Had a BLAST today (so to speak)

[ron]

I took my son and his two roommates to the range today. We just used two lanes for the four of us so that I could keep an eye on the action.

One roommate had a lever action 30-30 and a Vaquero 45 LC. The other one had done some casual shooting in his youth, but had no real training.

The first step was to introduce both roommates to the cardinal rules of shooting - assume that the gun is always loaded; finger off the trigger until you are pointing at something you are prepared to shoot; point the muzzle only at an object you are willing and ready to shoot; etc. Even though the one fellow had his own guns, I wanted to be certain that they knew the rules. If you don't follow the rules, you don't shoot with me! Although they know me as generally easy-going and a jokester, they saw the serious side during the safety introduction.

We all took turns firing the available guns. We shot my Ruger Blackhawk 357, S&W 642 airweight, Kahr MK9, Springfield XD40 (using 9 mm barrel and ammo), and a KelTec P3AT, as well as the 30-30 and Vaquero.

Shooting so many guns in a short time is no way to learn, but everyone had a chance to get a brief feel for so many types of guns and triggers. I had a Cheshire grin ;Djust watching the smiles on their faces.

As a result of this shooting session, the inexperienced roommate has decided to purchase a handgun. We'll sit and talk about the options and training when he is ready. The roommate with the 30-30 is now on the lookout for a pistol like my XD40.

I just wanted to share this good time with you all.

Ron

["DoubleAction"]

Ron; Did you clean the guns in one sitting ? ;D
The most I ever took to shoot was ten handguns and it took me the next week to clean them all.

[TMan]

DA, I thought the same thing. I just got in from having a late dinner with friends, and I'm leaving for the range at 7AM tomorrow. I'm thinking: what can I shoot that won't take too long to clean - the Blackhawk I shot on Friday and haven't cleaned yet - can I get away with another 50 rounds?

After my son and grandson were here, I spent the next several days cleaning guns, and then another day cleaning up the mess I made and the house.

Ron, thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with us. It is nice to hear of others having fun in the sport - especially when we are spending our time home cleaning guns, but you will understand that - soon. ;D

[ron]

;D ;D

The cleaning thought came to mind several times. In fact, I asked my son if he wanted to stick around and help me start cleaning. Not a chance! He suddenly had other pressing obligations.

Guess what I'm planning for tomorrow evening.

As for sharing these good moments: maybe I can build up Karma points so I can piss and moan about other issues in the future.

Ron

[somery]

that does sound like a nice experience. i remember being younger (around 15 years ago -- im 26 now)and my dad would take us shooting and come time to clean guns i did a road runner "beep beep!" then again i was kinda young at the time to be patient with the idea of cleaning....now that i think of it, it would have made a good bonding experience that i now realize i missed out on, as my dad doesn't really care about shooting anymore (that eye problem has him discouraged)

["DoubleAction"]

Safety & Shooting seems to be the first priorities when some are becoming familiar with firearms; especially when shooting someone else's guns ;D.
One thing I remember about the military was cleaning rifles, long before going to the range.
For casual shooting with invited guests; I always burden myself with the costs of ammunition and the use of my firearms. If I do nothing more than provide a safe day of shooting and fond memories, that is enough.