Target shooting
Sunday Telegraph, Page: 20. Sunday, 8 February, 2009
It’s not a sport usually associated with women or relaxation, but Denise Cullen gives it her best shot.
Under the grim gaze of the wildebeest head mounted on the wall, Rita hands me a bag laden with ammunition.
“Women do well at this, because we have a keen eye and a steady hand, and we take advice, not like men who think they know it all when they come in,” the veteran shooter says. “And if any of the blokes out there tell you to buy a fishing rod, don’t be discouraged they’re just worried you’ll be a better shot than them.”
I’m in the clubhouse of the Brisbane branch of the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA), for a workshop where women learn to load and shoot revolvers, semi-automatic pistols and rifles.
We reckon we look like bad-ass babes, but when the first shot of the day erupts, we all jump.
Heading down to the range, there’s a lot of talk about bra straps because the spot just level with the top of your shoulder is the ideal nest for the butt of the rifle.
I slide into one of the bench rests and revel in the rhythmic, tactile routine of loading bullets. The sound says, “I’ve got a gun and I’m not afraid to use it”. I aim at the cardboard silhouette of a fox. Squeeze the trigger. Over and over.
During a ceasefire, we collect our targets and I register a thrill at seeing six bullet holes between the eyes of the imaginary beast.
Next we try our hand at clay target shooting, which involves hitting moving targets.
I crack the first one, sending shattered orange fragments spiralling to the ground. Beginner’s luck. I miss the rest of the round.
Then it’s off to the pistol range. “Grab it like you mean it,” my instructor says as he hands me a Ruger 22/45, closely followed by a .357 Smith & Wesson. “Stand aggressively when you shoot.”
Next we try out the old-fashioned black powder pistols, which release a cloud of gunpowder with each pull of the trigger, before returning for a final round at the rifle range.
Earlier, we were told that people feel an affinity with one type of weapon and this, I realise, is mine. I love the rifle’s smoothness and the sound it makes, and concentrating on the target has a meditative quality. My group leader agrees.
“When people are shooting competitively you can’t even say hello to them because they’re so focused,” she says. “The more you get into it, the more you learn about breathing, controlling your heart rate and even tuning in to the wind.”
So it can be a stress-relieving sport? “So long as you re shooting well,” she says with a laugh.
Best suited for: It’s always been a male thing but there’s no good reason for that and most clubs are working hard to make the atmosphere less intimidating to women.
All levels: You don ‘t need to be of a certain height, weight or build to participate indeed, paraplegics and quadriplegics find success due to the focus on accuracy rather than movement.
Hot shots: You’ll love this sport if you prefer to stand or fall on your own performance rather than relying on the vagaries of your teammates’ behaviour.
Shooting the breeze: Which is not to say that shooters are lone wolves they enjoy a vibrant social life off the range.
Shoot out: You’re standing and sometimes even sitting so don’t expect a huge calorie burn around 175 calories per hour for a 70-kilogram person. Where you will feel the benefits are in improved hand-eye coordination, stress release and, some say, a sense of empowerment.
For more information, visit www.ssaa.org.au or contact the SSAA in your state for a range near you.
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