It's Good to Be an American

I don't think a day at the range ever goes by without that sentiment being voiced at least once. Today was no different, but I really meant it this time. Because today my range-mates included a couple from Ireland who have no chance of repeating this experience once they return home. Carol Ann even commented that her friends were just horrified that she was going to shoot guns while she was here, because of course everyone there just knows that "guns are bad." I trust she will be able to report that she had fun and hasn't suddenly developed criminal tendencies ;-)

After several sessions at the pistol stations, we moved down to the rifle range, and I got a real treat as Jim let me join in shooting a couple of big rifles, even though I had neglected to bring Chester. I think I've decided something about rifles. With pistols, I really like my .22 and I very rarely shoot .357 with Ivan, preferring to stick with the .38. But with rifles, I have a sneaking suspicion that there might be something to the phrase "bigger is better." When I shot that Mosin Nagant 7.62, I admit I let out a "Woohoo!", and my grin lasted well beyond my five shots....

So, I had a great time (hard not to) and developed a new appreciation for the 2nd amendment. I mean, it's one thing to know that I can go buy a gun, get a concealed license, shoot pretty much any time I want, etc. But it's something else entirely to go shoot with someone who will never be able to do any of that unless they leave their home. Not just move across the street or to another state, but to a whole other country! It's really kind of mind-boggling.

So, yes. It's good to be an American. I think those founding fathers were really on to something....