Shooting
Today I tried something completed new. At the end of the day, this is what my year abroad is about, trying new experiences that I would otherwise not do in the UK. However, not all experiences have to be good for you to grow as a person and I think that explains today's experience quite well.
From the people I have met so far on my travels in the US, the topic of guns is highly debatable. For myself, growing up in a country with strict laws and licenses, guns aren't something you come across. I'm not saying gun crime doesn't happen in the UK, it does, however my views aren't shared by many friends in the US. However, I know no different than to fear guns.
Arizona has lenient gun laws compared to other states in the US and the rest of the world, as citizens of AZ state do not need permits to own such a weapon. Many friends who I have met from university carry fully loaded guns in their cars for protection purposes. This makes me feel very uneasy. It scares me that people feel that they need protection in their neighborhood, whereas my faith would lie in the police as opposed to a weapon.
Myself and seven others visited a shooting range nearby Tucson, to experience what shooting is like as a hobby. Other than the US, I wouldn't have this opportunity in many other countries and so thought it was the right time to test my fears. It was reassuring to know that I would be in a safe environment, with experts nearby.
I can understand why people enjoy shooting as a sport due to the adrenaline rush, however it's not something I enjoyed. Pulling the trigger knowing you were in full control put my mind at ease, however the recoil felt as though I was no longer in control. After shooting at targets with four different guns, I decided it wasn't for me and preferred to be a spectator, where I felt more safe and comfortable. At least I can say I tried it.
From the people I have met so far on my travels in the US, the topic of guns is highly debatable. For myself, growing up in a country with strict laws and licenses, guns aren't something you come across. I'm not saying gun crime doesn't happen in the UK, it does, however my views aren't shared by many friends in the US. However, I know no different than to fear guns.
Arizona has lenient gun laws compared to other states in the US and the rest of the world, as citizens of AZ state do not need permits to own such a weapon. Many friends who I have met from university carry fully loaded guns in their cars for protection purposes. This makes me feel very uneasy. It scares me that people feel that they need protection in their neighborhood, whereas my faith would lie in the police as opposed to a weapon.
Myself and seven others visited a shooting range nearby Tucson, to experience what shooting is like as a hobby. Other than the US, I wouldn't have this opportunity in many other countries and so thought it was the right time to test my fears. It was reassuring to know that I would be in a safe environment, with experts nearby.
I can understand why people enjoy shooting as a sport due to the adrenaline rush, however it's not something I enjoyed. Pulling the trigger knowing you were in full control put my mind at ease, however the recoil felt as though I was no longer in control. After shooting at targets with four different guns, I decided it wasn't for me and preferred to be a spectator, where I felt more safe and comfortable. At least I can say I tried it.
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| The view of the Catalinas behind the range |
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