Shoot, and shoot often

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Shooting is a recreational activity people use as practice for hunting all the way to training for personal protection. Whatever the reason is; any day on a shooting range is a good day.

"People own guns for many different reasons," said Staff Sgt. Cody Howk, 14th Operations Support Squadron and an avid marksman. "Those reasons can be hunting, personal protection, target shooting, collecting or in some cases such as military or law enforcement. I became interested in guns because of my dad."

Regardless of why you have your firearm, practice and knowledge of the weapon is key for safety and accuracy.

"Whatever your personal reasons for owning a firearm may be, they don't mean a thing unless you make sure you know how to use it," said Howk. "The only way to learn to shoot is to shoot and shoot often."

Being at Columbus AFB, there are multiple shooting ranges available to Airmen in the area. One of the most convenient and cheapest options is a skeet range located right on base.

"The skeet range on base is just great," said Rob Wilburn, Director of Outdoor Recreation and 14th Force Support Squadron Flight Chief of Community Support. "We have made the process as simple as possible. Just sign out a key any time you want from the 14th Security Forces Squadron and buy the clays at the range for $4 for 25 by dropping money in a collection box."

An important aspect for Airmen to remember is you need to have a shotgun to use the range; rental weapons are not available due to storage and safety concerns.

"The best way to get started shooting skeet on base is to call us here at Outdoor Recreation and we will get you in touch with Bill Frosch, the manager of the skeet range," said Wilburn. "Frosch will go out to the range with you and certify you to safely use it."

Aside from skeet shooting there are other kinds of shooting opportunities available to Airmen off base.

"As far as places to shoot; there are multiple places in the surrounding area that offer locations, education courses and a variety of shooting competitions," said Howk. "These places include, but are not limited to, the Starkville Gun Club, Mitch's Gun Shop, the Tuscaloosa Gun Club, Whitetail Ridge Outdoors in Tupelo, Miss., Hoover Tactical Firearms in Hoover Ala. and the Turcotte Education & Shooting Facility in Canton, Miss. Each location will have different costs and membership fees."

If you don't own a firearm and are interested in getting involved with recreational shooting there are several stores that sell weapons in Columbus, Miss.

"If you're active duty and looking to purchase your own firearm but aren't a resident of Mississippi; you will need a copy of your military orders with you when you go to buy it," said Howk. "There are many stores in the area that are great for buying firearms."

Whether you're going shooting for practice or just having a fun afternoon with friends, shooting is a great way to get outdoors.