This past week I had the opportunity to take a few friends out that were interested in learning about firearms and might not normally have the opportunity to go shooting. I think it is important to teach people outside the industry about how safe and fun shooting can be. Many people are afraid or unsure about firearms simply because they have never been around them.
shooting a 9mm for the first time
We drove to some BLM property outside of Portland that is legal to shoot at in designated areas. After a detailed safety talk and ensuring that everyone had proper hearing and eye protection we started out by shooting the new Taurus SLIM (709). The SLIM is a lean, light-weight 9mm that holds 7+1 rounds.
The target of choice for the day was a Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C Silhouette Target Kit that contains a cardboard silhouette and replacement adhesive targets. These targets are great!
Next up was the Taurus Judge, .410/.45 Colt revolver. I will never forget the reaction to the first round my best friend shot out of the Taurus Judge. She simply said "WOW" with the brightest eyes and then asked where her shot went. She thought she had missed because it was easy to see the holes in the target from the 9mm she had been shooting earlier.
After securing the firearm I walked her up to the target to show her that she had filled the entire target with holes from one shotshell fired. She was amazed and decided that if she ever bought a gun that would be the one for her. This was also the perfect hands on way to explain the difference between ammo types.
All and all the afternoon was a success. Everyone had a fun time shooting. It was a great opportunity to showcase the importance of the Second Amendment and how safe firearms can be.
