Two of the best days in my recent memory. First was my Daughters Wedding this past spring.
Next was this afternoon at the range. Some background is pertinent, so I'll try to be brief..
My kid's a 'liberal democrat', and her politics and mindset matched her mothers particularly with regards to guns. Not too long back we had discussion about guns and her immediate reaction was 'I don't like guns'. I was not suprised at that comment, and asked her 'Why.. you've never fired one? How can you know if you don't like 'em?"
Another long discussion followed.. back and forth on the evils of firearms their relationship to crime, their place in society, the people that own them, etc, etc. The discussion kept comming back to 'fear of guns' and 'I just don't like guns'. Never was able to get her to establish an exact reason why.. just a general unease with firearms.
My closer was a kinda rough but clear picture painted for her..
"Can you imagine being in a situation where someone has a gun and they are using it to control you? During the course of the situation lets say you get an opportunity to gain control of the gun. If you don't know how to use it, just WHO is really in control of the situtation? Kid, you don't need to 'like' guns. But in this world, a situation such as I describe is an everyday occurance. All I ask is that you give me an afternoon of your time to familiarize you with firearms so that should a situation arise you'll be better able react sensibly and effectively." Final result was a tactict agreement to come to the range and 'check out' firing a rifle. We went today. She watched her husband shoot, me shoot, we demonstrated and described basic firearms saftey, described the functionality of the weapon she'd use, how to use the sights, how to load it, unload it.. she became intrigued.
I had her spot for her husband for a half hour.. I was glowing with as much pride as when I walked her down the isle. When his target was shot out I asked Candice if she wanted to shoot now and she declined. With a knowing smile I suggested to her husband that he start working on "Candices target". "What??" she said; "I have a target??"
"Oh, yeah.. I've got three.. one's for you."
That kid set herself up, dropped in a stripper clip, cycled the bolt and settled in with a good pocket and a decent cheek weld. Just a bit more coaching.. "FRONT sight.. breathe in; exhale a little, hold the sight on the target and squeeze gently.. keep your eyes OPEN! .. don't flinch, don't anticipate...
and damned if she didn't fire a nice tight group right in the center ring first time out. I know my kids competitive nature.. all she needed was a bit of confidence and an objective...
She pumped 200 rounds through that little gun today, her shoulder hurts a bit, but she's fired up; literally - and can't wait to try it again.
Over dinner I sat back and just watched.. she wants to check out skeet; want's to know about pistols, wants to know about 'that big old musket that guy was shooting.. I liked the smell of that..'
Damn, t'was a glorious day in the neighborhood!
