September 4th, 2023
8minute read
MotoSchutzen is a coined term I bet most of you arent familiar with.
A Great Pairing
Why involve bikes in a shooting event?
Without question, there is an inherent tie between man, machine and firearm.
For many people, motorcycles and shooting are their top two passions. Why not combine them in a single event with like-minded folks?
Regardless, the tie is there, and this event solidifies it.
Thankfully, I can tell you that operating a motorcycle is, well, like riding a bike.
Details
The itinerary for the 2023 MotoSchutzen event was very straightforward, purposeful and full of fun.
The bikes at this year’s MotoSchützen event were as varied as the riders themselves.
On arrival date, the group began to trickle into the lodging area throughout the afternoon.
The log-sided building is wrapped around the front and side with a deck and tables for outdoor gathering.
The venue also provided multiple cabins varying in size and capacity.
The author was a first-time attendee this year at the MotoSchützen.
Once the motorcycles and gear were unloaded, general introductions were made.
We hopped onto various motorcycles, with many riding purpose-built adventure bikes.
After, we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour a jaw-dropping private collection of American muscle cars.
MotoSchützen 2023 began at the Black Bear Lodge North located in Mount Carroll, Illinois. This puts it very close to “The Site” shooting facility.
Another evening was spent, unsurprisingly, chatting about firearms and motorcycles the good stuff!
The second day would repeat the first with morning range time, lunch then scenic touring.
Springfield Armory presented a Hellcat Pro 9mm, 1911 Operator 9mm and the just-released 9mm Echelon.
From Kawasaki to Ducati, many motorcycle brands were seen at this riding and shooting event.
The 3.7-barreled handgun is Melonite finished with tritium sights and is optics-ready.
The 15+1 magazine capacity is impressive, considering the small footprint.
Outfitted with aShield SMSc, hits on the 25-yard line were a breeze.
At “The Site,” the riders were able to shoot a variety of Springfield Armory products, including the new Echelon 9mm pistol.
This handgun has a place on a motorcycle riders hip, securely tucked into a Crossbreed holster of choice.
A 1911 Operator chambered in 9mm particularly captured my attention.
The Operator blends classic lines of a John Browning design with a cartridge that I prefer.
For many people, the 2023 MotoSchützen was their first opportunity to get range time with the new Springfield Armory Echelon handgun.
The frame and slide are forged carbon steel with black Cerakote.
Sights consist of a rear white dot and front tritium.
The final handgun shown by Springfield Armory was the recently released 9mm Echelon.
Fiocchi’s Range Dynamics ammunition fed the guns at the MotoSchützen 2023.
There are many standout features, and all are equally relevant in my opinion.
The striker-fired trigger is one of the better that I have encountered.
This pistol ate up the Fiocchi Range Dynamics ammo we had on hand.
Galenas streets and architecture reminded me of Deadwood, South Dakota.
Dinner was spent recapping the previous two days and planning the next adventure.
Avid motorcyclists, where would you choose to hold a multi-day riding and shooting excursion?
