Beaudesert Bulletin Journalist Shontae Iafeta was introduced to the world of pistol shooting after joining the Beaudesert Pistol Club’s Women and Girls Only Event: Girls on Target program.
The morning event is part of a program the Club is running to encourage women to try out the sport.
I was accompanied by Club Administrator and Level 1 Range Officer Garry Willett and Beaudesert Bulletin Editor Keer Moriarty, who have both had previous experience with firearms.
As a 19-year-old from suburbia, I have never been exposed to weapons; it was quite surreal for me to actually handle a gun, even if it was just an air pistol.
The only weapons experience I have ever had was with a plastic or water toy gun – this, of course, was no comparison to the real thing.
Talking to both Garry and Keer, it seemed that the use of guns was normal for them as they both obtained their own gun licences.
Since they both lived on farms at some point in their lives, it was interesting to find out that weapons were normalised for farm use, such as hunting, putting down sick animals, etc.
That was quite eye-opening considering the well-known precautions about guns being dangerous.
A great thing that Garry pointed out is: “Guns are safe; it’s people who cause accidents.”
Before starting target shooting, Garry put an extensive amount of effort into talking to participants about the basics of shooting, getting a firearms licence and safety precautions.
Being at the Club for 20 years, he knows what he’s talking about, and he’s got many stories to tell.
As someone who envisions the worst, he eased any pre-game jitters, and I was excited to give it a try.
Surprising enough, it was fairly straight forward, but a lot of reliance was on my breathing and relaxation.
I found it difficult to relax at first because aiming is mostly concentration focussed, but as time went on, I felt more relaxed, and it showed on my paper targets.
It is oddly therapeutic and quite satisfying that I felt myself completely absorbed in the routine of reloading, aiming and shooting.
If anyone aged 11 years and older is interested, I would 100% recommend – you are in safe hands with Garry.
This program runs monthly at Beaudesert Pistol Club in Allenview. For more information, contact Garry on 0400 528 845 or email beaudesertpistolclub@gmail.com.
