Sisters in Crime* authors take their mystery and crime writing research seriously. They read a lot, interview the experts and occasionally take part in a hands-on learning experience.
Five writers (see photos above) met at Firing-Line, an indoor shooting range across the street from Costco in Burbank, for some basic instruction in handgun use and safety. Some of us came away feeling empowered; others knew they would never pick up a weapon again except in the pages of their novels.
It was amazingly quiet inside, although we could see through safety windows that several people were shooting.
I asked about a sign stating that two or more people were required to rent firearms. "It's to prevent suicide attempts," was the solemn answer. "People are less likely to take their lives if someone is with them."
"Have there been suicide attempts here?" I asked wide-eyed.
The young man behind the counter nodded. "People have tried to kill themselves at all shooting ranges."
My gaze was drawn to the viewing windows. I shuddered at the scene I imagined.
Jim Bowen, our soft-spoken NRA & BSIS Certified Firearms Instructor, interrupted my gory thoughts and told us to go into the small classroom. Several open-chamber revolvers and semi-automatics lay on a table. When all were present, he came in and firmly closed the door.
"There is no live ammunition inside this classroom," he announced. "The walls, ceiling and doors are reinforced steel. You're in the safest, most modern indoor shooting facility available."
He picked up one of the handguns, snapped it shut, assumed a classic police stance and aimed it off to our left.
"Always point the muzzle in a safe direction," he said. "This is the first rule of firearm safety."
Over the next two hours, we learned the other nine safety rules, watched an informative video about how to handle, load, aim and shoot a hand gun, and were introduced personally to the weapons on the table.
Jim Bowen's two assistants;
"Thumper" Bloomquist, a chiropractor who was in Special Forces in Vietnam, and Police Officer
Daryl William, patiently helped each of us prepare and dry-fire a .9 mm semi-automatic, a .357 Magnum revolver, and a .22 pistol.
Jim also taught us about bullets (type & caliber) and how to load them into revolvers and automatic magazines. "The lighter the bullet, the more the recoil," he warned. "Be sure your gun and ammo are compatible."
He taught us about aiming, "Get the front site in focus; the rear sight and target will be blurred. Line up the top edge of the front site with your target's center."
Next, he distributed safety glasses and hearing protection and we were ready to go into the firing range. He gave us each a plastic tray with an open-chamber firearm, and a plastic bag of bullets.
We passed through two heavy doors. "One must be closed before the other is opened," we were told.
Ah-ha! That's why the lobby was so quiet!
We each found a stall, laid down our trays and eagerly picked up the guns. "Step back from the weapons!" Jim instructed forcefully. We froze, then obeyed.
"We are going to dry fire first," he said. "Wait for our help." Thumper came to my stall and watched while I picked up the .9 mm Glock in a two fisted grip, raised my arms and sited between the sites. He corrected my left-hand thumb position and said, "Fire." I did, several times, and then waited for the others.
"Load your weapons with five bullets," came the next order. Did my hand shake when I picked up the live ammo and forced five of the small brass beauties into the magazine?
Thumper checked my work, watched me raise the gun and aim. "OK," he said.
BAM!
My hand jerked up. My heart and nervous system leapt at the loud report. Double ear protection or not, the noise was LOUD!
After the first shot, I continued until the five rounds were fired, ejected the magazine and laid down the gun - as per instructions. I looked at my target some 25 feet away: one dead center; four in a tight circle around it.
"Not bad," said Thumper.
I used up the rest of the 30 rounds, five at a time, and then switched to a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver, cocking the hammer with my thumb each time. The gun was heavier, the barrel longer, and my first shot went high; another low. But I got the rhythm soon enough.
The flame-bursts from the muzzle and the hot, sometimes gritty blowback on my face were hard to get used to. The idea that I held death in my hands was even harder.
Are we more prepared to protect our lives and those of our loved ones? Probably not, but we sure can write more realistic fiction!
Firing-Line is located at 1060 N. Lake Street, Burbank CA 91502. (818) 954-9810.
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Sisters in Crime is a world-wide organization that promotes the professional advancement of women who write mysteries and crime fiction. For more information, visit:
www.sistersincrime.org The women in the above article are members of the Los Angeles chapter.
www.sistersincrimela.com