Several years ago I and several other Marines were getting in some target practice from the 600 Yard line when one of the younger officers wives asked to join us. She was all of about 5' 2" tall and very petite. After demonstrating proficiency with the M14 and M16 rifles she expressed an interest in shooting one of the 50 Cal rifles.
On the front end of the 50 Cal barrel is a device intended to dampen the effect of the recoil (kick) of the rifle. One of the side effects is that the blast of energy from the shot is directed backwards and to both sides of the shooter, which sometimes causing a cloud of dust to envelope the shooter.
Our young lady lay down behind the rifle on a nylon covered shooting mat with rubber patches to help the shooter hold the rifle steady. Once checked out on the safety devices on the rifle and some coaching on how to align the telescopic sight she was cleared to fire her first shot.
She squeezed the trigger like a pro and sent one round straight through the center of the target. Then the effect of the recoil began to be apparent. The lady, the rifle and the shooting mat all slid to the rear about 2 feet. A cloud of dust, leaves and twigs completely covered the area where she lay.
When the dust settled, She got up on her hands and knees and with twigs sticking out of her mouth, looked our way with the biggest grin I have ever seen. The first words out of her mouth were "Can I do it Again"
She fired several more rounds that morning and all went straight through the center of the target.
Have fun and stay safe
An Old Man
:)Thanks for the good advice
Great story. Us little folks are spunky at times!