That Girl’s Blog: Take Your Best Shot At Date Night

What did you do for your last date night? Did you go out for dinner and cocktails? Maybe you saw a show or a band? Last Friday I decided to really shake things up for Date Night and surprised Tom with something out of the ordinary: I treated Tom to a night on the range at Cape Gun Works.

Neither of us are hunters, and I honestly think the last time I handled a gun I was shooting at soda cans back in college.

Tom and I had talked about going down to check things out at Cape Gun Works for a while. Several of our friends hunt or like to target shoot and we had heard great things about the business, but you never really know until you go and have a look for yourself.

So we did.

As soon as we walked through the door we were greeted and casually directed to the shooting range. The main retail area is orderly and well lit with several display cases. There are also a few large rooms used for training and classwork. Before going into the shooting range, we were greeted again with smiles and given some forms to initial and sign. There was a safety briefing with some instructions about handling the guns and what to expect. There were several other couples waiting with us. In fact, the range was filled with couples of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. 

We were excited and a little giddy, but I didn’t feel nervous or self-conscious in any way. Each couple is provided with ear and eye protection, one gun with 2 boxes of ammunition, paper targets and an instructor to watch over the couples throughout the night.

Since I hadn’t been around guns in a long time, we agreed to start with a small caliber handgun to start. There was neither judgment nor intimidation from  from the staff as we discussed which gun would be best to the time we walked through the door and the time we left. The instructor showed us how the gun operated, how to load it and the best techniques for hitting the target.

Tom and I each took turns shooting and laughing and, perhaps, competing for the best shot on the target. The instructors kept a close eye on each couple and stepped in to offer tips and share their professional expertise. The range was very clean and well lit. There was no clutter on the walls and it was clear that safety was a priority for the instructors as well as the clients. 

 I was surprised how relaxed everyone was. There were smiles up and down the range to go with the laughter and encouragement. At the end of the night, the instructor even offered to take pictures of each couple holding their targets as a memento of their date night. It was a lot of fun to try something new together. It was even more fun to see the ear-to-ear smile on Tom’s face. 

 

I understand that shooting a gun is not for everyone. But if you have ever been curious about guns and gun safety, I strongly encourage you to visit. Cape Gun Works offers classes for all levels including safety classes required in order to apply to get your license to carry. They have Ladies Nights every Thursday along with the Friday night Date Nights, so you can try things out with someone you are comfortable with.

I did learn a one “bonus” trinket of wisdom, in addition to the gun safety and target shooting: do not wear open or loose collared shirts. At one point, while a few people were watching me shoot, a spent cartridge popped from the chamber of the gun, bounced off the divider next to me and dropped down the front of my sweater… and yes, it was HOT. It did, however give us the best laugh we have had in awhile.

Don’t tell Tom, but I am planning on getting a gift certificate to treat him to another Date Night at Cape Gun Works for a Valentine’s gift!

For more information about Date Night and Cape Gun Works, visit their website, or simply stop by! They are on Airport Road in Hyannis, just down from BarbyAnn’s and around the corner from Sam Diego’s – where you could go for a bite to eat and a cocktail AFTER! 

 

If you have comments or questions about Cape Gun Works or would like to ask me any questions, please send me an email: [email protected] 

 

About Cat Wilson

Cat Wilson is "That Girl" on Cape Country 104 – a Cape Cod native and longtime Cape radio personality. She is a passionate supporter of Military and Veteran causes on the Cape and also hosts local music spotlight program, “The Cheap Seats” on Ocean 104.7.



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