Range Report: New Shooter Sam

We visited the Wet Bunny Range again this morning: Jenny S., Melanie (oldest daughter), Samantha (youngest daughter) and me. Sam came along reluctantly, having never fired a shot before. She's about to turn 16, though, and I just couldn't let that situation go any longer.

She's seen the sturm und drang of larger caliber weapons, and simply wasn't interested. But Mel got that new Beretta Neos a couple of weeks ago, and it's pretty sweet. So Sam agreed, very reluctantly, to tag along.

While Jenny & Mel were setting up their stations, I showed Sam the Neos, and went over the basics: the Four Rules, the parts of the pistol, how it works, and kept emphasizing how little muss & fuss a .22 makes. She held the unloaded pistol, became familiar with its feel, and practiced a proper grip and stance. Then it was time for the big moment. I put a single round in the magazine, and handed it to her.

Her first shot was low, but on the center line of the target. Mel then gave her a full magazine. Ten rounds later she looked at me with that BIG SMILE you all know, and said, "Dad? This is FUN!"  "I told you so."  "Yeah, but ... but this is FUN!!"


Jenny was kind enough to let the girls shoot her .22 rifle, as well. Now let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Mel with the pistol

Sam, learning that magazines don't refill themselves

Mel shooting from a prone position, while Jenny watches

Sam, drawing a bead on the target

The girls with their target (.22 rifle). Check out the grin on Sam!