I visited Arms & Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Grounds

[General Ripper.]

Just a few of more than 100 photos taken - enjoy!

http://img105.imageshack.us/slidesho...706182tb4.smil

[agentw0]

I was stationed there for a while in 2002, I visited the museuem a few times, Tons of history there.

[VariableFeedback]

Here are some pictures from a visit of mine a couple of years ago.

http://www.recordedphotons.com/image...?g2_itemId=410

[crakkajakka15]

I used to live about 30 Min from there. My parents still do

[PA Rifleman]

In the 70s & 80s they had public live fire displays. I recall it was the weekend before the Preakness. This included stuff they were evaluating like tanks and arty right up to 203mm (8 inch) guns. This stuff was loud. Like you feel it as well as hear it, even when several hundred yards away.

The stupidity of the public regarding military weapons never fails to amaze me. Some brought small kids, others brought infants. I kid you not. Infants.

They set off three *huge* explosive charges some distance away from the bleachers, but close enough to weed out those that weren't ready for live fire. Immediately afterwards, there'd be a scurry of mothers carrying hysterical babies.

One year I was running late, cameras flapping as I ran toward the bleacher entrance. There were concession stands, I think one sold hot dogs (can't remember for certain) but there was always a kiosk handing out foam earplugs, and for good reason. Standing in the exact middle of the lane was a woman eating something, standing still. The first screening blast was a few seconds out, I knew the real show was here, not the test range - because on her wrist was the end of a dog leash. And a large dog on the other end.

First blast. Flash on horizon...fireball...mushroom cloud...wave of pebbles jumping along the ground getting closer....takes a second or two to arrive...wait for it...

----- BOOM -----

The poor dog achieved 80% of the of speed of light by the time he ran out of leash. Food flies in random directions. The unfortunate dog owner is now horizontal, being towed like a target drone behind a very panicked dog. Flash on horizon...fireball...mushroom cloud...pebble wave coming....

----- BOOM -----

The dog is now running in a circle, circumscribed by the length of his leash. More like a high speed canine centrifuge. Owner is now on her knees (getting skinned up pretty good too) trying to calm fido. Urine is spraying out in a tangent pattern from the rut the dog's trying to wear in the ground. And again, Flash on horizon...fireball...mushroom cloud...

----- BOOM -----

Fido now has lost it. Runs on top & knocks down idiot owner, standing on top. She's laying on her back, torn up, splashed with mustard or ketchup, and one wet, smelly & frightened dog standing on top of her.

Some people just don't get it.

[mpi]

oh that was good. hahahahahahahahahahahah

[Ramtuff]

I try to get down there every once and again. It makes for a great day trip, and the best ribs I ever had were from this little shack right outside the South side of the base...I wonder if that place is still there or not. I think I'm about due for another trip down there.

[General Ripper.]

Nice pictures VariableFeedback.I wonder if they still put on those Live Fire displays?,probably not,liability issues,we have too many lawyers.

[imashooter2]

I went once many years ago. The thing that sticks in my mind the most is the bazooka round that drilled a hole through about 24 inches of boiler plate. I remember thinking "Huh! I usually feel pretty safe standing behind 2 feet of steel." followed by "And that's 50 year old technology."

[VariableFeedback]

Originally Posted by General Ripper.

Nice pictures VariableFeedback.I wonder if they still put on those Live Fire displays?,probably not,liability issues,we have too many lawyers.

Thanks. The also have a (quite large) small arms collection inside the museum. I'd defiantly recommend a visit to the place.