Pull!

I'm nursing a bruised cheek at the moment, and it's due to a fight.  The score is: 12-gauge shotgun - 25, my face - 0.  Of course, the clay pigeons got the worst of the deal, as every single one of them ended up broken.

Die pigeon!

Shooting isn't an activity that I've spent a lot of time doing; none of my family grew up shooting guns/bows, so I naturally gravitated to other sports.  However, being in the military has given me the opportunity to at least be familiar with guns and the basics of shooting.  When my brother-in-law, Grant Petruzzelli, suggested that we head to the range and do some shooting during my Christmas leave, I jumped at the chance.

Kid, meet Candy Shop

Eye of the Tiger

The first day I went with my father-in-law, David Lollis, and Grant, while the wives went out to do some shopping.  Dave was like a little kid in a candy shop; telling everyone at the range that it was his first time shooting a shotgun.  Grant and I tried to assume the role of more experienced shooters, with limited success.  We got a 20-gauge shotgun and 25 shells each, and headed to the range.  After a brief demonstration of how to load and fire the guns, we set our stances and started firing.  When the dust cleared, I had barely edged out Grant for the win.  Final score: my 15 hits to Grant's 13.  Dave laid an egg.  We then headed over to the pistol range and got a 40cal pistol and 50 rounds.  We took turns shooting 5 rounds at a time from 10 yards out from a silhouette target, and took our bullet-riddled targets home to proudly show the womenfolk our prowess.

This gun's kinda heavy. . .

I guess old dogs can learn new tricks

We showed the pictures and videos from the day to our wives, and told my parents, and they expressed a desire to also do some shooting.  So, we took the afternoon today to head back to the range with Kylee, my Dad, and my Mom.  We got two rifles to share, and hit the range.  The assistants running the range were very helpful for all of us, giving pointers and tips for better shooting.  Everyone in the group hit some pigeons, though it was a nail-biter for my mom.  She went 0 for 23, then nailed the last two targets to the applause of all.  Kylee and my Dad were quite good - shooting down 8-10 pigeons each.   This day, I rented a 12-guage shotgun to try.  Though I shot better than the day before (hitting 20 pigeons) due to the greater power and spread, my cheek paid the price.

The weather was gorgeous, the kind of weather that only California can offer in December - mid 70s and clear skies.

Eye on the prize

More pictures at:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100638891273681.1073741832.12004504&type=1&l=7e32759cb4