Naturally, now that my younger son owns a rifle, we had to go shoot it. On Saturday, we drove into town to a range run by the wildlife resources agency. Straight ahead in the green jacket is my son pinning his target at the 50 yard mark. Is it just me or does the end of the gun in the stand look like a sad face with a Yosemite Sam-style mustache and Dumbo ears?
There were strict safety rules. Ear and eye protection were required a good bit before you actually reached the range, and we had a briefing by one of the volunteer range officers. We had to wait behind a red line until the next cease fire, gun unloaded and tabled. The range officers were very friendly and helpful, but also quick to call someone down if they broke a safety rule. The man at the end of our row approached his gun during a cease fire and I heard the officer shouting,
"Sir! Sir! Step behind the red line!" He went on to explain, firmly, that when people see someone approach a gun while they are on the range, no matter what you are actually doing, they get understandably nervous. Finally everyone was safely back inside, the warning lights turned off and they announced,
"The range is live, fire away." Yes, I was a little creeped out.
I only fired three times, to try it, and mostly stood behind my son watching. Even with the ear protectors on, it was bloody loud. My own target was just at 15 feet. I hit the target, but that's all I can say. The gun is so heavy I could not have shot it all if they hadn't provided us with a stand.
My son took this photo of the barrel after he'd cleaned it the first time. The inside still had some residue and rust, even after cleaning. Which I guess isn't surprising since it's an 81 year old gun.
Shooting it, however, cleaned out the inside. It apparently knocks loose some of the residue.
And for your entertainment, this is me reacting to the powerful kick of the gun against my poor arm (the first several shots you hear are people around me):
And yes, more sushi was required to soothe the disturbance to my Quaker soul.
I must confess, guns are fun to shoot. It's the killing part that gets me.
ReplyDeleteNo killing here!
Deletesmiles...thank goodness for sushi...how is that arm feeling today? ha.
ReplyDeleteStill freaking hurts!
DeleteI see that sad face on the gun!!! I have yet to fire a gun but my husband really enjoys the gun range he belongs to. Enjoyed the video.
ReplyDeleteI shouwed the gun face to my son and he thought I was just being silly.
Delete"Is it just me or does the end of the gun in the stand look like a sad face with a Yosemite Sam-style mustache and Dumbo ears?"
ReplyDeleteBwhahahhahahaa! OMG...I HOWLED when I read that because you are absolutely correct....it's does!!!
LOVED the photo your son took looking down the barrel of the gun. VERY cool!
Also, the video clip of you is faaaaaaaaabulous!
I once went to a gun range and shot two different guns (however they were only pistols) and remember the "kick" I got from the force of the gun. I have to say though, I enjoyed learning how to shoot a gun. I was very apprehensive at first to try it, but it ending up being a very cool experience.
X
Once I saw the face, it just kept jumping out at me.
DeleteMy son took those photos with a flashlight at the other end of the barrel. I thought they were pretty cool shots.
I've shot pistols - they kick but at least aren't jammed up against you.
how's your shoulder feeling today?
ReplyDeleteStill sore!
DeleteConsidering I jump when someone sneezes, I think the shooting range is not the place for me.
ReplyDeleteProbably not - it was a little unnerving.
Deletethat’s the trouble with guns: their only reason-for-being is that they must shoot - something, somebody.
ReplyDeleteI don't see anything wrong with shooting someHING. That's no different than archery, really.
DeleteI did some shooting as a teenager but I haven't touched a gun since. I remember the powerful kick when you fire. If people have to have guns, at least it's good that they're being taught strict safety rules to cut the risk of accidents.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sure you've been told a hundred times, but you have such a lovely warm smile....
Aww, thanks!
DeleteI confess, the video made me laugh. "That freakin' hurt." I swear, I wasn't laughing at your pain.
ReplyDeleteIt's okay - I laughed, too.
DeleteI think the kick is the thing that most people are surprised by when they first shot a gun. I surprised me but then I was a kid hunting with my dad. I'm sure many could recognize the gun and the rounds you are using. I don't know them that well but I do know that's a good size round. You mentioned the age of the gun and it does look like something from WWII. I've enjoyed gun ranges and safety must be taken serious there. nice post and pics. I especially like being able to see the rifling inside the barrel.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's a Soviet rifle - a Mosin Nagant.
DeleteSo, how'd your son do at 50 yards? A decent grouping? 50yds with iron sights is not easy.
ReplyDeleteIt was his first time ever shooting it (or any real gun) so he was pleased to keep hitting the target.
DeleteAnd despite your caveats, you look as if you're really enjoying yourself!
ReplyDeleteI was enjoying spending time with my son. He means a lot to me.
Delete.....does the end of the gun in the stand look like a sad face with a Yosemite Sam-style mustache and Dumbo ears?
ReplyDeleteYes I could see it!
Glad to hear they are very safety conscious.
At least at the range they are.
DeleteA bit scary those guns. We don't seem to be very gun minded over here. Well we live in a city! Was good to see you!
ReplyDeleteMaggie x
Nuts in May
Very scary, actually. But they are everywhere here.
DeleteWhen I was in college, my cousin taught me to shoot a gun (turns out I was able to hit the side of a barn); I still remember how sore my shoulder was, for days, from the kick.
ReplyDeleteGood job getting a taste of what your son is into, Ma!
I've shot a pistol before without a problem, but this big, heavy rifle hurt.
DeleteWe shoot at a more open range but there is just as much caution. They even yell at the guy who comes dressed in his "private war" clothes when he acts like he doesn't have to go along with the rules.
ReplyDeleteGuys like that scare the hell out of me.
DeleteI've been meaning to go out to the shooting range with my dh for a long time now. I write Romantic Suspense, so I really should make myself do it.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting experience to have.
DeleteOh no! More seafood killed.
ReplyDelete