David Yamane

“I Control What Happens Next, Which Can Be Very Scary As You Can’t Undo a Gunshot” (Fall 2023 Student Range Visit Reflection #2)

This is the second of several student gun range field trip reflection essays from my fall 2023 Sociology of Guns seminar (see Reflection #1). 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.

Sociology of Guns student shooting during range field trip, Fall 2023. Photo provided by student

By Lane Bowden

I’m from Los Angeles, California, where owning a gun is very uncommon. I don’t know a single family who owns a gun, and my first time shooting was during this field trip. I definitely learned a lot during this field trip, and holding and hearing the gun really made it feel more real. Holding it in my hand and pulling the trigger, I realized how easy it is to use and how much power I had by holding the gun. It was scary to be in that position but really eye-opening as to how it feels to shoot a gun and the sounds it makes.

The AR-15 was the scariest and hardest for me to shoot because of all the controversy surrounding it and from everything I’ve seen on the news. I didn’t realize just how loud it was and how many rounds it can shoot at once, and I felt weird shooting such a powerful gun. You have to be really careful with guns even when you think they aren’t loaded because there are so many accidents that can happen, and I realized how diligent I had to be. I was most surprised by the AR-15 because it was so heavy and loud. I can’t understand why anyone would use that as their weapon of choice. Shooting the AR didn’t change my opinion on it, as I don’t see a reason for owning or shooting one unless it’s at a gun range.

I enjoyed shooting the .22 mm pistol not only because it was the easiest for me but also because it didn’t have much kickback and wasn’t too loud. I had never been so close to a gun, let alone close to the sound of a fired gun, so it was very nerve-racking when I heard the gun go off for the first time. I watch a lot of crime and police shows that completely downplay the sound of the gun, similar to video games. It becomes so much more real as a weapon when fired in person. I had a hard time aiming, so I have a lot of respect for those people who are great shots. I had a great time shooting the .22 mm pistol because it was fun to aim and felt more like a simulation than the other guns.

What really struck me was how small the bullet holes were because the gun feels so powerful. My brain had a hard time understanding how minimal the damage to the target was. This really put a lot into perspective for me, as the bullet could be the smallest bullet ever, yet it still can hurt someone. Gun safety is definitely the most important thing for legal gun owners because you have to be very careful when you shoot near people, whether at the range or hunting. I was surprised by how little protection there was behind the target, as there was a low fence blocking the woods, but it seemed as though you could still shoot out of range. Because pulling the trigger was so easy, I was nervous that I would accidentally shoot something. Holding the gun and having my finger on the trigger really made me think about the position I am in and the position of my target. I control what happens next, which can be very scary as you can’t undo a gunshot.

Ultimately, my prior understanding of guns has not changed because I do think they cause more harm than good, but I have respect for people who are great at shooting. I think guns should be more of a regulated hobby or just used in hunting so there is less of a chance of them being used in society. After this field trip, I can understand the appeal of going to a shooting range, but I don’t understand why someone would need something so dangerous at their bedside table.

16 comments

  1. “ I control what happens next, which can be very scary as you can’t undo a gunshot.” I thought this was a really good insight by Lane, and would encourage them to take that thought to the next level – as they say, the firearm itself has no agency or will of it’s own, it’s all on the person holding it. Congratulations for them for going through with the range trip!

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  2. Interesting perspective on the AR, as I find it much easier to shoot than my shotgun (Remington 870) or bolt action centerfire (a Winchester Mod. 70 in 300 H&H magnum) but that all shows what comparative shooting tells you. I guess Lane never fired a rifle or shotgun with a hefty cartridge in it.

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  5. I understand that there are financial, time and other logistical limitations to the number and types of firearms that can be used on the field trip. But for students unfamiliar with guns, the progression from .22LR > 9mm > .223/5.56 seems to be reinforcing the ubiquitous agitprop that ARs are the apex of power and deadliness. As Khal notes, a pump-action shotgun has a much stronger ‘kick’ and delivers a more devastating load. If adding one to the exercise would be feasible, I may be of assistance in trying to source one.

    I appreciate Ms. Bowden’s thoughtful observations on the experience at the range. If she is curious, I’d be happy to answer one of her (rhetorical?) questions and put down in a few words my reasons for owning and regularly shouldering a .223/5.56 semi-auto rifle.

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  7. A great perspective. One thing I think this class is very useful for is to show that perceptions of gun ownership do not accurately reflect reality. LA has a lot of legal gun owners, but carry is restricted, and even then to concealed, and gun owners in areas where gun use is viewed negatively will tend to not advertise their ownership. Even to friends and family who they may suspect would personally disapprove, negatively impacting the relationship. So they remain “invisible.”

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