More Guns. Less Fear.

Until about three months ago, I was really afraid of guns. My husband has owned guns for years, but even holding one would lead me to break out into a sweat. My hands would get clammy, I would develop dry mouth, and there might have been a bit of light headedness. Needless to say, the situation did not lend confidence when considering beginning a hunting hobby.
 
After our elk hunt in November (where I was the assistant – tasked with “glassing” for animals, packing snacks, insisting upon breaks, etc.), I decided that I no longer wanted to be afraid of guns. It is limiting to be afraid and was preventing me from doing something that I wanted to do. A few weeks later, my husband purchased a .22 rifle for rabbit hunting. It was substantially smaller than his hunting rifle and I decided to start overcoming my fear.
 
Step one: touch the gun.  After my husband convinced me that it was unloaded (which, let’s be honest, took at least three reassurances), I would hold the gun in my hands. After I held it a few times, I looked through the scope and held it in a shooting position. Mind you, I did this after dark, upstairs, in our home with the lights on. The possibility of a neighbor seeing me with a rifle pointing out the window and calling the cops did cross my mind. In time, I no longer felt fear while holding the gun.
 
As my fear was subsiding, my husband and I started hashing out what type of hunting rifle might be a good fit for me. I was very concerned about the kick and did not want to hobble away with a bruised shoulder after shooting. My husband did extensive research (thanks for that!) as we considered whether a youth sized gun might be most appropriate. We read articles and blogs on the pros and cons of a youth gun and learned that often times the barrel is shorter on a youth gun than on an adult gun. A shorter barrel can lead to more kick, which is exactly what I was trying to avoid.
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We checked out a used gun store after Christmas and found the perfect fit: a .257 Weatherby Magnum with a muzzle brake. Honestly, I was not excited about the camo pattern, but it was really an ideal gun. 

I have shot the gun on numerous occasions and can say – without a doubt – it is a smooth and clean shot. There is no kick and it is incredibly powerful. As I pull the trigger, the bullet passing through the muzzle brake will take your breath away as an observer. The smell of gunpowder is strong and intoxicating. I am going on my first hunt next week and honestly cannot wait! Stay tuned for updates on hog hunting in Texas.
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