Lola’s List: Mama’s got a gun (5 things skeet shooting taught me about life)
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I have no interest in running a marathon. Nor do I want to climb Mt. Everest or indulge in other common “Bucket List” aspirations. Naw, My List consists of simple, everyday stuff. For example, years ago we lived near a skeet and trap range, where folks attempt to shoot clay disks flung into the air at high speed from a variety of angles. For years I’d drive by the range, see folks shooting away and wonder what all the hype was about. They’re just a bunch of trigger-happy good ol’ boys, I thought. But still, I was curious. This weekend, The Mister and I braved the heat wave to see first-hand what this was all about.
We were required to attend a gun safety class prior to hitting the range. As I looked around the room, I didn’t see the expected ‘good ol’ boys’ but folks of all colors, ages, moms, dads and even some kids. I’ve never shot more than a BB gun, so needless to say I was pretty nervous. While explaining how to properly load and mount a 12-gauge double barrel shot gun, the instructor stressed the importance of following their safety precautions so as to avoid “gaping chest wounds.” Throughout the safety class “gaping chest wounds” was mentioned at least three more times. At the end of the class the instructor asked if anyone was nervous. Uh, yes, much.
12 gauge ammunition
The “house” from which the targets are launched
12 gauge double barrel, semi-automatic shot guns.
Me, eyes properly protected but worrying about “gaping chest wounds”
Ear plugs are a must, or you’ll be “answering the phone.”
Me, loading the barrel (still getting used to my short cut).
Hamilton, our instructor, was very patient as he gingerly coached us through loading the shells and mounting the gun.
“Say ‘pull’ when you’re ready,” Hamilton almost whispered.
“Pull,” I said cautiously when it was my turn.
The neon orange disk whizzed into the air at 40 mph. POW! I was not prepared for the gun’s recoil when I pulled the trigger. It’s total bull$h*t in the movies when someone fires a shotgun while barely batting an eyelash. No, ma’am. The kick from the fire sent the butt of the gun straight into my upper shoulder. It hurt like hell and left a pretty good-sized bruise. I rubbed my shoulder, cracked the gun open, and the shells jumped out with a life of their own. Gun smoke filled my lungs as I re-loaded more confidently, relieved that I had not caused any “gaping chest wounds.” Hamilton showed me how to adjust my stance so that the momentum from the blast was directed outward and not towards my body.
Small scrap of a hit target.
With fear now behind me, I could actually focus on hitting the target. After shooting 15 rounds, my arms and shoulders were so effing tired and I was so hot and thirsty that keeping a good stance was next to impossible. I managed to only hit the target 4 times out of 25 rounds, but the feeling of hitting it dead-on and watching it smash into a thousand pieces? Nothing like it. The Mister was a natural and fared much better, absolutely destroying the target all but 3 times. I cheered him on while pushing flashbacks of golf from my mind. He was so stoked that after class he spoke with Hamilton about getting The Baby Kittens out on the range.
The Mister and Hamilton.
Hamilton, whose college team are the national trap and shoot champs said, “We keep smaller sized rifles on hand for the kids. As long as they can hold it up comfortably they’ll be okay. Bring ‘em out next week sometime and I’ll work with them.” Not sure how I feel about that, but we’ll see. Despite my lackluster performance, I had a blast, pun intended, and will def be back. Reflecting on the advice and encouragement Hamilton gave at the range, I marvel at how much these gems apply to life in general, and going after one’s dreams, both big and small:
- Timing is everything. If you shoot too early or wait too long to shoot, you will miss your window of opportunity.
- It’s all about the target. Don’t think about the gun. Focus on the target and your gun will naturally follow course.
- Before you pull the trigger, know in your heart of hearts that you will hit the target. It’s just a matter of how hard you will smash it to smithereens.
- Even if you manage to shoot off only a small piece of the target, that’s better than missing it completely.
- Above all, be confident, but not cocky. Confidence is key to good shooting, while cockiness is often the cause of “gaping chest wounds.”
Stay tuned as I tackle the next item on My List.
What’s on Your List?
Wahoo!! I started shooting clays when I was 22…I’ve been doing it for ten years now. In fact, my now-husband couldn’t get me to go on a first date with him until he finally offered to take me shooting! Hope you get to go do this more. And if anyone has a semi-automatic (especially a 20 gauge), use one of those. You’ll be amazed at the difference (low recoil) and be able to shoot longer.
Wow, ten years—that’s awesome, and what a cute story on you and your husband’s first date:) I will def try a 20 gauge next time. Thx so much for the recommendation!!
Regarding those small pieces — we just say “we don’t rate ‘em, we just score ‘em”.
Good for you! I didn’t pick up a gun until I was 40, certainly never a shotgun. It was ugly for quite some time, but I can now go out there and hang with the best of them. The last three rounds was 73 of 75. I do use a 12 gauge over/under. . . but I reload my shells so that its more like a 20 gauge load. You can get reduced recoil target loads. Wish I had been there, I’d have loaned you a box of my shells. Leaves alot of guys scratching their heads as to why I handle “recoil” better than they do. (wink) Shhhhh. . . ain’t telling!
CBP, I love that: “we don’t rate ‘em, we just score ‘em”. Haha, feels like I should have that put on a T-shirt:) Wow, 73 out of 75–I can only hope to get that wicked one day. Thx for the “secret” tip! That would have really helped me out Saturday.
While reading this my cat knocked a metal box onto the floor and the sound scared the crap out of me! lol
You’re a braver woman than me my dear, and I really love the life lessons!
Thx so much, sis! It was a great (but scary) time!