Saturday 25th February – Birthday treats

We’d decided Yuma, New Mexico was far enough to drive to today I quickly did a little research for accommodation and activity options.  Simon had previously said that he would love to go to a gun range while we’re here to be able to shoot firearms that you can’t have legal access to in the UK.  I found a place in Yuma with some good reviews on trip advisor, but it wouldn’t be open on Sunday (Birthday day).  I made the suggestion to Simon that if we get driving we could get to Yuma in time to go shooting this evening.  And off we went!  I also managed to find a classy looking RV and golf resort that amazingly accepted PA on a weekend in February, which seemed rare for this area of Arizona.  The lady on the phone was very friendly and helpful with our booking for two nights. 

It was four hours’ drive to Yuma along the Interstate, so not very eventful.  We pulled into Westwind RV and Golf resort and I felt very smug.  It had pristine grounds, the staff were really friendly and helpful and it was a huge resort.  By mentioning Simon’s Birthday tomorrow we got a couple of free drink vouchers and free internet coupons so that he would be able to speak to Family and friends.  A guide showed us to our pitch but instead of parking up we thanked him and explained we were heading into Yuma for the afternoon.  

It was another 7 or 8 miles to Sprague’s Sports with its indoor firing range.  After explaining our little to no experience with guns and completing paperwork waiving them of any responsibility if we accidentally shot ourselves/others we were thankfully allocated a ‘helper’ to show us how to load and safely fire the weapons.  We went for a package where you paid $25 and could change the calibre and model of gun to try anything you wanted.  The real cost would come from the ammunition we had to buy for the differing firearms.

M&P15

We started off with a couple of .22s – a Ruger hand gun and an M&P15 (Military and Police-15) based on the AR15 (Assault Rifle-15).  You have to wear ear and eye protectors within the range, but at this stage it was only to protect us from other peoples’ loud firearms.  The .22s only made a ‘phut’ noise!  Then we progressed up to 9mm weapons.  I don’t really get the same buzz out of this stuff that Simon does and to be honest. I struggle to see where my last bullet has gone so I’m just shooting blind! But I was happy to be there to see Simon enjoying himself.  It progressed from there.  Simon kept disappearing back into the shop and returning to our lane with bigger and better guns.  Until we moved onto the AR15 assault rifle with 5.56 rounds when we had to move down to the far end of the range because the firing is so loud!  By this time we had been joined by Zach who was happy to assist us in showing how to load and fire the weapon.  The both he and another customer, John, let Simon have a go at shooting their personal firearms – a Glock and a Magnum.

5.56 round...

We were at the range for about three hours in total.  Simon had a massive grin on his face when we left so I couldn’t wish for more than that for his birthday treat, part 1!

Zach had tipped us off about a good Mexican restaurant so we headed to Mi Rancho and enjoyed a lovely meal.  I still had important shopping to do…. So, there was nothing else to do but head to Walmart on the way back to our campsite.  I got rid of Simon whilst getting in some Birthday treats.

We had the option of going to the live cover band ‘Disco Inferno’ night back at the resort…. But we chose to pass and head home about 10pm as 70’s disco isn’t really our thing!