Art Merrill, a freelance writer for "Shooting Illustrated," sends us another update from Open Range Day in Phoenix, Arizona.

Disabled Shooter Service Manager Vanessa Ross split today's 23 shooters into four groups; they are alternating between the trap field, air rifle house, and small bore and pistol ranges. Everyone seems to be having a good time, and the AR-15 seems to be the hands-down favorite firearm.

Nancy Gerber had only shot once before in her life, and had never shot an AR-15 before today. She came away pretty enthusiastic about the “black gun,” and she kept her target as a memento.

“Oh my gosh, I never thought in a million years I'd be shooting this kind of rifle!” she said. “It was loud but didn't have any kick.”

Asked about her motivation to come out for Open Range Day, she said, “Well, it's very empowering to go out of your comfort zone. And it's very motivating to see all these other participants push beyond anything they've done or thought they could do.”

She also had some positive comments about the NRA Disabled Shooter Service program and its director, Vanessa Ross. “It's just incredible, a fantastic experience for people,” she said. “This is a great intro to the world of safe gun usage, along with giving you the encouragement that you can do this even though you have a disability.”

This is Ryan Huntley's second consecutive year with the Open Range Day and second experience with the AR-15. “It's awesome,” he said. “There's nothing like it.”

Part 2 of this article will run Sunday, May 9, 2010.