Day at the Shooting Range

Saturday, Shauna, Thomas (her brother), and I all went out to Range Masters in Springville, UT, to rent some handguns and use their indoor range. While the prices went up since I was last there (three years ago), it was still well worth it and a lot of fun. Our goal for this trip was to find what kind of gun Shauna is comfortable shooting and also to give us all more experience shooting handguns. Experience is important when it comes to gun safety, and, like in all other aspects of life, knowledge is power.

We started off with a Glock 9mm and a brick of 50 rounds. The Glock was nice, but it was a little big and uncomfortable for all three of us. I'd forgotten how powerful a 9mm was because the last time I was at the range, I shot a Glock .40 first, then a 9mm, so the 9mm seemed really small. Haha. So, we shot about a clip each and then switched out the Glock for a Sig Sauer 9mm. The Sig in comparison was a lot nicer and more comfortable. But, it was still a little too big.

I have to throw in here that it was really cute watching Shauna's routine: She'd step up to the range, load and cock the gun like a pro, get into her stance, carefully take aim, fire one shot into the ceiling, one shot somewhere down range, place the gun calmly back onto the table, and walk away. I think her cowgirl name would be Ol' Two Shot Shauna. =)

Anyways, after talking with the clerk, he set us up with a Sig .380. The gun itself is a lot smaller than the others and the bullet is slightly shorter than a 9mm, though they're about the same diameter. The one big con is that because the barrel is shorter, it produces more of a 'bang' and therefore a little more kick. But, Shauna liked this one much better. In fact, by the time we were done with our .380 rounds, Shauna was able to plant quite a few rounds onto the target and at a good distance down range. (Way to go, honey!)

After the Sig, we switched out for a Colt .380, and that was slightly smaller than the Sig. It felt a little better and the clip was easier to load. But, we learned that the Colt was way more expensive than the other guns.

So, as I mentioned previously, one of main purposes of this outing was to gain experience (and to have some fun). Although Shauna and I differ on some political issues, one issue we are both adamant about is our right to bear arms and the importance of being able to protect yourself and those you love from harm (i.e., from crazy bad guys that think rampaging through a small-town, neighborhood shopping mall is the end to a perfect night out, etc.). The world is getting to be a scarier place, and it's just good to be prepared. I'll leave it at that.

Bottom line: Date to the shooting range--highly recommended!

'South for the Summer'

Here is a link to my brother's band, South for the Summer. They have a new Myspace and a couple of new songs on there. Please, stop by and listen. They're really good, and I'm not just saying that. Spread the word. (P.S., Jared has the vocals and the bass guitar).

I also wanted to post some pics I took of the American Idol auditions. They'll help you get a feel for everything you missed by not going. =)

Ryan Seacrest, ladies and gentlemen!
(No, you can't see him. I was feet away from him and I couldn't see him... All those tall, 5'3" Utah girls... But doesn't the bright, white light make him appear angelic?)


Jared, waiting for the big moment (hours into the day).


Jared auditioning (post yawn)
He's the big guy in the black shirt, second table from the left.