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. 

Dead Eye Diva is live!

Welcome to Dead Eye Diva where women can come together and learn more about shooting and firearms in a safe and educational environment.

The brainchild of Jennifer Haugh and Becki Rhoades, Dead Eye Diva provides opportunities to learn how to shoot, learn more about laws and your rights as well as creating a comfortable, non-intimidating atmosphere to grow as a sport shooter.

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, as well as joining us for our upcoming events. We can't wait to meet more divas!