Note to self: She knows how to handle a gun.

It is said when looking for your mate that you should share core values and have a few hobbies in common.

I knew from Julia’s on-line dating profile that she was a life-long Scouter. We both believed in living honorably, doing our best to do our duty to God and country. The tenets of the Scout Law rounded out our thinking: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Additionally we both liked to hike, camp, and generally explore the outdoors. Little did I know that Julia also knew how to handle a gun!

Seen here are a few random photos from a mother-son date to which I too was invited along. Timothy, Julia, and I enjoyed a great day together touring the NRA museum, shooting at their range, and then sharing lunch.

Safety Note: While shooting on the NRA’s range, one cannot fire “birdshot” or any game load ammunition. Slugs, however, are permitted and it fun to try out an old family shot gun as well as shoot more modern weapons — shot gun, rifle, and pistol. No one was allowed to shoot, however, that Red Ryder BB-gun. Why?

Because everyone knows …

“You’ll shoot your eye out.”

All politics aside, the NRA Range is a wonderful facility. Safety and marksmanship training are the key to all shooting sports. As a retired Army officer and trained on firing weapons from BB-gun through tank cannons, I highly recommend everyone learn how to handle a firearm safely. And God forbid any of us need to use them for anything other than hunting or sport shooting.