At the Shooting Range

We went to the shooting range with Tina & Steve, something that I had been nervous about all day.  I told them that I didn't really want to be there.  Although I like the "idea" of having guns in our home  for protection, I didn't think I would like handling them myself.  I thought I would feel more comfortable with a baby gun, something that is harmless and weak.

With all that said and explained to Steve and Tina, I was truly amazed that I left the shooting range feeling confident and empowered.  I know that I owe my positive experience to the great lesson that Steve (a current police officer) gave me.  Step by step he taught me the parts of a gun and how they work, he taught me safety skills and showed me all the safety features on the gun, he taught me how to properly grip a gun and to site in a target.  First he trained me on a 22 semi-automatic hand gun that we rented from the range.  Then after feeling confident with that gun, he said I was ready for Paul's 9mm.  The first video below shows me shooting it for the first time!  I had a huge smile after that!

They (Steve, Paul, and Tina) were all amazed at my first time - I hit that target dead in the center.  Steve joked that if I ever wanted a job as an officer that he would give me a good reference!  I guess I have an amazing aim (check out my target below - that was all me!)

I look forward to going shooting again.  I feel more confident that I could protect myself after learning how to properly handle the gun.  I know I have more to learn and I look forward to some more lessons from Steve.  And I think I want to get my concealed weapons permit.

Here is my first time shooting Paul's 9mm (I have been telling everybody it was the 40 - but I was just corrected by Paul).

Here are a few shots in a row, I am getting the hang of it - now!