I like the guns, the guns that go boom

I realized I put up the pictures various places, but never wrote about my experience, and I just know everyone has been dying for a written experience they could read, so because I am so magnanimous, I will oblige. :) As this was my first experience with shooting, I didn't really know what to expect, I just knew I wanted to get out there and do this thing! I knew there was alot to learn regarding gun safety, and how to properly handle a weapon, etc, and no disrespect to anyone who is experienced and skilled with said rules/regulations, but I just wanted someone to place the gun in my hand, tell me where to shoot, and let me go for it. And after a brief introduction to the required and I am sure ultimately appreciated, safety rules, Lt Wilson did exactly what I had wanted, gave us guns, and let us shoot. I found that I shot alot better with the heavier gun, hitting each intended target with the allotted bullets. Those balloons and empty soda bottles didn't have a chance. I felt pretty skilled until I saw the pictures later and realized I was standing closer to the targets than I seemed to remember. We then got to shoot with the rifle with a much longer distance between us and the target, I was told to aim for the numbers within the shapes, however due to the fact that I have impaired vision and had no glasses, I didn't even know there were numbers, so I just aimed for the colors. How did I do? Um, well, let's just remember I shot all the balloons with the other gun! Then of course it was time for shooting the automatic weapon, and by "of course" I mean by working for the PD and having such an encouraging and "willing to train dispatchers with all weapons" Lt, we had access to such a fun weapon. We each took a turn and after each automatic round was shot, the observing dispatchers would all burst into spontaneous applause, not only encouraging the dispatcher with the gun, but also expressing their own giddiness at the experience. Which brings me to what I walked away thinking, which was not only "I like shooting guns, I want to do this again" but also just how great a group the SVPD dispatchers are. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive of each other regardless of the target hitting, or not hitting as the case may be, outcome. Each person was cheered for and rooted on by the others, everyone allowed each other their turn without complaint, and the mood was just overall one of camaraderie and fun. This, I think, was the most significant part of the excursion, just realizing how lucky I am to be a part of such a great team. And of course thinking about how as such a great team, we will one day kick Patrols collective butt at shooting!!!