comes in the box
I practiced my best competitive presentation, and was rapidly wishing for a range to shoot it at. The bright fiber optic front sight really popped against the gray sky. I grabbed my stuff and headed to the open country where I do my shooting.