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!