Last week was a bang! Literally! I had my first training session at the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range. When I was asked what type of guns I'd like to fire, I answered, "whatever looks best with my outfits."

Accompanying me was photographer and stylist, Richie Arpino. I was shooting guns and Richie was shooting me (with his camera!)

As we walked towards the service desk, we were greeted with a friendly smile from "Ranger Mama." I introduced myself and she immediately noticed a Gucci shoe box in one hand, a Ralph Lauren wardrobe bag in the other, and a fabulous suede Etro duffle bag on my shoulder. Ranger Mama's first question to me was, "You going to shoot in Gucci?" and I proudly replied, "Yes." What can I say... I've never been like other boys.

Soon after, Richie and I met the two owners of the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range who gave us a grand tour of the facility. Now, the owners are not what you might expect. Perhaps Rambo types or good ol' boys come to mind?

Not!

The owners are sisters 

Cara Workman

and

Robyn Workman Marzullo

- young, pretty and mothers. I loved the fact that the gun club is owned by women. They loved that this was going to be a "fashion shoot."

Annual membership to the gun club has its perks. It includes unlimited access to a swanky lounge. Yep, a swanky lounge in a gun club and shooting range - modern furniture, comfy sofas, widescreen TV's and free WI-FI. The lounge is fully stocked with coffee, sodas and treats. Private lockers are available as well.

The 15,000 square ft. facility, a former flooring company, underwent a $3 million+ transformation which now houses 16 lanes including one for tactical shooting and another for moving targets.

Protective eyewear, ear muffs and safety procedures were a MUST.

Arlene Mison

, my super trainer, along with Cara and Robyn, are all about

safety first!

In fact, in all of my conversations with the owners, the importance of safety and education always seemed to be a topic of discussion. I don't own a gun, but I can honestly tell you that after this training I respect guns more than ever and I feel comfortable handling one. Robyn pointed out that many people buy a gun for protection but don't know how to use it. After going through training as I did, I can attest to the significance of proper firearm education.

MY LOOKS

: 

 Ralph Lauren jacket and Michael Kors slacks, accessorized with a vintage silk paisely ascot and a Springfield XD-9 Tactical - 9mm semi automatic handgun.

Puma M92 45 Long Colt Lever Action Rifle

Can we say

"

shaken, not stirred

"

in a vintage tuxedo and 1970's blue crystal cufflinks? Shirt and bow tie, John. W. Nordstrom, firearm: Walther PPK 380 ACP.

I gave the Walther PPK additional flair with a bang of bright pink and patent leather Gucci loafers.

Meet my little friend, Saiga 12Ga Shotgun with 20 round drum.

It was time to rough it up a bit, so I traded in the tux for leather, the Gucci loafers for Miu Miu cap toe  boots and the Walther PPK for a Rock River AR-15 .223 semi-automatic Rifle.

Cara, Robyn, Arlene & Ranger Mama, I'm ready for another visit... Thank you!

fashionad

o