Mrs. Thumbcocker and I went to the range yesterday to sight in the red dot on her Ruger 9mm carbine. While we were shooting a family set up on the bench a few down from us. There was a father and mother and a boy of about 4. The father set up a set of bags and a tricked out 10-22 rake down. The rifle had a floating fore end and an adjustable stock. Dad set up some targets at 25 yards and the boy watched. We learned that the boy's name is Merle.
Under close supervision Merle was allowed to chamber a round and shoot at target spots at the 25 yard berm. Merle had to kneel in a chair to get behind the rifle. He was wearing glasses with clip on sunglasses over them and a cammo shirt. After a few minutes I got the package of red balloons I keep in our range bag and blew up three of them. I put a small rock in each one so they wouldn't blow away. I took the balloons over to Dad and his face lit up. The balloons were placed at the 25 yard line and Merle was asked if he would like to shoot the balloons. Guess what his reply was. The balloons were duly popped by Merle. When he would make a hit he would raise his arms over his head and we would all clap and cheer.
More balloons were inflated and placed at the 100 yard line. I was very impressed with the patience both parents displayed and how well Merle listened. Merle was able to pop the biggest balloon at 100 yards after his Dad told him how to hold over just a bit. After a while Merle started to get restless and Dad suggested they take a break while Mom shot. Merle sat on the bench behind the firing line with a bag of goldfish crackers and a bottle of water.
Another group of shooters came up and Merle spoke to the lady who came up first. " Hi. I'm Merle" She replied her name was Kathy. merle then got right to business with "Wanna see my gun?"
When we packed up I went over and shook Merle's hand and told him that I had really enjoyed shooting with him.
Good day.
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