What a Day!!
I have always been terrified of guns because of some things that have happened in my life. One was an accident, the other was intentional. And the fear of what guns can do really over whelmed me a lot. I was never taught or shown how to handle a gun. Fear, plain and simple.
Today though, I faced my fears and took a class on gun safety. This meant that I was going to have to shoot a gun.
Believe me. I was more nervous and fearful than you can imagine. I went to the class with my husband, who has shot a gun many times and really enjoyed it. We learned about the laws in Florida and how to handle a gun properly. Slowly the anxiety started to leave. But, we still hadn’t shot a gun and now it was time to do that.
We drove out to a very nice gun range and we were the only people there. We had 8 in our class and all of us 50+ years old and I was the only one that hadn’t shot a gun. After taking this course, you can get certified to carry a concealed weapon. I was just worried about shooting the thing and not having a heart attach.
I was last because I was the special student. He took his time with me, made sure I loaded the one bullet in the chamber and made sure my stance was good. The reason for only one bullet is so that you don’t expect the first shot. That was my biggest fear. What to expect for the first shot.
I was sweating, making sure I was in perfect form and slowly pulled the trigger. Nothing. Again, pulled the trigger. Nothing. I thought, one more time. Maybe its the next one. I slowly pulled the trigger and BANG! I shot my very first bullet.
I just stood there and couldn’t believe it. Everyone else was standing in the safe zone. I put the gun down and turned and everyone cheered!! I did it!! I FACED MY WORSE FEAR!! And didn’t pee my pants.
We shot a few more shots and I also shot at a target the same size as a bowling pin. Out of 10 shots, I hit it 5 times. All on the left side. (My finger was on the trigger too much.) Not too bad for a beginner.
Of course, I kept my target for my scrapbook but didn’t take any pictures. I guess my mind was more on the gun safety. Which was the point.
Now I feel safe about being around a gun and am glad that I took the course. Some day, I will be alone and will need that safety factor to fall back on. I recommend a course to any woman out there for protection.
I’m so proud of you for facing your fears! I had to get a concealed weapon’s permit because of my husband’s job. I too had never touched a gun so it was an important event in my life. It’s good to face our fears because it makes us stronger. You go girl!
Way to go, girl! Even though I have never really been around a real gun before, let alone shoot one, I understand that handling one can make you less fearful.
I still prefer to stay far away from them, though. I hope others respect that too and won’t bring any to my house. Guns are really for people who need it; police, or hunters, or anyone like that. I find it really fearful to know that so many people keep guns in their homes for self protection. They often cause more harm than that they protect anyone.
Good for you. Maybe one of these days, I’ll get around to trying it (or not).