Stressed out lately? Most of us are. Looking for something to chill with, relax, and calm those hyped-up nerves? I have something interesting for you to look at, and I think it will really help. The world today, and especially it seems lately, has been pretty crazy. Time to focus on something to get you back in the groove. O, almost forgot, you OK on coffee? Need a little warm up? I’m drinking mine black today, so I don’t have any creamer.
Alright, I’ve kept you waiting long enough, the cure for what ails you lately is simple. Get a BB gun. More specifically, make it a Daisey BB gun. Now I know that some of you are gasping right now and thinking “I think he finally went over the edge,” but stay with me here and maybe you will see the method in my madness.
For the hunter and shooter and outdoorsman few things can be as much fun as plinking. Plinking remember, (for those in the back of the class that weren’t really paying attention) is probably a made-up word for target shooting using just about anything for targets. Pop cans (that’s soda for some of you out there) empty shotgun hulls, clay shotgun targets, bottle tops, and even Necco candy wafers all fill the bill for plinking targets. (I saw some Necco candy at a Bob Evans restaurant the other day) I left out what is a boatload (that means a lot) of commercially available plinking type targets, metal targets of various animals, “spinner” targets that will whirl when hit, and many others. Using these items and anything else you can think of to safely shoot at, besides plain ol’ paper targets, makes for an interesting afternoon at the range.
Once again, unless you have been living under that proverbial rock, you may know about the foremost maker of BB guns in the world, which is of course Daisy, now known as Daisy Outdoor Products. Daisy makes a full line of different air gun products, but for this little dissertation will talk mostly about BB guns in the classic Red Ryder and similar air rifles. (www.daisy.com) Any of the air guns mentioned here will get you on the road to a fun, safe, and stress relieving session on the plinking range.
We can’t go any further without mentioning that BB guns are usually associated with kids and young shooters, and I am saying my friends that is a good thing. Since before Moses put all the animals on the Ark, young shooters, and future hunters, have sallied forth with a trusty Daisy BB gun and a pocket full of little round BB’s. Many times we have talked here about these forays into the woods and on the range are the makings of the foundation for a lifetime of hunting, shooting, and handling firearms.
With those trusty Daisys the young shooter can start to learn all the basics of safe firearms handling. Treating every gun as if it were loaded, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, always positively identify your target and what is beyond it, and finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. All of these and many others can be learned before that new shooter ever touches a real firearm.
Now I digressed there a little on young shooters, but why not? Kids and BB guns go together like milk and cookies, and you, the experienced shooting mentor can help them at the start of their own shooting trail. A day spent on the range or in the woods with an eager young shooter or two and a couple of Daisy BB guns will do wonders for your peace of mind.
Before we run out of time and space here, I need to mention just which of the Daisy models you want to look at for some shooting, plinking, and training fun. The classic Red Ryder model is always the first to come to mind. The Daisy Red Ryder is the most famous BB gun in the world; it is a classic tradition that’s as strong now as it was when it was designed more than 80 years ago. This lever action carbine has taught marksmanship and gun safety to generations. Named after the beloved comic strip character, Red Ryder, this product line has become a quintessential part of American shooting culture since its inception. It has transcended generations, captivating the imaginations of youngsters and seasoned shooters alike with its classic styling and dependable performance. If you are looking for a BB gun you can’t go wrong with the Red Ryder, but I have to tell you one more thing about this model. A few years ago, Daisy started making an adult version of the Red Ryder, yep, that’s right, a Red Ryder BB gun with a little longer stock to accommodate an adult. The adult Red Ryder version is available in some different packages with a youth Red Ryder making a perfect set for Dad and kids, Grandad, or anyone that is going to be working with a new shooter. I just have to get this in here, also take a look at the new Woodland Trail 1999 model, I think it is really cool, and you can’t forget the classic Model 25 pump action BB gun.
Friends if you need a little something to take your mind off this crazy world, and at the same time work with that new shooter in your family or just the kid down the street, take look at the Daisy BB guns.
Larry Case www.gunsandcornbread.com
After you shoot a couple boxes of BB’s, believe me you are going to sleep better.