Exercise of a different kind

Last year my husband, Mark, and I decided to exercise our Second Amendment rights.  We each purchased a handgun.  Depending on where you live in the country, there are any number of regulatory hoops to jump through; but where we live, all we needed was a "Permit To Purchase" from our local police department and a federal background check.  Finally, yesterday evening we headed over to Gander Mountain for their introductory training course.  Mark had a certificate from Living Social that gave us a 50% discount on the price of one course.

The Gander Mountain Academy (not available at every location) has a wonderful training facility that includes both a live fire range and simulators that use laser pistols with a weight and kick similar to that of an actual gun.  Our initial training included a gun safety summary, a little bit of time on a simulated firing range to get used to the gun, and then some simulators for rapid firing and situational decision-making... THAT was interesting.  The simulator brought up "real life" scenarios designed to make you think:  When do you shoot, when do you not shoot, and when do you retreat entirely?  After that, we were given some time on the live-fire shooting range. (I did quite well!)  Our instructor was a retired law enforcement detective and gave us tips on stance, how to grip the gun properly, and how to respond in given threat (or perceived threat) situations.  We highly recommend investing in at least one of their training courses if you plan to own a firearm.

Owning a gun is still a right in this country (for awhile, at least), but it is a somber responsibility.  Like an automobile, a firearm can be a deadly device when not used properly -- with caution, extreme care, and the knowledge that YOU can kill someone with it.  Even in situations of self-defense, taking the life of another person is a profoundly serious thing... an action that will change you forever.

The Good Book says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."  (Romans 12:18.)  But it's nice to know that I have a backup when peace doesn't work!  Nevertheless, I hope the only targets I ever have to deal with will be paper ones.