Mephisto2

I've always been fascinated, but also repelled, by firearms. As a kid I loved to read about weapons, and still have an obsession with military history. But I was always reluctant to actually pick up a gun. To me they've always been, indeed always will be, associated with one specific goal; killing.

So, whilst always an "armchair fan" I regularly resisted numerous opportunities to go to a range and actually try one out. That is, until about three weeks ago.

I was over in South Australia with Mrs Mephisto visiting her grandfather, listening attentively to his stories of WWII. They live in a pretty remote area of Australia (and that's saying something!), so when their son (Mrs Mephisto's uncle) asked me if I wanted to come out with him to the local shooting range, I was pretty reluctant. On the other hand, I didn't want to be rude so I agree.

Now this fella is a good guy. Generally an all round top bloke. He immediately put me at ease. He actually teaches fire-arms safety courses at the local college (successfully passing one of these six week courses is a legal prerequisite for even applying for a licence here in Australia), and also is a marksman and tutor for the South Australian Police Force. On an aside, I come from Ireland where the police are unarmed, so I always felt a little uncomfortable dealing with young policemen with their S&W .357's or Glocks on their hips. Anyway, as a gun safety, marksman and fire-arms instructor, Mrs Mephisto was very good in addressing my "first time nerves" in handling the guns he brought along.

He took his S&W .357 Magnum (what the SA Police use), a Beretta .22 semi-automatic, a Russian 12 guage shot-gun (can't remember much more about this, other than it had a kick to remember!) and a reproductioin Winchester lever action rifle; one of those real cow-boy guns!!

I stood by and watched him in his regulation competition (you have to take part in an official shooting competition at least once every 8 weeks to keep your licence). First thing I noticed is that handguns make a lot of noise. Of course I had to take off my ear-protectors just once to experience the sound of the shots; they were quickly replaced. Even with his using .38 Special rounds for this session, the sound was quite extraordinarily louder than I had expected.

Soon afterwards came my turn. I started with the S&W .357 Magnum. Who wouldn't? :-) Mrs Mephisto's Uncle (MMU) talked me through holding the firearm, getting used to the feel of it. The trigger had been worked to reduce the pressure from 16 pounds (factory default?) to 12, to make it easier to handle and squeeze off rounds for competition shooting. It was heavier than I expected, but sat nicely in the hand (if that's the word). I pulled the trigger a few times, safe in the knowledge that as a centre-firing action I wouldn't be damaging the action. After explaining the most important safety procedures (the absolute essential requirement of opening the barrel (??) and removing the spent shells, clearly showing an empty gun before stepping back from the firing position etc, and never, ever, ever pointing the barrel anywhere but towards the target area), it came to my time for my first shots.

As mentioned above, MMU had decided to use .38 Special "squibs" for this session, as it reduced recoil and was easier in competition shooting, as well as on me on my first time with a gun. I fired my first three shots single action (cocking the hammer before firing) and my next three double action. When I emptied the gun and went down to check my "score" I was quite surprised to see I had two 10's and four 9's. MMU had already complimented me on how I handled the gun and naturally used my dominant eye when aiming (apparently, up to 40% of shooters need to be taught this seemingly basic and obvious technique). I was impressed with my score, as was MMU. This was fun!

After a few more rounds with the .357, we went on to the Beretta. With this firearm, I tried "rapid fire", emptying the magazine of seven rounds in approximately 5-7 seconds. Again my scores were surprising. I had several 10's and nothing less than an 8. MMU told me I was a natural, which I'm sure is not the case but I certainly was better at this than I had expected.

I didn't really enjoy the shotgun. I was heavy, loud and just knocked up a bunch of dust in the target area (a bank of earth). Not half as much fun as target practice. The Winchester was a blast, and I reminded me of countless days in the past when I played with my own, wooden rifle (ie, just a hunk of wood), ridding the Irish countryside of dastardly "Injuns" (with apologies to all, for my young and foolish, non PC behaviour and racial stereo-typing. I blame it all on those old B&W Westerns).

Anyway, just thought I'd share my experiences as a first time shooter. I enjoyed it so much I'm thinking of joining the local pistol club. You need to attend the club for at least six months before they will consider you for membership, and can only use the club pistols. You need to be a member of a club before you can apply for a licence and the pistol club can reject your application for any reason; if they don't like the look of you or think you're a bit dodgy for example). There's no right of appeal. The idea of this is to avoid looneys getting their hands on guns and it all seems like a good idea to me.

Of course, it makes the whole thing that bit harder, but I guess that's the point.


Mr Mephisto