I’ve killed off hundreds of thousands of people in my books — generally by impersonal means such as diseases — but at least one character shot off a gun. I just guessed at how it would feel, and apparently I got it right, but still, if I’m going to continue my lethal activities, I should know what to do, how to do it, and how it feels. To that end, I’ve signed up for a shooting clinic. The clinic is this Saturday, and I am looking forward to the adventure. This is what it entails:
Agenda: 8:30 to 9:00 am Sign in at the Clubhouse
9:00 to 9:30 am Introduction and safety brief at the Clubhouse
9:45 to 11:30am Range Instruction (2 stages)
11:30 to 12:45 pm Lunch catered by a local Mexican restauran
1:00 to 2:45 pm Range Instruction (2 stages)
3:00 to 3:30 pm Debriefing & Certificates
What to Bring: We will provide all firearms, ammunition, safety equipment. We provide foam ear protection you insert in your ears and clear safety glasses. Wear your prescription glasses or contacts and safety glasses can be worn over them if necessary. Sunglasses are recommended if you wear them. If you have earmuff style ear protection and wish to use it, please feel free to do so.
You should wear light colored, loose fitting clothing that will offer some protection from the sun as it is likely to be hot and we will be outdoors most of the time. Scoopneck or v-neck blouses are not recommended for the range. We suggest a men’s style t-shirt with a high neck line. We will receive a visor at the event but may wish to bring your own hat or visor to protect you from the sun. Bring sun block if you are sun burn prone. We are in the desert and are subject to winds, be prepared. You will be walking on gravel and concrete so wear shoes that offer some traction and protection: hiking boots or running shoes work great. Don’t wear open toed shoes, flip flops, or sandals.
Bottled water will be available at all stages of the event. Restrooms are located at or near each range.
What you will be doing: You are going to learn to safely handle and fire rifles, pistols, and shotguns. You will also learn to hit the target. You can expect one on one instruction and coaching, and we will maintain a pace of events that is comfortable for you. We encourage you to try everything but your comfort level will be respected. This event is designed to take a novice shooter to a level of comfort with firearms that will allow that shooter to pursue further instruction. We replace fear of shooting with knowledge about shooting and apprehension about guns with respect for guns. At all times, we will maintain safe conditions and will instruct you in the safe, responsible and ethical handling of firearms.
Bertram's Blog 
September 21, 2011 at 2:15 pm
We used to go out and shoot cans. I loved the sound of the ping as the bullet hit the metal. And “thud” when it sank into a tree trunk. I don’t go hunting though for obvious reasons. My only advice, listen when they tell you how to position the rifle so it doesn’t bang back into your shoulder. Kickback hurts. For days.
September 21, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Thank you, Joylene. I’ll be sure to listen. I’m not fond of pain of any kind.
September 22, 2011 at 7:14 pm
This is what you call in-depth research for writing! Good for you, Pat. I can handle a rifle… had a father who always wanted a son but got me instead, so he started me early on target practice, and I accompanied him grouse and deer hunting. In later years I decided I much prefer hunting with a camera in hand! LOL!
September 24, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Carol, I had fun today, but I have no interest in shooting living creatures. In a world of eat or be eaten, I’d be food.
September 24, 2011 at 9:38 am
Dangerous already, but now armed.
Malcolm
September 24, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Turns out I’m pretty darn good, as long as the target stands still!
January 5, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Pat,
Would you recommend Women on Target to other women? Am writing a mini-feature about the program for an online publication and am interested in knowing (and quoting and linking, if possible) about your opinion. Would link the quote to your blog.
January 5, 2012 at 12:38 pm
I would definitely recommend Women on Target. In fact, I’m going to another Women on Target shooting clinic at the end of this month. The briefings and one-on-one instruction are wonderful. I learned enough the first time to actually be able to get a bullseye or two, and I’d never even touched a gun before attendeding the clinic!
Here is the follow-up article I did after the first clinic: https://ptbertram.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/halt-and-ill-shoot-adventures-with-firearms/ Feel free to quote from that article as long as you link back to it.