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I’m No Annie Oakley!
Okay, I’ll admit it—at first glance, you might wonder why I’m writing about myself and guns. But we haven’t had a post from a woman in a while (where are you Barkha?) on using guns—if we women should be armed, why we would get training, and what are the benefits.
So here’s my experience; if anyone scares me with technical questions I can’t answer I’ll call out for @kevincreighton or @bossmongo to bail me out!
My consideration of having a gun began a couple years ago—my husband wanted to have one. But he only wanted to own a gun if I was trained to use it. (See how he tricked me?) I refused to even consider it for quite a while—guns had no appeal for me. Finally, I agreed to consider owning a gun. Coincidentally, we were having a south Florida meet-up that included—you’re right—Kevin Creighton. Kevin put no pressure on me at all but gave me reasons why I might want to consider being a gun owner. By the time we saw him at the next meet-up, we’d decided to make the move. (By the way, Kevin and Boss’ presence in no small way encouraged my husband to attend meet-ups.)
So we found an indoor gun range and shop. The people were extremely helpful, letting us try out various guns. We decided on a Glock 9mm; after a few times of shooting it, I felt it was too heavy for me to handle. That meant, of course, that we needed to buy a second gun, a Ruger. (For you longtime gun owners, I know this is small potatoes, but it was a big deal for me.)
So what actually changed my mind about acquiring a gun? A few things. First, I had to come to terms with my life: I live in a dangerous world. I’m not a paranoid type of person, but I also realize that the days of leaving a front door open or a car unlocked were over: that the bad guys in the world are not just on cop TV shows; that I had to take responsibility for my own safety. I also had to look at the source of my reluctance: guns intimidated me. When I thought about that concern, I realized my reaction was backward: when properly handled, a gun should empower me. I would feel confident. The person at the other end of my gun is the one who would feel intimidated. I also made sure to get the proper training. We both had a gun class; Jerry screened videos and recommended the ones I’d probably find helpful. He would continually (but not often) surprise me by asking about three basic rules of holding a gun, as well as remembering the code on the gun box. And we practiced regularly—that was the most valuable part. I realized I felt not only empowered but also respectful of the power of the gun itself.
It was tough at the beginning. We went to an indoor range, a full hour’s drive away. No matter how I braced myself and wore good ear protection, I would jump at the first shot. My arms were sore the first couple of times, and I was quite fatigued afterward: it takes a lot of concentration to shoot correctly—the basic rules of keeping your finger off the trigger, pointing in a safe direction and assuming the gun is loaded. And then tracking my hand position, feet, body—it’s not rocket science, shooting, but for my “retiring mind,” it required my full attention.
Gradually I began to feel more comfortable going to practice. We went and are still going every two weeks. I started shooting pretty well. And I loved Jerry looking at me out of the corner of his eye with mock suspicion when I shot little clusters or actually hit the center of a target! Now I’m beginning to find his Glock more comfortable; my Ruger has more recoil and makes holding the gun properly a little more difficult. We also found an indoor-outdoor range only 20 minutes away; the people are laid back and there is rarely anyone else shooting when we go.
The latest is that we’re considering Jerry’s passing down his Glock to me and his getting a new model. And we are attending a Seminar and Shooting Camp sponsored by Hillsdale College in the Spring, which sounds like fun. They have courses for women only and for couples.
Update: We went to the gun range and shop on Wednesday. I encouraged Jerry to buy a new Glock, although I had to twist his arm. (Right.) And I took his old Glock.
Now you can call me Annie Oakley.
Published in Guns
Hope you never need to use it other than knowing how.
Oh, you are so right, PH! Please G-d.
Which model Glock are you shooting? You should have a pistol that feels comfortable in your hand. Do you plan on carrying concealed?
If the only usefulness it ever has for you is an increase in peace of mind it will have served it’s highest purpose. May that be so for you.
Also the comradery with Mr. Oakley is a nice bonus.
It’s a Glock 19, Gen.4. Over time, I’ve become very comfortable with it; just in the year we’ve been practicing, Jerry has worn down the elevated ridges. I don’t find them comfortable on his grip, but I do on mine. And no, I’m not quite ready to go for concealed carry. Jerry did and he’s glad he did. I don’t think I’d use it. And besides, the class is on Saturdays (Shabbat). Are those enough excuses? ;-)
Okie, did you mean Mrs. Oakley or Mr. Quinn?
Edit: I just got it. ;-) Yes Mr. and Mrs. Oakley will have a great time. Duh!
Here’s what I would do:
Kevin may have a better idea, but this worked for me. Oh, and I still practice using this technique . . .
The Glock 19 should be a good pistol for you. I have no issues with your decision to wait on carrying concealed, that’s a personal decision.
I should have been clearer, Stad. I don’t jump anymore, after over a year of shooting every couple weeks. Also, the new indoor/outdoor range diffuses the sound. But thank you!
Thanks, Doug. I appreciate that. Jerry’s main reason for getting it was so that he’d have it, in case they raised requirements and made it harder.
Agreed.
I had my CCW for a number of years, but then let it lapse because I wasn’t getting in much range time anymore, and for some personal reasons I’ll not go into.
I’ve been to a range maybe 5 times in the last 2 years, and I’m going to renew the CCW until such time as I actually have time to practice again.
I was especially interested in getting okay at it. Otherwise, quite frankly, someone could die. Plus, I started to actually enjoy it. But then we’re retired and have the time.
I specialize in being dense.
I used to have more time for it until some things collided:
The good news is that my eldest is now driving, which relieves the ferrying burden somewhat, the outdoor range should reopen this summer, the indoor range has made some staffing changes, and best of all – by the end of this year there will be a new indoor range 5 minutes from work, right on my drive home, and I know the owners.
Although a strong supporter of gun rights and not just for self defense, I’ll probably never own a firearm. I’ve shot other’s rifles and handguns a few times but didn’t really get the kind of charge from it that gun enthusiasts seem to. As we chose to raise our 4 kids on one income we recognized that choice meant foregoing some things, like expensive hobbies, which I’m pretty sure includes sport shooting. I neither think that was a bad trade for us nor do I think that others should be inspired much less intimidated by the choices we made. Their choices are completely up to them, most choose a two income model and I’m just fine with that. But I’ve long made peace with what our decision meant for us. For Mrs. OS it meant learning extreme frugality which was a lot more difficult than giving up a few hobbies was for me, I’m sure, eating out rarely, camping for travel, etc. We, for us, thought the trade offs were worth the investment in our kids. We wouldn’t change that aspect of our lives if we could. I will say our extreme frugality has put us in a better position to enjoy retirement than many we’ve known who had larger incomes.
Susan perhaps it was before your time but our own Vicryl Contessa discussed a woman’s perspective on CCW a couple of years ago. It was excellent read and as far as I know she would still be packing, however I am not sure if Oregon will allow her.
Oregon is a shall issue state. There are no magazine restrictions, no registration, and no restriction on ammunition purchases.
No, no, that’s ME. ;-)
I love that all you guys have commented and liked the post (and I made this same statement recently on another post), but I’m puzzled that no women have chimed in. I wrote for women, especially! At least I’m pretty sure that none of you are women! ;-) Well, it’s still early. Thanks, guys, for your input and support. I was just thinking–I have a number of friends who still don’t know I have a gun. . .
Oh yes, Jeff Coopers three rules: 1- every gun is loaded, 2- only point the gun at something you want to destroy, 3- keep your finger off the trigger until such time that want to destroy the thing you’ve pointed the gun at.
Cooper also had a rule 0 that is a precursor to all the other rules: 0- have a gun.
looks like you got that one down as well.
Phew! Glad I’m headed in the right direction, Mountie! I pretty much figured out that making a gun with my thumb and forefinger would fall short. ;-) Thanks!
Well if I get to self-identify with my pronoun of choice; Your majesty will do.
Done!
If you are comfortable with the size of the Glock that’s great. I had a Glock for years (before I met my husband.) I liked it a lot, as it is a truly excellent gun. A couple of years ago, I decided to try a Kahr PM9 (also 9 mm) because it was smaller and would be easier to conceal when I carried. To my surprise, it was more comfortable and I shot better. I hadn’t realized it, but the Glock was just a little too big for my hand.
It’s amazing how even a slight change in a firearm’s grip or trigger can greatly affect how well you shoot. Choice of ammo too. I’ve got a Glock 21 (the .45 full size), and I shoot very well with it. But the 9mm? Not quite as well, and this has applied to other firearms as well. I just seem to be a bit better with .45 than 9mm. Go figure.
What? You thought identifying as Anne Oakley would catch the female eye? Au contraire.
http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/144782/Annie-Get-Your-Gun-Original-Trailer-.html
Now you tell me! ;-) I think the change to the Glock will work out for me. But thanks so much for the input, EB!
The fit in your hand is very important.
Good job!
That just means you’re a Real American!
(But not me. I have switched to carrying a Euro-weenie 9mm. I’m allowed to call it a Euro-weenie 9mm. It was made in Croatia, so…)