Anyway, a number of you who’ve discovered that yes, I am learning to shoot (a gun), have been asking questions. Namely: Why? What kind? How long have you been doing it? Do you like it?
So thought I’d write up a short blog about it.
First, as to why. Several reasons. One, was this—I’ve had guns pointed at me before. Loaded guns. Not fun. I was 18 and it scared the hell out of me to the point of where I’ve been…not phobic of guns, but over-anxious about them most of my life. I don’t like being unreasonably afraid of things, except spiders and that’s one fear I’m not comfortable exploring at this point. But the guns…I would rather gain control over my fear. Two: If I know how to use a gun properly, I have less of a chance of screwing up if I ever am forced to use a gun. Now, I hope I never have to, but just on the off chance, I’d rather know what the fuck I’m doing if I have to pick up a gun in my defense.
And then there’s the fact that over the years, several of my characters have used guns. Each time I’ve fudged my way through, but the truth is, I want the solid research behind me. I want to know what the hell it feels like to handle a gun, to hear one, to fire one, to hold one. I wanted to know what ‘kickback’ really felt like. I wanted to be accurate in my writing and for some things, well, if I can learn them,yes, I want to.
Second: how long have I been doing this? Well, I’ve been to the range twice now. And this plays in to the question of “do I like it?” After the first twenty minutes the first time,once my nerves calmed down (the noise is FAR louder than I thought it would be,and the thought of holding a loaded weapon daunted me at first), my nerves calmed down and I realized that I was actually enjoying it for the challenge.It went from “Let’s see what this feels like” to “Let’s see how good I can get.”I discovered I’m ambidextrous, and can handle the gun either hand, though I’m better with my left hand. I discovered I’m not too shabby of a shot. In fact,yesterday, I went shooting for the second time, and (this goes into the question of what kinds of guns am I learning on), here are my targets from the two guns I’m currently learning on:
A Walther P22 (my second time shooting this gun):
And a Sig P226 (9 mm) (my first time shooting this):
Eventually, I’ll move onto learning some others, though with my tendonitis, there are some limitations as to what I can use, given the kickback.
And that brings me this:yes, I am enjoying it. I like the challenge. I don’t think I’ll end up a full fledged ‘gun nut,’ (I prefer collecting blades, actually), but I expect to keep on with this for some time, and who knows where it will lead in terms of being a hobby. I’m keeping an open mind because a little over a month ago, I was petrified when I first held a gun, and now, I’m respectful, but no longer afraid, and enjoying the challenge. And I like not being afraid.
OH, and yes, I have an EXCELLENT teacher. He's skilled, sane, and patient. Love having multifaceted friends. :)
Yasmine
4 comments:
Looks like you're doing pretty well. I only shot a gun once in my life despite being a redneck. That was my father's black powder rifle and it was at a cow. (G'damned thing wouldn't stay out of my garden and I warned her owner to fix the fence or else I'd fill my freezer.)
I've thought of taking gun classes so I could realistically write modern urban fantasy. So far, things have kept getting in the way.
I used to love shooting. Hmmmm...I should see how badly my skills have deteriorated. More importantly though is your skill with sharp pointed objects.
I've been shooting once. I shot a revolver and my fiance's 9mm. I have a feeling it won't be the last time, even though it's been a while. I'm marrying into a family that is very big on guns and knowing how to use them to protect yourself, especially if you are of the female persuasion.
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