Shooting

On Saturday, I went shooting with Ryan. This is the second time in my whole life that I have gone. We both got memberships at the Hobble Creek shooting range in Mapleton that's only about a mile or two down the street. The cost was the low low annual fee of $8. Very family friendly. There were lots of little girls mostly, that were just playing and running around (not in the lanes of course) wearing protective ear wear. It was a little strange to see, but cute. I guess in Utah, it's a family culture thing.



First I shot with Ryan's trusty rifle with .22s. That was fun. Then I used a Ruger pistol which wasn't too bad but it had a red dot scope thingy on it that was unfun. That was hard to use and it was getting in the way. But it's a personal preference. Then I tried Ryan's Sig Sauer. I couldn't hit anything with that even if I was going for the ground. The recoil was intense for little me. Part of my problem is that I was anticipating the recoil (the part where the bullet comes out and the gun jerks back; at least it did in my case) so I would screw up my shot before I even took it, if that makes any sense. And then I tried shooting with a rifle I couldn't even lift. That one I really didn't like and it kept misfiring (every once in a while, you would pull the trigger and nothing would come out). So it was kind of a "pop goes the weasel" effect. Very uncool.

I found out that I am left eye dominant and that I can shoot with either hand. Although I can't actually close my right eye on my own. I can wink with my left eye but for some reason, I can't control the right winkage (I know that's not a word guys). So we just put tape over my right eye of my glasses and that worked very effectively. I guess I just need practice closing my eye. Maybe I should do that during my boring classes.



We were there for about three hours enjoying the outdoor range and beautiful breezy day. I have my very own shooting glasses and ear protection/head muffs. I feel kind of cool. But at the same time, I am conflicted. I have mixed feelings about guns. They're weapons and I don't know if I would ever like my own. I don't really see the need for me to have my own. I never want to have a Concealed Weapons Permit—where would I put one anyway? Skinny little me couldn't conceal anything on her hip. Maybe if I were pregnant or something. I dunno. Which I am not, by the way. Ryan says that they may bra holsters for women. But I don't think that's quite what I am interested in either...

I have fun going every once in a while for "recreational" purposes but I don't think I'd ever want to go hunting or kill something. It just seems a bit wasteful since I am fine with the beef I get at the stores. Maybe my opinion or tastes will change. I find myself taking pride in my skill, as beginner's luck as it may be. It's kind of fun to release any tensions you may have by taking a rifle outside and shooting at a log.

So that was my fun weekend. I had a good time with Ryan. It was fun. Let's do it again. Maybe we could have it be a family event—I know Beth likes such activities :) I know Grandma would be proud.