Last year was a great year for me (and the blog)! Let me start by point out that 2019 marks the first full year of blogging on this blog. Most of the content published during the year was inspired by several accomplishments as I’ve continued to explore shooting sports and expand my knowledge and experience with firearms.
To be honest, I really didn’t set any goals for 2019. At least not formally. Sure, I had a lot of things I wanted to do. Most of which I did. But a lot of it was just me winging it.
Competition
In 2019, I participated in my very first IDPA match. And then I participated in eleven more. I toyed with the idea of expanding to other competitions, but didn’t. I think this was mostly due to me wanting to get familiar with one style of competition while limited by the lack of equipment for others.
Hunting
On the hunting front, 2019 was a year full of firsts. My very first hunting trip where I harvested my first whitetail. My very first hunting trip where I returned empty handed. My first hog hunt where I failed to harvest a hog, but managed to harvest some Axis. And finally, my first dove hunts.
During 2019, the wife and I both got new hunting rifles. I haven’t said much about the wife’s rifle, but I blogged a bit about mine. I also did quite a bit of factory hunting load testing. I also managed to harvest some whitetail deer with it.
Looking back, it seems like my plunge into hunting was the biggest bank breaker. Between the new rifles, a couple of suppressors (which I am still waiting to take possession of), hunting gear, more hunting gear, even more hunting gear, hunting licenses, hunting fees, and post-hunting expenses, a lot of money was spent. And I can’t forget about the acquisition of the 10mm Auto hand cannon that I use as my hunting sidearm.
Recreation
I didn’t really do much plinking in 2019. But to be honest, all the competition, hunting, and self-defense activities were loads of fun.
I did, however, get together with a bunch of friends where we all tried out each others hunting rifles. I also had the honor and privilege of teaching my nephew how to shoot. And also got some instruction on long distance target shooting and learned how to hit targets just beyond 1000 yards.
Definitely, had a lot of fun in 2019! Between the competitions, hunting related activities, training classes, and the recreational activities listed here, I estimate about 3000 rounds of ammunition fired this year.
Self Defense
From a self defense perspective, I attended a couple of courses to help me increase my proficiency with firearms. One was an intermediate pistol course. The other was a tactical pistol and rifle course. I definitely got my moneys worth out of both of them and feel a lot more confident in my gun handling skills and capabilities. I’m also much more aware now of my limitations as well.
Gear wise my EDC pistol changed to a Sig Sauer P229, which I reviewed in 2019 as well. I also acquired a plate carrier and body armor which I have yet to review.
Firearms
Several firearms were added to the collection this year. Several more than I had intended to add, but were added to the collection nonetheless.
I already mentioned the two hunting rifles, the P220, and the P229. Then there was Colt King Cobra. I also added a Smith & Wesson M&P 380 EZ which I still need to review.
It’s safe to say that I succumbed to bad impulse control a little bit this year. Still though, I couldn’t be happier with the experiences and achievements.