3rd January 2021. Bikaner. I got up earlier than usual to make it to a place I had been longing to go. We were at Bikaner to bring in the new year with my uncle who is serving in the Indian Army. Uncle had organized our visit to the shooting range on 3 January 2021.
I was mesmerized by the sight. My love for weapons is not out of a Hollywood movie or propagating violence or straight out of a game like PUBG or Call of Duty. Its sheer love for the fascinating machinery, the science, the art and the history behind it. I got to try my hands on a few guns that the Indian Armed forces use.
1. The Brügger & Thomet MP9: The trigger pull on this was lighter than what I had expected, it wasn’t the most accurate weapon but oh boy was the recoil satisfying!
2. The INSAS Rifle: As soon as I shot the first shot, I realized that with accuracy like that, action so smooth and ergonomics so wonderful, it’d be an absolute delight to spend a day at the range with this one. I WAS IN AWE! Not going to lie this one truly exceeded my expectations by a huge margin.
3. The INSAS LMG: This gun is very durable and can withstand most rough usage. This one I particularly fired in burst fire and it’s true when I say this, it was easily one of the best experiences I've ever had. Each trigger pull and the recoil was just so satisfying.
4. The Kalashnikov AK-47: This legendary weapon was the one I looked forward to the most. Getting to fire this weapon was literally a dream come true for me. The second I rested my cheek on the stock, rested my finger on the trigger, I knew that this was going to be an experience I'll never forget. Accuracy near perfect, sound like music, this was the finest piece of machinery I had ever come across and in my opinion is the best assault rifle and one of the best weapons to ever exist.
At the range, there were soldiers of the Indian army to help us out and they taught us about everything; how to load the guns, how to hold them, stance, posture etc. When I saw the men in uniform pick up arms, look down the sights and get that perfect shot, I realized the true importance of the job. Not that I didn’t know that before but that day when I saw them fire, heard the impact that was rhythmic to my ears, experienced them teach us with interest and passion, I realized the need for the citizens to respect the skill, bravery, and commitment of the men in uniform. The least we can do is to become dutiful, law-abiding citizens and more of us should consider wearing the uniform and making the nation stronger.
The day well spent with the men in olive green at the firing range reminded me of an age old saying, deep-rooted to our culture,
“Veer Bhogya Vasundhara.”
(Only the brave shall inherit the Earth)
😍loved it