About 60 UB students took aim and fired this weekend at the College Republicans' third annual Second Amendment Rights Excursion at the Niagara Falls Gun Range.
Organizers said the main points of the event were gun safety and responsibility surrounding the second amendment's right to bear arms. The range had an wide array of guns for students to try out.
"Today we are trying to emphasize safety, awareness and responsibility of using and owning a gun," said Matt Pelkey, president of the College Republicans. "It is a right and if done properly and safely, we can recognize the necessity of understanding the basics of guns."
At the start of the event, professional staff members escorted the participants into the gun range and beginners were given a quick synopsis of how each gun worked. All rookies had to start off with a handgun but were able to work their way up to a shotgun later in the event.
Other guns students were able to choose from included an AK47, AR15, Mini-14, .38 special, glock, .22 rifle and .22 pistol.
"The main point of today is to get people educated with guns and how they work," said Michael Scholez, vice president of the College Republicans. "It is vital to everyone."
Bob Balschmiter, a retired drill sergeant for the army, acted as the event's chief demonstrator. Balschmiter said he hoped that by explaining each gun, how it worked and how to use it safely, he could "arrange safety and familiarity of all the guns used here today."
Inside the range, Balschmiter assisted each person with handling, loading, and shooting the guns.
Students who attended the excursion said they were thrilled to have the opportunity the event provided.
"This was a chance for me to use the guns and learn the responsibility of handling them as well," said by Brandon Scholes, a freshman chemistry major. "I had a great time."
Pelkey also spoke briefly to club members about the Bradley Bill, which would end a 28-year ban on handgun ownership in Washington.
"We are not here today to push for the support of the Bradley Bill," Pelkey said. "This is a club event that focuses on guns and safety. It just happened to land around the same time."
Supporters of the bill say current D.C. gun restrictions violate the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Washington D.C.'s police chief, however, said the legislation would lead to a tidal wave of more deadly weapons in the hands of criminals.
With Saturday's event also on the heels of a passing national ban on assault weapons, Pelkey said he hoped the excursion would be more educational then anything else.
"The College Republicans are now trying to make this event biannual in hopes of educating and reaching out to as many people as possible," Pelkey said.
Elizabeth Osborn, a senior dance and history double major, echoed Pelkey's sentiments on the true purpose of the gun excursion.
"For me, coming here is more about personal safety than the thrill of shooting a gun," she said. "I hope that more people will see how important this really is for males and females, and come out to support gun safety and awareness."
