When I’ve shared with a few people who’ve known me for awhile that I’ve taken up shooting as a hobby, they are often surprised. I guess I can’t blame them for that since I haven’t told many of them my history.
My grandfather was quite the weapon aficionado. We suspect he was a part of the OSS or CIA or some other intel outfit, but for obvious reasons we can’t confirm that. If he was, I would venture a fair share of money that he was involved with some kind of smuggling or assassination activities given what we did know about his skills and some of “interesting” tidbits he shared.
In addition to collecting guns, he also built guns. And he was by all accounts one hell of a shot. My grandmother told me that several winters he kept them eating well just on the meat he’d win at local shooting competitions.
The little secret I kept from people was that I was also a pretty good shot. My shooting was limited to a pellet gun and a slingshot, but I had very good aim. I did fire some more serious weaponry, but I was too small to really be able to do it well. The last time I fired a gun was when I was probably around 10.
Fast forward 20 years and I’m at a range with my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and wife. I’ve decided to finally accept my legacy and shoot again. My wife’s family are hunters and they are quite good with guns. They also manage to do it without a bunch of macho bullshit, which I greatly appreciate.
Anyway, I had forgotten my technique and on the trap range I fired my first shotgun in years without the stock against my cheek. But I did manage to hit the clay on the first shot. I had to laugh inside when I saw I still had it.
This past weekend, we messed around with rifles. It was my first time firing a rifle and they were sighting in some .260 bolt actions they were going to be taking on a hunting trip. They had one on a stand, but I was firing a free one from a sitting position using blocks. My first group of 5 shots from 100 yards was decent–pretty tight and close to the center (adjusted for the scope sighting). Everyone was impressed. But my group from 200 yards was outstanding and they were a little shocked.
It seems weird to think that this could be some kind of inborn gift, but if it can be then I guess I have it. I’m not into killing animals, so I won’t be putting my skills to use during hunting season. But I’m all for destroying some targets and I’m glad I’ve got a new hobby.
A few weeks back I got the remaining guns my grandfather had when he died in 1993: a Remington 11-48 12 ga. shotgun, a Winchester 63A .22 short barrel rifle, and a .44 cal. reproduction Kentucky long rifle. I’ve got to get them to a gunsmith to get them cleaned up and inspected before I fire them, but I’m looking forward to it.
My wish list right now includes a 9 mm or .40 cal handgun and a Remington 700 .30-06 rifle with a scope.
