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Original poster

Have you ever shot a real gun?

108 replies

Soubriquet · 03/06/2021 08:33

I don’t agree with lax gun laws like they have in America, but I am intrigued by the gun ranges they have there

I would love the experience of using a gun at a range like that.

A quick google shows there are shooting ranges in the U.K. so one day I might give it a go

So have you ever shot a gun?

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 03/06/2021 08:36

No, I don't fancy using a gun at all. I have been on the other end though with one pointed at me so I think that's relevant.

A friend does the clay pigeon thing and thoroughly enjoys it.

I have seen a place where you can do axe throwing and like the sound of that. Grin

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 03/06/2021 08:37

Yes, several different types as a teen when I was in Air Cadets. Its fun in a similar way that archery is fun, trying to get closer to the centre of the target each time. Shooting an air rifle is very similar to shooting a normal rifle and plenty of places offer that.

Horehound · 03/06/2021 08:39

Yep mainly air rifles and pistols.

ShirleyPhallus · 03/06/2021 08:39

Yes, I have family in America who live on a ranch and they have guns. My cousin is a police officer in America so it was actually a great place to shoot because it was a pretty safe environment.

What surprised me is how gentle you have to be with the trigger. A gentle squeeze, rather the BANG BANG you see in movies.

Mrgrinch · 03/06/2021 08:39

Not sure that I'd see the use of a deadly weapon as a fun activity, but you do you.

BertieBotts · 03/06/2021 08:40

Nope, only those ones you get at stalls on fairgrounds. I'm rubbish at them!

milkjetmum · 03/06/2021 08:40

Clay pigeon once, I really enjoyed it! Think it's an expensive hobby but could be fun for a special occasion (we were on a hen do)

LadyCatStark · 03/06/2021 08:41

Yes as I was also an Air Cadet. I wasn’t very good at it though!

AthelstaneTheUnready · 03/06/2021 08:41

Yes, rural Norfolk as a teenager. Mainly air rifles and the odd shotgun. Bit noisy for me though.

Bluntness100 · 03/06/2021 08:42

Yes if you call Rifles in clay pigeon shooting a real gun. Recall is hard against your shoulder, it’s hard to do to be honest, hit the target. I’m not sure I’d say it was fun.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 03/06/2021 08:42

Yes. Handguns, shotguns, rifles, automatic s and even a sniper rifle once. And thrown practice grenades.
But I was in the Army Reserve. Grin

Although I agree with UK gun laws, I do think they lead to a mysterious air around them. Circumstances have meant my DDs have grown up seeing them regularly and have no interest in them whatsoever accept wanting to go a range when old enough, similar to other target sports. (They see them as something good guys have to protect us as their schools had armed guards for a while)

Original poster
Soubriquet · 03/06/2021 08:42

I’ve tried archery before

Shocked at how difficult it was!

OP posts:
cariadlet · 03/06/2021 08:42

I went to a local shooting range once and had a go at archery and target shooting. I really enjoyed it but we got the impression (from some of things being sold in the shop) that they were pro blood sports so we didn't go back.

daysofpearlyspencer · 03/06/2021 08:42

As a youngster i shot loads in the cadet force and private land with family, in the uk, i enjoyed shooting guns. Didn't make me want to shoot an actual person or animal though, i was just a good shot then

DoubleTweenQueen · 03/06/2021 08:42

Yes. Non-live targets only, on private land. Shotgun (clays) and 0.22 rifle. Also small cannon, and archery. Love it. Long time since though. Planning on getting the children a really good archery set.

Never really fancied a shooting range - sounds a bit intense.

Ughmaybenot · 03/06/2021 08:43

Many times, but not handguns or anything like that. Shotguns and air rifles.

coogee · 03/06/2021 08:45

Yes. Shotguns and rifles.

romdowa · 03/06/2021 08:47

Yes I shot a rifle in Australia. I wasn't very good at it and I looked silly holding a gun 🤣🤣

Chesneyhawkes1 · 03/06/2021 08:51

Yes shotgun and rifle

LostInTime · 03/06/2021 08:51

Yes- with Air Cadets also.
.22 rifle and a semi-automatic, which had letters and numbers Blush I was good at it (long-sighted) and achieved RAF marksman standard.
People talking about not finding weapons fun- it wasn't fun, it was taken very seriously, with many, many safety drills before we got anywhere near the rifles. People kill people, not weapons, and we were all taught how to handle them properly, store them safely, maintain them, etc. Maybe just our squadron, but there really weren't any idiots there, and many of us were intending careers in the armed forces. I certainly can't think of anyone who's turned to a life of guns and crime.

countrygirl99 · 03/06/2021 08:53

@Bluntness100

Yes if you call Rifles in clay pigeon shooting a real gun. Recall is hard against your shoulder, it’s hard to do to be honest, hit the target. I’m not sure I’d say it was fun.
It's shotguns for Clay's, not rifles
QueeniesCroft · 03/06/2021 08:55

Yes, shotguns and air rifles. I'm not a very good shot. My husband is an excellent shot and he will teach our sons when the time comes.

SaulGoodmanIsTaken · 03/06/2021 08:59

Yes, in the US at a gun range. Enjoyed it, though made me feel happy about UK gun laws.

Longdistance · 03/06/2021 09:01

Yes, but not in the UK in Riga. I went with a group of work colleagues for a laugh. I had the best aim. My target got shot in the head, neck, heart and it’s nether regions. I still have the poster in a frame in my garage. It was fun!

UnFringed · 03/06/2021 09:02

Yes we have shotguns at home for clays.