Thread: Hoppe's 9

Years ago, when I was competing and shooting on the pistol team, we were at the NRA Nationals in Yuma, Arizona. At 9 in the morning it was already over 100 degrees and climbing. There were about 25 of us at the 7 yard line, loaded, collecting our thoughts and waiting for the range master to begin the match.

My buddy, who was a nationally ranked shooter, was standing next to me as were several others shooting for national points and the title.

My buddy takes off his hat and says loud enough for half the line to hear, “Damn it is hot.” He wipes his brow dramatically and says, “I Shure wish I had something to drink.” He bends down and starts to rummage through his ammo box. Everyone is watching him, as we all stand, baking in the sweltering sun. He picks up a small 2 ounce bottle of Hoppe’s No. 9 and says, “I wonder what this stuff tastes like?” the line laughs and someone chides, “Drink it and find out”, and the line laughs harder.

He says “The hell with it, I need something to drink” he unscrews the top and drains the bottle, drops it on the dirt, swallows, wipes his mouth and says “ Oh man, that’s terrible, blagh”.The line is slacked jawed, staring in disbelief.

Immediately thereafter the range master says “All Ready on the Starting Line” and the buzzer sounds. Half the line, staring unable to get the image from their minds.
He had emptied and washed the bottle, filling it half way with tequila, waiting for just such an opportunity.

All’s fair in love and war…

Funny, back in the day I shot with the navy team at Moffit field calif.Nothing like a couple shots before a match to steady the hand.