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Given the Armed Canadian's generous offer to take people shooting, I've decided to do the same. If you live in the Tampa Bay area, and have never fired a firearm before, email me. We will sit down for about a half-hour of safety and function training, then head to the range and put holes in some paper. I'm not an instructor, nor am I a particularly good marksman, but I do understand gun safety and all I am offering is an introduction to guns. Before you think about getting a gun yourself, you should probably take a safety course, or better yet, a firearms self defense course (which will also cover guns safety.) If you really don't like guns, or you believe that guns are dangerous, then you are the person who I am making this offer to. All I am seeking is the slightest hint of curiosity.
I feel that one of the most important barriers people face when it comes to political firearms issues is their irrational fear of the unknown. What most pro-gun types don't understand, for people who didn't grow up with them, guns really are scary until the point where you pick one up, learn how it works and shoot it. A great is example is my wife, who had never touched a real gun before the day I brought home my first rifle. As terrified as she was, she sucked it up, went shooting with me and had a great time. She isn't afraid of guns anymore. You quickly realize that not only are guns simply tools, but they are fun and empowering (especially, I've found, for women.) I'm not saying one trip to the gun range will convert a Brady-lover to our side, but people who are educated about guns don't fear them, and that is my goal.
Anyway, succinctly, the offer is this: If you've never handled a firearm before, I'll teach you the basics, supply all the necessary equipment and pay for your range fee and a box of ammo. I encourage other responsible, safe gun owners across the country to do the same thing. |
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