Shooting with My Father — Memories Cherished
Photo shows Joseph (“Skeet”) Borden, with match rifle built by his son, Jim Borden.
Jim Borden recently made a post on his Facebook Page that made us think about how shooting can build important bonds between father and son. Jim recalled how he would go to Piedmont, North Carolina with his father every year for a shooting match: “17 years ago this weekend was the last time dad was able to make the trek to North Carolina for the annual Groundhog contest and the match at Piedmont. Loved the time we spent together. Dad shot competitive benchrest with me from 1980 until June 2001. He passed in August 2001.”
This prompted others shooters to respond with cherished memories of their own fathers:
“I’d give a year’s pay to have my Dad back for an hour, let alone a day. Spend all the time you can with them while they’re here”. — Kerry S.
“I think how lucky some folks are to look back in life and have fond memories of doing things with their parents that both enjoyed. I have missed my dad for 44 years and think of him every time I hunt, fish, trap or work on a household project. We did it all together.” — Bill McC.
Another poster explained how he now attends matches with his own young son:
“The time you spent with your father meant as much or more to him. Always cherish [those memories], as I know you will. Last year, I spent … over 400 hours with my then 10-year-old son going to rifle matches. This year will be similar. This photo was from today of my 11-year-old son.” — John C.
Tech Note: The rifle is a rimfire benchrest rig shot from a one-piece rest. The barrel has multiple tuning devices attached — at the muzzle and mid-barrel.
So here’s a message to all dads — take some time to introduce your sons (and daughters) to the joys of shooting. Spend quality time with your youngsters while you can. Time passes quickly, boys grow up into men. Ensure you enjoy a life outdoors together whenever you can.
About Jim Borden and Borden Accuracy
Jim began shooting high power silhouette and benchrest matches in the mid 1970s while working for a Fortune 500 company as an engineer. In the early 1980s he began building rifles for himself and then for others. Jim has a background as a gunsmith, machinist, registered professional mechanical engineer, engineering instructor, project manager, hunter, and benchrest competitor. In benchrest competions he has set ten world records and won 11 National Championships thereby earning 14 Benchrest Hall of Fame points and induction into the Benchrest Hall of Fame. Jim also served six terms as President of the International Benchrest Shooters (IBS).Jim operates Borden Rifles/Borden Accuracy with his wife Joan, sons Jim Junior and John, daughter Andrea Mecca and son-in-law John (Mike) Mecca. Jim is also an outstanding photographer. Here’s one of his favorite images:
I have been fortunate to meet John and his son 2 years ago at ARA Nationals. I have been shooting competitions with my son 4 years now and has been a great experience.
Mike G