My cousin grew up on a farm and has shot his fair share of foxes and magpies (and the family cat, but that's another story) so wanted to see how they do things over here. And would you know it? The National Rifle Association has a museum and shooting range just down the road!
The NRA used to be about gun safety and sport shooting, but somewhere along the way transmuted into interestingly-funded lobbying and propaganda. To say I was suspicious about visiting is an understatement. My cousin and nephews had no such worries.
The museum had guns. Lots of guns. Some actually interesting, from the first historical attempt (a metal tube with a wooden end from 1350, fired by people in armor) to several carried around by John Wayne in some of his many westerns. Slightly more offputting were the examples of big game hunted by the museum's founder, Robert E. Petersen, including bison and rhino. You don't see many of them on West Wales farms.
From there we went to the range: "the premier family friendly indoor shooting facilities in the country!" Thankfully for all involved you have to bring your own gun, so my nephews didn't get to inflict the damage they're always threatening to each other. The range manager, who studied for his degree in England, gave them all hats and stickers and then we left, which brought my heart rate and blood pressure down significantly.
There was a disappointing lack of gun propaganda, although the gift shop did have a selection of bumper stickers to leave those driving behind you in no doubt. But I guess a gun range is somewhat self-selective, given you need to show permits and licenses to turn up, unlike those taking advantage of the Second Amendment for crazier ends. Like my cousin and nephews.
Welcome to America, boys!
Liz - always the romantic.
This is Herman Goring's hunting rifle, as captured in WWII and presented to Eisenhower.
Guns and beer! Perfect!
The Charles and Di commemorative shotgun. Shotgun wedding?
Now let's see what happens when we add an axe to a gun.
Ready, aim, Fred!
An original teddy bear, named after a soft president.
A man's gotta do...
Laser guns too?!
Well Hannah, if you want to fit in in Texas.
And now for a more healthy pursuit.
Don't worry Pete - Davieses always grow up taller than Reeds in the end.
