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Hello CG Members!
I'm new to firearms in general. I've decided that given nature of firearms that instead of running out and making a purchase, I would do my homework to learn as much as possible about what I was really getting myself into by bringing firearms into my home, my life and the life of my family. The research has turned into a much bigger project than I first thought it might - but that's turned out to be a good thing on many different levels.
I've learned that my mind, heart, soul, body and family, all need to be aligned with the idea of owning and operating firearms. I've also learned that owning and operating firearms with these things misaligned could get you or someone you care about seriously injured or worse. Thus, my research has included a personal study and assessment of each of these factors, before I make the final decision to purchase.
I had some questions that I wanted to ask, but I went out to my very first outdoor firing range today, and I have to say that I was both shocked and surprised.
I was shocked by the diversity of people involved in the gun community. I expected to encounter proof of stereotypes, but instead was shocked to see people from all walks of life, ethnicity, age, size, weight, color, education, socioeconomic background, etc., all engaged in their firearm skills improvement.
I was surprised at hearing what rifles sound like up-close and personal. These darn things are LOUD! Exceptionally loud!
As all the rifles were firing and I got closer to the benches (back about 10 yards), I began to get slightly nauseated? I was not close to vomiting. It was more like an irritating sort of sickening feeling which seemed to get worse with each round going off.
I noticed the nausea was associated with the repeated rifle blasts that kept hitting my body. I bought some foam ear plugs at the range office, but I spent the first 3-4 minutes without ear plugs asking questions and getting information.
About an hour into observing the range, I got somewhat used to the loudness and the nausea began to subside, but only a little. I'm back at home now and it has been at least 8hr since I left the range, yet I still feel some nausea. Has this happened to any of you? Nerves? First time jitters?
- Had sushi last night (hmmmm)
- Had nothing but a Latte this morning before going to the range (hmmmm)
Was it the sushi? I've never had a problem with sushi before and the restaurant we went to has been on our sushi restaurant list for more than 20 years.
Going over to the Pistol lanes was surprising as well. The sound of pistols on the range caused me to think about how amazingly loud that would be, if I had to fire rounds in my house during a self-defense condition. Then I realized that one could suffer real hearing loss during a gunfight inside a house. Going over to the Tactical Rifle Training area, I got to see a little "run & gun" shooting. Once again, those darn rifles are ferociously loud!
All in all, I had fun just watching for the first time. I got all my questions answered by the guys in the booth - they were helpful and friendly. One of the instructors/trainers over at the Rifle Training area, noticed me observing, and stepped out on his own where I was to greet me. I asked him some questions and he seemed happy to answer. I did not bother any of the people actually firing their weapons because the last thing I wanted to do was disturb them while practicing.
The range was at the Chabot Gun Club in Castro Valley, California. The drive up to the range is great and the views from up their are awesome - seeing the Bay Area that way is very different and nice. I can't wait to go back to Chabot, but I will probably visit Bose first!
Gunfire causing Nausea? Really? Or, bad Sushi the night before with just a latte in the morning for breakfast to make things even worse?
I'm new to firearms in general. I've decided that given nature of firearms that instead of running out and making a purchase, I would do my homework to learn as much as possible about what I was really getting myself into by bringing firearms into my home, my life and the life of my family. The research has turned into a much bigger project than I first thought it might - but that's turned out to be a good thing on many different levels.
I've learned that my mind, heart, soul, body and family, all need to be aligned with the idea of owning and operating firearms. I've also learned that owning and operating firearms with these things misaligned could get you or someone you care about seriously injured or worse. Thus, my research has included a personal study and assessment of each of these factors, before I make the final decision to purchase.
I had some questions that I wanted to ask, but I went out to my very first outdoor firing range today, and I have to say that I was both shocked and surprised.
I was shocked by the diversity of people involved in the gun community. I expected to encounter proof of stereotypes, but instead was shocked to see people from all walks of life, ethnicity, age, size, weight, color, education, socioeconomic background, etc., all engaged in their firearm skills improvement.
I was surprised at hearing what rifles sound like up-close and personal. These darn things are LOUD! Exceptionally loud!
As all the rifles were firing and I got closer to the benches (back about 10 yards), I began to get slightly nauseated? I was not close to vomiting. It was more like an irritating sort of sickening feeling which seemed to get worse with each round going off.
I noticed the nausea was associated with the repeated rifle blasts that kept hitting my body. I bought some foam ear plugs at the range office, but I spent the first 3-4 minutes without ear plugs asking questions and getting information.
About an hour into observing the range, I got somewhat used to the loudness and the nausea began to subside, but only a little. I'm back at home now and it has been at least 8hr since I left the range, yet I still feel some nausea. Has this happened to any of you? Nerves? First time jitters?
- Had sushi last night (hmmmm)
- Had nothing but a Latte this morning before going to the range (hmmmm)
Was it the sushi? I've never had a problem with sushi before and the restaurant we went to has been on our sushi restaurant list for more than 20 years.
Going over to the Pistol lanes was surprising as well. The sound of pistols on the range caused me to think about how amazingly loud that would be, if I had to fire rounds in my house during a self-defense condition. Then I realized that one could suffer real hearing loss during a gunfight inside a house. Going over to the Tactical Rifle Training area, I got to see a little "run & gun" shooting. Once again, those darn rifles are ferociously loud!
All in all, I had fun just watching for the first time. I got all my questions answered by the guys in the booth - they were helpful and friendly. One of the instructors/trainers over at the Rifle Training area, noticed me observing, and stepped out on his own where I was to greet me. I asked him some questions and he seemed happy to answer. I did not bother any of the people actually firing their weapons because the last thing I wanted to do was disturb them while practicing.
The range was at the Chabot Gun Club in Castro Valley, California. The drive up to the range is great and the views from up their are awesome - seeing the Bay Area that way is very different and nice. I can't wait to go back to Chabot, but I will probably visit Bose first!
Gunfire causing Nausea? Really? Or, bad Sushi the night before with just a latte in the morning for breakfast to make things even worse?
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