My First Trip to a Gun Range

My first trip to a gun range was February 25, 2012. The only reason I remember the exact date is because it was also my “second first date” with my now husband, Duane. By my “second first date” I mean, our original first date was actually four years earlier in 2008. With that being said, I think it is obvious our original first date did not go so well, honestly it was bad timing for both of us. Although Duane and I did not hit it off on our first date, he was still a friend that I trusted and knew he had experience with firearms.

As a single mom, my interest in buying a gun was increasing everyday as I watched our local news. With limited experience with guns, I wanted a firearm at home to protect myself and my daughter. I had no clue where to begin or what I was getting myself into.

I contacted Duane and asked his advice on purchasing a firearm, he immediately suggested a range day. Of course, that makes since. Why didn’t I think of that?

How I prepared

Duane and I decided to meet at the gun range. At this point, neither one of us had the nerve to call our “get together” a date. I was extremely nervous, I am not sure if I was more nervous about the shooting guns or because I wasn’t sure if this WAS a date.

Once we both arrived in the parking lot, Duane immediately started preparing me for what I could expect inside. He educated me about the safety gear I would be required to wear, and informed me of the Four Rules of Firearm Safety. We continued to review these rules until I was comfortable with them.

Once we got inside, I immediately felt like I was out of my comfort zone. I let Duane do all the talking and I made sure to listen and soak up every word. When I am nervous, or uncomfortable, I keep to myself, and absorb as much information as possible, until I reach my comfort zone. Since I had never been to a range before, I was required to watch an introductory video. This video covered range etiquette and rules, as well as the Universal Rules of Firearm Safety.

Eyes on Target

The first firearm I shot was a full size 1911 style pistol. This pistol is actually a .45 caliber gun but lucky for me Duane had the .22 caliber conversion kit. The .22 caliber is a smaller bullet with less noise and lighter recoil, the perfect starting point for me.

As a newbie I found it challenging to focus at the range because of the amount of noise and commotion going on around me. Duane patiently instructed me on how to line up my sights and operate the pistol. He also continued to remind me of the Rules of Firearm safety to help me establish good firearm habits. I shot about 100 rounds of .22, then once I reached my comfort zone I was ready for the .45. The difference was obvious between the two calibers. Controlling the recoil of the .45 was challenging, and the sound was more intimidating.

Take Away

I can’t say I was immediately a “gun girl”. My first trip to a gun range certainly peaked my interested, but I was not confident in operating a firearm alone. I wasn’t even sure I could remember the Four Rules of Firearm safety. I was up for giving it another shot and learning more, but I was not sold on buying my first gun yet. Although I found it very exciting, it seemed there was more to buying a gun then I realized. I wanted to know more.