The Big Sandy Shoot took place in Arizona this past weekend. It saw dozens of machine guns, a live-firing tank and howitzer, and a few hundred spectators all having a great time.
 

SHOOTING WITH FERVOR

It's been the first big event since the Coronavirus set everything into lockdown. The fact that it's an outdoor event certainly helps. Having been locked up for the past year, I noticed shooters shooting with a little more fervor than usual. Bursts were a little longer. Much of their ammo was purchased pre-pandemic, and they were itching to turn it into noise.
 

AMMO PRICES AFFECTING SOME SHOOTERS

The firing line was a little lighter than usual. The spring shoot is in general a little smaller than the fall shoot. Some of the regular shooters I spoke to prior to the event said they were waiting for the fall in hopes that ammo might replenish and prices might come down a bit. Don't forget, many of the shooters are dealers who also get deals on ammo. But it's still not as cheap as usual.
 

FEWER BIG GUNS

The line saw only a few big guns. Not like in years past when there can be a few dozen on display and firing. Battlefield Vegas was out with their new Israeli M-50 Super Sherman tank and a Russian 122mm D-30 howitzer. Both were functioning and shook the earth, rattling the bones of onlookers throughout the weekend.
 

DECENT TURNOUT

I counted well over 200 spectators who came during the weekend. Their numbers peaked for the famous Saturday "night shoot." I spoke to a few spectators who flew in from Connecticut and New York and were glad they made the trip. There were quite a few locals as well, spending a night or two camping at the event.

It's clear that people are eager to start enjoying themselves again. Now, if we can only get ammo supplies back to normal, this summer should be a good one.