yhtomit
September 3, 2007, 10:13 PM
(OK, it's always a good day when I get to go to the range; happens less than I'd like.)
However, today I headed out in the afternoon for some plinking, to the local tax-funded range, bringing with me my S&W 625 (and not enough ammo for that most fun of guns), my Browning BDM (9mm), and my Ruger 22/45.
I keep a crate handy (targets, tape, insect repellant, a hat, etc), so when it was clear that the weather was fine, and major household needs taken care of (I'm home this weekend somewhat unexpectedly; my mom broke her wrist and needed some things done around the house), I headed out for Carlisle, PA.
More people than usual at the range, but all friendly, casual, interested in swapping a few shots from various guns. No one (save me) was collecting brass, either, so I got a few handfuls, even if not the bonanza of some visits.
Best of all, there were a few kids (I'd guess 6-10 years old), hanging out and watching their dads shoot, but mostly tossing rocks into the trash bins. As their dads were packing up, I saw a .22 rifle which, it turned out, belonged to one of the kids (just bought by the dad).
I offered (both kid and dad) my 22/45; kid was eager, I think dad was too. We both supervised, made sure range rules were emphasized (happily, he was the only one shooting at the time -- the other few of us were all gathered around him, giving tips, ready to pounce if the barrel swings around with too much eagerness, etc.)
He shot -- put a pretty good group on the target at 15 yards -- and afterward beamed. "That's the first time I've ever shot a handgun!" All was smiles.
Tomorrow, back to the glares of modern city life instead, but today was good.
timothy
However, today I headed out in the afternoon for some plinking, to the local tax-funded range, bringing with me my S&W 625 (and not enough ammo for that most fun of guns), my Browning BDM (9mm), and my Ruger 22/45.
I keep a crate handy (targets, tape, insect repellant, a hat, etc), so when it was clear that the weather was fine, and major household needs taken care of (I'm home this weekend somewhat unexpectedly; my mom broke her wrist and needed some things done around the house), I headed out for Carlisle, PA.
More people than usual at the range, but all friendly, casual, interested in swapping a few shots from various guns. No one (save me) was collecting brass, either, so I got a few handfuls, even if not the bonanza of some visits.
Best of all, there were a few kids (I'd guess 6-10 years old), hanging out and watching their dads shoot, but mostly tossing rocks into the trash bins. As their dads were packing up, I saw a .22 rifle which, it turned out, belonged to one of the kids (just bought by the dad).
I offered (both kid and dad) my 22/45; kid was eager, I think dad was too. We both supervised, made sure range rules were emphasized (happily, he was the only one shooting at the time -- the other few of us were all gathered around him, giving tips, ready to pounce if the barrel swings around with too much eagerness, etc.)
He shot -- put a pretty good group on the target at 15 yards -- and afterward beamed. "That's the first time I've ever shot a handgun!" All was smiles.
Tomorrow, back to the glares of modern city life instead, but today was good.
timothy
