richc
NES Member
My daughter has been a nanny this summer for the owners of a soccer camp. They bring in soccer players and coaches from around the world to work at the camp. She asked if I would take a couple of guys from Ireland to the range.
First they were shocked to learn that I had "real guns" and "real bullets". Those things are not allowed in Northern Ireland. When asked what they would like to shoot they were stunned to learn I owned more than one.
So off we went last night. I ran into one of the members, who is a top shelf competitive shooter, and a guy who loves to help new folks. So together we started the boys off with .22 bolt action rifle. Then on to a .38 revolver. Then a semi-auto .22 pistol. Then a 9mm semi-auto pistol. Then it got dark, before we could get them on an AR.
They came back to the house for a beer, and were just thrilled to have that opportunity. One thing that came out... they have guns in Ireland, of course, but they are all illegal and generally used for illegal purposes. So the notion of those of us in the USA owning guns carries a negative connotation.
We talked about that for a while, and helped them understand it is a right in our constitution, and there is historical significance and importance to that right. I also explained that everyone I know that owns guns legally is very responsible, careful, and use firearms for target, hunting and self defense purposes. It was interesting... they got it. Americans with guns are fine... it is the illegal guns and illegal owners that were the problem... just like back home for them.
It was truly a fun night!
First they were shocked to learn that I had "real guns" and "real bullets". Those things are not allowed in Northern Ireland. When asked what they would like to shoot they were stunned to learn I owned more than one.
So off we went last night. I ran into one of the members, who is a top shelf competitive shooter, and a guy who loves to help new folks. So together we started the boys off with .22 bolt action rifle. Then on to a .38 revolver. Then a semi-auto .22 pistol. Then a 9mm semi-auto pistol. Then it got dark, before we could get them on an AR.
They came back to the house for a beer, and were just thrilled to have that opportunity. One thing that came out... they have guns in Ireland, of course, but they are all illegal and generally used for illegal purposes. So the notion of those of us in the USA owning guns carries a negative connotation.
We talked about that for a while, and helped them understand it is a right in our constitution, and there is historical significance and importance to that right. I also explained that everyone I know that owns guns legally is very responsible, careful, and use firearms for target, hunting and self defense purposes. It was interesting... they got it. Americans with guns are fine... it is the illegal guns and illegal owners that were the problem... just like back home for them.
It was truly a fun night!