Great story.

I was quite lucky growing up on property which bordered with state game lands. My dad often took me into the back yard to teach me how to shoot with a single shot .22 LR, probably very similar to what you used back in the scouts.

I found that I was actually pretty good all in all... But he definitely took the time to teach me the correct things I needed to know. I took a hunter safety course when I was 12. That was also the year I got a single shot 12 guage shotgun for Christmas.

I shot intramural rifle in college. They were army issue .22 LR as well. Imagine shooting at a 1 inch target downrange and putting the bullet dead center. Yup, I was able to do that pretty well.

See if you can find a target range and get some instruction. I don't remember where they are in the Dallas, PA area... I never had to go to one as I had our backyard to work with.