I’ve lived in Texas my whole life.
Well, except for a six-month stint working for a political news service in Washington, DC after college. I got homesick (Dr Pepper and Bluebell ice cream are necessities, people!) and came home as soon as I could.
But I digress.
As a Texan, I am kind of ashamed to admit that until this past weekend, I had never fired a gun.
Nope.
Never.
The thing is, I don’t really *like* guns. I don’t like the power that they contain. This little metal cylinder that brings death.
Shudder.
And people can have such a cavalier attitude about firearms. They act like it’s no big thing.
Especially here in Texas.
When my friend, Morgan, decided to throw a “shotgun” wedding, I had no idea what I was in for.
No, no. Not *that* kind of “shotgun” wedding.
You see, the wedding was at this beautiful ranch in Central Texas. Guests were asked to arrive at 3:06 (30 ot 6, or .30-06 rifle) and the wedding started at 4:10 (.410 shotgun).
After the ceremony, guests were invited to participate in a round of skeet shooting over the lake.
I’m serious.
Here are the Bridge and Groom getting ready for their round.
Aren’t they a cute couple?
Their house is decorated in animals they’ve hunted.
Which brings us to my shooting experience.
Ricky, another Aggie we met at the wedding, convinced me to try my hand at a 20-gauge shotgun.
It is amazing to me how pulling that little trigger ignites such power.
It’s not something I think I could ever get used to.
Well…maybe I enjoyed myself just a little.
But man, oh man, does my shoulder hurt today.
Happy shooting, and thanks for looking!
Guns are illegal in Australia. 😛
I never knew guns were a "requirement" in Texas. I'll have to ask my Texan friend if he's fired a gun before.
Nice post though! You seem pretty happy with that gun in your hands.
Yay! Shooting a gun is fun! My wife and I both hunt and compete. Sorry your shoulder hurts so bad – next time try the 410 it won't hurt you. 😉
kjovus
I agree–the 410 is much gentler than the 20 gauge! It also helps if you keep it super-tight into your shoulder :-).
Also, go you for your first shooting experience being with a shotgun! I highly recommend you try a handgun at some point as well–firing ranges are FUN!!!
Hope all's well with y'all!
If more people agreed that Dr Pepper and Blue Bell are necessities, we'd be a much more peaceful nation. 😀
I will definitely have to try a 410 and a handgun. I think shooting a handgun at a range would be fun!
Bookish — I definitely agree!
Cass — I had no idea guns were illegal in Australia. It's amazing how different things are across the world!
I've never fired a gun until I met my now husband. Part of that is I at that time lived in California. But he rescued me and moved us to Texas. Now I go with him every now and then. But let me tell you, shotguns do hurt! So try again when the winter months come and you can have more jacket padding heh. It really can be fun when you actually connect and make the clay disc explode.