When I came out of the gun closet with my wife a few years ago (I'd owned a few rifles and shotguns since I was young, but hadn't shot any of them in years...just kept them locked up), my wife disapproved. She feared what could happen if our kids got hold of them, etc. Standard anti-gun mentality. I carefully explained how I grew up around them, and that I would take every precaution with them, keep them locked up when not in use, explain safety to the kids, but that this was who I was and I was going to rediscover the joys of shooting.
She was reluctant, but understood this was who I was and gave me the room to rekindle my passion.
When I bought my first pistol, she again expressed her concern. Didn't like it. Feared them. Etc. When I got my carry permit and started carrying, took the NRA classes and began reading gun books and magazines, she relaxed a bit. I think the constant exposure to firearms made her feel more comfortable, and seeing me handle them safely and take the time to show our children how to safely handle them eased her fears.
I've taken her to the range twice, and both times she's been nervous but seemed to handle it OK. Our latest trip was on Saturday when I took her out shopping for her own pistol--something she's been on board with more and more lately.
(drum roll please)
Today we went out at lunchtime to my favorite gun shop, and after an hour of holding various models, she walked out BEAMING EAR TO EAR with a black plastic box holding her very own Glock 19 tucked under her left arm.
She was almost sold on the Walther PSS in 9mm, but the look on her face, and the "OOOOOOH" sound she made when she first picked up the G19 said everything I (and the sales guy) needed to know. Then the questions started coming: "Can I get a cool range bag like yours? Do I need my own eyes and ears? When can we go shoot it?"
I'm so proud of her. I got me a built-in shooting buddy now. LOL. She's gonna get her carry permit and sign up for the NRA courses, too.
For any guys out there with reluctant wives--there's hope. I wasn't pushy, but I was consistently persistent in exposing her to them, asking her if she wanted to join me at the range and not getting visibly upset when she said no. Just keeping the exposure level there and reassuring her with my own rationality. And whaddya know...it worked.
EDIT: Mods, I meant to post this in Handguns: General Discussion. Please move if that's the more appropriate folder. Thanks.
She was reluctant, but understood this was who I was and gave me the room to rekindle my passion.
When I bought my first pistol, she again expressed her concern. Didn't like it. Feared them. Etc. When I got my carry permit and started carrying, took the NRA classes and began reading gun books and magazines, she relaxed a bit. I think the constant exposure to firearms made her feel more comfortable, and seeing me handle them safely and take the time to show our children how to safely handle them eased her fears.
I've taken her to the range twice, and both times she's been nervous but seemed to handle it OK. Our latest trip was on Saturday when I took her out shopping for her own pistol--something she's been on board with more and more lately.
(drum roll please)
Today we went out at lunchtime to my favorite gun shop, and after an hour of holding various models, she walked out BEAMING EAR TO EAR with a black plastic box holding her very own Glock 19 tucked under her left arm.
She was almost sold on the Walther PSS in 9mm, but the look on her face, and the "OOOOOOH" sound she made when she first picked up the G19 said everything I (and the sales guy) needed to know. Then the questions started coming: "Can I get a cool range bag like yours? Do I need my own eyes and ears? When can we go shoot it?"
I'm so proud of her. I got me a built-in shooting buddy now. LOL. She's gonna get her carry permit and sign up for the NRA courses, too.
For any guys out there with reluctant wives--there's hope. I wasn't pushy, but I was consistently persistent in exposing her to them, asking her if she wanted to join me at the range and not getting visibly upset when she said no. Just keeping the exposure level there and reassuring her with my own rationality. And whaddya know...it worked.
EDIT: Mods, I meant to post this in Handguns: General Discussion. Please move if that's the more appropriate folder. Thanks.
