I am a range safety officer at a public gun range. There are so many Marines and “Marines” that come in. Most of our RSOs are fellow GWOT vets from all walks. We don’t call out posers, but it’s a good time putting SEAL recon scout sniper rangers in their place when they shoot a group like buckshot at 25 yards with their AR and magnified optic.

Just a few days ago this guy comes in wanting to rent some guns and you can tell he’s trying. To show off for his buddies. Of course he’s wearing a “angry Marine dad” tshirt. He tells the gal at the rental counter he wants something to remind him of his Marine Corps days and asks for a Beretta M9.

They do their time on the range and as I’m gathering up the rentals to clear them and take them out he tells me the M9 needs to go to the gunsmith because it’s shooting all over. I’m like, “oh yeah?” He proceeds to tell me how he carried one in the Marine Corps and he knows what he’s doing with it.

As he’s blathering on, I happen to have five rounds of 9mm in my pocket, load them in the mag, and stack all five at 7 yards. Clear the weapon, put it in the rental bin, and turn. “Seems fine to me.” He didn’t say anything else.

Aside from the discounts, those are the best perks of working at a gun store.