I carry a weapon. I got a death threat a few years ago and was really scared. But I don't want bodyguards. I am my own security.
-Miranda Lambert in Self Magazine, June 2012
I open the heavy door into the indoor shooting range. As it
closes behind me I step forward, past rows of men and women loading their ammo
and shooting. Heavy plastic black dividers separate each shooter. My father and
I stay to the back of the room to load the magazine with bullets and then wait
our turn for a lane. Loud blasts are only slightly muffled by my large
headphones and I jump a little as someone fires off a shotgun. The room smells
of smoke and lead. Shells of all colors and sizes litter the concrete floor. People are lined up shooting off a
variety of guns; rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
We step up to our lane, pin up our target to the wire and flip a switch to send it back to the middle of
the range. My father helps me load the Barretta Jetfire .25 caliber. The tiny
gun holds 7 bullets in its chamber and 1 additional in the slide on top. I
point the gun down as I load and take off the safety. I grip the gun tightly as
I raise it up. My father steadies my arms and tells me to gently press the
trigger. Bang. Hits the edge of the target. He soon takes his arms away and
steps back and I shoot the gun myself. The
bullet flies forward as its shell flies behind me.Next, I shoot a slightly bigger gun , a Glock Model 19 9mm.
Today I conquered my biggest fear. I have always worried
that I would not be able to handle a gun properly. I may decide I do not want to carry a gun but
the important thing is I know how to use one and have the choice. I feel exhilarated. I feel fearless. I feel liberated.
Never let fear stop you from anything you have a desire to
do. Stick to your guns.
