So, I'll put on my flame proof underwear before you read this.
And its not directed at anyone at all. Right or wrong, its just a story.
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(And this first part isn't me, obviously, but I know her pretty well
)
I grew up in the reloading room, and I've never been intimidated by any guy. I reload, cast bullets and shoot both pistol and rifle, but I've definitely run into a number of jerks and male egos when it comes to firearms. The worst was when I began moderating the Basics (reloading and bullet casting ) Forum on AW a long time ago.
I had to earn basic respect with knowledge, being really polite and patting some heads, or stroking egos, no? I hated it, but I got over it and after a time most of the guys would defend me if some newbee figured out I was a girl and was snide or mean. After that I really liked what I was doing and I learned a lot too.
There's a definite difference with guys and firearms. My Dad wrote a thingie for me that I posted on a board where there were a lot of really super macho young guys, and a place I really didn't belong. I left without a word and nobody missed me. Its a story about a couple, a guy and his wife.
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*She agreed with him that it was time that she learned about pistols, which one to buy and how to shoot and carry it. He was very anxious to
teach and advise her, but she also suspected that the boards where he hung out were filled with young men who were more excited about the most
Ultra-Tactical-Extreme firearms and equipment than practical knowledge. And she was possibly right.
A lady working at a local gun shop directed her to a self defense instructor who spent time with her determining her intent and her determination to follow through with proper introduction and instruction. She began a series of classes involving the legal ramifications of carrying and mental preparedness.
She reached the point of live-fire and decision making on the caliber and type of pistol that suited her. After shooting a number of pistols, she settled on a .38 caliber snub nosed revolver that handled +P loads, and from there she showed up at the indoor range three times a week for practical instruction.
She learned correct reflex and point of vision defensive shooting. She did everything she could to secure her own safety. She decided on two methods of carrying, one being a behind the hip holster under her jacket and the second being a specialized purse type with a quick acess.
Once proficient, she continued to visit the range once a week in the evenings for practical defensive shooting and made a few Lady friends in the mix. She considered herself as responsible as she could reasonably be. She applied for and obtained her carry permit.
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He had a difficult time hiding his disappointment at her choice of pistols. He had a custom .45 with two accessory rails on it. He had only been to a range twice with his rifle, but he practiced his quick draw at home and read and posted frequently on his forums, the subjects of which he had little or no knowledge other than that given to him by his forum peers, and the advice was plentiful.
He had an AR that had every whistle and bell he could conceivably find, National Match iron sights, a Red Dot system, bipod, fore-handle and a drag bag. The collapsible buttstock was an expensive adjustable type, but no expense should be spared when it came to self defense.
He was an avid reader of every post involving defense, confrontation and situation control. He read everything he could as concerns potential interaction with the bad guys. His imagination ran wild with the possibility of saving a friend, neighbor or even unknown persons in danger.
His forum knowledge eventually inspired him to take an active part in these scenario discussions. He loved reading about real or imagined "I was forced to draw my weapon last night" posts. He contributed to the board and read everything available on preparedness, quick responses and the zero tolerance for bad guys stance taken by his board buddies.
He bought the appropriate "bug out" gear and clothing. He asked about and read everything possible on self defense and reflex shooting on the board. He even asked his wife if she had any idea what "reflex shooting" was and how important it could be to her. (Apparently he'd not paid much attention to his wife's training) He was willing to teach her, but she declined without explanation.
Within a number of months he considered himself prepared. He had all of the necessary and unnecessary firearms, accoutrements and gear. He was prepared. Now all he had to do was wait. Wait for it to happen. His bravado on the board grew, and he was prepared. His posts took on the air of an experienced self defense expert, and none really questioned him. Why would they? Weren't they all from the same school? They were all prepared. Nothing to do now but remain vigilant and and wait. Wait for a chance to use their hard won knowledge.
Ok, Punkin'. You won't have to think too hard about this one. Who is prepared?
