Ready… Aim…. Safety!

Local shooters give novices a chance to learn gun safety - and to fire off a few rounds - during a fun day at Koko Head

Steve Murray
Wednesday - July 18, 2007
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The air splits with the crack of high-caliber firearms as shooters of every shape and size focus on their targets. Steely eyed, they squeeze off round after round with a mixture of confidence and excitement. It’s a living testament to the Second Amendment.

Paul McKeeby with his elephant gun
Paul McKeeby with his elephant gun

From James Cagney’s tommy gun to John Wayne’s six-shooter and Dirty Harry’s .44 magnum, guns have played a prominent role in American popular culture. These gun-toting macho men (and women) of film have provided generations of fans with endless excitement, but little in the way of actual information about the dangers of firearms or how to use them safely. To combat the Hollywood glamour of gun misuse, some feel it’s best to stay far away from any device that can take a life in a split second. But for a growing number of people in Hawaii and elsewhere, the best way to learn about - and to respect - guns is to get their hands on one.


Sport shooting in its many forms is drawing people of all ages who want to learn the exacting techniques of target shooting, or to fulfill childhood fantasies. According to the National Shooting Sports Federation, shooting as a summertime sporting activity even eclipses other outdoor favorites such as softball, tennis, mountain biking and jetand water skiing.

On Oahu, sport shooting means heading off to the Koko Head Shooting Complex. The range’s website lists 45 shooting clubs in Hawaii that vary from hunting organizations to HPD members and even those who like the smell of black powder as they discharge a round shot from a 200-year-old weapon.

Easton Norris, 9, gets a tip from Phillip Rapoza
Easton Norris, 9, gets a tip from Phillip Rapoza

At the Hawaii Rifle Association’s annual Shooting Sports Fair recently, collectors, enthusiasts and first-timers gathered to celebrate their love for or curiosity of firearms. Judging by the smiles, excited talk and the sheer number of shot tickets purchased, it was an unqualified success.

Steve Yoneshige of Mililani brought his 12-year-old son Kyle to the event to have fun, but to also teach him to respect the potentially dangerous power of firearms.

“I think this is a great event,” said Yoneshige. “I think gun safety is important and I think it’s a fun sport kids can get into.”

Kyle and his friend Spencer Young, 12, agreed that popping targets at various lengths with a .22 caliber rifle was a lot of fun, but they differ on their possible future in the sport. Kyle sees himself continuing with metal targets, while Spencer looks forward to someday going after real game.

While air riflery and skeet shooting remain the best known styles, those who celebrate the history of firearms are the ones who really seem to enjoy what they are doing.

Philip Rapoza, president of Single Action Shooters of Hawaii, aka “the cowboy shooters,” sees his group’s outings as the most enjoyable.

“This is the most fun shooting sport,” he says. “We’re not competing here. For us, it’s all about our childhood memories playing cowboy.”


If they seem like boys that just never grew up, you’re right. Most members, like “Fast Addie” Lydia Belshe, “Lone Star” Dan Anderson and “Stone Deaf” Charlie Maurer, dress the part and take on old west identities that reflect their favorite cowboy heroes.

Lauren Hall aims an Uzi with the help of Harvey Gerwig
Lauren Hall aims an Uzi with the help of Harvey Gerwig

“John Wayne is definitely the most popular among the members,” says Rapoza, looking like he just stepped off the set with his hat and six guns to the sides. “For some of the older members, it may be Tom Mix.”

While Rapoza wants to “carry on the spirit of John Wayne,” for others the hero can be someone closer to home.

Seven-year-old Easton Norris, daughter of Army Sgt. First Class Jason Norris, may not know John Wayne from Wayne Brady, but she knows Grandpa, an avid gun owner, hunter and shooter, and that’s cowboy enough for her.

“She’s loving it,” says dad Jason. “We’ve been here two hours and we haven’t stopped.”

Easton wouldn’t admit to her shooting skill, but did offer her opinion on her instructor’s outfit. “It’s kind of weird,” she says.

Another historically connected type of shooting goes well beyond the John Wayne era and all the way back to the Battle of Brandywine.

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