I had a great experience at the shooting range in Houston. This trip was a part of a larger US trip that Anu and I did from May 6 - June 3, 2021. Here is a link to a summary blog of the Palnitkar US Trip - May 6 - June 3, 2021.

Aditya had gone to the shooting range a few times before and it was about 20 mins from his home in West Houston. We were unable to go anywhere during the visit to Houston because of the incessant rain and the possibility of floods. On Thu, May 20, before we were scheduled to fly to Alaska, at 4.30 pm the weather had cleared and we decided to go to the shooting range. It was near West Houston airport.

We picked up a shotgun for about $12 and a box of twenty five 20-gauge ammunition shells for about $10 per box. Interestingly, 20 gauge is only 15.6 mm diameter shells compared to a 12 gauge which is 18.5 mm diameter shells. We also needed to buy a game of wobble trap for about $10 per game. In a game, upon pressing a button, a machine will fling a clay disk in the air from a fixed location in different directions and trajectories. You shoot at the clay disk and break it. Even if you chip the clay disk, it is considered a valid shot. 

We had to wear sunglasses to protect our eyes and earmuffs to muffle the sound. Also, since this was live ammunition, we had to be super careful with the protocol. Not pointing the loaded gun, keeping the safety on etc. Aditya also taught me how to load the gun and to eject the spent shells.

When I shot initially, I did not realize the amount of recoil. On my first shot, my earmuffs flew off... Slowly, I got the hang of it. But since it was my first time, I was a little scared and sweaty. I was especially worried about the live ammunition part. I mainly shot at the trees in the distance because I was not ready to take aim and shoot at the clay skeet.

Aditya was able to get 50% shots on target. His hand was very steady. He was shooting like a pro. Pretty good!

It was a unique experience at the shooting range.

We had fun. We left home at about 4.15 pm. We were back home by about 6 pm. 

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Quick Note:
This trip was a part of a larger US trip that we undertook from May 6 - June 3, 2021. We did travels during this US trip. I have also written detailed blogs about each individual travel.  If you are interested, you will find links to those detailed blogs below.

Palnitkar US Trip - May 6- June 3, 2021 - Detailed Blog

Sahil's Graduation Ceremony - May 13 - Detailed Blog 

Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, May 14-16 - Detailed Blog

Houston Shooting Range Experience - May 20 - Detailed Blog

Alaska Visit May 21-27 - Detailed Blog

Yellowstone and Grand Teton - May 28 - June 1 - Detailed Blog