So, what would be the very first thing that I would buy on one of those group buying sites?
Why, that would be admission with a .22 calibre handgun rental and 50 rounds of ammo at DVC Shooting Centre. And I bought 4 of them for $18 each. Not quite what you’d guess?
I was super stoked when I bought this 6 months ago. DVC shooting centre is the only indoor shooting range in BC, a heated state-of-the-art facility with 13 individual shooting lanes that are 17 yards long and with motorized target return systems. The package includes an introductory lesson, safety gear, sign-your-life-away insurance and the services of a range officer.
Sean and I arrived at DVC and there was a lobby full of people waiting for their turns head back to the range. We registered, checked out the shiny guns under the glass tables and waited our turn. Then we heard a loud freakin’ BAM! It sounded a canon had gone off at the back of the building. Yea, that did nothing to settle my worries. This gun was LOUD.
Most of the people there were newbies, who were redeeming their Social Shopper vouchers like us. A few were DVC members who had their own guns and ammo. It was a bit intimidating to see these people walk in/out with their not so easily disguised duffels and ammo boxes. And these were the ones who came with their hand cannons.
Always respect the weapon.
Pretty soon, it was our turn. But as there were so many people using their vouchers, all the 22 calibre handguns were all being used, so the range officer gave Sean and I a complimentary upgrade – a .22 WITH A SCOPE and a RIFLE with a scope. Our choice of paper targets? ZOMBIES, of course!
After donning the earmuffs and safety goggles, the range officer led us to the back. We had the good fortune of being right beside a guy firing his own personal hand cannon. It was so loud, that it was jarring being beside him. When he shot off his gun, it was like your head was reverberating. I did not want to be standing right beside him, so Sean took that stall instead.
The range officer showed us how to hold the gun and how to put the gun down. He also explained how to load bullets, eject and lock the magazine, engage and disengage the safety and remove bunk bullets from the firing chamber. It was all very professional and safe. I was also assured that the .22 and the rifle barely has any recoil, so that I’d have no problems firing the weapons.
Taking a deep breath and assuming the position, I thought to myself, “if I don’t like it after one shot, there’s no shame in leaving”. I was not above packing it in if I didn’t feel good after firing the .22.
And then I fired one off and I was surprised to find that my fear disappeared. In its place, I felt a thrill and exhilaration. The fact that I had a scope made it more fun. I felt like one of Charlie’s Angels at the police academy.
Having bought 4 vouchers, that gave Sean and I 100 bullets each. The magazine holds 10 bullets at a time, so that would make it 10 rounds. I found out that 100 bullets goes by really fast.
I traded with Sean, so I could try out the rifle. It was way heavier and after a few shots, I had to place my elbows down on the table to fire instead of holding it up. I might have shot some more, but the hand cannon going off in the next stall proved too distracting. And I think I was more comfortable with a handgun for my first time out.
When Sean holds the .22, doesn’t he look like he’s holding the noisy cricket from Men in Black?
Twenty five minutes later, we blew through all our bullets. I had fun at the shooting range. Not going to lie, it was an enjoyable experience. But to be clear, I liked it because it was target practice. The actual act of shooting a gun was secondary. I would NEVER have a gun in my house. Blunt instruments or fighting sticks for star-whacking intruders sure, but never a gun.
Given the choice, I still prefer the bow and arrow. It’s much more elegant and more my style.
How did we do? Retracting our zombie targets.
Shots to the head, heart and crotch. Yea, I’d say these zombies are toast.
But at least I know what it feels like to hold, aim and fire a gun. And I’m sure this skill would come in handy in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Remember, always aim for the head.
Wanna know what Sean and I will be doing next? Using our Groupon coupons for a bodyflight over a vertical wind tunnel. We be flying!
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