Converted One To Our Side!

[Code3GT]

This is the 2nd person I work with to approach me about guns/carrying. One guy went and took his CCW class. Just this morning a female coworker asked me if I'd take her to the range and teach her how to shoot. She say's she'd shot a shotgun many years ago. So I got with a gun-nut female and we set a date next week to all 3 go to the range. I figure with another female there, she wont be so intimidated or feel stupid as some do as newbies. We figured with an AR, an XD-9, and a 1911, she'll be addicted by the end of the first day She's not interested in CCW right now, as she's a smart one and wants to be comfortable with a firearm first, THEN look at CCW. I'll have a full range report soon

 

[igpoobah]

Great job, now you can get to work on the other 220 million!

I'll help!

 

[JImbothefiveth]

and a 1911

Do you think the .45 acp might give her a flinch, and make her not want to shoot? I've never fired one, so I can't comment.

 

[HIcarry]

The 9mm and the .45 might be a bit much for a neophyte shooter. A .22 is, IMHO, the perfect gun to start on. It helps develope proper shooting technique and virtually eliminates flinching. Just my 2 cents worth.....

 

[Loosedhorse]

^ +1

 

[MinnMooney]

You're doing better than me. I've only converted one that wasn't into guns. However, I've raised two to love guns and both shoot often - one has his carry permit.

+1 on the AR-15 and the 9mm but you'll have to be the judge on the .45ACP after seeing how she does on the 9mm.

 

[BiggBaddWolf]

I guess it would depend on the person how much they were affected by the recoil of a high caliber. I know a lot of people dont like shooting a .357 mag, but they are one of my favorites, and I would shoot them exclusively if I could afford the ammo, but for just general plinking around I use the 38 Special cartridge, and then throw in a FEW .357 mags once in awhile for a little extra fun...hehehehe

 

[tigre]

FWIW, I'm a relatively small female and I prefer shooting a steel framed .45 to a polymer 9mm. If she's not the frail, flinchy sort I bet she'll at least have fun shooting them all. Heck, earlier tonight I was in the lane next to a lady who'd apparently never been shooting before, and her boyfriend was having her shoot all sorts of guns and she said she liked his short barreled .44 magnum the best out of all of them. I didn't even like standing that close to the thing, myself.

Now when it comes to gaining skills and concentrating on accuracy a smaller caliber would probably be better for her, but if the idea right now is to take her out and let her have some fun so she'll want to come back, you sound like you've got a good plan.

 

[Majic]

This is the 2nd person I work with to approach me about guns/carrying.

Since these people are approaching you how are you converting them? Sounds like they have made up their minds but just need some guidance.
I second the idea of starting off with a .22. The .45 and 9 is not for everyone just learning to shoot.

 

[3KillerBs]

I ditto the idea of starting with the almost non-existent recoil and low noise of a .22. Then work up to as large a caliber as she's comfortable with.

Among other reasons, many women lack hand strength until they work on it and that makes it hard to control the gun. Add that to the Hollywood overdramatization that makes people expect recoil to resemble wrestling an alligator and you have the potential to frighten someone. Best to make it too easy at first instead of too hard.

Women certainly CAN shoot larger calibers. I have small hands but I'm confident that I could shoot any gun that I could get a secure grip on. But you don't want someone's first shooting experience to start off badly.

My first time with a .45 was shot from a 1911 that was too big for me and only 5 rounds left the joint at the base of my thumb aching for a couple days afterward. I knew it was because the gun didn't fit but a new shooter won't necessarily believe you even if you tell her that.

Beat up a new shooter's hand and she'll never want to go back again.

 

[Code3GT]

I think we'll start out on the rifle range with a .22 to get reaquainted with things such as safety, etc. Then the .223 and finally up to the pistol range with the 9mm and only the .45 if she wants. Non of that stupid "here shoot this" *snicker*. I have a .22 Ruger SAA I can take as well.

Majic - I think you're right in they arent "anti's" per se but arent avid gun owners/CCW'ers. I just sway the pendulum

 

[RONSTAR]

Congrats on the conversion. Got to get as many as possible in case those pesky demmies make it to office.