Plink?

[dwayne]

I’m sure it’s just me getting old and grouchy, but I’d as soon shave my head with a cheese grater as read of someone “plinking”. As I, and Mr Webster, understand the word, it refers to “making casual shots at random targets.” I see the term used often … especially when the 22 caliber is involved. I can remember shooting for about 60 years. But, for the life of me, I don’t think I have ever “plinked” even one time. As long as I can remember, every shot has been taken seriously with careful aim at specific targets that were intended to be shot with a clear understanding of what was between me and my target and beyond it. There wasn’t anything casual or random about it then … or today. When I was growing up, if my USMC dad (and life long shooting mentor) ever saw me “plink”, I would have been without my cherished Mauser 350B for quite a while. Those lessons have served me well. And, I DON’T PLINK.

 

[hittman]

You seem to have read too much into the word and how it’s used. And all of it in a negative light.

Not sure why you’d jump to the conclusion that someone plinking disregards safety or common sense measures.

I’d bet many (MOST?) of us have enjoyed idyllic family afternoons plinking cans with a revolver …. As the definition below states. We can plink cans safely while knowing whats behind those cans, etc.
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Plinking - Search

www.bing.com

plinking (present participle)

1. emit a short, sharp, metallic or ringing sound:
   "the sounds echoed and plinked like bells"
   • play a musical instrument in such a way as to produce short, sharp, ringing sounds:
     "a daughter dutifully plinks through her piano lesson"
   • NORTH AMERICAN
     shoot at (a can, bottle, or similar target):
     "we enjoyed idyllic family afternoons plinking cans with a revolver"

 

[WAYNO]

I plink every time I'm at the range. When I don't want to check targets every time, I shoot at bits of clay birds that are always on the berm. I also have never placed a negative value on doing so.

 

[Bob Wright]

I think the term was coined by Ad Topperwein? His wife's nickname was "Plinky." They, as a team, were exhibition shooters.

Not too sure, but as I recall she would toss up a small target and tell him: "Plink it!"

Bob Wright

 

[Pat-inCO]

If you have/use a bullet trap, rated for .22lr, they go "plink" when you hit them.

 

[Cholo]

Aw, s***. 22Plinkster will have to change his YouTube name thanks to dwayne

LOL

 

[Kevin]

I never thought the term was negative either. I always thought it meant just casual shooting. I shoot at a range, with backstops and set range rules, but still some days it’s pretty casual.

I have always thought of the term being 22 rimfire specific.

 

[Fox Mike]

Most all shooting I have done was one of two kinds. Shooting competitively at a bullseye or similar target or 'plinking' non-
competitively at various targets, always keeping safety first and foremost.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

How do you feel about double shots? or offhand shooting?

 

[Busterswoodshop]

I have been plinking with 22's my whole life.
I had no idea I was doing something wrong.

 

[sceva]

here is a Tie Tack of my favorite plinking target. It's fun to shoot at cans, bottle caps, Necco wafers etc ( using a safe shooting area ans backstop and NO GLASS)

Sterling silver by Sid Bell




After cleaning the tarnish

 

[Goldstar225]

Plinking has nothing to do with shooting in an unsafe manner. Casual, yes. Relaxing especially with family or friends? You bet. There's room enough in our hobby to engage in both serious focused practice and a relaxing pastime. I cherish both.

 

[Ka6otm]

I think the term was coined by Ad Topperwein? His wife's nickname was "Plinky." They, as a team, were exhibition shooters.

Not too sure, but as I recall she would toss up a small target and tell him: "Plink it!"

Bob Wright

You're right. OP is nitpicking.

 

[wproct]

Jeez, I've been "plinking" for over 60 years and didn't know I was doing something wrong. Anyway, safety first, and relaxation and fun a close second.

 

[montana outfitters]

I like it when I plink and a elk falls down..it makes me feel safe and secure that I will be eating good for a year or so and everyone else will be eating chemo-cow badmouthing plinking......................

 

[Bob Wright]

I, too, have often engaged in plinking, many, many times. In plinking, ones aims at the target, tin can, clay target, old washing machines, junk car bodies, etc. without regard to grouping or even where the shot will hit, just hit the can and make it jump or roll. Ever shoot at old service station signs? Or discarded washing machines, after first checking to make sure the wringer rollers are already salvaged. Water filled plastic jugs are another favorite plinking target. And for shotgun use, ice cubes tossed up into the air.

And, by the way Dwayne, I've got an unused cheese grater should you want one.

Bob Wright

 

[dwayne]

From the OP … Thank you all for giving me a broader understanding of, and appreciation for, the term “plinking”. My view was too narrow and failed to recognize that the occasionally casual aspect of our sport can also be deliberate and very safety conscious. And, Mr. Wright, I especially appreciate the lesson on the history of the term. Call me educated … and converted. I think I may go find something to plink … maybe an old cheese grater. Lesson humbly learned, thanks … out.

 

[gunzo]

Skeeter Skelton, in an article devoted to plinking mentions Bill Ruger developing the Standard 22 Auto, & pricing it at a level that plinkers could afford.
Skeeter confessed to being a plinker, indicated Bill Jordan as one too. I felt at ease being in the company of well know plinkers.

Plinking... lot's of fun & with a bit of thought applied to what you're doing,, can be very educational.

Long live the joy of plinking.

 

[contender]

dwayne;
As you saw,, many here classify themselves as "plinkers." And,, several good solid references as to why it's called plinking.

But I'm happy to see you step up, admit to learning something new,, and admit to maybe being a bit narrow minded in how you thought. I was glad to see you took the comments as a positive way of looking at things.

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!

BTW; I own a gun range. When I'm shooting,, it's always at a safe backstop, and the targets are of the type as to not be hazardous. And yes,, I too plink at dirt clods, water jugs, reactive moving commercial self-sealing targets & whatever.
I also try to hit my target,, but less concerned about tight precise shots when doing my casual shooting. In the field,, when hunting,, I focus on making a clean kill, and placing my shots. BUT,, in the field, sometimes there isn't enough time to do that, so casual plinking can teach you how to hit a target effectively, yet not be quite as precise as you MIGHT have been.

 

[dannyd]

I'm definitely a plinker ever had a bullseye shooter tell me that. Was plinking last Saturday. Some people think viagra is an old guy friend not true it's a Red Dot.