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On July 18th 2008, I shot a man with a 9mm Beretta. I calmly loaded the magazine into the gun, took aim, put my finger on the trigger and pulled. A couple of rounds later the man sported a hole in his head and a couple on his chest. I shot a man, and then I went to have coffee.

Ok, I lied a bit. I didn’t really shoot a man. I shot a target with a picture of a man, but I didn’t lie about the coffee. The something new for this week finds me in downtown Los Angeles in a place filled with warehouses and quiet streets. Here at the Gun Club of Los Angeles and for the price of gun rental, lane rental, ammo, and a few basic procedures in loading/unloading and safe handling of guns (never aim, even an unloaded gun, at someone) one can have the opportunity to shoot at unsuspecting targets pinned to walls (they never knew what hit them).

I had never shot a gun before. I didn’t even know how to load one or load a bullet in the chamber, but the brief tutorial helped me get up and running. It wasn’t until I actually stepped into the firing range that the whole event actually began to take hold. The sound of rifles, shot guns, and handguns firing off made me nervous and jump a bit as I slowly loaded each round into the magazine – that in itself is harder than it seems. A little shaking due to nervousness and what not, and the magazine was loaded. I pushed the clip into the Beretta and hit the switch to load the chamber. I took aim and calmly pulled the trigger. Bang! Headshot. Ok, maybe not a headshot, but it was close. I honestly thought the recoil would be more, but as I would learn that a 9mm doesn’t pack that much of a punch. For that, I would have to try the rifle.

The rifle was a lot harder. Getting the sights set on your target was easy enough (some of us had trouble) but if you don’t make sure that the handle is flush against your shoulder, the recoil could leave a nice bruise. I missed of course. Apparently the sight was a little off, or maybe I’m just a bad shot with a rifle. Either way, the rush was enough. I think I’ve found my new hobby.

The good thing about this shooting range is that it’s close to work. After a long week of stress and dealing with the problems of the world it would be a nice way to unwind by coming to the range and shoot off a few rounds. Basically releasing all your anger, adrenaline, and frustration at a target who is just as willing to take the bullet as you are shooting it. The only thing you really need to worry about is the empty shells as they fly around, but that’s why they give you safety glasses for. I don’t own a gun, and I’ve never actually shot one before Friday, but who knows, I just might in the future. This was something definitely worth trying and I’m pretty sure I’ll be coming here a lot in the future. I even have a few ideas of who I could picture on the target to help me focus on being a better shot. I’m kidding. I won’t imagine anyone, well, no one except you. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.

Click here to see the pictures.