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For many years I have enjoyed shooting guns but it is only since moving to the USA that I have been able to indulge myself.  Don't you just love the Constitution and the "right to bear arms".

Seriously, I was given the opportunity to shoot in England, both at School and in the Territorial Army, and it was something I enjoyed tremendously although the occasions were often regimented in a very controlled environment.  Back then I never considered buying my own gun because of the very strict laws regarding ownership and the very few ranges where you could shoot.  I understand that in the last few years the Government actually totally banned handguns so that even Olympic competitors have to travel abroad to practice.  

In total contrast here in the USA the public at large are permitted to own a variety of firearms but don't get me wrong, I am not knocking the British laws.  If anything it demonstrates the difference in cultures between the two countries and in particular the historic evolution in respect of gun control and how in the early years England maintained a tight control, to the point that even today the average British Bobby is able to patrol the streets with nothing more than a truncheon.

As a resident of the USA I chose to exert my right to own a firearm and back in Ohio I visited the "Old English Gun Shop" and bought my first handgun, a Heckler & Koch USP 45 F (see top gun).   My purchase was very much at the advise of the shop owner since he had literally hundreds of guns to choose from.  I was given very good advice because I later leant that HK is one of the top manufacturers and I have since added 5 more HKs to my collection.  

The picture above shows the first 3 guns I bought, the regular USP 45, the USP 45 Tactical (has the extended barrel to fit a silencer - great for squirrel control in the backyard), and the USP 45 Match (specifically for target shooting).  Since then I have added a USP 40 (sold the USP 45), USP 9mm Tactical (a one-off factory prototype), USP 40 Compact (this is Nancy's piece) and a USP 357 Compact (my conceal carry piece).

Up here in New Hampshire (whose motto is "Live Free or Die") it is very liberal State with regards gun control, therefore, there is a good choice of facilities where we can shoot, and 8 miles up the road is Chester Rod and Gun Club where we are members and enjoy both indoor and outdoor ranges.  

Nancy was cool about me owning a gun since she was raised in a family who owned guns, nevertheless, the first thing I did after buying the gun was to arrange for the both of us to get firearm safety and home defense training.