I began the New Year right at 2 AM, my usual arisal time, with prayer, meditation, journal writing, reflection on resolutions for 2014 numero uno of which is to finish the metaphilosophy book, some philosophical reading, a bit of blogging, and two online chess games, one 5-min the other 3-min. Won 'em both. Then I headed out into the desert for a little target practice. Lazy dog that I am, I hadn't gotten around to shooting the semi-automatic .22 I bought on 13 July. So I thought I had better try it out. So I put 50 .22 LR rounds through it this morning while standing on uneven desert terrain with no bench to support my hand. I was about 6 or 7 long paces from the target, maybe 18-20 feet. Of the 50 .22 rounds fired, I think I can account for 48 of them. Not bad, I'd say, for someone who doesn't practice as much as he should.
I am not as good with the .38 special snub-nosed revolver, but then its barrel is only 2 and 1/2 inches long. I fired six rounds at the same target, this time aiming for the head. Missed the target twice. The four hits are in a line to the left of the miscreant's noggin.
I am really bad with the 1911 model .45 semi-auto which I didn't fire today. The .22 is on a 1911 frame so I figured I should practice with it as preparation for mastering the .45 ACP 'cannon.' I suspect the recoil of the .45 is throwing me off.
One reason the .22 is a good practice weapon is because the ammo is cheap. I paid $49.37 plus tax for a 'brick' (1000 rounds) of Winchester .22 LR at Wal-Mart in August. The ammo shortage seems to be easing.
Gun ownership is serious business, but then so is driving and owning a dog. Get some instruction and commit yourself to practicing with your weapon. Don't consider yourself proficient until you have put a thousand or so rounds through the piece. Know the law. Don't mix alcohol and gunpowder. Work to promote enlightened gun laws such as we have in Arizona.