Life List Item #118 Completed: Learn How to Fire a Gun

I enjoy learning the kind of stuff that spy's would need to know. I would say that scuba diving, card counting, and bar tending school all fall under the skill set that at least James Bond needs to have. However, firing a gun accurately is probably the most important skill for spy's both real and fake.

Being that it was my birthday this week, my husband knows that nothing delights his Leonine wife more than the slavish completion of any item written into a neatly organized list. So he signed me (never fired a weapon ever in my life) and himself (ex-military, intrepid deer hunter) up for gun and shooting lessons.

The lecture part of the class went over gun safety, handling, storage, and cleaning. Then came the practical part in the shooting range.

I don't know what it says about me, but I was a drop-dead natural markswoman. I'm talking bull's eyes every time at 15, 25, and 35 feet with a semi-automatic as well as single action and double action revolvers (all 22 caliber). My shooting was impressive enough that Rory and the instructor said I should really think about joining a shooting league. I definitely had fun; it would be something to consider if my fall school schedule allows me the time.

I think I was a good shot for these two reasons:

1. The instructor had just told us exactly what to do in the classroom portion, and the one thing I really excel at is being a professional student.
2. Not to knock the other women in the class, but they were all handling the guns like they were live rattlesnakes and flinching at every shot that went off. Now I'm not saying I'm some kind of tough-as-nails SOB, but the guns did not frighten me. At this point in my life, I've bungee jumped, walked away from a prestigious but soul-crushing career, and sold two houses at profit under horrible economic conditions. Many things in this life are more terrifying than the sound of a gunshot in the context of a gun range.

So who knows? Time permitting maybe I will work on becoming the next Annie Oakley.

For those in the Louisville metro area, I have to give props to Open Range gun range. The class we took was about 4 hours long, covered all things guns, and their facility was super clean, super modern, and super friendly (and they were NOT gun weirdos either). They also have a paintball arena. I highly recommend this range if you are just looking to do target shooting, and the class is terrific particularly for women or people looking for a refresher. You can visit their website here: http://www.openrangesports.com/