I tried something new tonight and attended a NRA Women on Target class at the local shooting range.
I don't have much experience with guns but I've been around hunters for my entire life. Now I'm married to a man who likes to hunt and you can bet that as soon as he's able my ten year old son will be carrying a gun as well. He goes out duck hunting and practice shooting with his dad already, so he's eager to "graduate" to the next level.
I've thought about taking this class for a while but had schedule conflicts when it was offered. Until now, that is. Two very nice men patiently explained how ammunition and guns work in very simple terms for the 15 or so women that attended. We had some really great discussion as well about our liberties and rights as U.S. citizens and not taking them for granted. The topic of self defense also came up which I think is so important. I want to learn how to handle a gun so that I'm not intimidated by it and so that I can gain enough proficiency to defend myself or my family if need be.
I realize that guns are a hot topic and to be honest my views have changed radically in the last twenty years. I used to think that they were dangerous (they can be) and that gun bills limiting access was good. Now I think that gun ownership is a right, protected by the second amendment of the constitution. I want to be able to bear arms if I choose to do so and I want that for my children as well.
Tonight's class was three hours long (it actually ran fifteen minutes over because we had such great discussion) and we meet again on Saturday for seven hours where we'll get out on the range and try out all the different guns they explained to us tonight. I'm excited (and a little nervous) to give it a try!
6 comments:
That sounds WAY cool! You are awesome!
Keelie
My dad, uncles, and Papa all were hunters when I was growing up. My hubby is a also a hunter. Like you I have no desire to hunt. That kind of class might be good for me because for some reason I have an un-natural fear with guns. I guess it is even worse now that we have kids.
I also wanted to thank you for the absolutely sweet and encouraging words on my blog. They made me cry. Saying that God is up to something big in my life is the best compliment!
You will be awesome! Good luck, you will have to let us know how it goes!
Kate
I'm glad you had so much fun with this class. :) I'm sure we will be hearing *bangs* in the backyard now.
Xoxo.
Hopefully all went well! And, isn't it tough to post during the spring? I can never find enough time to do everything I want to do during the spring!
Kate
Shooting is the funnest sport ever!
Well, maybe. There's always canoeing and biking and camping and...
Seriously- one need not be a hunter to enjoy shooting, and many do not hunt. I had this talk with a person a few days ago when they glibly commented about shooters being killers... hmmm, maybe a post coming up, though I ended their rant quickly telling them, "All shooters are killers the way all Obamanoids are prejudiced."
Kathy suggests that "next year you teach the class". Good idea, Mom- and I'm surprised your class was instructed by men.
As we say up this way- "Gopher-it, Mom. You'll love it."
Shy III
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