So being yesterday was my birthday my wife wanted to do something special. She is very afraid of guns as ironic as that is being married to me. It stems from her father being a cop, and finding his gun in the laundry, and her brother's accidentally discharging it thru the floor, that kind of stuff.

 

She had never wanted to hold any of my guns, never mind shoot them. So yesterday she agreed to go to the range and try to shoot. I took an AR with a scope and a Browning .380 handgun. We went to the rifle range first and I set out targets at 50 yds, and a 8" steel plate a 100. After a safety brief she sat behind the rifle and was visibly shaking. At this point I told her she did not have to shoot it. She gathered her composure and followed my instruction. Twenty rounds later all 8 and 9 ring hits, I told her to try the 100 yard steel, clang it went. She had enough rifle at this point.

 

We went to the pits and she shined with the .380 from 7 and 10 yards. She actually smiled and posed with her targets. So long story short, she may come back with me on Saturday, and I think I have her convinced to take an NRA first steps course. It's amazing what an hour at the range can do for a non-shooter. I am very proud and happy that she over came her fear.

Too true. I really think that many people that have a fear of guns do so because they are told to. There are those that secretly long to do it. i give them an opportunity whenever I can and make sure they see that it is "okay" to like shooting.

Great story, just got my 11yo daughter to the outdoor range for the first time yesterday and she couldn't wait to go to the indoor range today, she loves it and would go tomorrow if I didn't have to work. She did well with her Marlin 795 with Teck Sights, my 39A, a Walther P22 and a few shots with my Glock 19 with only 1 round in the mag at a time.

 

Wife will start going in a week or so also. Will be nice to have a family that shoots together if my wife like it. She should being she grew up with them around and family carrying them, that and she likes the Siaga 12G we have down in the Dominican Republic.

 

Harry

"Don't knock it before you try it" is what I say!

First, happy b-day!

 

Nice story Jimmy. I remember you telling me that your wife agreed to give it a try. I'm happy to hear she took to it, sounds like the best case scenario!

 

I'm taking a never-shot-before new shooter to CJ on Friday. He lives in NYC, so its even more difficult for him than NJ to get the proper handgun license. Hopefully he takes to it, and feels it is worth his while.

"Don't knock it before you try it" is what I say!

Which is great advice, but unfortunately firearms can be SO controversial that many people DO knock it before they try it.

Which is great advice, but unfortunately firearms can be SO controversial that many people DO knock it before they try it.

 

Which is why I always encourage the antis/libtards to try it.

Taking a new person to the range is the best way to grow the shooting sports and encourage firearms ownership.

Be careful with the wife, my wife never shot before I met her now she owns more guns that me (and she is a better shot too). When we go to a gun store she seems to like the most expensive rife/shotgun on the rack. If I hear her say “oh that’s cute” I know it’s going to cost me.

When we go to a gun store she seems to like the most expensive rife/shotgun on the rack. If I hear her say “oh that’s cute” I know it’s going to cost me.

 

Maybe I need to rethink my plan.

 

Harry

Taking a new person to the range is the best way to grow the shooting sports and encourage firearms ownership.

Be careful with the wife, my wife never shot before I met her now she owns more guns that me (and she is a better shot too). When we go to a gun store she seems to like the most expensive rife/shotgun on the rack. If I hear her say “oh that’s cute” I know it’s going to cost me.

 

I find that most female shooters I bring are better shots then the males. They seem to have more patience.

The best thing is it is now an activity that the two of you can share together. Makes for a much happier marriage when there are common interests and activities. Congratulations

The best thing is it is now an activity that the two of you can share together. Makes for a much happier marriage when there are common interests and activities. Congratulations

Yes, she goes shooting with me and I have to go to Barbie conventions.

I just want my wife to come and work the clay thrower.

I have a similar story with my girlfriend. She was absolutely terrified the first time she went to the range, but with my help she eventually fired a .22 LR pistol (Ruger MK II), and she enjoyed it very much. Now, she wants to go to the range as often as I do, and she is willing to shoot any gun (at least once). She's fired pistols in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, revolvers in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum, rifles as powerful as .308 Winchester, and 12 gauge slugs.

 

I highly recommend starting any new shooter, male or female, with a .22 LR rifle or pistol. The lack of significant recoil, noise, and muzzle blast are conducive to extinguishing any fears of firearms. Gradually work them up to more powerful guns as their level of comfort increases.

So being yesterday was my birthday my wife wanted to do something special. She is very afraid of guns as ironic as that is being married to me. It stems from her father being a cop, and finding his gun in the laundry, and her brother's accidentally discharging it thru the floor, that kind of stuff.

 

She had never wanted to hold any of my guns, never mind shoot them. So yesterday she agreed to go to the range and try to shoot. I took an AR with a scope and a Browning .380 handgun. We went to the rifle range first and I set out targets at 50 yds, and a 8" steel plate a 100. After a safety brief she sat behind the rifle and was visibly shaking. At this point I told her she did not have to shoot it. She gathered her composure and followed my instruction. Twenty rounds later all 8 and 9 ring hits, I told her to try the 100 yard steel, clang it went. She had enough rifle at this point.

 

We went to the pits and she shined with the .380 from 7 and 10 yards. She actually smiled and posed with her targets. So long story short, she may come back with me on Saturday, and I think I have her convinced to take an NRA first steps course. It's amazing what an hour at the range can do for a non-shooter. I am very proud and happy that she over came her fear.

 

Great for her and you Jimmy. Please wish mrs. Jimmy Happy Birthday.

Good for you! I keep asking my wife, but she won't have anything to do with it. It's a guy thing to her. No interest in even trying. I will keep it up. though. maybe I can get here to eventually shoot .22

Thanks everyone. I told her of all the positive comments. I think she will be out there again soon. Not this weekend with the weather we are expecting. I think I may pick up a 10-22, as I don't have a .22 caliber, so that it won't be as frightening to her.

 

Matty keep trying. My wife wanted nothing to do with guns of any sort. But eventually she gave in for my B-day. I told her about "Women on Target" at CJ, next one is Sept. 10th and I think she will attend it. It will be a lot less intimidating being with a bunch of other women.

Thanks everyone. I told her of all the positive comments. I think she will be out there again soon. Not this weekend with the weather we are expecting. I think I may pick up a 10-22, as I don't have a .22 caliber, so that it won't be as frightening to her.

 

Matty keep trying. My wife wanted nothing to do with guns of any sort. But eventually she gave in for my B-day. I told her about "Women on Target" at CJ, next one is Sept. 10th and I think she will attend it. It will be a lot less intimidating being with a bunch of other women.

 

Jimmy, check with Chet & Dawn @ Shoot NJ. they do the womens classes as well and are excellent instructors.. if you don't want to have her wait till Sept..