Hello from the UK,
I am a 46 year old Police Officer of some 22 years service. Prior to that I was in the Royal Air Force Police for 6 years and the Territorial Army (sort of like your National Guard) for the two years prior to that.
Shooting was always something that I could do well and lived for my times on the range. In the Military I used the Browning HiPower 9mm pistol, the L2a3 SMG (A.k.a "The Sterling") also in 9mm, the L1a1 SLR in 7.62mm NATO (The British version of the FN FAL), the L4a1 LMG (a Bren gun rechambered to 7.62mm), the L7a1 GPMG which is the FN Mag.
I have always had a great interest in firearms which, in the UK, has always been a subject generally frowned upon by the majority of UK society and thus making someone like me "one to be watched". I believe in the citizens right to bear arms and that the British Police should be armed in the same manner as the rest of the planets Law Enforcement, so I am considered somewhat controversial in the UK.
The only firearm I privately owned was a Valmet 412s 12 gauge over and under shotgun for sporting clays. I was just about to start buying my first handguns when the Government completed its Draconian gun bans killing the firearms community in the UK.
I really enjoy coming over to the USA for my vacations and have visited Florida twice and took advantage of the gun rental facilities and had a great time. I really envy and respect your freedom over in the USA. If you think you are oppressed, spend a little time in the UK under the Stalinist junta Mr Blair left us! Trust me you are not doing too badly at all.
I'm coming over again in July this year. This time to L.A and San Diego and will be scoping out the gun ranges again. My eldest son will be 19 while we are there and we'll be spending his birthday morning getting through as much ammo in as many different guns as possible. Can't wait!
This is me on the range in Orlando with my favourite handgun design of all time: the 1911a1 .45acp (this was a Springfield Armory example):
Is there anything more fun? Only a room full of Playboy centrefolds, and there would have to be a lot of them!
By the way, I'm not bald, thats a solar panel for a sex machine!
See you on the forums.
Bo