Preparation Is Key

Once a month, the boys and I make a regular trip into the back woods of Lake County. Our destination, the shooting range in the Knoxville Recreation area near the border of Lake County and Napa County. It's very rural, very beautiful, and is home to a simple shooting range that most people have no idea exists. There are benches set up. You bring your own targets and blast away.

We will typically bring my Mini 14 (.223 cal or 5.56mm for Brad), M4 (another .223 cal), Glock 27 (a compact .40 cal), and Glock 22 (full size .40 cal). With LOTS of ammunition. Typically, we bring cokes, chips, and snacks, and have several hours of "guy time" enjoying the relaxation of guns and the great outdoors.

Each trip to the range begins with a discussion on safety, i.e. no loaded weapons when someone else is shooting. All weapons are left on the truck while someone is shooting.

Until recently, Drew has been a bit intimidated by the M4. It's a very scary looking piece of equipment. But I showed him how very little it kicks by placing the but to my groin and pulling the trigger. Since then he has just loved shooting the gun.

Nick, now there's another story. Nick has an amazing sense with guns. He is both comfortable and respectful. He listen's intently, and is very good.

I don't usually just set up targets and just shoot. I put the boys through some scenarios with practical shoot. Moving from points of cover, while engaging the bad guys.

It's quite a bonding moment.