Michael Dobies clicked back the safety on his AK-47 semi-automatic rifle, lined up his shot, and with a thunderous clap, put a hole through Osama bin Laden's beard.
Dobies, president of the College Republicans, was participating in a firearm safety excursion organized by his club on Sunday. Twenty-two members of the College Republicans practiced their aim with Dobies at the Niagara Gun Range, firing at paper targets with a photograph of Osama bin Laden in the center.
Dobies said the purpose of the excursion was educational and that it is essential for all Americans to be properly educated on safe gun use.
"Introducing kids to professional shooting is important," Dobies said. "Just like kids need to learn to swim. You can say you'll keep them away from water their whole life, but eventually, they will run into it."
Paul Verzillo, secretary of the College Republicans, agreed with Dobies on the importance of gun safety education for Americans.
"I think every responsible adult should be able to operate and clean a firearm," Verzillo said.
Eight different weapons were used to fire at "Osama bin Target" - two SKS rifles, a Turkish Mauser rifle, two 20-gauge shotguns, an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a .22-caliber rifle and the AK-47. All of the guns were loaded with live ammunition.
"It's a really cool experience," said Matt Bellinger, a junior double majoring in communication and media studies, who spent two hours on the gun range. "Before anyone takes an opinion on guns, they should try this."
The purpose of the trip to the gun range was safety, but Dobies said it also had a political message.
"It does make a statement about protecting our second amendment rights," Dobies said.
The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the government will not infringe on the right of citizens to keep and bear arms.
"I wouldn't trust a government that didn't trust me to have a gun," Verzillo said. "It's about the right for responsible citizens to own firearms."
Some people on campus, however, do not place the same importance on gun ownership that Verzillo and his fellow College Republicans do.
"I don't disagree with second amendment rights, but it's pretty low on my list of freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights," said Christopher Conroy, president of the College Democrats. "We've got a president that's carving away our civil rights daily."
Verzillo said the purpose of the excursion was not to influence other people, but to promote gun safety among interested members of the College Republicans.
"We're not trying to throw it in anybody's face. Everybody here supports the second amendment to varying degrees," said Verzillo.
The value of their experience on the gun range varied for the 23 students who participated, from entertainment purposes to a statement of their beliefs.
"It was a stress-relieving experience," said Ashley Steinkirchner, a freshman mathematics major, who was firing guns for the first time. "I improved my shot as time passed."
"I am merely exercising my right as an American," said Jacob Lange, a sophomore business major.
Dobies said he was proud of the number of people who attended the gun safety excursion, and he plans to make the Student Association aware of the number of participating members in the College Republicans when the club applies for a funding increase in March.
"We bring serious intellectual diversity to this campus," Dobies said.
Verzillo said he appreciated the importance of the gun safety event for the College Republicans as well, but he also enjoyed Sunday's excursion because it offered him a chance to practice one of his favorite sports.
"It's not for self-defense or hunting, it's just about shooting once in a while," he said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
