Last year, I replaced my .22 rifle (which I could never remember how to use depite the hours of training) with a more practical revolver. In the year or so that my six-shooter has sat on the shelf, I'm happy to report I've not had cause to pull the trigger. And therein lies the problem – I was worried that I would forget how. So over the weekend I went to a shooting range for a little practice.
Feeling quite smug that I could still hit a target, I came home, pulled out my gun-cleaning supplies, and didn't have a freakin' clue what to do next. (Sorry, KA, it's been over a year since you showed me what to do. I've slept since then.) Yet again, Google saved the day.
There I sat, merrily cleaning my revolver while watching a YouTube video that walked me through it step by step. Have I told you lately how much I love the internet?
Living in the country, although not as remote as you, it's a given that a person needs to have a gun and the knowledge on how to use it right AND keep it clean. I've had to use one several times for copperheads/rattlers.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the internet goes ... amazing! Couldn't live without it!
When I was a kid, I used to make quarters by cleaning my dad's shoes and his guns. I used to love the smell of Hoppe's. I wouldn't remember how anymore either. We have a gun, but I haven't fired one since I was a teenager. I'm not even sure where Mr. Fry keeps it.
ReplyDeleteI too LOVE the internet!! How else would I know what goes on in New Mexico eh!
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Theresa in Alberta
I am impressed - you are a great shot! And yes, I think you should definitely have a gun. I was thinking of you this morning - it must be so peaceful to live by yourself with your animals!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Carson, I don't like guns either. As for the internet, its the best thing since sliced bread.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many people willing to share their expertise. I just love to surf.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day.
LUL, Sandra
Here's to NEVER needing to use the gun -- besides, it's all clean and you wouldn't want to make it dirty.
ReplyDeleteNice shooting, dead eye! Right on target. Hope you never need to use it to defend yourself or your animals though.
ReplyDeleteAnnie Oakley rides again! You go, Girl!
ReplyDeleteYou're a good shot Carson! I love target shooting, so call me if you ever want a tag along. :)
ReplyDeleteThe How-to stuff available is amazing. I'm not sure a day goes by when I don't look up how to do one thing or another or a word, place, concept. And it allows me to work from home or anywhere - yea :)!
ReplyDeleteI think that is a smart thing to practice. Hope you never have to use it but just knowing you can is reassuring.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right about the internet. Goggle is my best friend.
Gotta love the interwebs.
ReplyDeleteLOL! What would we do without YouTube? I learned how to change a toilet shutoff valve and how to change a toilet flange and wax ring with the help of YouTube. It's like having your Dad/Husband/Brother there but without the stress and/or criticism when you do something wrong.
ReplyDeleteGood skills, need to keep them sharp. Not sure how often a gun needs cleaning in your climate, but you wouldn't want it to be dirty if it needed to be used. Could likely find that answer on the internet too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, love your blog.
For not practicing, wow! What would happen if you practiced with that thing? Geeez!
ReplyDeleteLove the Internet. We work on our quads like that. Youtube has a video for EVERYTHING. Don't know how to clean a carb? They'll show you. Oil change got ya baffled? Someone has a video on how to.
The Internet is the super cool. Best part is reading your blog :)
i have a 32 lady smith and wesson have never HAD to use it but very happy to have it and to know how and fred (my target ) lives on my back door to warn all that I CAN hit what i aim for LOL
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good shootin' Annie Oakley. :) Suzanne
ReplyDeleteGood shootin' Carson! It's comforting to know that you're fully capable and willing to protect you and yours! I love target practice too... maybe we can get together when (if) I make it out west!
ReplyDeleteWe pulled off old tiles on our shower base ..... discovered total rot on the wood of the base and decided to build instead, a dry pack cement base.
ReplyDeleteGoogle and tutorials later... . built one...... although, we still had to smooth and play with several different trowels than did the pros..., but, now, we have a lovely porcelain tiled shower built on a base that won't rot this time.....
Good for you to brush up on your skills. Hopefully you will never have to use the gun, but just in case you do you will know how. Living in the country you never know when the unexpected will happen! Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya, i love the internet, and while i dont love guns, i do know how to use one and have shot gophers before, but thats about all (and prolly all i want to shoot truthfully)
ReplyDeleteThat is some great marksmanship! I believe it has been proven (at least in my home) that women are better shots than men.
ReplyDeleteGo Annie!!
Thank goodness you've had no use for it--please tell me you knocked on wood after you typed that.
ReplyDeleteI would say your shootin' eye is still just fine.
Good shootin"! Did you do better when you moved away from the 25 yard line?
ReplyDeleteHa! I always complain at the range that 25 yards is where we park the police cars...not where we should start shooting.
I've still never learned to load my rifle -- much less shoot it. I'm hoping that just waving it around will be frightening enough.
ReplyDeleteP.S. -- And you ARE Annie Oakley!
Hope you never have to use it! You showed that target who's who though!
ReplyDeleteYou sure are a good shot! It's a good thing to know how to use a gun. I stink at shooting...so I will continue to rely on hubby and my neighbor to do the shootin for me.
ReplyDeleteWell I bet if you hung that target grouping outside those rattlers would reconsider their choice of mouse hunting territory.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which, is Jerry still around?