Trigger Happy

Houston received a 10/22 rifle for his seventh birthday.  Adam and I had always agreed that the seventh birthday was appropriate for a little boy to receive a rifle, that is up until his seventh birthday and I had a change of heart.  However, due to a "casualty of miscommunication", the rifle became his.  With the arrival of Holt, today was the first chance Adam had to take the big boys out to shoot it.

They had about a one hour safety course at the kitchen table before heading out.  Adam taught them important things like, sight picture, muzzle control, triggers and safetys, how to clear a cartridge, and don't shoot your brother!

At the range, the rules only allowed two shooters on the lane at a time.  With three in the Schwartz party, it posed a bit of a problem.  However, not too big a problem that a community Dr. Pepper couldn't solve!

Hayes waited in the cafe, looking on at Dad and Houston shooting down range.  He loves Dr. Pepper!

Houston loaded his own magazines.  Approximately 150 rounds!

Let the shooting begin!  It was determined pretty quickly that Houston could be characterized as a Little Sniper.  Hayes, on the other hand, would be more of a Machine Gunner.  Adam had taught both boys how to properly and effectively fire the rifle.  Target in sight, breathe in, hold it, shoot, and exhale.  Houston hit the target every time!  Hayes, throwing caution to the wind and poised on his tippy-toes, forgetting everything Dad had taught him, was less concerned with accuracy and more interested in just throwing lead down range.  He riddled his target, as well as others, with holes.

Everyone had a wonderful time!  That is, except for Houston's squirrel.

Poor Hammy.