Why parishioners are packing heat at one Alabama church [on-site firing range]

Christian Science Monitor ^ | 8/13/15 | Husna Haq

[markomalley]

One Alabama church has a not-so-secret weapon to attract parishioners – guns.

The Rocky Mount United Methodist Church in Jemison, Ala., turned an unused, overgrown hole behind the church property into a gun range. Originally, the idea was to teach parishioners how to use guns, but the gun range has since grown into a unique ministry, says Pastor Phillip Guin.

"In 2014, we were exploring ways to reach out into the community and engage individuals who might never consider the ministry of the church," Mr. Guin told the Christian Science Monitor. "We had a rather large area behind the church that was undeveloped, full of kudzu, a general eyesore, and we began to pray about how we might utilize the space."

After several parishioners said they had purchased guns but didn't know how to use them, the church decided to create a gun range.

"We are in the south, people own guns, they love guns, but many do not have a place where they can safely practice their use," Guin explained.

[Greysard]

The photo in the article shows that paper targets are attached to a welded wire fence. It may cause ricochets, especially when the shooter is standing just a few yards away. They might want to use soft target frames there.