HZ has given me permission to share his recent email to me:
Sad, sad story ....He sent me this email under the subject "Total Failure," and a subsequent email implied he considered part of that failure to be his:
Went to the range to enjoy the fall weather. Absolutely perfect day too ... crisp air, bright sunshine with only a hint of a breeze and the smell of fresh earth after an overnight sprinkle. The first hour or so (I lost track of time) was spent with my bolt action. I was in harmony and the groups were tight. It was time to bring out the M14.
After a few rounds I realized that I was being watched. The range was crowded but it was apparent that one individual had taken an interest in what I was doing. He finally approached and started to ask about my rifle. I quickly learned that he was a new shooter and had only recently purchased his first weapon of any kind, an AR15.
He was now very interested in my M14. It has been a long time since I have been around a brand new shooter that has been bitten by "the bug." The guy almost exploded when I offered to let him put four rounds downrange with my rifle. I coached him through the proper loading, safety and hold. He was still smiling even after the first round served notice that he wasn't shooting a .223 anymore.
He couldn't say thank you enough and came over again a little later to show off his brand new AR rifle. He was as proud as a new papa. After some more pleasant conversation he packed up his rifle, smiled and waved goodbye. He backed out of the parking space (located right behind the firing benches) and drove away. That is when I noticed his two bumper stickers. "Teamsters for Change" and "Obama 08."
I was lamenting (personally ... to you) my total failure to read the person before me. I couldn't help but feel that I should have been doing something more than coaching.No, we're not responsible for those who have so little regard for freedom and so little interest outside their own self-gratification. That said, it wouldn't hurt to be able to sound people out, and to engage and educate when appropriate, be it at a range, a gun store, or wherever the opportunity presents itself. So perhaps this lesson learned will inspire some future success stories.