You Need a Damn Logbook!

I know, I know, I hear you. You want to know why you need a logbook. Let’s see if I can explain it and motivate you to use one.

If you are a reloader, I should not have to say anything. But, alas, some of you really do need a logbook. How many times do you need to scratch your head while you mumble, “what was ……..I did/used back in August of this year. Yes, That’s Why You Need a Log Book

Look here Alfalfa, it can seem like August was a hundred years ago, but the fact is this is exactly why you need a logbook.

Now a logbook and a DOPE book could be one and the same I suppose, but I tend to separate out things that don’t belong in my DOPE. (Data On Previous Engagements, if you don’t know what that is) I keep things specifically related to the act of shooting in the DOPE book, and the stuff that just clutters it up in the gun log.

For the purpose of recording, I keep a spiral pocket-sized notepad in with each of my guns. (Rifles mostly, but you can use it for handguns too.)

From the day you bring it home you need to start. What scope did you mount on it? What rings did you use? What were the rings torqued to? What is your height above the bore? How many clicks from the mechanical end of the turrets range (both elevation and windage” What are your common distance zeros? How many rounds have you fired since you last cleaned it? What did you see at the range that needs further scrutiny at home? What did you forget to bring to the range this time. (Actually, a separate page for your range load out will put an end to that if you’ll but write it down!

What was the weather like? Were you shivering or sweating into your eyes? (forgot your sweatband, did ya?)

I think by know your have the idea.

If you are already using a DOPE book you likely know what you are doing. This is primarily to help the rest of you to escape from the fog you find yourselves in regularly.