How to get the fiance into shooting?

Airw4ves

Airw4ves

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So, I'm looking at taking get my PAL/RPAL soon, most likely once school slows down a bit. Now I know that this is great way to get out and escape with the boys, but I thought that it would be nice if I could try and get my fiance into it as well. We don't really have many hobbies that we do together, and I think shooting might be a great way to have a common interest. I'm not saying she has to become a IPSC champion, but it would be nice to get her out to range every once and awhile to put some holes in paper. The only real problem is that she is terrified of guns, at no real fault of her own, as she never grew up around guns, and has only ever seen what our lovely media likes to show about them. She has agreed to take the course with me, I'm just wondering, do you think that having her take the course would ease her fears and make her more comfortable around firearms? Or would it be more beneficial for me to get the PAL, and the two of us take a beginner shooting class (after teaching her about basic firearm safety).

Thoughts?
 
I've got my wife booked for her PAL/RPAL after the New Year, she grew up actively discouraged from touching firearms. After a couple of trips out to the bush (zero pressure) with the .22, then the .410, Mini-14,etc. up to mild loads through a 12 gauge, we hit the range for fun with pistols! She shoots my .38 better than me, darn it.

I feel this way of showing new people is best, starting small, targets in close so everyone's a winner, and crown land if possible: reactive targets(clean up!) and "relaxed" range rules- still safe, but you can go at your own pace..heck, make a picnic out of it.

If neither of you have your licence yet? Sounds like a cool couples thing for her to brag about to her friends! Let her pick the next couples activity after you both pass? I r now swing dancer...

My 2¢.
 
Good advise Strewth!

Don't compromise on safety but emphasize the fun factor. Something you can do together is a good selling point. Assure that she feels comfortable, a firearm is only as dangerous as the person handling it.

Perhaps some good videos? Avoid the ones where some clusterf*ck gives a new shooter a .50 caliber to shoot for the first time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGYf9AZlSyU
 
I second the reactive targets and a 22 or 223 once she makes that first hit and sees that it's not an evil baby killing sport she will understand why we do the things we do with our hobby . If shooting center fire try to double up on the hearing protection as its mostly the sound that scares most people
 
My wife grew up around some not so 'gun safe' people, and she was in high school one county over from Columbine, so she was growing up with a not so good image of firearms.

When I met her I had only even been to 1 range ever, down in Florida, so my experience with firearms was severely limited, so I had a really hard time explaining to her why I eventually wanted to own a firearm. Eventually, after much convincing, I got her to come with me to Target Sports for, for my 2nd time shooting, and her 1st. Honestly, I didn't have to do much when we were there to convince her, the little safety briefing calmed her nerves, I shot first so she could watch, and then when she took her first shot... She was hooked, haha! We left with her going on about how much she loved the .357 and the 12 gauge!

Since then I got my RPAL, and she comes out with me almost every time I go out shooting. It's awesome. Hell, last time we were out, she wouldn't give me the Norc M305 back!
 
Strewth said:
I've got my wife booked for her PAL/RPAL after the New Year, she grew up actively discouraged from touching firearms. After a couple of trips out to the bush (zero pressure) with the .22, then the .410, Mini-14,etc. up to mild loads through a 12 gauge, we hit the range for fun with pistols! She shoots my .38 better than me, darn it.

I feel this way of showing new people is best, starting small, targets in close so everyone's a winner, and crown land if possible: reactive targets(clean up!) and "relaxed" range rules- still safe, but you can go at your own pace..heck, make a picnic out of it.

If neither of you have your licence yet? Sounds like a cool couples thing for her to brag about to her friends! Let her pick the next couples activity after you both pass? I r now swing dancer...

My 2¢.
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Awesome, you might know my sister if you attend any big swing events...

My wife was very timid but I explained to her that I wanted her to understand the basics so she could be safe with firearms as they are in our home. I also hinted that I would enjoy having her with me when I spend time pursuing my hobby. We started with 22 close up and she has fun now. Always education and understanding first.
 
Great, thanks for info guys
I'll hopefully have her come out and take the course with me in the new year. I'm looking to pick up an AR15 for my first purchase, so I'm fairly certain the recoil will be manageable for her. I'll probably pick up a RDS just so she doesn't have to worry about figuring out irons, and can just shoot for fun. Thanks again, and I appreciate the video posted, some really good info in there.
 
If you're both taking the course together, that seems like the best idea. AR15 with a red dot sounds ideal to me as well. Have fun.
 
I battled my better halfs indifference to guns buy buying her some neat "low recoil" options. Rem 597VTR with A2 stock was first, and she doesn't mind it. Then a Walther P22, which was a great investment because its really small for her hands, runs on almost any 22LR I put in it and the single action pull is not to bad. Then I got a 6" GP-100 with full underlug and loaded her some 38 sp soft stuff and one of those reactive targets that rolls and she is HOOKED! That revolver is a recoil free dream and I can still work on my pistol skills with it.

I should state that my lady chooses not to shoot anything with recoil. So it has been a struggle.
 
Well, thanks to this :mad::mad::mad::mad:'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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
hide the broom at the gun range harharhar, i started my wife with a .22
 
Airw4ves said:
Well, thanks to this :mad::mad::mad::mad:'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.
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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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^Huh, that sounds interesting, meat and salad diet, hmm. Very neanderthally...seems like a smart cleanse-thing?
 
Eggs, Smoothies, Oatmeal, etc.
And I can still have Tea, so at least I'm not completely cutting out my morning caffeine haha
 
Thank god thats over with, love my morning coffee haha

So instead of opening up a new thread for one question, I figured I would write it here. I'm having a tough time deciding between two choices as my first firearm. The two I have had my eyes on for some time have been an AR15 (DD preferably, but if none available I would go Stag), and a Glock 17. Now I'm back in school, so it has to be one or the other for now due to budgetary concerns. Just curious which you guys would choose, and why. I'm looking for something that the fiancé can learn to shoot, and will offer a relatively enjoyable first experience. The reason I don't just go Norc is due to my firm belief in buy once, cry once. I would like a gun that will last me for a long time to come, and can be used in courses, should I decide to take them in the future.
I would love to hear your guys feedback and ideas.
Thanks
 
The only problem i have with an AR is that they are resricted. I like to hunt and all my range shooting is on the range in my back yard. Handguns i won`t say to much about as all i have is a Browning Nomad and a D weeon 357 and don`t get them out much. My choice of a semi auto 223 was a Kel-Tec, buddies have mini14 and csz vz58.
 
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You'll probably get more responses with a new thread? Time will tell:) I offer the incredibly boring, but financially astute,non restricted .22. No recoil to scare the fiance with, cheapest of the cheap to load, fun with ballistics at a reasonable range, lots of different configurations to buy it in, you can find them used for quite a deal, everyone should have at least one...my 2¢.

Having said that, between your two choices, I'd get the....yah I dunno, like road kill said, both restricted, and if money's an issue(when isn't it:)) you get to add two range memberships onto the cost? If you're set on those two ask your fiance which one she likes more('cause you want both:)), get her out trying some in your area?
 
Stuck at the range? Probably the glock + a .22lr conversion(if the conversions are reliable)
 
lone-wolf said:
Stuck at the range? Probably the glock + a .22lr conversion(if the conversions are reliable)
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Or a CZ with the Kadet adapter?

I'd lean towards the lowly rim fire. If you want something with a little more horsepower maybe a .17HMR or a .22 magnum.
 
gah. glock :D i had one and i sold it.

for what it's worth: go for a .22 you can shoot more :D i spent way too much money on 9mm ammo learning :D :D. don't bother with the glock with a .22 conversion when you can pick up a .22 cheaply to learn on. the new gen 4 is not any easier on the female hand than the older generations despite all the hype...actually injured my hand on the glock.

is there a place you can go to try out different guns or do you have a friend with a large arsenal? it's a shame you can't try before you buy a firearm at the stores.

when you have your fiancee shooting, post up some pics :D we are the only unisex gun forum with a decent female photo thread
 
I have been around guns for over 50 years, My wife and I had been married for 27 years and had never really showed any interests in shooting. She had asked the odd question but that was about it. We have three children all shoot and hunt thanks to dear old Dad taking them along when they decided they wanted to go.
One day I was off to the range by myself the kids had other things to do (teenagers) and for some strange reason I asked her to come to the range. Got the no right off the bat but by the time I got loaded up and ready to leave she had warmed up to the idea of coming along. I told her if she brought a book that if she didn't like it she could read and I would shoot for awhile. To shorten this up she loved it and She is one very, very good shot. She started with a 22 and has shot pretty much everything that I own up to the 50-90 Sharps.
She doesn't like the Big Bore Mags but anything that has relative light recoil she will shoot.
Moral of the story whom ever it is Man Woman or Child they have to want to try it and the one teaching them or showing them has to use a little savvy and start them on something that they will enjoy. Everyone of us on this forum and any other forum know that shooting a rifle and handgun is very addictive.
The wife has been shooting for 8 years and has no inclining to get her Pal but she owns guns and will tell you that all day long. They are legal before I get static about that just not in her name.
Good Luck and hopefully All that want to get someone to shoot with them can accomplish this with a little time and work.

Ken.
 
images

Tell her that this this the new girl at work who some help with her positions
 
Woohoo! Yesterday, the girlfriend came over to the range during our IDPA classifier match to see what this shooting thing is all about. At that point, she had never seen a gun being fired up close and personal. She hadn't even touched one. So, after the classifier was over, went to the car to get a few items out of the trunk: Savage Mark II BTVS, Browning Buck Mark Camper, CZ SP-01 Shadow, Winchester 1300 Defender, and Norinco M305.

I showed taught her everything she needed to know to shoot safely and then she got hooked. Naturally, she hit the bullseye on the first shot - just like every girl I've ever taken to the range for the first time. With the 12ga and the 308, she only needed two shots to hit her point of aim. A buddy was there with an M&P9, so he let her try it. In the end, she said she preferred shooting the Shadow. This morning, she sent me a good morning text message and said: "I totally want to go shooting again! Bullets are on me." I'm a happy camper. :)

P.S. Now I think I want to buy an M&P9. lol
 
When I first met my wife she was anti gun, she was raised anti gun (her Mom is terrified of them thanks to the media) but after a close encounter with some coyotes while walking her small dog, and a Savage model 24 passed down to her by her Grandfather, she has changed her mind. She is now an active member at the local range, proud owner of 2 rifles of her own and is soon taking the restricted firearms coarse.
 
snowfighter said:
When I first met my wife she was anti gun, she was raised anti gun (her Mom is terrified of them thanks to the media) but after a close encounter with some coyotes while walking her small dog, and a Savage model 24 passed down to her by her Grandfather, she has changed her mind. She is now an active member at the local range, proud owner of 2 rifles of her own and is soon taking the restricted firearms coarse.
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Nice, that's what we like to hear! Also a first post, Welcome to the Forum!
 
Update to my previous happy story. Yesterday, the girlfriend sent me a note saying she wants to sign up for the next CFSC and Ontario hunting courses. :D
 
Just started seeing a woman who used to hunt with her grandfather. This was many many years ago and he's long since passed. Hoping to get her out with me as soon as the snow disappears to see how well she still shoots then out hunting this fall!
 
I admit to not reading every comment up to here so forgive me if it's been said...

But if you REALLY want to get your wife into shooting...

TELL HER YOU SLEPT WITH HER SISTER!
 
sorry if its been said...its still kinda early...but make sure you plan ahead for weather, drinks and food if your going in the bush...lol everything a girl needs pretty much...this is more if your going into the bush or a gravel pitt as most ive been too don't have flushing toilets and concession stands...my girlfriends actual words from last time " I cant wait for summer, this would be so much more fun if it wasn't cold "...
 
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