A couple weeks ago, a good friend of mine was promoted to police captain. We had a celebratory dinner that evening where we just talked about life in general, how much has changed over the past few years, and how much things have actually stayed the same. It was a big promotion, and one that was definitely deserved.

At the end of the dinner "Captain" gave me a ride back to my house. In the car was a gigantic revolver (gun) in my seat that I had to move to the back seat. I said that I had never shot a gun. This was shocking for some reason, so I got an invite to go to the Royal Thai Police Sports Club to do some target practice. It had never really crossed my mind that I wanted to try shooting a gun before this moment...but I guess it was because the opportunity never presented itself to me before. There is no need for a gun in my life, so what did I care? Regardless, I was excited.

Last week we went to target practice at the Club, and I have to admit I was nervous. Everyone was eyeing the foreigner wondering what the hell I was doing there...I was there for target practice, obviously! On top of that, they gave me a gun...

It was given a .357 magnum along with about 2 minutes of gun safety review...The rules seemed pretty relaxed considering what we were doing, but maybe that's just my tight ass American mindset. So I loaded a gun for the first time...

(notice the shirt)

Ok...that wasn't too hard. I heard about the "kick" that guns have, but was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to shoot. Video game guns with kicks kicked harder than the real thing! However, it was louder than I had expected.

Bang bang!

PhotoBucket's embedding is being weird for some reason....here is the link

I got a score of 8 (3 in the black, 2 in the white), which is what a police captain has to get...so I've applied for a new job. Video games, especially duck hunt on Nintendo, have paid off! Just kidding. You won't see me shooting guns again anytime soon, though my police friend is trying to coax me into getting one licensed "for the house." I think Yoma will provide all the protection I need! However, you can catch me at the (golf) driving range.

Anyway, thanks for the experience, and congratulations.

As an American where we're supposed to be all gun-crazy and all, I've never had a desire to own a weapon. I'm not scared of them. Hell, I was in the army so I've shot everything from handguns to anti-tank weapons. I'm more concerned about myself. All it takes is one mistake and your life can be ruined. One moment of anger/passion. One drunken decision to show off. One bad decision . . . for me, I just always figured the risks were greater than the supposed security having a gun in the house would provide.

I still love firing them though. Man, what a blast (no pun intended).

So is that why you've stepped down from the admin role! Police Captain Rob! Will we be seeing you in Law and Order: Thailand

Jokes aside, thailand is the only country I've been able to shoot a gun with such freedom..... it was a .44 Magnum......those things are bloody heavy or I'm just weak.....and I was shaking all over the place.....but yeah you're a sharpshooter Rob!

"Go ahead punk! Make my day" :-)

Shooting in the target is easier than shooting in a human...hope many of u never experienced that...I only shooting in NATO aeroplanes when bombing my city...but not suceed indeed...bloody weapons and wars...but shooting in targret can be fun, if its safe

^^^

Buzz killer.

What golf range do you go to? and how much is a bucket of balls?can I rent clubs?

Im gonna be looking to go to the range when Im out there.

If you were joking about the golf range then I have one word for you.....BAH! lol

now you at the golf range..that might be dangerous!

(wearing your shirt there? )

I shot a few guns but just so loud ya know, I'm not much for anything loud these days.

I have a gun license that cost me about 40,000 baht. It comes with a gun. I can take it with me wherever i go.

My gf's bro is cop, he's always asking me if I want to join him to that range on Viphavadee rd. Might go with him some day.

I've got my Glock Thai Club shooting hat......

great shot