I'm curious as to how many people on this site have fired a gun (firearm) before. I'm assuming most Americans have, but I'm also expecting that assumption to be wrong. I've had several chances to go out shooting before, as I know several cops, and some people I know have a ranch that they let me go skeet shooting on a few times. How about the rest of you? You ever fire a pistol? Rifle? Shotgun? How about larger artillery? Something like a mortar or a cannon? If my poll doesn't include the scale of the weapon you've fired let me know.
That's not what I'm planning to count here. I'll edit it to specify actual firearms, else I'll have to add elastic band guns too.
Fired a Mossberg before, recoil is fine. My aim, not so much. Same with M16, the recoil is there, but it is a good idea to not fucking close your eyes with shooting. Cuz I managed to fuck shit and hit my neighbour's target in the range. And the spent casing from my neighbour keeps getting flung onto my face. And not to stupidly touch your barrel after shooting, cuz I got a wake up burn from it. Pistol is just a simple Glock, had to get my stance correct by the coach shit load of time. And airsoft.
I was in air cadets as a kid and fired rifles a few times. Ive been in a tank, but not shot one (of course). Ive also had the pleasure (heavey sarcasm) of experiencing tear gas training. Of which i am highly susceptible. I also once shot a pellet gun as a child with my dad and grandad. I think thats about it for my firearm experiences as far as i can recall right now. Im not american.
Fired pellet pistol, a hunt rifle , and shotgun (pomp action one which was sawed off to add some fun), still remember how my shoulder was in pieces after one shot (i was 14 or so at that time). all of these with family. I'm not american
I live in the U.S.’ colloquial “South”. This is what a typical bedside table looks like here, taken from my own home to use as an example. (Not my bedside table, though). So, in answer to your question: Yes. Yes I have.
I live in Singapore where most Singaporeans have to undergo 2 years of military training depending on various factors. The majority of Singaporeans who are able to go through a basic course will have fired a rifle with real bullets once or twice (we use blanks most of the time)