Where: Long Crendon, England
When: February 16, 2013
With: Phillippa, Einar, Richard, and Katy
It had been awhile since the old "British social calendar" was tapped into, and a GroupOn deal came up that reminded us it was time to plan something. The decision was to go to the countryside for some shooting, just like proper British people.
After a nice lunch in the village, we headed out into the countryside. The air rang with the blasts of guns as we walked from the parking lot down to the range.
We met our rather gruff guide who gave us a very quick briefing on how to shoot the clay pigeons (and not each other), we were handed our ear plugs, and off we went. Our one hour session consisted of going to various wooden "stations" from which you shoot your gun. The guide holds a remote control in his hand, and upon pushing a button on it, small round pieces of pottery come shooting out across your line of sight. Different stations have pigeons flying at different angles and speeds.
First up was Einar. Despite having brought his own gun and being properly dressed the part, he had a slow start. But by the last station, he was in the element his country gear indicated he should be and was showing everyone up.
Not to brag, but I got off to an excellent start. Me + hand-eye coordination/patience games go well together. However, as time went on, our rather chauvinistic guide decided that he'd help me by grabbing the barrel of my gun to "guide me" to the pigeons. This just made me angry and I lost the steam I had gained in the beginning.
The funniest part of the day was the random tag along to our group - an Iraqi man named Mohammed that continually told everyone about all the things he shot on his farm in Baghdad. We all politely listened, then cowered slightly as he took his turn with the shotgun and did not miss a pigeon.
While it wasn't as authentic of a shooting experience as some Brits may normally have (and no Americans would ever normally have), it was a fun day out, and we all enjoyed. I think I should go back with a different guide and my own gun. :-)
When: February 16, 2013
With: Phillippa, Einar, Richard, and Katy
It had been awhile since the old "British social calendar" was tapped into, and a GroupOn deal came up that reminded us it was time to plan something. The decision was to go to the countryside for some shooting, just like proper British people.
After a nice lunch in the village, we headed out into the countryside. The air rang with the blasts of guns as we walked from the parking lot down to the range.
We met our rather gruff guide who gave us a very quick briefing on how to shoot the clay pigeons (and not each other), we were handed our ear plugs, and off we went. Our one hour session consisted of going to various wooden "stations" from which you shoot your gun. The guide holds a remote control in his hand, and upon pushing a button on it, small round pieces of pottery come shooting out across your line of sight. Different stations have pigeons flying at different angles and speeds.
First up was Einar. Despite having brought his own gun and being properly dressed the part, he had a slow start. But by the last station, he was in the element his country gear indicated he should be and was showing everyone up.
Next up was Richard, who had never held a gun before in his life. At least he looks the part wearing Phillippa's husband's tweed. Unlike me, the guide let him have at it, shooting all over the place. He eventually got the hang of it.
My favorite part of this day in the countryside was the use of my Wellies! Surprisingly, these are not common footwear in London, even on rainy days, and I usually catch a lot of grief for wearing them. It was nice to finally fit in!!
The funniest part of the day was the random tag along to our group - an Iraqi man named Mohammed that continually told everyone about all the things he shot on his farm in Baghdad. We all politely listened, then cowered slightly as he took his turn with the shotgun and did not miss a pigeon.
While it wasn't as authentic of a shooting experience as some Brits may normally have (and no Americans would ever normally have), it was a fun day out, and we all enjoyed. I think I should go back with a different guide and my own gun. :-)
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