This is the ninth of many student gun range field trip reflection essays from my fall 2023 Sociology of Guns seminar (see Reflection #1, Reflection #2, Reflection #3, Reflection #4, Reflection #5, Reflection #6, Reflection #7, and Reflection #8). The assignment to which students are responding can be found here. I am grateful to these students for their willingness to have their thoughts shared publicly.
By Nolan Mood
While being from the so-called South, I would never consider myself to be a “good ole boy” or a “redneck” who owns lots of guns, goes hunting, or shoots cans in their rural backyard. Instead, I grew up in the suburb of Cary, North Carolina, just outside of Raleigh. Cary was once voted the 1st safest city in the United States by some magazine, and growing up, it certainly felt that way. As a little child, I never experienced the violent crime side of guns, rather they were tools or a means of entertainment. I was raised with a gun safe in the house, and often saw my father use small caliber pistols or BB guns to kill vermin or copper heads that came too close to the house.
When I was maybe 10 years old, my father took me to the Dixie Gun and Knife Show at the NC State fairgrounds. I remember begging for an airsoft gun, knowing he’d never buy me the real deal, and surprisingly he got it for me. For much of my pre-adolescent years, I began to learn gun safety and etiquette. Guns were part of the culture I grew up in. I have always enjoyed using firearms and this is partially the reason I signed up to take this class, knowing we would have the opportunity to not only go to the gun range but discuss all aspects of the gun world.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the range, as one might expect. I had some deja vu from this range as it reminded me of the small riflery range at the summer camp I once attended. I recall shooting small metal pans similar to the one we aimed at while firing the .22 handgun. It was always a competition at camp to see who could hit the smallest target. Occasionally, we might set up cans or balloons filled with paint for the last day of shooting to test the skills we acquired over the week.
As I got older, I was allowed to take a shotgun class and learn how to hit clay pigeons at a 5 Stand. Being only 14 or 15, firing 20 gauge shells was a massive step up from the low recoil rifles. It was somewhat daunting at that time. Having been only 100 pounds, my shoulder would hurt from the kick. This was maybe the first time I truly experienced the power and potential harm of firearms.
I had a similar experience when we began to shoot the 9mm Glock. Having something so small that packed more of a punch was frightening at first. I felt I couldn’t keep my hands steady, a feeling I hadn’t had for over five years. I began to reflect on my brother and father having concealed carry permits and how one can easily walk around town packing heat. It also brings into perspective that North Carolina is an open-carry state. My knowledge and experience with guns had only been practiced in safe environments, causing me to doubt the practices of being able to carry weapons in public spaces.
My favorite part of the trip was without a doubt the AR-15. It’s likely the most controversial gun today for its infamy. For that, I’m somewhat embarrassed by my eagerness to take aim. The previous experiences I had naturally made me feel comfortable, but I recognize that my peers may not have a similar background and regard the AR-15 as deadly and dangerous. I was just ready and excited to use the latest firearm technology, as assault rifles are accurate, precise, and easy to fire. I hope that I didn’t make anyone uncomfortable, but it did feel good to shoot consecutive rounds into the bullseye.
I would say my trip to the gun range was much more enlightening than informative and has increased my enthusiasm to delve into the other realms of guns.
Gun Curious 
There’s always more to learn. Nice essay.
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