When I get money for Christmas it seems to disappear pretty quickly. You know, clothes for work, new books, a kitchen gadget. This year was different. This year I hoarded that money like a mad woman and last week I became a full fledged member of "The Range"!!! (Me! The woman who quit the Ladies Basic Pistol class after the second week OUT OF FEAR! )
On Sunday we attended a 3 hour orientation at the club house. There was standing room only. They said the last two months the class had been overflowing. The room was filled with couples and families. I sat next to a couple that had recently moved here from Chicago. What a change that must be for them. Not only the weather, but the whole attitude of the population. (I hear Chicago is a "bit uptight" with King Rahm at the helm.) Anyway, back to the story..............
After the class ended we drove around and I took a few photos with my phone. (Sorry they're so poor.)
A little about the club, copied from their website:
"12-lane indoor range for any handgun up to .45 Win. Mag and also .22 rimfire rifles.
The shotgun facilities include two Trap houses (one open to members at anytime there is not a shotgun or long range event going on), a 10-station Sporting Clays course and a 5-Stand course open to members and the public on most 2nd and 4th Sundays.
A 100/200 yard Range for rifles (also open to handguns and black powder guns if the Silhouette Range is closed),
a Silhouette Range for handguns of any caliber and black powder firearms of any caliber, and .22 rimfire,
a Long Range to 1000 yards available to members every Thursday,
and an Archery Range."
Pretty scary exciting stuff, if you ask me :)
We had another meeting to get to after the orientation so we couldn't stay to shoot. Guess where we're going tomorrow after church? Yep. You got it. I am very excited and worried sick all at the same time. I am hoping to really get involved with the club, like helping out at matches, clean up days, and any volunteering that comes up. The more I am there, the more comfortable I will be. That's my theory anyway :)
Unfortunately, when I run out of ammo, it may be awhile before I can find any more. (Mr. Obama would you please resign?)
By the way, Tim bought a little Marlin 22 cal rifle with part of his Christmas money. He says it's for plinking. I can't wait to try it too! Since I am the person that actually joined the gun club, I am considered the Senior Member. Tim, as my spouse, is an Associate Member. Lucky guy......... :-)
Blessings,
Red
When I started reading I was going to suggest getting a .22 for practice. I just got a Smith and Wesson 15-22. It has all the same componants as the AR-15 but in .22 caliber. Which is good, because I can stay proficient in using my AR, without expending the expensive .223 ammo.
ReplyDeleteHowever I will say, that finding .22 ammo has been hard, it sells out so fast because so many are hoarding it. and when we do find it, the cost is exuberant. CRAZY!!!!!
PS: Good job at the range.. and thanks for the pics. Your range looks awesome.
DeleteThanks JUGM. We went today for practice and had a great time. The little 22 rifle was my favorite. No kick :) I'll be posting about it as soon as I get a chance.
DeleteThis sounds great! My mom was always afraid of guns too. My uncle took me out when I was young so I was never afraid but respectful. Needless to say I enjoy target shooting. I like to see what my grouping is and try and improve. A .22 is the way to go for ammo cost although currently .22 shells are hard to find. The store we normally buy from (in our closest big town) has been out since Christmas. Hmmm I wonder why that is?
ReplyDeleteHappy shooting!
a little bird
Thanks Little Bird. We are having a hard time finding ammo too. Every few weeks we get lucky and find a box or two. Hopefully things will improve.
DeleteWas there a requirement to be an NRA member before you could join the range?
ReplyDeleteOur private range is grappling with this requirement now and I was wondering how many other clubs had it.
Thanks and congrats on joining and supporting the club.
Bob,
DeleteThanks! Yes. They are a 100% NRA club. Lot's of NRA events and instructors too. It's a wonderful place as far as I can tell. I don't have any regrets about joining the NRA because they may not be perfect but they are fighting for us.
Yippee Skippee! As the old saying went...you've come a long way, baby! But seriously, I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished in the area of firearms. Way to go !
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am so glad I did it. I still have a long way to go, but one step at a time will surely get me there eventually!!!
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