These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Monday, September 03, 2012

Oh shoot

I went shooting today! Yes, as in target practice at a shooting range.  I did pretty well.

I shot several different calibers of gun while there, thanks to my friend bringing them to give me a taste of each. I learned a lot about how the various ones feel in my hand, what to watch for in some problems with fit, the difference between revolvers and semi-automatics, etc. I learned what I like and don't about several of them. I know there is much more to learn, but it's a good start.

With each new gun, there was a learning curve, and I usually missed the target 2-3 times while getting the hang of it, but then, I was pleasantly surprised to see I was shooting with pretty good accuracy. At first I thought I was missing the target more than I actually was, because the bullets went through the target and kicked up the dust behind it. I thought I was missing it altogether! But my friend was watching and knew how I was doing. We walked out and looked at it up close and son-of-a-gun! I was hitting often and fairly centered! By the end of a couple hours, my target was pretty well riddled, and considering it was about 18" square, that's pretty good.

There were a couple men near us who knew my friend. They were watching us off and on, and one commented that I was doing pretty well. My friend replied that this was my first time shooting, and he responded "Well, then, with a little more practice you're gonna be a serious concern to any intruder." I feel pretty comfortable about how I handle the guns. I want to practice more, but it's nice to know that in a pinch, I can do what I need.

And since some of you are wondering .... no, I don't know any more than I did. My friend has been sick with a cold and is just getting over it. We called it a day after shooting. He was looking rather fatigued and was coughing a little. I didn't want him to have a set back.  I got a nice hug as I got into my truck and he said he'd give me a call when he is better. As I said .... we will see.   :)

13 comments:

  1. Turing into an intersestting soap opera for those of us on the outside.

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    1. chuckle! I guess it might be so. I hope it doesn't become too dramatic and bizarre.

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  2. I did a little shooting as a teen too Lyn. Just a .22 rifle. But it was fun. I remember shooting one of Jake's guns after we first met, it was some sort of handgun and it had quite a kickback. But that was a long time ago, we haven't gone since. We just got busy with other things, you know.
    I think it's really great for you to know though. Especially living out there in the wilds! And really what's the point of having them if you don't know what you're doing!
    I'm sorry to hear that your friend was sick. Jake was sick all weekend long. I haven't called him yet this morning but am hoping he's feeling better. Good for you Lyn, you're a smart lady!! Love Di ♥

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    1. IMO, if you have guns in the house, you should know how to shoot them, how to clean them and make them safe to shoot if necessary. Otherwise, fill the barrels and hang them on the wall! I didn't know if I would enjoy shooting, because in the past my distaste for guns was deep, but it was actually fun. It's not something I'd do for only the fun of it, however. But knowing how to handle the weapons feels very good, and keeping those skills honed is a good thing.

      Aw, did Jake have to go out on the road again? Darn. I was hoping he'd be home a week or so. But duty calls, right?

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  3. He left yesterday. He still has two weeks vacation to use before next August but didn't want to waste it on a cold! He feels better today. He just took a week off a couple of weeks back when Ginny came up from N.C.
    I think his plan is to take a week off for Christmas and our Anniversary which is Dec. 29th. He's wanted to do this for years but something always comes up usually a surgery. We're keeping our fingers crossed this time. I don't even remember the last time we were together on our Anniversary.
    Love Di ♥

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    1. Boy, I hope it works out for you guys! My daughter is trying to come for a visit around Christmas, and I'm hoping to save some vacation days for then. I've used a lot for my physical therapy. Fingers crossed for us all!

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  4. Inquiring minds..... :)

    I read your FB post and Vicki and I have been having similar discussions about guns. She owns a few and has brought them into our home now. She is a former marine and quite the sharpshooter. Casey and I were both against guns and planned on never having them around. Things change though, and Vicki and I (and Casey and Stephanie, for that matter) do live out in the country now. She wants me to learn, and I probably will, and will also probably enjoy it. Still, the idea of guns bothers me....but then, a lot of humanity in general bothers me. Guess there is a reality piece there that has to be considered.

    Glad you are enjoying yourself!

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    1. Dakota, it's not an easy decision, is it, especially with children in the house. I think you need to talk with Vicki and others who know guns. As you say, living in the country makes a difference. I look at it this way .... if the guns are in the house, every adult should know how to handle them, how to care for them, and how to safely store them. For me, until I could shoot them, there remained some fear and my handling of them was uneasy. And the thought of needing to use one without knowing what I was doing really worried me. I feel better about it all now. I'd say go ahead and learn. Informed is better in almost all situations. Good luck!

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    2. Thanks! We have had and will continue to have such discussions. I have been also talking with other friends, parents and non-parents, and, of course, Casey. Lots to consider!

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    3. Good. Informed decisions are always right. :)

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  5. I thought it was required out west that everyone know how to shoot. Don't believe I've ever shot a gun myself, though I've been with others hunting up north. Just so long as you don't become one of those who are militantly political about their guns. Can't handle those types well.

    I thought about you the other day because a friend of my wife had her schit-zu (sp?) escape the house and run away. Then while the friend was on vacation, the dog came home, following a neighbor's cat. Isn't that something? Hope your dogs are all remaining safe and secure, especially with a BIG cat roaming about.

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    1. Dave, they've relaxed a lot of those rules these days! LOL! I don't like people who are militant on either extreme .... about guns, about politics, about just almost anything! No, highly unlikely that I would be strongly opinionated about mu guns.

      I love the Shih Tzu story!! That is cute! And as for my guys, I have a pretty safe system here, including a teenage neighbor girl who comes down and check, then closes the house if I'm late getting home. Pretty good deal. :)

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!