Dubai: I’ve never held a gun before, never mind fired one. Now, after several hours at Jebel Ali Shooting club, I know the basics, can hit a target more often than not — and can’t wait to do it again.
Just holding a 9mm pistol in my hand made me feel uneasy. The weight of the cold steel was new and ominous to me. It was much heavier than I predicted – about the weight of a large can of tomatoes.
The combination of the weight of the gun and the warmth of the indoor shooting range did not help my nerves with this deadly weapon in my hand. A hint of nausea create a tense feeling in my muscles. This weapon was really not for me.
“You need to hold it at eye level,” said instructor David Mascarenhas. “Not too high, not too low.”
I needed to keep my body weight forward in order to maintain aim.
I kept wanting to hold the pistol with my two thumbs wrapped around the back of the gun, just like in the movies. Mascarenhas explained that when the gun goes off, the top piece, simply called the steel slide because it slides back, will hit your thumb if it sits in the way. He explained that small injuries like that are as bad as it gets around here.
Since the indoor shooting range was under renovation when I visited, I wasn’t able to actually shoot the 9 mm pistol manufactured the Czech Republic. If inside the range was for merely for practise, outside, on the clay pigeon course, it was the real deal.
Before I even held the Italian-made Beretta shotgun, I had to wear a sleeveless vest with oversized side pockets.
These would be for the shotgun shells when it came to firing the gun in succession. The ladies vest contains padding at the front shoulders where the gun would rest. According to Mascarenhas, most women lack the upper body strength for the recoil of the shotgun when fired. I wasn’t about to argue considering that I could barely keep the Beretta lifted for very long.
The basic technique was essential to getting the shot. Knowing where to rest the shotgun, how to relax your cheek in line with the butt, keeping you eyes lined up with the gunsight at the top of the barrel.
I was told to stand sideways with my dominant foot back and to keep my weight centred on my front foot. Leaning forward was important for aiming and absorbing the recoil. It felt a little awkward in the beginning but it proved to be a worthwhile strategy for success.
The shotgun could take two plastic shells at a time — each filled with small lead beads called birdshot. The shells were dumped into the pockets of my vest.
Out on the course, small orange clay pigeons would be launched into the air from various angles to simulate types of game. There were angles of the high flight of a bird to the quick sprint of a hare.
When I first saw the plate launched into the air, I never thought I’d be able to hit it. To me, it was moving too quickly to have a chance.
In order to make sure I understood, Mascarenhas first had me release the plate with him holding the gun. When he said “pull,” I would then press a button and the plate would fly. He recommended shooting the plate at it’s highest point.
It was almost time to shoot a gun for the very first time. I was trying so hard to put on a brave face but inside I was nervous and trying not to shake. I wasn’t sure how I was going to keep the gun held up long enough while aiming for the target.
We started out with just one shell in at a time. Deep breaths, I gave the signal, and I fired. BANG! I hit it! I couldn’t believe it. Now I wanted to do it again. It took me a moment to realise that the recoil wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. I had been over anticipating but I was also standing correctly.
Once the gun was fired, I would bring it down off my shoulder and open the loading port with it away from my face. The shells fly out of gun when you opened it, so this was an important step to remember. Experienced shooters were able catch the shells in mid air as they pop out.
I reloaded another shell, fired my second shot. BANG! I missed. Well, then I needed to try again. I got it once, I should be able to get it again.
“Aim just before the target,” urged Mascarenhas.
I gave the signal again, I aimed and I fired. BANG! The little orange plate explodes in the air once more!
I was at two for three now. How could I not continue? My fears melted away and now I understood the competitive urge to improve.
At first when aiming for the plate, I would also have to remind myself to keep the my cheek rested as I slowly pointed the gun upwards.
I also had a hard time remembering to take my finger off the trigger after I finished firing — a simple safety precaution that Mascarenhas was constantly repeating to me.
Mascarenhas gave feedback and advice between each shot. Aiming slightly ahead of the plate and avoiding the urge to blink was stressed.
With my competitive spirit, I wanted to get better. I hit 11 of 25 — it wasn’t that scary after all and I was thinking about the next opportunity to show what I’m made of. I understood the appeal. It was fun, and I’ll be back.
— The writer is an intern at Gulf News
