Smith & Wesson and the NSSF changed my mind about big guns in less than 15 minutes. After bowhunting for more than 25 years I just recently started taking gun hunting more seriously. Regular readers know I favor my Thompson Center Pro Hunter Rifle.  

Lisa Metheny gets some instructions on shooting the M&P 15 from Steve Wagner.

Prior to shooting some of the guns on hand at the recent Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference I thought the M&P 15 rifle reminded me of something from a Hollywood action movie, so I wasn't sure I could actually shoot it, let alone shoot it well. In fact, seconds before deciding to shoot the gun I have to admit I actually said the gun was kind of scary looking. I imagined my shoulder getting slammed hard with the first trigger pull. To say I was surprised after the first shot is an understatement! The gun shoots like a dream, with no kick and incredible accuracy. Amazing and very fun to shoot, I am now a big fan of the M&P 15 rifle.

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Steve Wagner gives me some shooting tips for the M&P 15.

With new-found confidence I decided to try shooting the .460 S&W Magnum Revolver. Ever since shooting a hedge ball with a .357 handgun many years ago, and being surprised by the kick, I haven't touched one since. So I was a bit nervous about shooting the .460 but careful instruction from Bill Booth, communications and public relations specialist for Blue Heron Communications made all the difference. I hit the top of the diamond, exactly where Bill said the gun was sighted in. Yeah!

Matt Rice shows us the variety of handguns available to test on the range. 

I decided to go to the opposite end of the spectrum and try some of the Air Lite Series. After putting 5 of 6 bullets in the bulls-eye with a .22 (targets were very close!) I tried the .38 with a laser sight and found out I need lots more practice. It is much harder than it looks to hold that beam on the bulls-eye and pull the trigger when there is no hammer to cock back first. After just 5 shots, none of which hit the bulls-eye, it was time to head to (familiar territory) the trap range.

Matt Rice gives Tammy Koenig some shooting tips. She did great by the way!

Paul Pluff let me shoot one of the Smith & Wesson 1000 Series of semi-automatic shotguns, the 12 gauge model 1012. The gun has almost no kick and handled like it had been built just for me. I called Stan to give him plenty of time to shop for this new item on my Christmas wish list!

 Paul Pluff explains some of the new features on Smith & Wessons to Bill Miller.

Now I just wish I had a shooting range close to my home like the one at Forest Lake Sportsmen's Club. If you are ever in the area (Forest Lake, MN) make sure you visit their range. It is open to the public 5 days a week from April through October and a great place to shoot. They have automated trap fields, lighted skeet fields, a 5-stand shooting field, two 10-station sporting clays courses, and an all-season club house with 5 outdoor pavilions. They also have a year round facility with enclosed shooting ranges from 25 to 400 yards and are open to the public for "sight-in days" to get ready for deer season.

Incorporated in 1937, the club is very involved in community projects, providing education and training of youth and sharing the range with police, military and special interest groups. I never made it to the archery range, but they also have a block target range, elevated platforms and a walk-through 3-D target course.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation was making a video and asked fellow SHE Safari Team member, Lisa Metheny and me to talk about our experiences during the POMA Field day which we agreed to do. For me the experience was an attitude adjustment thanks to the great staff from Smith & Wesson. With proper instruction, there is no need to be afraid of shooting any type of gun.