Happy Earth Day!

I am not a gun person, but I've always been a little curious about shooting a gun.  The interest was piqued when I was in my 20s watching World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.  They ran a story about a place in Kentucky where people could go to shoot up old appliances.  I've no idea why, but I thought it looked like a good time.  Finally, I had my chance.

I knew the day would come several months ago when my friend Danielle's boyfriend bought her a gun.  It was a pistol, actually, and they said they'd invite me to go shooting sometime.  They were true to their word and we went yesterday.

First, it's a noisy experience.  People shoot all kinds of guns with all sorts of ammunition.  All the shooters line up and place their belongings on a table located between the yellow line and the red line.  Targets may only be set up after the all clear is issued and then you step past the red line to set up the target.  Then, they wait for all to be ready and the shooting begins.

I was initially surprised by the variety of people who go to the range.  No stereotypes there.  Then I was surprised by the shell casings that went flying all over.  Once a gun is fired, it can shoot the spent shell casing out of the gun.  I swear the man at the table to the left of us had shells with my name on them.  No matter where I stood, the shells headed in my direction.  The ground was littered with shell casings. I was second-guessing my decision to wear flip-flops and shorts (it reached 101 in Vegas yesterday).  My third surprise came with the first gun I shot -- I actually hit the target in the head.  This was not to be my experience with the other guns I shot, but I really did have beginner's luck.  My problem was that I was afraid.  I do talk with my hands and Todd was asking questions after my first couple shots.  I wanted to tell him what I was thinking but I had a loaded weapon in my hands.  I did not like the feeling of having so much power.

It was a fun experience.  Although I know for a fact that I will never own a gun or want one in my house, I did find the experience to be very relaxing.  And now I can fully understand the fear one has when holding a gun for the first time.

Guns really don't kill people.  People do -- whether or not they intend to.