[b]Update:[/b] We took out our brand new Henry 'Big Boy' .45 Caliber Lever Action rifle today, and I filmed it!
Holy crap, my ears are still ringing.
[Editors note: I understand that I need to wear hearing protection. Normally I do but this time [i]this one single time[/i] I didn't. There is no need to inform me in your post.]
So I heard gunshots coming from my neighbors house; he has a shotgun that he shoots every now and then but then I heard about five shots being fired extremely quickly and I had to check it out.
[Sorry for the little story but it was the only way I felt I could appropriately describe shooting the rifle]
I heard more gunshots echoing over the hill as I left my house. Once I started to get closer I called over to make sure they wouldn't fire as I approached.
He handed me the rifle and I looked it over. It was an AK47; it had a fore-grip under the barrel, a rail system on top and a thirty round mag. I took off the safety and aimed at a hey-bale set up in his front yard. I looked down the sight and fired a single shot. [i]BANG![/i] I took a step back; stunned momentarily by the loud noise. My ears were ringing to the point I couldn't hear. (None of us were wearing ear protection, and this is the first time I've ever fired a rifle like this.)
I looked over at my neighbor and laughed; the sheer power of the weapon completely took me by surprise. I planted my feet and took aim at the bale of hey once more. My hand held the fore-grip tightly as I prepared for the recoil I was now expecting. [i]BANG![/i] [i]BANG![/i] [i]BANG![/i] [i]BANG![/i] [i]click.[/i] The magazine was empty. Even though I was prepared for the massive noise of the rifle, it still nearly took me by surprise. Out of ammo we started to walk back to his house; picking up shell casings along the way.
***
So yea that was cool. My dad just bought a Henry Lever Action .45 rifle and I can't wait to fire it! Any of you guys shoot guns regularly? Its really nice living in a place like I do where I can just walk out into my backyard if I want to do some target practice.
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Shooting without ear protection is a big no no. Even some ear plugs should be the very least you use. I personally use a pair of noise canceling shooting headphones so I can hear sounds, but it dulls the shot. Glad you had a good time though. I shot a SAIGA 7.62x39mm rifle last weekend and I was astounded how smooth of a system that is. On par with an AR-15 with a good stock on it. I loved it, but I'd still take an AR anyday. Of course I prefer something with a bit more bite. Like 12 gauge shotguns and my Mosin Nagant.