{"id":366633,"date":"2022-11-05T07:00:03","date_gmt":"2022-11-05T13:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/?p=366633"},"modified":"2022-11-10T18:03:27","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T00:03:27","slug":"shooting-pumpkins-a-special-fall-pastime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/shooting-pumpkins-a-special-fall-pastime\/","title":{"rendered":"Shooting Pumpkins: A Special Fall Pastime"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a kid, I loved trick-or-treating. Most kids do\u2014after all, what\u2019s not to love? You get to dress up as whatever you want and get paid in candy for it. My family also had a special tradition every year: shooting pumpkins (\u201craising \u2018em right\u201d as some may say). Coming back to school after Halloween the teacher would ask what we all did to celebrate. I think I was one of the rare few that could say they spent the weekend blowing up the dying jack-o-lantern they carved for fun. But it was great, and a fun introduction to safety and target practice. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"guns,
Alright, time to load up the guns, ammo, and pumpkins. [Photo Credit: Stevens]<\/figcaption><\/figure>This tradition holds true, especially as I find many others in the gun world have this fall pastime. Maybe it’s my love of fall or my love of blowing things up, but it\u2019s too enjoyable not to suggest it to those who haven\u2019t tried it. There are many ways to enjoy this, so let\u2019s look at some of the best ways to shoot pumpkins based on the desired level of destruction. (Personally, I prefer Level 1 with 380 ACP<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

\"pumpkin
Pictured is the 380 ACP entry (left) and exit (right). [Photo Credit: Stevens]<\/figcaption><\/figure>Needless to say, you can use almost any pumpkin. And though you may have to get creative with older carved pumpkins, it\u2019s fun with either a new uncarved pumpkin or a jack-o-lantern after Halloween. Plus, it\u2019s not damaging to the environment if you leave some pumpkin behind in the dirt\u2014but don\u2019t dirty up your local range!<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 1: Target practice<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"
One fancy jack-o-lantern carved with 10mm. [Photo Credit: Stevens]<\/figcaption><\/figure>This level is perfect for a more decorative result. If your aim is alright you may end up with a presentable pumpkin! To achieve this, I have a few tips to get a clean jack-o-lantern.<\/span><\/p>\n

First off, your pumpkin is best as-is without cleaning, empty and cleaned out, or filled with water. Some prefer the water as it really can give a cleaner result\u2013plus it\u2019s fun to see the water spew out after each shot. Try adding food coloring to your water if you want an even more entertaining result. <\/span><\/p>\n

Then, make sure you use a Sharpie to guide your shots. Don\u2019t forget to give your jack-o-lantern eyes, nose, and mouth. Lastly, I would suggest 380 ACP, 9mm, 45 ACP, or 10mm caliber ammunition<\/a>. The key is a good aim, Halloween spirit, and the right hollow point so do your best!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"jack-o-lantern
Another, more filled-in jack-o-lantern carved with 40 Smith and Wesson. [Photo Credit: Stevens]<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\"Pumpkin
A hand-carved heart versus a heart carved by 45 ACP. You can see it…right? [Photo Credit: Stevens]<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n

Level 2: No Face, Just a Hole<\/span><\/h2>\n

This level is going to give a less presentable option\u2014if at all. This is actually a perfect way to use old or carved pumpkins. Those shriveled pumpkins have to go to some use after all instead of going to the trash can on November 1st. Plus, deer and hogs absolutely love pumpkins if you\u2019re in the proper area to leave your pumpkin remains behind. <\/span><\/p>\n

You can also use methods from level 1. Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative if you use an intact pumpkin. Things like paint, fake blood, soda and mints, or other mildly explosive liquids can make this experience even cooler.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for targets, feel free to draw an \u201cX\u201d marks the spot if you feel the need. You could also draw a basic target or simply tape a paper substitute to one side of the pumpkin. The preferred caliber of ammunition for this level is 308 Win<\/a>, 50 Beowulf, 458 SOCOM, 450 Bushmaster, and 50 AE. Picking out these won\u2019t leave clean holes but will leave a mildly intact pumpkin.<\/p>\n

\"Pumpkin
Time to break out the 50 Beowulf for some real destruction. [Photo Credit: Stevens]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Level 3: Complete Obliteration<\/span><\/h2>\n

At this level, there will be no trace of pumpkin left when you’re done. Whether you\u2019re just a fan of destruction or love blowing things up, this level is perfect for completely destroying some pumpkins. Just a forewarning, these methods will be messy and potentially dangerous so it is important to implement appropriate safety precautions. Keep your distance from the exploding pumpkins. <\/span><\/p>\n

Carbonated Drinks<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re using a pumpkin that is able to hold it, one of the cheapest and readily available options is to fill the pumpkins with shaken carbonated drinks. Some may practice this for explosive target practice, but filling the pumpkin will cause multiple explosions at once. This is the least explosive option, but depending on the drink you use there will still be an insane amount of destruction. This is also a good idea if your area is under a fire warning and you\u2019re unable to use any actual explosives. Keep in mind it is also a stickier option, so it may be a good idea to put down a tarp.<\/span><\/p>\n

High Caliber<\/span><\/h3>\n

You can also leave your pumpkin empty and let your gun do the work\u2014high calibers will do the trick here. <\/span>Don\u2019t worry about targets with this one\u2013the pumpkin itself is your target. Just hit orange and there won\u2019t be a trace of it left in a blink of an eye. The best caliber of ammunition for maximum effect would be <\/span>12 gauge, 50 BMG, or any caliber used repeatedly until nothing is left. Mag dumping is more than appropriate here, so just have fun. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"
Sometimes it’s just as fun to shoot the pumpkin with what you have until it falls apart. This pumpkin was shot with 40 Smith and Wesson until it crumbled. [Photo Credit: Stevens ]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Firebird Detonating Target Discs<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A
A full box of Firebird 65BIO targets, so it’s biodegradable with your pumpkin remains. [Photo Credit: Top Shot Dustin ]<\/figcaption><\/figure>Next is a step up on the explosive roster\u2014Firebird Detonating Target discs. These are still fairly affordable and readily available at your local hunting or gun store. Not to worry, one per pumpkin will do. Make sure you know <\/span>Firebird<\/span>\u2019s safety precautions before trying this method:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlways read and follow the safety instructions on the package. When affixing the targets, do not use a hammer, staple gun, or screws. Just peel, stick, and shoot. Be sure to clear the target area of any dry grass, limbs, or sticks or any other flammable material.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Be sure to check your local fire conditions and comply with any ordinances. Be sure to keep the targets away from any open flames or any other fire sources, and that includes cigarettes. These targets are a lot of fun, but never, never use them indoors. Make sure you stay back 10 meters from the targets, and you\u2019ll see why once you start shooting them. I shouldn\u2019t have to say this, but never ingest, alter, or disassemble the targets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Using these targets properly will leave your pumpkin in pieces, and is the easiest to assemble. Just attach it to the outside or inner wall of the pumpkin with the adhesive. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tannerite<\/span><\/h3>\n

Last but not least is Tannerite. If you haven\u2019t heard of it, Tannerite is a combination of ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder commonly used for targets. Keep in mind basic safety precautions and do proper research before trying this out. You can\u2019t have fun destroying your dying jack-o-lantern if you have to make a trip to the emergency room. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Tannerite is fun but dangerous\u2014<\/span>so stay safe. [Photo Credit: DIY Quickly ]<\/figcaption><\/figure>Make sure you\u2019re aware of any fire ordinances just like with the Firebird discs. You have to shoot it at no less than 100 yards and understand that once its two compounds are mixed it’s combustive. You can find Tannerite in premade targets or in its raw form where you mix it yourself. Putting it in the pumpkin is really all that\u2019s needed, and fire away! This is the absolute highest amount of damage you can do to your pumpkin\u2014it will be completely devastated. <\/span><\/p>\n
\"Tannerite
Here’s one example of the kind of explosion you may expect depending on the quantity of Tannerite. [Photo Credit: The Social Regressive]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Halloween is done, so what do you do with your shriveling jack-o-lanterns? Here’s a great new family tradition to start (if you don’t already do it) \u2014 shooting pumpkins!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":366675,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-366633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-insights"],"small_media_thumbnail":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pumpkin-feature-300x225.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/366633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/72"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=366633"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/366633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":380555,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/366633\/revisions\/380555"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/366675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=366633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=366633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=366633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}