Great Afternoon at the Range

[Pizza Bob 1,488]

Neither of my sons really showed any interest in guns or shooting. I didn't push the issue and pretty much let them decide on their own avocations. That's why it really surprised me when, at Christmas dinner, my younger son (32) and his girlfriend said they want me to take them shooting. We arranged it for this afternoon and they came to the house first (they both live in Philadelphia).

 

She had never shot before (and I think she was the instigator for this outing) and my son only sparingly, and if memory serves, only .22 rifle. I had printed out the safety rules and we reviewed them and on the reverse side I defined some terms, showed them proper sight picture and listed the guns we were going to shoot. Then I let them handle them and and showed them the operation of the different guns.

 

We went to Classic Pistol in Southampton, PA. I started them out with a S&W 422T and let Linda shoot 10 shots (checking the target after each 5) and then Drew. We did that twice while they decided what position was more comfortable for them (both chose Isocoles). They both shot very well (I confined all shooting to 7 yards - helps build confidence). Then we stepped up to a .38 Special (S&W model 15), and again they both did very well. From there we moved on to the Sig P225. Linda did the best with this gun - even with the first D/A shot and Drew did outstanding. Next step was to a .40 S&W in my S&W 646. Linda began to anticipate recoil and pushed her shots low, while Drew turned in a "refrigerator worthy" target. Last we brought out the 1911. Linda shot the first 5 rounds and decided it was a bit much for her - not afraid of it, just had a hard time not anticipating. I think this was also Drew's undoing. I told them the .45 is an acquired taste.

 

They both said they had a lot of fun and thoroughly enjoyed not only the shooting, but trying different types and calibers of guns. They both showed quite a bit of natural talent and now know where their theshold is (9mm for Linda / .40 S&W for Drew).

 

Came a little late in life, but better late than never. I have a feeling that they'll be asking for a repeat performance.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

[Krdshrk 3,877]

Definitely better late than never!

[Old School 611]

Hey Bob- a very rewarding experience for a parent. I'm happy for you as, as you know, I share the experience.

 

Frank

[robs609 2]

Thats awesome! I hope he gets the bug . I wish my dad was into firearms like I am.

[lunker 274]

Glad to hear it Bob. Sounds like a good time.

[CageFighter 236]

next thing is a LTCF in PA!

[djg0770 481]

They both showed quite a bit of natural talent and now know where their theshold is (9mm for Linda / .40 S&W for Drew).

 

 

I'm actually a bit surprised. I find the 45 easier to shoot than the 40, personally.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

I'm actually a bit surprised. I find the 45 easier to shoot than the 40, personally.

 

Might be the trigger? S&W 646 revolver - double action vs 1911 single action...

[JimmyAGR 54]

Bob that's great I love when my son's and there girlfriends ask to go shooting. It forms a special bond, and I love the when they work their way up the ladder as far as caliber goes.

[kenw 293]

Nice story, Bob. It's nice that even as adults, they're taking an interest in the sport.

[Babaganoosh 192]

My family and I haven't gotten along for 10 years. As matter of fact we haven't talked in the 10 years either. I prob will never get along with my mother, however I grew up shooting and did a little hunting too. Thats all because of my dad. When I got my FID card and P2P I bought my Beretta and stopped at my dads house to show him. Also to shoot it since he has enough property and a backstop to shoot at. Since then we have hung out shooting a bit and went out to dinner one night. If I never got that gun we still would not be talking at all. See that.. Guns bringing families together!

[njpilot 671]

Good for you Bob. Sounds like you really enjoyed it.

[vladtepes 1,060]

I'm actually a bit surprised. I find the 45 easier to shoot than the 40, personally.

 

 

I also find the 40 to be "snappier" especially in two identical guns (Glocks)

[mipafox 438]

Bob,

 

Great story! Now that they are initiated, post a range trip at PAFOA next time you head to Classic. A half dozen people will probably show up with some interesting stuff.

 

As people have said above, and to push it even further, I find 1911 easier and smoother to shoot than even 9mm. If I had to put 7 rounds exactly where I wanted them to go very quickly then 1911 or a .22 would be my choices.

[bry@n 195]

sounds like you had fun watching them enjoy themselves.

 

I like that classic pistol range. we have to go together soon.

[mikeyboyeee 66]

Congrats on a fine day Bob.

[Genewarper111 18]

My voice to the others. I'm delighted for you, truly. Both my sons shoot - one prefers his rifle and the other prefers my pistols and it warms me to know that this is an interest we'll share going forward. Congratulations on having your family round you, too.

 

Happy New Year

Grant

[Jon 264]

Fantastic story. I brought my fiance into the world of shooting, and now she has a dedicated rifle and revolver in my safe.

[Pizza Bob 1,488]

Thanks for all the positive comments. I really enjoyed myself and they did too.

 

As for the difference between the .40 & .45, KrdShrk hit it on the head. The .40 S&W round out of a revolver shoots a lot softer than out of a semi-auto with its added reciprocating mass of the slide. I could see that Linda didn't enjoy the .45 so asked if she wanted to take the second five shots - which, as I said, she declined. My son had no problem handling the recoil, but just had a hard time hitting the target with it.

 

I look forward to doing this again. Thanks again.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

[savageshooter 10]

Thanks for sharing that Bob.