I don't think I've fired a gun since I was a kid. My sister's boyfriend was a big time hillbilly and he owned some old American Civil War rifles that you had to shove a ball into with a long rod with some gun powder and a little piece of cloth. That's how I remember it anyway. lol!
I remember that thing nearly took my shoulder off when I fired it. The other memorable time was when my dad was in the Army as a drill sergeant back in 1985 or so. One time he took me to the training area somewhere in Alabama and took an M-16 off of one of his students. He held it in my arms and helped me shoot into the woods.
In hindsight I am like, how the hell was he allowed to do that? oh my god.. Man, the 80s were such a different time.
Black powder Civil War firearms (Model 1861 Rifle Musket, among others)...it's amazing how dirty one gets with them. Lol. Good fun though and one learns how to keep the sight on target because of how slow the ball moved down the barrel.
Kids with M-16s, what could go wrong? Lol. I think it's good that you've had a go at it though, it means you're a little more understanding of what's involved. I'm not sure how old you were in the mid 80's but I'd say young. I started shooting around 1989 (19yo) and took to it instantly. I don't love guns, they're just a tool, but it's something that has brought enjoyment, taken me to many places I might not have gone otherwise.