Shooting Guns with Uncle Ralph
We checked out Aunt Merced’s and Uncle Ralph’s new house and it is beautiful! While there we drove to CAMP and Uncle Ralph let all of us try shooting guns.
First, everyone got a lesson in gun safety. Ralph showed us the parts of a gun, how to know if a gun is loaded, how to load it, how they shoot bullets, and then went over a lot of rules and safety procedures. He even included what to do if the children are at a friend’s house and are offered the chance to see or touch guns. He was extremely patient with the children and would make a great teacher!
We went outside and Ralph set us up… ear and eye protection for everyone, and a strip of wood for the bystanders to stay behind. I was really impressed with Ralph’s focus and concentration and 100% attention to safety. It drove home the point that you don’t mess around with guns.
The children shot a light-weight rifle with a laser attached to help aim.
Maria was the most accurate! She really enjoyed trying to hit the target. Jack was a close second. Danny squeezed Ralph’s finger instead of the actual trigger because his hands were too small, but he was excited and loved “shooting guns and blasting targets,” as he put it.
It was so bitterly cold that we kept going inside to warm up, then back out to let someone else have a try. After the children tried the rifle, I tried a handgun. It was heavier than I expected, and I now know how much practice you would need to hit the target (let alone a moving - or threatening - target).
Next we all tried the crossbow, and that was a lot of fun! Ralph showed all of us the parts and explained how it worked. Then a safety talk; then he made sure everyone was behind the shooter; then he let us try. Again, so focused on safety and a wonderful teacher!
We all loved camp, and hope to return… maybe when it’s warmer! We got to spend time with Merced and Ralph; Ralph shared his knowledge and we could see how much he enjoys shooting and hunting; we saw their beautiful new house; we experienced a new sport; and we had a wonderful weekend! Thanks, Merced and Ralph!
Selfie from the top of the hill in their backyard.
