Billy the kid

in Outdoors and more2 years ago (edited)

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If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

- Confucius -



I've lost count of how many people I've taken shooting for an experience or taught to shoot. In thirty-plus years of shooting I've never found a person who didn't enjoy it; not everyone decided to become a firearms owner or regular shooter but they all had a good time. More importantly though, is what they learned about firearms; how they operate, the safety aspect, basic handling and shooting skills and a better understanding of the tool itself; the firearm.

When my mate, the venerable Hive chap @mattclarke, asked me if I would take his son for a shoot I was happy to agree; another opportunity to impress upon a young lad that firearms come with responsibility but are simple tools, no different from a knife or a vehicle. All can cause harm, but only when a human causes it to. It was a teaching opportunity.

Mission planning

I wanted to give Billy the kid the most comprehensives experience he could have in the short time we would be together, about four hours or so, and decided my secondary range would be the best place to start as we would have a little freedom there; due to some shenanigans that wasn't to be however. I changed over to my main range.

The plan was some handgun shooting there, once the safety process had been completed of course. I also saw the day as an opportunity to expose the lad to a few extra firearms and decided to take them to the farm on which I cull feral animals to do some additional shooting. Billy had also made a request and I was happy to acquiesce to that as well, but more on that later.

Yesterday was jump-off day and I arranged to meet Matt and Billy and take them to the range in my LandCruiser. We met at 11:00 and headed up into the hills to the range to begin the mission.

Billy the kid

Billy's name isn't really Billy but for the course of this post I'll call him that. If Matt wants to disclose his son's name that's his prerogative. Billy hadn't handled or fired any firearms to the best of my knowledge so I wanted to begin at the most logical place. The beginning.

I was a little nervous about taking a lad so young shooting because I'm not one to respond well to nutbaggery when it comes to firearms...I guess one never knows how a young person may respond but almost right away I could tell Billy would be ok. He listened, was patient and took instruction well...*Except he kept tilting his head behind the sights on the handgun. If I had a taser I would have tased him in the back each time he did it. Alas, no taser. (This is a joke folks...Or is it?)

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The mission

I took a little time to explain range and firearm safety then went on to gun handling and movement demonstrating some techniques that would help him maintain safe operation of the handguns and to optimise his accuracy. Of course, I wasn't teaching Billy to be a Navy SEAL so kept it as light and fun as possible. It was all about the experience and I wanted him to have a good one.

I talked to him about ammunition explaining how it works, gave him a basic rundown on how the semi-automatic handgun operates and then...I made him load the magazines! I think he was a little surprised at how difficult that was; it's a little brutal on the thumbs folks and not at all like in the movies. I made him do it by hand a for a while and then gave him my UpLULA which makes the job far easier. Again, I wanted him to get the whole experience, not simply get handed a gun and blast away.

Shooter ready, stand by, commence

We were shooting at close range, out to about six metres, as I wanted him to group his shots, actually hit something, and feel like he was progressing. As we went, I addressed his stance, head position (even without the use of the taser) and some grip issues. I hammered him about trigger-discipline a few times but mainly he was good on that front.

Overall he did really well and handled the firearms with a relatively good deal of comfort. This is not always easy for people new to it as they are conditioned by media and anti-gun advocates to think they are incredibly dangerous. Of course, they are, but only when in the hands of someone dangerous, irresponsible, crazy or stupid.

I allowed Billy to shoot my competition handgun and my field gun, a CZ Shadow 2 and CZ P-09 respectively, both 9mm semi-automatic. They shoot completely differently as the P-09 is polymer, designed for military and law enforcement use. It will shoot no matter what and is a very basic design for field use. In comparison the Shadow 2 is a tuned instrument designed for superb accuracy and reliability. Billy was amazed about the recoil of both which he'd not expected. That's because in the movies they don't show recoil as the handguns have light recoil springs and very little gunpowder in the ammunition as they're not pushing projectiles.

We moved to rapid fire shooting from there, double-taps and transitioning between various targets and Billy the kid did well. Matt put some rounds down range in rapid succession on both guns and then it was time to head to the farm and to shoot some long guns.

Same but different

No matter what firearms or which situations a person is shooting in, certain things cross over. The safety for sure and a few other elements. However, shooting rifles is vastly different to handguns and shotguns are different again. Similar principles, different requirement.

We unpacked and Billy started drooling over my 1918 SMLE .303 rifle, which saw service in World War One, right away. This was the request he had...Can I shoot your SMLE? Sure you can Billy.

I brought the bayonet for it to show him and fixed it then handed over the rifle, before ensuring it was clear of course. Safety first. One of the images above shows him holding it beside him, rested on the ground with the bayonet fixed which makes the weapon-system almost as tall as him.

The long guns

I would have liked to go through some techniques with Billy however was mindful of the time so after the safety talk we got to shooting.

I did explain some positional factors showing him the correct way to shoot prone however by this stage he was itching to shoot the SMLE and so he did...and loved it. The rifle kicks somewhat, meaning the recoil is reasonably heavy but he handled it well, despite it hurting his shoulder a little, and was happy with his shots. Matt also had a try and loved it also. You can see a bit of slow motion video I took below.

We moved on to my 12ga under and over shotgun which kicks like an angry mule with a headache and Billy and Matt had a few shots which they liked, then to my culling system, a precision, modern rifle, set up for incredible accuracy. I think it was great for Billy to experience the 104 year old technology side by side with the latest in firearm design and technology. He seemed to enjoy it.

Mission success

As we drove down through the hills back to Matt's car Billy was talking about his experience and the firearms and declared it a really great day which made me happy.

I wanted to show him that firearms are not toys but incredibly dangerous tools. I also wanted to demonstrate that those tools can be used responsibly and safely and whilst they deserve respect they don't deserve derision. They have a place in society; in fact most of us live in a free world because of firearms. Sure, there's always the bad element who use them for evil purposes, but the same could be said about a car in the hands of a drunk driver right? Just my opinion.

I have some 9mm rounds left over from the 250 that Matt paid me for and have added twenty more as I used that many to demonstrate some things so, I'll be taking Matt and his brother back to my range at some stage for another shoot. I think Matt got some good value for money from his investment and Billy the kid certainly had a great time...and will want to do it again.


People don't generally get the opportunity to experience what Billy did yesterday and I feel that's a shame as experiences like this help represent firearms properly rather than the skewed perceptions the media leave people with and teaching people what it's really like allows them to make up their own minds.

If you're keen for a shooting experience like this, with me, let me know. Also, if you've done something like this yourself tell me about it in the comments below.


Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind

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I didn't need to load him into the car, he just floated home.
For a young kid with an enquiring mind, and a love of history, to actually hold a rifle like that; you couldn't buy that experience.
Then to actually load and even fire it; that's just incredible.
He has a new level of respect for the guys who had to fire these over and over, under far more trying circumstances.

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Can't thank you enough for taking us out, mate.
I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to give him that kind of an introduction.

 2 years ago (edited) 

I'm really glad he had a good time and was happy to see him listen to, and take, instruction. Other kids his age (and adults too) have not. Things wrap up pretty quickly in those cases.

Ahh you'd hate me, I always tilt my head when aiming which kind of has to be done because firearms and bows being kind of dangerous weapons I want them in my dominant hand (right) however my left eye is better than my right eye x_x (I have manky eyes, the left one is slightly stronger and the right one is astigmatic).

unless he tilts his head because they seem to do that in movies and games, maybe that's why he does it too? XD

Sounds like everyone had fun :D

Head tilting is required on some weapon systems, but for what Billy the kid needed to achieve on the handguns, not. If only I had a taser.

We unpacked and Billy started drooling over my 1918 SMLE .303 rifle, which saw service in World War One, right away. This was the request he had...Can I shoot your SMLE? Sure you can Billy.

It reminds me when I first tried the .303 in my NCC shooting practices - the recoil will definitely feel heavy firs time - I still remember that experience from more than 3 decades back.

The SMLE is a lovely rifle to shoot, accurate out to a good range and reliable. Once one gets comfortable it can be used to deadly effect.

I'm in awe knowing that you have a functioning rifle from over 100 years ago which actually saw combat! I'll bet they were on cloud nine experiencing firing that! I bet the day will be etched in his memory.

My shoulder's actually pretty tender, I lifted it up off the backpack there for both rounds, and it kicks real hard. Also had a couple of blasts with the shotgun, and the much newer rifle, so we're both feeling it today :)

Well after an experience like that, I guess your bodies want to retain the memory a bit longer! 😉

The SMLE is very important to me as it represents the sacrifices so many men made in far away lands so that others could retain, or win back, their freedom from oppression. I feel more Australian knowing it's in my gun safe.

My only regret yesterday was that I didn't take a few shots myself although, I can do so any time I suppose.

Thanks for commenting.

I have taught many people to be safe and have fun with firearms. The reward on their faces pays for the ammo for me, but things are a little easier here.💸💸💸

My Son in Law had a friend visit him from Sweden, and he had never touched a gun of any kind. I took him to the gun club, and showed him how to be safe first, then I handed him a rifle. 👍

Of course, it was a Swedish Mauser...

He fired and enjoyed it, then he asked what it was. I told him it was on the top of the rifle, by the rear sight. 😁

He looked and said, I can read this! Then I told him why...he shot a number of others that day, but he Came back often to that first one!😆

💗🤠👍💙🥳😁

Ah yes, I remember that guy on the SM and that he liked the experience of shooting. As I said, I'm yet to find someone who doesn't like the experience of shooting guns. Billy the kid did a great job on this occasion too.

I had a father bring his 8 year old son 350 miles to sight in his new deer rifle. When they got here, it was snowing! He wanted to fish too, and his Dad told me he knew that the weather had ruined the weekend.

I took them to an enclosed fishing dock I know, and he got to fish until dark. The next morning, he won a hundred and thirty dollars in a crappie fishing contest there! 🐟🐟🐟🐟

Then we went to the Gun Club, and we shot from the heated shooting building! I took a load of guns, and let him shoot whatever he wanted to. He got to shoot guns he'd never seem before! 👍😁

He had a great weekend, LOL!

💗🤠💙😁👍

You've got the right idea. If I make it up there we'll do an epic day week like that! ✅

You're on! I have some new places now to add to it.... 👍🤠

We can eat fish on the beach with a nice fire on the sand ☺️
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We'll used the John Deere Gator, in case we get a big fish; and need help landing it, LOL. 😆😁 Kidding but there are 50 pound fish in there. 🐟🐟🐟

😆🤠👍☺️💙🥳

Now you're just teasing me. 😀

Nope, real offer. I'd come your direction but can't (lot I'd like to see down your way), because about half my luggage wouldn't be allowed out of the airport!

👍☺️💙💗🥳🤕

I'm a bit curious as to why you started on handguns instead of a .22 rifle, because around here, that's the usual beginner's gun. Low report and recoil, better control from a rifle platform, and easier muzzle control with two hands and more length so flagging unintended targets is easier to notice and correct.

Hollywood does a terrible job of representing the noise and force of service pistols. I honestly prefer the impulse from .45ACP. The first full-size handguns I ever shot were a Colt 1911 and a Browning Hi-Power. .45 had more of a heavy push, but 9 was more of a quick snap.

I have shot plenty of different guns since, and have grown to like 9mm as a viable carry caliber, but I like to carry something heavier in the woods here. We have bears, mountain lions, and wolves.

I don't own a .22 as I have no use for one so he started on the smallest calibre I have, 9mm. It's not ideal but the 9mm, .303, .243 and 12ga are better than some of my other calibres for a first experience. I'm not set up for training people really, my guns are for my purposes only I suppose.

I understand about your carry in the woods for bears. We only have koala bears and they prefer to cuddle than attack so we don't have the same issues. Besides, we can't carry handguns in the same way you can so if I'm confronted in the woods by a beast I resort to negotiation and then, if required, Krav Maga, from there...I run. 😁

Aside from crocodilians, aren't your biggest dangers from nasty little venomous buggers? Well, and the infamous Drop Bear, LOL! I think a .22 target pistol or rifle has a place in a survival kit due to the low weight and bulk of ammo. It can be used as an SOS audio signal, foraging for small game, and even emergency use of the gunpowder to start a fire. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Ideally, one would retreat from predators. Humans aren't usually selected as food, so the biggest danger is a mama protecting her babies. Believe it or not, moose scare me more than bears. They DO NOT GIVE A FUCK and will end you.

Crocs yeah, other things like razorbacks, cassowary's, dingoes, sharks and all...But generally crocodiles and sharks are the only two that will actively hunt a human. There's plenty of other things that'll mess up a human but a gun won't generally help with those.

I sold my .22 rifle and handgun a little while ago as I'm looking at other options moving forward so currently don't have one and wasn't about to borrow someone else's for Billy to shoot. I'm not a big fan of borrowing other people's things.

What a great read. I was brought up around firearms and my first was a trusty .22 calibre bolt action rifle. I also had a 12 gauge Pump (which is now illegal). Dad owned a very old (1920's) double barrel 12 gauge which would throw your shoulder 4 metres back with every shot. We were always shown how to handle and shoot safely and guns were swiftly removed if there was even a hint of tom-foolery when using them.
Spotlight hunting was always a highlight of the year for me, though I wasn't allowed to get into that until I was much older. Guns are dangerous when used by those who have no idea what they are doing. not many kids get to experience shooting a gun nowadays.

It's sounds like you received a good grounding in firearms and it's great to hear it was safety-oriented. When I take a newbie our that's a strong focus and if I don't feel comfortable they don't shoot.

Thanks for taking a read, I appreciate it, and the comment too.

I grew up around firearms (mainly shotguns and .22 rifles) but there was a span of about 10 years in my adult life where I never fired a single shot. Recently I got back into it because a friend has a couple pistols and an AR-15 and likes to go shooting at the local range. It's been a good refresher course of sorts. I don't plan to have kids but if I did, I would definitely take them shooting and make sure they understood that firearms in real life are nothing like in the movies. Honestly I think you could make the argument that firearms operation and safety should be required or least strongly recommended as part of the education system. If there was less ignorance about guns perhaps there might also be less gun violence. I don't know, something worth debating I suppose.

!PIZZA

I agree completely in that ignorance of a thing doesn't make it safer or better. Operating a vehicle is a good example which is taught/discussed as part of the education system.

It's good to see you're picking it up again, firearms, and enjoying it.

I'd enjoy it even more if rounds didn't cost so much. Is it just the US or have you experienced increased ammunition costs as well?

Yeah, ,I hear you about the cost.

I make my own mostly although buy some for particular calibres.

I make all my 9mm myself at about 0.24c/round but those rounds Billy the kid was shooting Matt paid for and they were $135/250. So, a lot more than my handloads. They are only usually $95-$110/250 based on the USD. Now? More.

It sucks although I have a lot of ammunition and tend to be able to ride out the highs, even with components like projectiles and powder, then buy up when the price comes down to be able to make and replenish my stocks. I never drop below a set level though, that way lies madness.

I suppose handloading is the way to go if you have the tools. We would sometimes load our own shotgun shells when I was a kid so I know it isn't too complicated. Just requires some precision :)

that way lies madness

lol, gotta keep those zombie apocalypse reserves in order :D

Zombies everywhere mate...They're waiting for the apocalypse to catch up with them. It'll happen.

Awesome! I have been waiting for you to post about this day since you mentioned it a few times in previous posts. I am very glad it went so well, then again, I didn't really have any doubt. If someone is curious enough about handling guns to go through some proper (if somewhat short) training, I'm certain they'd have a blast of four hours of personalized experience. Glad that Billy and Matt enjoyed their day!

Surprising that Billy the kid asked if he could shoot the SMLE he really must like history. And I think it's great that you have a fully functioning rifle that is over 100 years old - wow. Just imagine the history that one tool has seen in many different hands... that's the sort I wonder about when going to museums or graveyards...

Funnily enough, I told you that we watched a movie last night, it was The King's Man taking place around the beginning of WW I. It has a few war scenes, fighting in the trenches and I'm sure I saw an SMLE. - I just looked it up and, yup, Lee-Enfields were used in the film, of course, I have no idea if they were the same built as yours.

The SMLE's in that movie would almost certainly have been the same as mine, maybe later models, but they didn't change much, if any. That's a good move also huh? I liked it anyway.

I think Billy was keen as he has some interest in war history and considering the SMLE was used in both world wars it was a chance to get closer to the history he enjoys learning about. I think he enjoyed handling that rifle immensely.

I really liked the movie! I also liked the other two Kingsmen movies for the humor and action. But this one was a bit more realistic but still really good. Hah - I also liked the goats!!! hahahaha

Lol...Yeah, that goat gets his revenge at the end huh? Good movies.

That is a neat slo-mo vid....

Yeah, it's good to see the process at a speed the eye can register huh? I have a slow-mo of one of my handguns firing which is really cool too.

I've had a couple of SMLEs over the years, and a No4 Mk3, and I've enjoyed shooting them. They definitely have some recoil, but the rifle is fairly heavy, so the recoil is manageable.

Indeed, such nice rifles in my opinion. Easy to shoot and maintain and robust enough to handle the rough stuff.

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That's awesome, I started to read this yesterday but got distracted.

I think this is a great experience for sure and one that many, many more people need to undergo. I think if more people went through this type of thing we would have a much different world today than we do. People are swayed easily by what is told to them instead of what they experience. Firearms are a critical tool to keep people both personally safe as well as safer from tyranny. Gun-free zones and countries aren't doing so well as those who have a healthy population of armed citizens.

I like the variety here! I'm hoping to go with my dad to the range in a couple weeks, fingers crossed, so that I can finally shoot some of his new purchases. He's got a WW2 Mosin and some Yugoslavian gun as well that he's been raving about. Really looking forward to getting my hands on those! Of course I'll be taking my 9mm out for some fun as well, and I think his friend is going to come and he's got a considerable arsenal himself.

All in all, I think this sounds like an excellent day out!

Can I give you my professional opinion? (Too bad if you say no, you can't stop me.)

Get that range day done! 😁

If you're keen it would be good to see a post in my gun community also.

For sure man! I want to go, it's convincing my dad to stop procrastinating and get out there with me. He has to lie to my mom to do so, a complicated story but that adds a layer of annoyance to it all so he's not so quick to get out like we used to be able to. I've been itching to shoot his AR again, that thing was a lot of fun!

I think the Yugoslavian gun he's got is an SKS I think he said. Don't know much about them.

Dadcrastinating is fucking with your chi! Light a fire underneath him!

He has to lie to my mom to do so

I don't condone this for any reason...Except shooting! 😁

Yeah, maybe SKS in 7.62. I had one of those. Brutal weapon.