Kids learn gun safety at field day

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http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=26d505571e1959ea

"Kids learn gun safety at field day

By Joel Luna
The Facts

Published September 24, 2006

BRAZORIA — A steady stream of youths along with adults flowed into the Greenwood Gun Club for a field day on Saturday.

This year’s event was held in association with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which began Saturday. With membership director Charlie Robuck in charge of the mandatory orientation, youths learned the essentials of gun safety. From shotguns to 9mm handguns to cowboy action pistols, participants had an opportunity to witness the power of these weapons.

“Today I’m in charge of the 9mm handguns, and we are accentuating safety to the youths, young adults and adults,� Greenwood Club member Jerry Guerrieri said. “Each individual is one on one with an instructor from each station in front of targets and we follow every procedure that we can.�

With glasses, hearing protection and events of the orientation, participants ventured from station to station trying to experience different forms of firearms. A total of 15 stations greeted the enthusiasts.

In addition to shooting guns, the club also had a catfish and casting station for fishermen and an archery stationl.

“Some of the most asked questions I get about the 9mm are, ‘Is that the Glock? Is it dangerous? Is it worse than other guns, and is it going to kick too hard?’� Guerrieri said. “Some are still skittish after firing it while others are like, ‘Wow, it is nothing like what I expected it.’�

Another member of the Greenwood Gun Club, Brian Webb, was handling the Cowboy Action shooting pistols.

“Our hope is in the near future is we are going to build an old west town so we can have a town for our cowboy shooting,� Webb said. “I have a colt pistol that they can fire, and it is a real one — not a reproduction. We have the Marlin rifles and a genuine Remington Rolling block, which is a buffalo rifle. Shooting this buffalo rifle will make anyone’s day.�

Lake Jackson resident Ray Miller brought along his three children, Dalton, Reagan and Colby.

“They are doing good and they are enjoying it,� Miller said. “A couple of them had never shot before, but they are getting the hang of it. My wife and I are hoping that they just learn about gun safety and how to handle them. Reagan shot the muzzle loader a minute ago, and came back smiling, saying ‘I want to do it again.’�

Besides attracting newcomers to the gun club, the organization also was hoping to encourage new members to join. For information on the Greenwood Gun Club, check out the Web site at http://www.brazoriacounty
4-h.com/ontarget. "