During the winter I often get an itch to put on a warm coat and take a walk in the frozen woods. On those rare sunny days I sometimes venture out with one of my favorite firearms to do some plinking.
In case you have never heard of the term 'plinking', it refers to informal target shooting done for pleasure, typically at non-standard targets such as tin cans, logs, soda bottles, or any other homemade or naturally occurring target (Wikipedia).
Plinking can be a very relaxing and safe activity when care is taken to ensure there is an adequate backstop to the firing range and proper care is taken in the safe haldling of the firearm.
The Ruger 10/22 is a .22 Long Rifle caliber rifle with a semi-automatic action. This means that each time the trigger is pulled a bullet will fire without manual cocking of the bolt between shots. Extended magazines are available with a 25+ round capacity, which can increase the pleasure of shooting.
The 22 Long Rifle cartridge is of the rimfire variety, which means the firing pin strikes the outer rim of the casing rather than a centerfire primer. The impact of the firing pin ignites the smokeless powder inside the casing.
The velocity of the fired bullet, wich typically ranges from 30 to 40 grains in weight, is clocked between 1,200 to 1,600 feet per second. This is generally considered a low-powered rifle in comparison to those used in big game hunting and military applications.
One benefit to 22 Long Rifle ammunition is its low price per round compared to larger calibers, though prices have increased in recent years with supply and demand. Fortunately supplies are increasing.
One of the joys of shooting firearms is the challenge of accurately aiming, holding the firearm steady and smoothly squeezing the trigger resulting in delivering the projectile to the intended target of varying sizes at varying distances. Developing the skill of accurate shooting, especially at long distances, can give the shooter a sense of pride and accomplishment, not to mention the bragging rights and admiration of one's fellow rangemates.
I love to spend a day out in the woods doing some plinking. It is a perfect way to shake off a case of cabin fever.
I hope you can see why firearms are not necessarily evil or dangerous in themselves. When properly handled they have many uses and can be enjoyed safely. The danger or safety depends on the person who uses them.