Let’s face it…we all grew up with guns. If you did not grow up with them in your household, media outlets planted them in TV shows, movies, and video games. However, knowing about guns doesn’t mean that you know how to shoot. Becoming a first-time shooter comes with certain fears and anxieties—this was certainly true for me. But overcoming those fears was empowering and worth sharing with you.

Fears of a First-Time Shooter

Some people grew up with a more hands-on experience where a world of firearm knowledge passes down to the next. For others, they may have had no interest in learning about firearms. But one thing for certain—we can all look at a gun and say, “Yup, that right there is a gun. It looks like a gun and sounds like a gun. It’s a gun.” 

You do not have to be a gun fanatic to know what you are looking at.

I’m a girl that planted myself right in the middle. I grew up with a family that had guns but never cared to get hands-on experience. Guns always seemed like a hidden club, and I was not motivated to apply myself to that club.

Maybe it is because of my sheltered upbringing, but I had a hard time getting comfortable around them. Based on my lack of exposure, I had no interest in shooting them or touching them. And honestly, I was a little afraid of them. 

Now, I’m not saying I have hoplophobia (the fear of firearms) or anything. I just had a hard time hopping on that “Pew Pew Train Express.” They seemed loud, dangerous, and something that would knock me off my feet in two seconds. My ignorance came to a halt shortly after I turned 21. 

Shooting at the 80

My grandparent’s beautiful home is situated on 80 acres of property in Turner, Michigan, nicknamed “The 80” by family. Not all that long ago, I would have laughed if you told me I would have shot a Marlin Composite .22 LR. The name alone would make me look at you with a puzzled expression.

But one day, my sheltered world opened, and I had the opportunity to shoot this gun. 

The 80 had welcomed us back for another adventure, and this would be one that I would never forget. My fear got served an eviction notice because I was going to do something I never had the courage to do. I would take control when I felt powerless. 

I can’t fear things if I understand them. They say knowledge is power. And, if I don’t like it, I never have to do it again. I don’t have to touch another gun ever again, but at least I can say that I tried. 

Stepping Out of my Comfort Zone

Looking back, I’m glad I did not deprive myself of the opportunity to learn. I’m thankful my boyfriend, Mike, gave me the motivation and education needed to fire this gun.

The sight of the gun was enough to get my heart pumping and my feet ready to take off running. But I planted myself firmly and refused to let fear win. While my brother, Jacob, prepared the firearm and set up soda can targets, I waited anxiously and let the questions and doubts flood my mind.

How loud would the boom be? Would it knock me off my feet? What if it hurt my shoulder? 

The foam ear protection felt funny in my ears, as if it morphed into the shape of my ear canal. I could hear the crinkling, but the sound wasn’t enough to distract me from my own anxiety.

Eventually, it was my turn. The gun felt unnatural in my hands. It wasn’t heavy, but it made me aware of everything I was doing. Where my fingers always sat, how tight I held onto the firearm as if it would magically slip out of my hands. I felt stiff. I was not comfortable, and holding it didn’t feel natural.

You know how you do something repeatedly, and eventually, muscle memory kicks in? That’s what I imagine getting comfortable shooting firearms feels like. Handling them can be as familiar as blinking or breathing. I was not there yet.

Taking the Shot

I was glad I was not alone and that I had knowledgeable people around me. I received a quick “How to shoot without injuring yourself or anyone else” lesson. It seemed overwhelmingly easy, nothing too complicated, and honestly, something a child could do. 

Having a gun in my hands felt strange and didn’t stop the anxiety rolling in my mind. I felt stiff. Why was I doing this again? The answer was to kick fear to the curb. My first order of business was getting a handle on my gun shyness. Once given the rundown on how the rifle operated, I had all the control.

“I’m scared, I don’t want to do it.”

I think those words came out of my mouth like a broken record. My finger felt paralyzed. I had all the power in my hands. I controlled when I pulled the trigger. The thrill and anxiety kept me on my toes. Did I want that control? What would this control feel like? 

“You don’t have to shoot if you don’t want to,” I was told. 

I was never pushed or coerced into doing something I did not want to do. But I told myself I would not let fear win. I pushed away adrenaline and my anxiety, letting it melt away as I pulled the trigger.

I saw nothing in the scope. My eyes didn’t even take the time to focus. I don’t even think I took a moment to breathe—I just let it go.

I Just Shot My First Gun!

A soft pop sounded off, my breath going with it. The report was not loud enough to make my ears ring. I stood still. I was not on my back as I feared. Likewise, I still had the firearm in my hands, and no one was screaming in agony around me. 

Fear had no place in my hands where I had all the control. As quickly as I pulled the trigger, the bullet came out in one solid motion with a swift pop. The questions, the anxiety, and the fear all went silent. Oh my gosh…I did it! I had fired my first gun!

I said nothing. Instead, I straightened up and let my finger push back against the trigger once more. I shot again. And again. And again. One after the next, every emotion channeled into the direction of the bullet.

I did not hit a single can. I wasn’t looking for dented cans to hit or to impress everyone around me. My end goal had been to push myself. I wanted to push myself to try something new and fight against my fear.

And I did it. 

Newfound Understanding

Standing there, the understanding of why rushed right into my consciousness. Why do people do this? I turned around, making sure to keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction and letting my words speak out into the open.

“Does it come in pink?” I asked. 

I wanted one. In all the colors for each day of the week.

I’m sure the reason people shoot firearms is different for everyone. For protection or to provide, but I could never understand it being just for fun. Shooting the gun had whisked away every negative thought and left me feeling clear in the head.

A firearm can give you a sensation of taking back control when you feel helpless. I felt helpless in the moment, but pulling the trigger made me feel confident. Pulling the trigger let me focus and gave me a distraction when everything else felt loud. 

I had control, and I wanted that feeling again. I get it now. The excitement, the passion for guns, the giddiness, and all that comes with the sport of shooting. I can officially say I’m a part of the “All the Cool People Shoot Guns” club. (We are currently looking for more members. All are welcome.)

I cannot believe I had held myself back from this feeling for so long.

A Note to First-Time Shooters

If you have never shot a gun before, don’t let fear hold you back. The gun community is such a wonderful place to be involved in. I expected that the people shooting these loud, obnoxious guns would have the personality to match. 

My own experience has taught me how extremely patient and knowledgeable everyone in this industry can be. They are not afraid to share any wisdom they have and, at the end of the day, just want you to have fun and be safe. 

Guns are cool. Plain and simple. Not just for the looks but for what experiences they give each person and the lessons they can teach. I’m thankful I was allowed to shoot the gun and encourage any beginner to shoot a .22 LR. It was easy to operate, lightweight, and not loud.

As someone who came into this experience extremely timid and scared, it was a great beginner gun to introduce me to firearms and shooting.

Most importantly, the biggest lesson I will take away from shooting my first gun is to never let fear stop you. Control is always within your reach, no matter how far away it feels. Fear has no place in the gun world, and that is a world I want to belong in.