So when I started this whole blog thing in 2010, I wrote about two life long interests of mine: Guitars and Snakes. Last year, I relayed my two cents concerning an online confrontation between one of my many favorite musical groups and their fan community. The discrepancy, thankfully, has since been smoothed over and culminated in my meeting of one (and most adorable) of my musical inspirations. This year, I feel compelled to write about a brand new interest of mine: Guns.
I should start off by saying that throughout my life I actually had a fear of guns. I've never been anti-gun, just preferred they were no where near me. But I always supported the 2nd amendment right as I felt that those who choose to own them should have the right to do so. I suppose my fear stemmed, firstly, from the fact I wasn't raised up around guns. My father had two rifles: an old Mauser, and a Mosin Nagant he acquired as a "war trophy" in Vietnam. But he kept them locked away and never fired them. Secondly, in my teens and early twenties, I played guitar in rock bands. Often, we'd play a private show in rural North Carolina where guns were prevalent. The people I came in contact with usually had been drinking all day and often under the influence of other "recreational pharmaceuticals" as they were wielding their weapons. This made me nervous. Actually, it scared the hell out of me. Since that time, the presence of guns always made me nervous....until recently.
As a fan of the History Channel, I happened to catch the debut of a certain show called "Top Shot". It intrigued me, and I haven't missed an episode since. The contestants seemed to be having a blast. Also, a colleague of mine who shoots competitively on the weekends bugged me for years that I should give it a try. Finally, a break-in a few houses down from me compelled me to acquire a home defense weapon. In march of this year, I purchased my first gun; a tactical style 12 gauge shotgun. Now, most people cut their teeth on a small caliber, usually a .22. Just imagine when the sales guy took me into the range to familiarize me with my new 18" barrel shotgun having never shot a gun in my life. The first round I fired scared the *expletive* out of me. But I practiced regularly, and in short order, firing it became an adrenaline rush. I never knew it could be so much fun!
Since that time, I've purchased five more guns for myself and my family. In fact, every member of my family has their own gun. Most recently, I allowed my son to graduate from the BB gun I bought him some time ago to his own single shot .22 rifle. I suppose the next step is for us to start a family moonshine still. In addition to my online research and guidance from my aforementioned colleague, I've also purchased the book "Shoot!" by Julie Golob after seeing her on "Top Shot". Her book is full of valuable information for a novice such as myself. And I'll continually refer to it as I delve into competition. Despite her celebrity status as a world champion markswoman, she's very approachable and always ready to give advice and encouragement to her fans. Such a rare quality in celebrities. Julie, if you happen to read this, thank you for the guidance and inspiration.
Now, my Not-So-Musical weapons of choice:
My Mossberg 500 Tactical Persuader 12 gauge
His and her Rugers
Steph's Savage Arms Bolt Action rimfire
Ashley's Savage Arms Semi-Auto rimfire
Aaron's Crickett Arms Single Shot Bolt Action rimfire. I traded an old Fender guitar amp I was no longer using for it. Gotta love bartering.
My classic! A 1931, Russian built Mosin Nagant I bought from my boss. Has it seen action in WWII?
Family Day at the Range
