Returning to Competition Shooting in Our Older Years

Welcome back to For The Love of Guns! In this relaxed and nostalgic episode, host Jason Schaller sits down in-studio with returning guest Lonnie Robinson, a longtime friend, Marine Corps veteran, and firearms enthusiast. Together, they dive into the joys and challenges of getting back into competition shooting as they navigate their "older years," reflecting on past experiences, evolving passions, and the camaraderie that keeps them hooked on the sport. Key Segments

Intro: Welcome Back Lonnie [00:00:04 - 00:01:42]   Jason kicks off the show with a warm welcome to Lonnie, a rare in-studio guest who’s back for more “abuse.”  

The duo shares how they met—Lonnie as a customer when Jason ran an FFL—and their enduring friendship despite Jason’s playful jabs.

Topic: Returning to Competition Shooting [00:01:43 - 00:11:53]   Jason and Lonnie discuss their return to competition shooting, focusing on trap, sporting clays, and pistol matches.  

Lonnie reflects on his recent trap and five-stand sessions at a new club, reigniting his love for shotgunning—a passion rooted in his Marine Corps days and childhood hunting in Texas.  

Jason shares his own journey, from trap at age 10 with an 870 Wingmaster to pistol competitions in his 20s and sporting clays in his 30s.  

They explore the physical challenges of aging—shoulder surgeries, knee issues, and arthritis—and how it shifts their focus from winning to enjoying the sport and camaraderie.  

Highlight: Lonnie’s shift to competing against himself rather than others: “I’m my main adversary now.” [00:06:13]

Sponsor Break: EGIS Gun Care [00:11:53 - 00:12:35]   Jason gives a shoutout to AEGIS Gun Care at https://trb.fyi/boomlube, praising their oils and teasing an upcoming content idea. Use code BoomLub at checkout for 10% off and to support the show!

Long-Range Shooting: Military vs. Now [00:12:35 - 00:16:58]   Lonnie contrasts his Marine Corps long-range shooting with today’s recreational approach, emphasizing fun over necessity.  

A discussion on ethical hunting: Lonnie opts against building a long-range hunting rifle (7mm PRC) for a client due to insufficient skill and practice for shots beyond 400 yards.  

Highlight: “Unless you know your rifle, load, and wind conditions, you shouldn’t take long-range shots.” [00:14:46]

Gunsmithing: Experience Over Certificates [00:17:01 - 00:23:26]   The pair dive into building custom rifles, with Lonnie sharing his work at Little Mountain Gun Works and Jason recounting his own builds (e.g., rebarreling Remington 700s).  

They critique gunsmithing schools like SDI and MGS, agreeing real-world experience trumps formal diplomas. Lonnie’s “diploma from life and the Marine Corps” speaks for itself.  

Highlight: Lonnie on woodworking: “I don’t need a class—I make really nice stocks.” [00:20:52]

Competition Rifles and Shotguns [00:23:26 - 00:45:24]   From chassis systems to classic over-and-unders, they explore how competition gear has evolved and their personal preferences (Lonnie’s Beretta love shines through).  

Lonnie’s shift to enjoying the process over scores: “My five-stand was atrocious compared to my old scores, but I had a blast.” [00:45:10]

Speed Round [00:51:22 - 00:57:03]   Jason surprises Lonnie with a quick-fire Q&A:   Ear plugs or muffs? Plugs for shotguns. [00:52:16]  

357 or 454 Casull? 357 for versatility. [00:53:55]  

Improved or modified choke? Modified for all-around use. [00:55:05]  

Single shot or lever action? Single shot (Ruger No. 1 fan). [00:56:23]

Thinking Question: From the world’s largest armory, Lonnie picks a Ma Deuce (.50 BMG), envisioning it in a Jeep for Rolling Thunder. [00:57:27]

Wrap-Up: Little Mountain Gun Works [01:01:03 - 01:04:26]   Lonnie introduces his retirement gig at Little Mountain Gun Works, crafting custom PRS and NRL rifles with his 07 FFL.  

Jason