Enter my friend, whom I shall call Mr. Legstrong (because it amuses me to do so). He, being much more adventurous than I, has been quite encouraging regarding my plans to experience new things. He did not see me passively sitting back and letting the clock run out on September as an option. It is one thing to say, "Oh yes, this is a good idea, go for it!" It is a completely different thing to say, "You MUST do this today, it's the last day, and I will do what it takes to help you accomplish it."
At approixmately 4:15PM this afternoon; the "Legstrong" family arrived at my home; fully equipped to facilitate my adventure. As the children were escorted to another (safe) area of the compound, we entered the woods to scope out a good spot to proceed. The home-made (pink) target was hung. We were ready to get the party started.
After some instruction and example the time arrived to give it a shot. Yeah, it's a terrible pun, but I couldn't resist. The first "real" gun I held in my hand(s) was a 20 guage shotgun, double barrel. I was surprised at how heavy it was. I positioned it, and myself; asked questions, requested to be shown several more times exactly how to stand/hold it/place my hands, etc, took aim, and fired. Much to my surprise (and delight), I actually hit the target!! From Mr. Leghorn's expression, I surmised he was surprised, as well. I realized that I had un-intentionally closed my eyes as soon as I pulled the trigger. I don't really know why. It was loud, but not overwhelmingly so. I could definitely feel a "kick", but it's not as if it would knock me down or anything. How did it feel? It was the kind of thing that made me want to say, "Woo" - in fact I think maybe I did. I was very smiling, as Junie B. Jones would say. I tried again to see if I could keep my eyes open. I think that I succeeded, but the first shot was a little better (in my expert opinon, lol).
Next it was time to try out the Glock 26. The Glock is a sub compact 9mm handgun. While the whole thing made me very nervous (in a Six Flags kind of way), this one was definitely more intimidating. It took a little bit to find the safest place. I was again surprised, this time at how difficult it was to pull back the "thing" you have to slide back. Yeah, so those aren't the technical terms. That's OK, I know what I mean. It looks so easy to just slide the thing back, but it took a lot more finger/hand strength than I expected. I think you need Scott hands for that. It is also somewhat confusing to me that little is so much LOUDER. Nevertheless, I gave it a try. Alas, that target had nothing to fear from me. I'd like to say I didn't miss it by much, but frankly I have no idea. A couple of tries, a couple of complete misses. That's OK though, it was still pretty exciting for me.
So what's my final analysis? It was fun! In some ways more difficult than I anticipated. I also didn't expect the nervous feeling. I think I would enjoy gaining some mastery of shooting. My grandfather, whom I never met, collected antique guns. My aunt tells of going hunting with her father and the memories seem to be very good ones. I don't know how I would feel about actually killing an animal, and then having to prep it for cooking. I don't mean that I would feel bad about it, just that I might find it pretty "gross". I like the idea of knowing how, though. To be honest, in today's world, I like the idea of being able to handle a firearm safely and accurately should the need arise. Will I pursue this any further? I don't honestly know right now. I'd still like to visit my gun shop friend. Who knows, maybe someday I'll be up for that safari in Africa!
I enjoyed myself, a lot. It is a wonderful feeling to have accomplished step one. There is a great deal of satisfaction in seeing it through. That being said, I absolutely would have given up if it were not for the friends who were willing to go above and beyond the "extra mile". That they would be willing to pack up their kiddos, come to my house, bring all the needed "stuff", and ensure that I actually DID something instead of just dreaming is remarkable. Somehow it validates this adventuring for me - it must not be a totally crazy idea if they would go to that trouble just to push me out of the "thinking" stage and into the "doing". As much fun as I had in the "doing", I think the joy they brought to me means more. I love those guys!!
I did something else I've never done today. When we moved out here, I planted an "orchard". A couple of apple trees, a pair of pear trees, two peach, two cherry, two plum, you get the idea. Well, we've had all these weird springs lately, and the orchard doesn't do much of anything besides look pretty when it's blooming and give the boys something to mow around. This year; however, there are a TON of pears. The poor trees are bent over with the weight of them. I keep waiting for them to soften up and be ripe; but the darn things are like rocks. Well, Mrs. Legstrong and the kiddos were off adventuring while I was busy scaring the birds and squirrels; and they weren't afraid of some crunchy pears. They discovered that although very, um, crisp, they actually taste quite good. Frankly, I would have just taken them at their word. When I was acutally handed one though, what could I do but try it? You know what? It really was tasty! So, I've enjoyed the "fruit" of my labor. That is pretty cool!
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