women help please

[beskytte]

SigGal,

Thanks for your great suggestions. I will definitely contact the local gun clubs to ask if they offer a ladies night. I will also ask my fiancee if she would like to take the CCW class with me.

Thanks again.

[JeshKidney]

Thanks for the help at first she was hesitant because of the noise so I rapid fired the hole clip and said see the recoil isn't that. Bad the only problem is I didn't get much ammo for myself when she realized she can shoot a gun but it was just as fun watching her shoot she is still a little shaky while shooting but I figure I can help her by letting her shoot more often again thanks a lot

[Mother Pearl]

I don't know where you are from, so I will say this first: in some states it is illegal (felony) to even handle a handgun without a permit...... just a head's up. If you have classes in your area - specifically an NRA Basic Pistol permit class, you might want to see if she will attend one. She can take a class with an air pistol, and some instructors will even furnish the air gun. It will give her information on the laws, then teach her all the safety information followed up with safety skill drills. She will also learn about stance, grip, sight picture, trigger pull, and a whole lot more. After that, comes range time. I think that would give her an idea of what it's like, as well as taking some of the fear out of the equation.

[Mandie Remek Snyder]

My fear of guns came from not having enough information about them. My husband gave me gift certiifcates to the local range for a basic firearms safety call and an 8 hour basic pistol class. After the basic class, I was determined to carry and immediately bought and started to carry. (I already had my resident state CCW). We recently took the Utah CCW class together, and have started having date day at the range while the kids are in school. Now we are excited to take the defensive handgun class together at our local range. I had been to the range with my hubby, but it really made alot of sense when it came from the instructor. He is an amazing instructor and owner of our local range...so look for a good range with a good education program and let someone else open her eyes. Or at least give her the information so she understands everything about guns and safety and ballistics, etc.

[bomar97]

Take her to the range. Start her off small. A .22 or .25 if you have one. Gradually work up to larger guns. Biggest mistake is to start off to big and have here get scared. She won't want to continue. First hand experience is the best teacher.

This is the same thing I'd say.. and if she still doesn't want to try a pistol.. try a .22 rifle first.. But whatever you start her with, the first thing is to tell her the "mechanics" .. break the gun down and the shooting rules to her. Either way, get some good plinking targets to make it fun.

[eagleeyes]

i wouldn't press the issue with your partner
i think i would just explain why you feel it's a good idea to carry and the responsibility that goes with doing so
let her decide

'when the student is ready, the teacher will appear'
best wishes to you

[Aili McKeen]

Does she do any other "non-girly" stuff? Getting her out doing some adventure, challenge or out-of-her-comfort-zone activities might help get her expand her horizons enough to warm up to the idea of shooting for sport eventually. I have been a challenge course instructor for Girl Scouts - I ran a climbing tower program for several years. You don't want to put her in any extreme situations. Think of the comfort zone as being a circle on the ground, then around that is the un-comfort zone, then outside that is the panic zone. Stay away from the panic zone, but encourage a small jump out into un-comfort zone. Challenge by choice. I would recommend hiking, a controlled climbing situation like a class at an indoor facility, skiing, or an archery class. Even teaching her to drive a standard if she doesn't know yet, or operating a piece of heavy equipment could be a gateway to bigger and more fun things. :) Good luck!

Have you seen Hunger Games? Archery lessons are super hot right now with young women. :)

While doing all this stuff, keep in mind that women process new info differently than men. Women like to try something, then go home and think about it for a few days before deciding whether or how to continue. We tend to move slower and learn with finesse and skill building, rather than go all gung-ho and pick up skill out of a lot of repeatition.

I guess what I'm saying is use other sports as a gateway drug to shooting. LOL

[shermr]

Most people who are afraid of guns have never fired a gun. Try to get her and some of her friends to go to a quiet shooting range. Make sure everyone has hearing and eye protection; then start by teaching safety rules, aiming technique, and range etiquette . You don't need to go to the range to teach gun safety, but if they don't have the opportunity to try shooting for themselves you have not gained any ground. Start with a standard size 22 pistol at a beginning shooter distance and only increase the caliber if they ask for more. Be patient. In many areas it is not difficult to find a woman who likes to shoot, bringing another female along often helps them to become less self conscious and more open to the shooting sport.

[hestes]

Do any of her girl friends shoot? If so, maybe invite them to come shoot as well. I have learned that some women find shooting less intimidating with other women. A couple of people mentioned ladies only classes, which is also a great idea. I hope she comes around. Going to shoot with my Husband is something I have a blast (no pun intended) with. :)

[Dale64]

Now that you have gotten her to try the handgun, get her some professional training so she learns the proper way to shoot.