I am a Vietnam veteran (1968). Although I live within earshot of the local Sportsmen’s Club firing range, the sounds do not bother me because I know where they are coming from.

This summer I had a visit from a recently returned veteran from Afghanistan and told him to expect the sounds. He agreed that as long as he knew where they were coming from, he would be comfortable. This past 4th of July one of my neighbors decided to join in the noise-making by ripping off a few bursts of AR fire. I know that sound. I’ve heard enough to last me my lifetime. What made me bolt was hearing it so close to my home. The sound was muffled, so I can suppose that it was aimed into the ground. But be aware. Rounds fired at short range into the ground can ricochet and come back to harm you or friends or loved ones close to you. Just ask a veteran of hearing incoming rounds pinging off surfaces all around. That weapon is not a firecracker. Take it to the range.

As a weapons owner, you have the responsibility to use that arm in a proper and safe manner. I grew up an NRA member and hunted through my teens into adulthood. I am not opposed to the proper use of firearms. I realize that as a veteran I fought for the right of people to use their property in a private and peaceful manner. I ask for that same respect. I must actually thank my neighbors for their consideration when having parties that the sounds are well diminished after 10 p.m. However, that I am still bothered by that event tells me that I feel my comfort zone has been broken. I must stand firm; should I ever hear that sound again I will call the sheriff’s department to investigate.

— Frank Gerber