When I told my dad the news that I plan to hike the entire Ozark Trail alone, he suggested that I learn to safely carry and handle a pistol.
I grew up in the country, which means I grew up around guns. My brother and I played with BB guns, and later with his first .22. Ten years of life outside of rural southeast Missouri has made my gun-totin’ skills a wee bit rusty, but today I had a chance to brush up.
@StLCardsGuy asked me if I was going to shoot at a range or go to the country. “We go into the back yard,” I told him. (I’m a country girl. We don’t need no stinkin’ shootin’ range.)
The New Yorker in me was reacquainted with the rural Missourian as my dad and I trecked to the back of the property with a makeshift target and a handful of guns.
We were both suprised at how well I shot with the .32, especially considering that I’d never before shot a pistol. I hit near bullseye on several shots from 30 feet back. This is the gun I’ll carry hiking. Watch out, Big Foot, you’re not dragging this girl back to your cave…
We also shot a 20-gauge shotgun my dad has had since he was fourteen years old, a Taurus 9mm, and a 22 rifle.
The New Yorker in me wasn’t totally comfortable with guns before this outing, but I had fun shooting. It relieved some stress, and it was cool hanging out with my dad for a few hours.
NYC =0; MO=1
Al fear the MilliGFunk badass.
I’ve not shot a gun since I left the Navy. While on subs I had to qualify with 9MM, machine gun and shot gun. I was never a wiz with them but we touched them rarely. I’ve never owned my own gun.
I’ve been thinking though about buying a gun for home protection, perhaps a shot gun. Some gents at work had suggestions, but I’m wondering if I should go shoot a few rounds before spending a few hundred on one.
Actually, definitely side with Dad on this one. You can’t be too careful – and I’m talking wildlife as much as psychos. We live on 45 acres adjacent to Mark Twain National Forest and plan to ride ATVs (and hike) exploring this Fall/Winter. I’m looking into getting a handgun to carry myself!
Don’t know what I was thinkin country girl. I’m afraid…very afraid. I need a body guard…the application is in the mail. Please fill it out in crayon.
If shooting guns relieves stress for you, remind me never to stress you out
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Would you believe I’ve only ever shot a gun once, at a shooting range they had on my first college’s campus? The clincher is, my dad’s a gunsmith!
I honestly do not feel any danger while hiking in Missouri. Perhaps it’s because no one is ever hiking out in the forest except myself, especially in January. Of course, it’s a little different because of you are a woman (hey, I wish it wasn’t true) but I don’t think you need a gun while hiking.
Darrin,
I’ve come to the same conclusion. I carry pepper spray and a knife now. The more research I did on handguns for self defense, the more statistics emerged that indicate that it’s actually more dangerous to carry a firearm than not (unless you’re a highly trained shooter).
I agree that it’s a shame that being a woman makes things different, but unfortunately, it’s true. It’s for that very reason that I almost never hike alone anymore.
Thanks for stopping in,
MilliG