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.