Observations (and rant) about women and the gun world.

[ny32182]

It is just stereotyping/profiling. Not better or worse than any other, and doesn't really have anything specifically to do with guns, in my opinion.

I'd venture a guess that the same men who assume a woman can't shoot, or can't take advice from one, would think the same about women with respect to many other topics as well.

*Personally*, I've never run across a woman who can shoot in the same realm as the decently competetive shooters I (attempt to) shoot with, but there is no physical reason why they couldn't. I see women that range from "competent", to "not so much"... same as most of the guys. I honestly don't see why we make a big deal out of "its a woman " in shooting/shooting sports, and have ladies divisions, classes, etc. It isn't an activity that is physical enough to require that, IMO. I think it is a double edge sword; on one hand there are women more likely to shoot if they are taking advice from a woman (maybe the result of a little stereotyping on their end too?); on the other hand, in a way, it just perpetuates the idea there there is a different standard for women.

 

[ForumSurfer]

After all, they are only men and don't really know any better.

Sounds like my current girlfriend. I think I get more upset when that happens than she does. The exception being when she's dressed for work and decked out in skirt and heels, then they drool like rabid dogs and practically form a line to show her anything they want. Meanwhile, I'm off to the side with $100 bills falling out of my pocket looking to buy a gun and not a salesman in sight...

 

[Bubbles]

I got treated like the OP's wife one time at a gun store.

The shop owner finally figured out that I had more than a clue about guns when I detail-stripped a Sig P226 and left the pieces on the counter. I should have just walked out...

(yes, I did re-assemble it.)

 

[Nushif]

That would have been awesome ... detail stri p ... look at it ... "Nah, I don't think it's .... "me" enough." ... walk out.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Bubbles, I would love to have been there for that one.
It's pathetic but it's probably the norm.
You guys who's wives go shooting with you on a regular basis, I'm jealous. I'm trying to get mine more involved. She goes with me sometimes though, and shoots pretty well when she does.

 

[c919]

^^^ My wife gets bummed when I go without her. She's actually guilt tripped me on it a few times in the past, but now I think she realizes that a man and his guns need some alone time every once in awhile.

 

[tkopp]

I got my best friend a rifle for his birthday. I brought along my pistols because heck -- it's easier to fly with a case full of pistols than a case full of rifles. So naturally we went to the range, and he brought the wife along.

Best friend's Air Force. He's shot before, wasn't bad, and has room to improve. Much what I expected.

His wife wasn't anything special with a rifle, but is amazing with a pistol. I'm not sure if it's because she has no preconceived notions about recoil or because her painting (artist by trade) has given her exceptionally steady hands, but if she can physically lift the weight of the pistol and wrap her hands around it, she will tear one ragged hole at 15+ yards. No instruction other than me showing her a proper grip, and walking her through breath and trigger control. I really wish I could claim credit. When she transitioned from the 1911 (she loved my Colt, and the single-stack mag made the grip managable for her) to a Sig p225, all of a sudden her shots were off paper. She was jerking the trigger, acting like it was a short single action like the 1911. All I had to say was 'slow down, draw it smoothly back and let it surprise you.' Bam! One hole again.

My best friend bought an ex-German police p225 for 'them.' It's now her gun. I'm trying to convince her to get a CCW and get some formal training, but she just wants a pistol around the house for when her husband isn't home and enjoys the sport of tighter groups.

 

[P97]

If I want to learn something, I don't look for advice, I look for experience. Advice is passed from one to another, most of the time without experience. Ever notice anyone when they become interested in a new hobby of any kind? They start getting advice and quickly become a expert, giving advice themselves. Its just natural. In anything I'm serious about, I want someone to give me their hands on experience on the subject. I want to know what really works for them. Not just what Joe Blow told them works, or what they think will work.

 

[Voimakas]

Going to a range with a female friend of mine was interesting. Apparently, she was used to shooting alone and getting tons of unsolicited advice.

So I leaned in and would whisper to her like I was teaching her something or giving her advice and instead was saying stuff like "Hey, we'll see if this works. If they assume I'm giving you advice, they might leave you alone..." and other miscellaneous crap.

Worked like a charm.