OK so I did not shoot the sheriff but perhaps I used his silhouette as my target???
Today I went to a shooting range. I was invited by a guest to a “gun party”. In honor of her birthday the hostess invited her friends to join her for target practice. When I was invited to accompany one of her guess to the party I immediately said yes. Not because I love guns but because it was an interesting opportunity and something I’d never think to do on my own.
Our safety training before heading to the target area was about 5 minutes long and consisted of three rules that were basic common sense.
- Always point the gun towards the safe place, the safe place being the opposite direction of people or down.
- Never put your finger on the trigger.
- Always assume the gun is loaded.
After the training we headed upstairs to the target area. I was feeling very nervous as I walked up the stairs. Once inside the shooting are I was given protective ear and eye wear. The instructors told us how to grip the gun. Put the safety on and off, aim and shoot. My palms were so sweaty I was not able to put the safety on. When I was first able to shoot I had a hard time focusing and aiming. However my second go round I got it and hit the target right on the X. It was a strange experience to feel the power of the gun in my had. I actually liked the feel of the 9mm semi automatic in my hand. However shooting it was almost a little to real. I could feel the heat of the gun while shooting and see the flash. I could feel the slight kick back against my palm. Bullet casings would fly out of the gun in unpredictable directions. The casings are very hot and capable of causing bruises and burns. Over all it was a fun experience. Fun more so because most of the people at the party were first timers like myself. We brought a kind of excitement and nervous energy to the range. However if I never shoot a gun again I will be just fine with that. While I was shooting I could not help thinking how awful it would be for a person to be shot and not just a piece of paper with a shadow drawn on it. Also, It did not escape me that for a few hundred dollars and the proper paperwork you can buy an instrument that is made for the sole purpose of killing. It seems like something like that should be harder to acquire.So, while I wont be taking Joy hostage at gun point, sharing new experiences with others will certainly invite Joy into my presence willingly.
What an original party idea! It's great you went and learned some safety information too!
I have never held a gun, but I think it would be exciting to shoot one. A shooting range would be a fun date night idea!
I have been wanting to do this for a while. I must do it for the new year
My oldest son does gun training for a living. He LOVES it, and those three rules you mentioned always come out of his mouth. 🙂
What an interesting way to celebrate! I'd do this!
I have NEVER shot a gun before. Definitely an interesting adventure for you!
This sounds like it was a great day. I have never shot a gun before. This would be a great way to learn how.
What a neat idea for a birthday party. I have frequented a gun range and the first visit was definitely a nerve rattler.
My husband and I go to the shooting range often. I think it's important to learn how to protect yourself and others.
You are a brave soul! I have refused to do shooting ranges for years…I have no desire to do it – its scary and I dont wanna shoot anyone. I bet it felt good to shoot a paper sheriff (bad cop lol).
I've never been to a shooting range, but it sounds like a really unique experience. I'm glad you got such thorough training in the beginning. There's a lot to consider when handling a gun, I'm sure.
I really enjoy shooting as well. My husband takes me to the range on occasion and it is fun to see how accurate you can get!
It sounds like you had a great time at the gun range. Good for you!
I have been wanting to go to the shooting range for such a long time. Maybe one of these days I will finally get it checked off my to-do list.
What a cool experience! I've never fired a gun personally but I've been to shooting ranges a few times. It's crazy loud!
I am a gal that is not afraid to use a gun and enjoy going to the range on occasion. There is something so gratifying about knowing I can defend myself should the need arise.
I have been to a shooting range before and it was pretty cool. It's always great to try new things and I think this definitely qualifies.
I went to a shooting range with an ex YEARS ago and it was a pretty scary experience. I wasn't used to how loud the gun was.
At the same time, I think women should become more familiar with ways to defend themselves.
Good for you! It is a fun experience to go to the range for the 1st time!
I have a couple of friends who would love a birthday party like this. I live in Georgia, so just about everyone has a gun.
I love going to the range. It's so fun and such an awesome stress reliever.
Hmmm, I was actually supposed to take a gun safety class to get a gun permit, but for whatever reason it did not happen. I've always want to go to the gun range and see what it would feel like…but I guess it would be a completely different idea to actually experience it 🙂
Love the picture of you taking joy by hostage. 🙂
oh gosh Joy how incredibly exciting, I would have done exactly the same.
Very interesting! i was wondering why and how this gun toting experience came to be!! glad to be able to read about it and hear what your thoughts were on it. I've actually, believe it or not, thought it would be interesting to go to a shooting range and see what it was like. glad to get a first person experience from a "normal" person (you know, a desk worker like me!).
i do hear you though when you mention you felt the weight of holding such a weapon of destruction in your hands – i think that would be formost in my mind too. i do think it is too easy to get a gun, but i also think people should be aloowed to have them. it is a hard balance to describe, and obviously, a hard balance to legislate.
laughed out loud when you wrote that you won't be taking Joy hostage at gunpoint! ~bam~