Well, Shoot! (Wisconsin. Part 3.)

I’ve always thought it would be fun to shoot a gun but until last Monday, I had managed to go fifty years without that wish ever coming true.

However, It just so happens that my brother-in-law, Arnold has built a shooting range at his house and he and his daughter, Hannah, participate in various shooting competitions.

Doesn’t Hannah really look like she knows what she’s doing? 

Last Monday when the Smith Entourage arrived at Ruth and Arnold’s house for lunch and an afternoon of hanging out, it quickly became apparent that we were all in a shootin’ sort of mood.  So Arnold (bless his brave and patient soul) escorted us all to the shooting range.

Before any shooting actually took place, we were introduced to all the necessary equipment.  One particular item we were all fascinated with was a pair of headphones that allow the wearer to hear outside noise up to a certain level but blocks the sound when it gets too loud.

Of course, Nathan had to see if it worked so when Sarah had the headphones on, he went over to her and yelled as loudly as he could.   She thought it was funny to be able to see her brother’s mouth moving but not be able to hear any sound.

Thankfully, Meagan fits in perfectly with this easily entertained family.

After all the excitement with the magic headphones, it was time for the shooting to begin. Uncle Arnold started by giving Sarah a few tips.

Steve is laughing and clapping because Sarah shot twice (first time in her life) and hit two targets, one of which was sort of far away.

Then it was my turn.  I was a bit apprehensive about holding an actual, real, genuine, loaded gun in my hands and had absolutely no clue what to do with it.  I’m looking at my audience for encouragement.

After I shot my first bullet, I sort of got all discombobulated . . .

. . . and whirled around toward my watching family–with a loaded gun in my hand.

Please note what a pro Arnold was.  He didn’t flail around and yell, “Don’t point the gun that direction!” because he knows me well enough to know that that would probably cause me to start flailing and pointing all the more.

Just watch how calmly and effectively . . .

he guides the gun  . . .

. . . away from the spectators.

I gathered my wits long enough to fire one more shot (I missed both times) and then made the informed decision that my sort of shooting should be henceforth and forever more confined to cameras and not guns.   (And my relieved family said, “Amen.” )

My mom calmly and patiently watched as her assorted offspring and offspring’s spouses and grandchildren lined up for their chance to shoot.

My sister Debbie enjoyed the view from beneath her piece of cardboard that protected her from the on and off drizzle.

Nathan absolutely fell in love with shooting and spent a couple of hours on the range.

He even showed off his pretend crouching stance which got us all to giggling.

Meagan jumped into the game as well and did plenty of shooting of her own.

As far I know though, NONE of the day’s shooters except me whipped around after a shot and pointed their loaded gun in the direction of their watching family.

It’s quite obvious that I have been endowed with a special and rare (lack of) shooting talent.

Please note that from now on, any further shooting posts on this blog will be referring to a Nikon.  

      —Thank you.  The Management.