While laying things out at the range recently, I realized how important the contents of that range bag are. Then image above is clearly only the beginning. What's in your bag? Here's what my checklist would consist of:

• Gun
• Ammo
• Ear/eye protection
• Targets
• Speed Loader (Love my UpLULA)
• Staple gun (target holders at the outdoor range I use requires cardboard backers)
• Sharpie (Never without one :) )
• Cleaning kit (just in case you run into any issues)
• First aid kit 
• Wet Wipes 
• Hair ties + Bobby pins or a hat. (pesky hair issues can really be a problem)

That seems like a lot. But really it's not. I also carry that Bushnell range finder just to verify my distance at the outdoor range. 

~Jenn

The Name Game

I remember the first I loaded and racked the slide, it was almost like someone pressed "play" in my head. While I was super focused on destroying that little paper plate target my step-dad had set up for me, I could hear this song in my head at the same time!
Yes this song...
Never mind that it's a little dated and I couldn't even tell you the lyrics but that chorus just goes through my head every time I shoot with it :)
So there she was the first in the firearms family tree for me. The FNH FNX-9.
I fully blame "Black Betty" and my step-dad for my new obsession. I love to shoot. It's almost a meditative state sometimes.

I'm sure there's someone out there thinking that's a completely ridiculous statement. But for someone who has a hard time shutting things out and focusing, it's a great feeling to slip on the ear protection, eye protection and then feel yourself breathe.

Using a firearm requires total concentration between pure safety and then accuracy.

It allows me the space to dial in my thoughts and be present, completely. I also really enjoy the challenge! (Most of the time.)

So Black Betty started it. In the first 3 months I owned that gun, I put about 2,500 rounds through it. This was before you couldn't find it anymore!

Since then I have acquired "Bling Betty" the companion to Black Betty. The FNS-9.
She's Bling Betty because I chose the Stainless slide. I must say, I loved shooting Black Betty but once I tried this striker-fired version, I was completely overwhelmed with excitement. It's so much fun to shoot! I f there were on thing I would change about it. I wish it came with the same selection of interchangeable back straps the FNX-9 has. Other than that,  it's simply awesome! I encourage any of my students to just try it out while we're at the range. I'm certain I've sold at least 8 of these for FNH.

Either way you go with these two ladies they are easy to clean, easy to shoot, greatly accurate and truly my favorites so far.

Now with any additions to the firearm family tree, I feel the need to name them as well. Ruger SR22 aka Bitty Betty :)
~Jenn

Shared Passion

In a recent conversation we had over lunch, it became clear that Becki and I are interested in so many things to varying degrees sometimes it's tough to choose. 

We both love guns, though different ones. We both love cooking and any other forms of creativity. Sort of "Renaissance Girls" if you will. What better way to share your passion than to teach/show others.

I think we both decided to create Dead Eye Diva's for just that reason. To share something we're both passionate about with other women. So far so good! 

The Dead Eye Diva's idea has been in action for almost a year now. We've gotten a lot of great feedback from our class participants. And we're just getting warmed up! 

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who've helped us along the way. From the terrific family support to friends passing our idea along! We look forward to the future and sharing it with you.

We love to hear from our fellow Diva's, so please share your ideas, questions or pics with us. Email us at Deadeyedivas@gmail.com and we will share some of our favorites!

The Diva's

Ongoing Argument

Well, I knew the time would come but wasn't sure when. Yesterday while at a trade show having nothing to do with guns, the discussion came up about the current gun control debate.
The lady asked why anyone would need those military style weapons. To which I replied, "Do you know what the weapons are that are up for discussion?" She stared at me blankly and really didn't have a response.  I felt maybe her argument was going to be plucked straight from some newscast.

She then asked my why anyone needs those high capacity magazines. I explained to her that my pistol holds 17 rounds per clip. And I asked why 7 rounds makes such a difference? She really didn't have a reply. I was willing to listen to her response and try to understand why it was a problem for her. But I was beginning to get the feeling that she was maybe merely repeating what she's heard on TV more than really understanding the situation or at least investigating on her own.

I believe to each their own. If you fear guns because you only associate them with the tragic times then you are maybe you don't have all the information. If you don't wish to own or shoot one, that's your decision. No one wants them in the hands of the wrong people, but taking them away from the right people is not the answer.

A Positive Start

Recently we hosted our first ever Ladies Only Conceal Carry Class!

We welcomed a great group of women with lots of questions and a wide variety of experiences. Most participants had minimal experience actually shooting a gun, a few had shot shotguns or even hunted. Many if, not all, were brought into the gun world by a male, and more likely a male family member, which is typical and most of the time a great thing. It's a terrific thing to pass on to anyone willing, interested or just for their own knowledge to remove the fear factor.

I think that's why I really wanted to start Dead Eye Diva's. I spent a lot of time in my tomboy childhood days being an unknowing warrior in the women's movement. I didn't know any different but I did know there was  nothing I was going to let a boy tell me I couldn't do ... if it was something I really wanted to do. I can easily relate to this as I was fortunate enough to grow up with male father figures (my father and step-father); they helped me see that "if I could do it then I should." With that came their support and time to make sure I was safe about it and removed the fear factor.

When I went to the range ahead of the rest of the women in our conceal and carry class to set up the lanes I noticed a gentleman came in with a woman--I am assuming was a girlfriend. She was probably just under 5 foot and seemed a bit unsure. I noticed he shot first and by the thunderous shots it was a .45. I thought perhaps she just came along to watch. The next time I hear shots I look over and she's shooting it. Hands are all awkward, she really doesn't have the strength to even keep the gun positioned in between shots and it's taking a terrible bounce when she shoots.

I struggled because I watched this, I thought--there's no way she's enjoying this or ever going to want to do it again. So I slip over to the gentleman and ask him if she'd like to shoot my 9mm (thinking she really should try the .22 but I wasn't sure if the .45 was his idea or hers.) He sort of nods and says thanks but he's just got her started on this. So I go back to my business. After they're done he tells her about my offer so she comes down and tries it!

I give her a few ideas on how she's holding it etc. She liked it better but still thought it kicked pretty good. But my hope is that her experience will be a good one and that she will try it again someday. I don't expect everyone to become avid shooters, but when they are trying something that has a certain level of fear and requires some mustering of courage, I don't want anyone to walk away saying I'll never do that again. They just need the right introduction to it.

I want anyone who has interaction with what we do to walk away with a good feeling even if they never pick up a gun again or become one of our regulars at league night!

A girl and her gun

I am in love. I confess. It hit like lightening on our first date. I had been with another that just didn’t fit. I felt bruised and disconnected … like I was always reaching. I knew it wasn’t going to work, so I ended it.

Then I met my true love. Smooth, the perfect fit and my Dad even approved. Our relationship is so easy, no drama. I fell in love with a shotgun!

The first time I shot my Dad’s Beretta 362 Gold E 12 gauge shotgun, it was a match made in heaven and we are still together. It is going to be a lifelong relationship. My Dad, my very first Valentine, gave me this gun after we just couldn’t make the Browning BT 99 that he had won at a shoot fit me well. Then Dad bought a 362 Gold E un-single for himself. Once we got my Beretta adjusted, I started shooting at the events with him. He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer only a year after I started shooting with him. After he shot about 10,000 registered trap targets the year he was on chemo, he passed away in March 2009.

He may be gone, but he left me with so many things, a legacy really. He left me with a beautiful shotgun and a love of shooting. I think I may love that gun more now than I did the day he gave it to me. -Becki

Pistol 101 Class

This past Saturday morning Dead Eye Divas welcomed 14 women to the Kaw Valley Gun Club in Topeka for inaugural our Pistol 101 class!

With an eager turnout, we covered the ins and outs of learning to safely operate a pistol. Many of our attendees had shot a gun before and many had never shot a gun. Regardless it is always a good opportunity to review the basics and the safety that is essential in using firearms. This event really culminated the mission behind DED--bringing women together to learn about shooting in a safe and comfortable environment.

Recap:
-We went over the basics of shooting a pistol and important reminders. Becki, who is a certified shotgun/rifle instructor, provided women with tips often forgotten when learning how to shoot a gun--like remember to breathe!

-Kevin, Owner of Kaw Valley Gun Club, went over additional instructions with the class. His tips were essential to learning how to properly operate the gun. Having run the club for a long time, he also pointed mistakes to avoid and appropriate shooting range etiquette. 

-Inside the range, Jennifer and Becki, gave instructions on a 22 pistol (unloaded). Women were taught how to load a magazine, and then accurately shoot the pistol.

-Everyone was given a try to shoot the 22 at a target and there were plenty of bulls eyes!

Next up, the DEDs are offering a conceal and carry class on August 25. Click here for details.