Bobby Inman
It’s that time of the year again. Summertime. The kiddos are out of school. The weather is warm. The days are longer. You want to do something on your off days. I have an idea. Let’s go shooting. To go further, let’s take someone that might have never gone or have limited exposure to the shooting sport.
As a gun shop owner, I don’t get to shoot that often. I test fire guns during the week but that is usually about 3 rounds. Not really that fun. This past Sunday I asked my friend Lisa to join me on a shooting excursion. Lisa owns two handguns including one that she carries for personal defense. We went to some land a friend of mine owns in Lauderdale County.
Upon arrival, I asked about her shooting knowledge. She stated that “she had shot but didn’t
Lisa scores a hit with her Ruger SR-22 .22LR
know how to load or really operate the gun. “ That’s fine, knowledge and education is free around here. I showed her how to load her guns as well as the other guns that I had brought. We also went over the 4 Rules for handling Firearms. They are:
- All guns are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
Lisa had her Ruger SR-22 .22LR, which is her primary carry gun as well as a Bryco .22LR. I broke out all of my handguns. They were:
-Kimber TLE-RII .9mm 1911 with Surefire X300 Ultra Tac Light
-Kimber Pro Carry .9mm 1911
-Dan Wesson Model 15 .357 Magnum
-Sig Sauer 1911 .22LR
Traditions 1873 Peacemaker .357 Magnum
-Beretta M-9 .9mm
-Ruger Mark II 22/45 .22LR
As we started shooting, I saw Lisa had some techniques that could be improved on, especially her grip. This is why I am a big believer that shooters should learn from Professional and/or Certified Firearms Instructors. This was the way that she had been taught. After changing her grip, we observed that her hit ratio was improving.
Shooting my Former Police Duty Gun, Kimber TLE-RII with Surefire Light
She soon moved up to shooting the 1911s. It’s amazing that she picked the most expensive gun (Kimber TLE) that she liked best. She was popping bottles left and right. She was able to try different guns to see the difference in recoil, grips and shooting characteristics. I figure she will become a 1911 girl before it is over with.
We both had a good time shooting. It was relaxing for me to be able to shoot for fun something I don’t get to do that much anymore. So let’s talk about the shooting sport. Take someone shooting. Introduce that someone that has never been shooting or might have limited experience to the fun of it. It can be a stress reliever.
My current daily carry handgun: Kimber Pro Carry 1911
Remember to take Eye and Ear Protection with you. Got to protect yourself. Also, if you are shooting in the country, remember to watch out for snakes. I have had several people in the store lately that have said the snakes are terrible this year. Always have a loaded firearm close in case you might run up on one of these reptiles and can’t retreat.
Shooting can be fun for the whole family. It’s warm enough to get out and do it. For that matter, pack a lunch and have a picnic. Take a friend so others can enjoy it. Be careful and aim for center mass of your target.
Kimber TLE-RII .9mm with Surefire X-300 Ultra Tac Light
Bobby Inman is retired from Law Enforcement after 21 years of Service. He owns Hammer Down Gun & Pawn located in Sheffield, Alabama. He has articles published in Law & Order Magazine, Police Marksman Magazine, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement Magazine as well as several published ebooks on Amazon as well as Nook (Barnes & Noble). He is owner of Poopiedog, an Animal Rescue Dachshund, who is his constant companion. He is a Correspondent for the Quad Cities Daily.
