Two friends want to discuss CCW

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FriedRice

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I did see this coming awhile back. I made a guy shooter friend and shot a few times with him and once with him and his girlfriend. I got the call today. He wants to shoot with me again and talk about carrying, both he and his girlfriend. I do not think they are going into this on the heels of trauma so hopefully it will be a different experience for them than it was for me.

We live in a very anti-gun city. I plan to tell him not to share his desires with others. I'll talk about why I carry and how I do it. I'll talk about what a serious change in my viewpoint it created, for the better. And they'll get the rundown about safety big time, and it not being a talisman. I'll think they'll both be receptive.

He's got an XD, so will probably try and conceal that. I have a couple good size pistols for her to try out. Sig P232, 230, Kahr K9, and I can take them to a range where we can rent more. She needs help with pistol selection and then of course, holsters.

I've brought newbies to the range before, but I've never discussed carrying with someone in an instructive way. I'm going to suggest that he not teach her to shoot, maybe let me work with her at first when we all shoot together then get them both to a few local classes. I don't think we have a concealed carry class for a few months around here but I'll check it out. I've worked with her before and she listens very well. I think it helps that I'm not her boyfriend and I'm female. They're both very nice, so we're gonna add two more armed citizens to the roster. Yes!

Any tips on what to cover or not cover with them?
 
I don't know what it's like in your state, but here in Florida the applicant has to show proof of completion of a course of instruction from a certified trainer, which covers the applicable state laws for carrying, self defense, and safe gun handling. Usually it's a two to three hour course, and most of the gun clubs and larger gun stores offer it, as well as the big gun shows that come to town.
 
That is a requirement in our state and there are plenty of places to take them, even at the County Sheriff's office where they issue the license. However, IMO, that's less that adequate if you're really going to carry. I did contact a more experienced shooter locally about where around here is the best place to do their NRA gun 101 class to qualify for the license.

They'll get schooled on the laws, which are a bit convoluted as we have city ordinances that are whacky. I was asking more around the other stuff, that the class won't teach them.
 
I have an Ayoob and self defense library. I was going to suggest that one and his carry concealed one. They are a bit dated but they both cover rules of engagement and how to avoid having to use your weapon and how to use it when you need to. Thanks for suggesting it. That's a low cost way to start learning until they can get more intensive education from professionals.

I don't want to freak them out with too much stuff because these are people who just decided to start carrying later in life. I expect there will be some hesitation on her part. It's a fine line to discuss carrying without scaring her off.
 
I doubt that you would freak them out. We've spoken (well, written) enough for me to appreciate your communication abilities, safety, thought processes, etc. They've shown the interest, I would think they would ask questions, absorb what you say, and be able to stay in tune and focus on your subject matter. Try to allow for as much time as possible so as not to make them feel like they are cramming for finals or getting an overload of information. When I teach, I always- always- remember and incorporate two teaching fundamentals: Crawl, Walk, and Run- and See, Feel, and Do. If the next class is months off- that is great. That means time is in your favor. You'll be able to identify where they are and relate it to where you WERE at that stage of your shooting hobby (lifestyle? career?). Get her/them up to speed in general shooting first, they'll only be able to ultimately decide about carrying amongst them selves. It'll help for them to have a good basis of fundamentals under their belts so they can see past whatever pre-conceived notions and fears they may have now. Give 'em hell FriedRice- I know you can do it!

Edit: Take a look at their clothing styles. Maybe show them that tasteful changes can be made as far as concealing paddles, IWB's, shoulder rigs, etc. For the guy- he may be interested in a basic paddle and a long sport type shirt untucked. Anyway, I've seen more than a couple of folks really fret and worry about making what they already have conform when an easy fix isn't really all that expensive or difficult. I even suggest folks take a trip to a mall to "people watch". In doing so, they should me mindful of "See what he/she is wearing? They could conceal, and I could do that too." If you have a foodcourt, grabbing a meal and a drink could do wonders to help bond and familiarize with your students while you people watch.
 
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It appears that you are doing a great job so far, and appear to have a well thought-out approach.
The cornered.cat.com suggestion is a good one.

Keep up the great work. We need more like you.
 
We spoke today and are working to set up a range date to try out pistols for her. I'll bring all mine that are candidates and the range we will go to has the other likely candidates. They want to go slow. Given that neither are particularly in danger, I think that is wise.

Can you believe that they decided to do this now because they are upset that their rights are being infringed upon, in regards to air travel? They want to exercise their RKBA on principle. Exciting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
That's great, that's ONE of the best reasons I've heard in a long time. Are they encouraging any of their friends to do likewise?

Also, if it turns out you have a knack and liking for teaching/training- have you thought about getting NRA or state certified to be an instructor?
 
I would add to tell them that whatever they decide on for their choice of carry gun/holster, and find it just isn't working for them, don't be disappointed, it happens when you're trying something new. Encourage them not to stick with something just because they feel like they paid for it so they're "stuck" with it. If you aren't happy with something, soon you'll start leaving it at home.
 
Chris, good point. I'll show them the "mating holster" section of my closet. I must have 40 in there.

I appreciate the suggestion to teach but I'm still a noob myself, and have two other whole lifetimes of work to do. It's just that because of who I am and the people I'm exposed to, I can reach a different audience. I'm hyper-responsible about safety so I guess that broadcasts a good message to people that aren't carrying yet. And I'm chatty.

I was surprised about the reason, but pleased. I hope there are more out there.

He said "In order to be a fully responsible American, I feel we need to exercise our rights and fight for them. To me, that means exercising my 2nd ammendment rights."

:)
 
I hate how they breed, about everybody I know has that damn mating box in the closet, but is is kinda nice to find something that works for the new gun out of what you already have, or help a buddy out.
 
FriedRice - some resources that I found very good with respect to women and CC:

Both of Kathy Jackson's books, Lessons from and Armed America, and Cornered Cat (the book).

Look up Limalife on youtube. She has a good channel on a bunch of gun related subjects. I think the best ones are those that cater around why she carries and also carrying a gun with and infant. What I really like about her is that she's just a normal person who has a life, and she just carries to protect herself and she's gracious enough to share her thoughts and what she has learned about why and HOW to carry.

There's a video on youtube (faliaphotography) showing different carry arrangements for a woman in different clothing. It is useful to show how there are so many different options beyond what many people would realize.

I try to stay away from recommending any resource that is on the 'tactical' side of things to newcomers. I know lots of youtube channels and blogs have great resources about gun reviews, mindsets, etc, but many of them sound like mall ninjas and wannabe cops. (no offense to anyone here, lol) IMO that's the best way to turn off a new shooter. Instead, and since they are interested in the political side of the issue, have them look at a-human-right.com site if you feel it's appropriate.
 
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