May 1995	Women & Guns

Parting Shots ...

	I turn off the street in to a light industrial-office park.
The two-story buildings are freshly painted. Shrubbery and flowering
plants dot the parking area. This is a typical suburban area.

	In the middle of the complex is my destination.

	I push open the double glass doors expecting to smell the
familiar odor of hot oil and hot lead. Although muffled, I can hear
the echoing pings of brass.

	The lobby is large and airy. The ceiling is high and the
thick, cream carpet bordered in forest green and maroon invites me
into the waiting area.

	The air is warm and fresh. The lighting is clear_no odd
shadows or unpleasant glare.

	There are young children waiting with their mother. Each one
is wearing safety glasses and hearing protection. They are listening
to a friendly young man tell them the required rules for appropriate
and safe behavior.

	WOW!

	This shooting range is fantastic. As my eleven year old says,
WSI rules!

	I walk up to the Range Master, Ginny Lyford, and my tour
begins.

	The range is designed to be "user-friendly." It is physically
comfortable, professional in all aspects and safe.

	Everyone who wants to shoot fills out a safety sheet to ensure
that all shooters are following the same set of rules. This is
required each time an individual comes to shoot.

	The public range fees are for the day_not hour and reasonable.
The rate per lane is reduced for the additional shooters in a party.

	I am "welcome to [my] own brass_but not anyone else's," Ginny
tells me.  And they even provide eye protection and ear plugs for
those who have forgotten to bring them.

	The first stop is a visit with the on site gun smith through a
"Dutch door". The tools of his trade are evident, as is the fact that
he has a great many customers.

	Next is the sales and rental area where all types of handguns
can be purchased or rented. What a great way to pick out my firearm of
choice! There are manuals for learning technique, historic background
and public debate.

	The choice of ammunition is extensive with major brands and
reloads available. There's plenty of .22 for plinking.

	In the corner are two machines that I have never seen before.
The Range Master tells me that they are ultrasonic gun cleaners. There
are similar to the kind jewelers use to polish rings or optometrists
use to clean eyeglasses_only huge.

	To the left is the training area with classrooms. There is a
group of people going through a general defensive handgun class. There
is an extensive listing of classes; everything from basic handgunning
to concealed carry seminars, from low-light handgun training to close
quarters confrontation, from general defensive rifle to street and
vehicle tactics and from shotgunning to firearm maintenance. There are
always instructors on the premises.

	Finally we enter the triple-paned-glass enclosed range. The
atmosphere is pleasant and the lighting excellent.

	There is no apparent residual smoke from the rounds fired.
Behind the shooters are massive ventilation ducts bringing in a steady
stream of clean air. Using H.E.P.A. (High Efficiency Particulate Air)
filters, the same type used in hospital operating rooms, they even
remove pollen.

	There are eighteen lanes each 75 feet in length. Two lanes
have wheel chair access. There are wide sills at each stand with
plenty of space for ammunition and firearms. There are notices to
remind shooters that all firearms must be pointed down range and
unloaded when not in use.

	Comfortable chairs for resting and lockers for gun storage
(permanent or temporary) are on the back wall.

	The paper targets are mounted on track carriers, eliminating
swing and allowing the shooter her choice of distance.

	The backstop_the device that stops the bullets_is 17 feet of
moist, fine sand. Kept at a constant 40 degree angle, it keeps
fragmentation and particles to a minimum. It also helps to reduce the
lead level in the air. A Desert_not Baby_Eagle .50 can be shot in the
range safely.

	There is a training area_yet unnamed_the size of six unmarked
lanes. It is used for classes, drill and simulation exercises.

	I am told that after serious study and passing stringent
safety requirements, I can also shoot a .30-06 or shotgun in the
range.

	Being on the range reminds me that "practice makes perfect."

	I choose not to be a victim and to have the option to defend
myself with a firearm. It is incumbent on me that I maintain the
proper level of ability and proficiency.

	I end my tour with a wish that the gun grabbers would settle
down for a while so that I might enjoy the pleasures of a range so
close to my home.

Personal Parting Shots ...  Thanks to James, Ginny, John, Peter, Nadja
and Craig for all you do to keep me on track. To AMG, eiwow iuam! To
Miss Splendiferous, Miss Spectacular and Master Stupendous, let's go
to the range. If YOU want to go give me a call and I'll give you
directions!