How to get the fiance into shooting?

[Drache]

I've gotten more than a few women into shooting. Some just can't get into it. So if you have a wife or girlfriend, don't pressure them into it. You put pressure on them and they will just refuse to come or if they do go shooting, won't have any fun doing it. I've also found more than a few girls who just can't stand the thought of killing something with a firearm so I generally keep hunting talk or pictures out of the shooting experience. Some have gotten over this and want to hunt, others have not.

Some women want to be alone with you for their first time shooting so they won't be embarrassed, others need to be in a group to build up courage. If they want to be alone take them out into the woods (less chance of people watching which might make her nervous). Some women though need to be in a group so other women can encourage them. In this case it always helps to bring in a woman who knows how to shoot and will use larger caliber guns. A lot of women in a group feel that if one can do it, so can they.

Start small. Usually a .22LR. This works for both pistols and rifles. Allow them to shoot that until they are calm with it. Do not rush them. If it takes multiple trips then so be it. When they are calm then politely offer to bring something larger. Once again do not force them into something larger.

Use lots of encouragement.

Start with a paper target to help them learn to aim. Then once she can aim switch to reactive targets. The more reactive the better. The best paper targets are the shoot N See targets (holes change color). Reactive targets can be pop cans, golf balls, anything that makes a noise and moves when shot.

Then move onto something slightly larger. .223 works well as does .410 if they want to get into shotguns.

Some will immediately hate anything larger than a .22LR. If that's the case oh well. She either wasn't ready for centerfire or she's just wants to shoot rimfire. Don't be disappointed.

After using a small centerfire until she's comfortable then you offer something in a larger caliber.

Remember, don't talk about things that might scare someone from shooting. Don't brag or joke about the amount of recoil a certain gun has or how much it hurt your shoulder. That may worry them and so they won't move up to a larger caliber.

[lone-wolf]

A 12ga with light birdshot. Had a lady friend of mine shoot one the other day, after being scared by others with 12ga recoil stories.

[zulu]

hide the broom at the gun range harharhar, i started my wife with a .22

[JustBen]

Well, thanks to this 's actions on Friday, my fiancé is dead set against me having a firearm in the house. I have tried to explain it, but nothing has worked so far. Looks like I'll have to wait until all of this dies down, and try again.

That's really too bad. But if she is reasonable, you can show her that you will take all the required precautions. Buy a small safe, stick with "traditional" styled guns to start with before moving to the "scary looking" black guns.

Best of luck.

[Airw4ves]

Well, things have finally calmed down, and made I deal with her that I would do a cleanse (joy) if she would take the course with me. And I didn't even have to bring it up
So, we are booked in for March and will be doing both our PAL and RPAL.

[jwirecom109]

Congrats

[Drache]

Congrats

If Air has to do the "cleanse" I'm thinking of it requires a bending over, a firehose, and a bucket

[Candychikita]

congrats have fun and don't be cranky when she turns out to be a better shot than you

[Airw4ves]

It's actually not as bad as I thought. No processed food, No coffee, No Alcohol, and No dairy. Looks like lots of meat and salads for me haha.

Not to worry about her shooting better, I would be pretty pleased if she managed that

[Strewth]

^Huh, that sounds interesting, meat and salad diet, hmm. Very neanderthally...seems like a smart cleanse-thing?