Putting holes in paper

We celebrated Greg's birthday this year by doing something unprecedented by any of us - shooting guns! I've grown up around guns and did a lot of shooting as a youth in the Boy Scouts. We were taught, what I deem, a healthy respect for and working knowledge of firearms. Those were mostly rifles and later in life I received the opportunity to shoot a 9mm handgun, but I must admit that my experience with handguns was practically none.

One of our party, Ed, had a lot of experience with handguns and gave us a run-down of the mechanics and basic rules and techniques. We split into two groups and chose a couple of .38 revolvers to practice with. The Smith & Wesson held seven rounds and its grip was more comfortable. I was more accurate with it than the Ruger. Also, the Ruger only held six rounds, which meant more loading and less shooting. Wait, was that six or seven? To be honest, in all the excitement, I'd forgotten myself. But you've gotta' ask yourself one question. If you don't know what that question is, go watch "Dirty Harry" - one of the best opening scenes, EVER!

This was a great way for my friends to learn about and become comfortable around firearms. They are dangerous and should always be taken seriously. However, they exist in this world and it is better to understand that which you fear rather than pretend that they don't exist. We learned a lot and enjoyed the marksmanship. Linda, who was the most timid about shooting, ended up being a great marksman and felt empowered afterward.