Stepping into unknown territory can be both exciting and challenging, but also quite scary. For me, switching to shooting 9mm was such an event. After sessions with caliber .22 in previous POMW courses, the day had finally come when we had to make the leap to the big caliber. Expectations were high and the excitement was palpable.
Before we threw ourselves into shooting with 9mm, we had thoroughly prepared ourselves at home, through countless hours of dry training. It wasn't just practice in mastering the gun; it was also training in focus, concentration and control.
The day started out with caliber .22 shooting, where we could just get used to shooting again, since it had been a few months since we last shot anyway. However, it didn't take more than emptying a magazine or two before it felt like it used to, and all the good habits and routines were part of shooting again. After honing our shooting skills and mentally preparing ourselves, it was time to take the next step.
The transition to 9mm was much more than just a change in ammunition. It was an opportunity to test our limits, both physically and mentally. Personally, I was surprised at how "real" and natural the switch to 9mm felt. The recoil was not nearly as strong or difficult to handle as expected, which helped to give me an increased sense of confidence and control, at a higher level than I had previously experienced. Shooting is much more than just handling a gun and pulling the trigger. It is a journey into one's own self-control and self-confidence. Shooting the 9mm was also a lesson in responsibility, since after all it's not the weapon itself that's dangerous, it's the person behind it. This realization really dawned on me after shooting the 9mm, and completely changed my approach to shooting, making me a much more confident shooter. It no longer feels like standing with a nuclear bomb in your hand.
This experience was not just a training in shooting, it was a journey of personal growth as a result. I have felt myself grow not only as a shooter but also as a person. My self-confidence is greatly strengthened and I feel more secure in my own abilities. Something that also helped make this experience so special was, as always, the strong bond between all of us, both participants and instructors. Through all the challenges and triumphs, we were there for each other, without exception. Safety was always the focus and I never felt unsafe.
Shooting with 9mm for the first time was an amazing experience. An experience of self-confidence, growth and togetherness. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share this journey with some of the people who mean the most to me.
