Family issues

[DIVINE]

I guess I took my family by surprise, we discussed the situation and I after I explained that I have done my research about guns and I signed up for WOT (woot woot ), they told me that they did not mean to be so abrasive on the subject, they just thought that I was going through a "phase", we finally talked about it and they told me that they respect my decision, I know a lot of you guys were asking why was I looking for their approval, its just that growing up we raised very family oriented, we were always taught stick together because nobody will have your back like family does, I guess family traditions are hard to get rid of

[sdkevin]

Good to hear!

Most of my "family" is content with things that go pop. I was surprised to hear my sister added a Glock.. I'd be a bit uncomfortable at the business end of her rig. And she's a medium sized Girl.

When you understand and accept what that piece of lead will do in an instant, then you will be a rightful owner and guardian.

[09cs]

I guess I took my family by surprise, we discussed the situation and I after I explained that I have done my research about guns and I signed up for WOT (woot woot ), they told me that they did not mean to be so abrasive on the subject, they just thought that I was going through a "phase", we finally talked about it and they told me that they respect my decision, I know a lot of you guys were asking why was I looking for their approval, its just that growing up we raised very family oriented, we were always taught stick together because nobody will have your back like family does, I guess family traditions are hard to get rid of

Good to hear! Now you have your family that approves, and your calguns family!

[stag6.8]

Social stigmas are durable things, regrettably. As a black man who grew up in Chicago, the fact that I hold a Utah CCW was so scandalous that all conversation stopped at the family dinner table.

"Son, strong black men dont carry guns." "The NRA sells guns to bring down the inner city." On and on it went.Know you're not alone in being viewed differently by your family for daring to be armed .

strong black men do carry guns and can fight back and not be a victim... The NRA is trying to lift us up..I`m glad you were able to break away from the Chicago area and escape from that type of mentality...I am also African American...I`m more fortunate to say that my mother (single parent) encouraged me to get firearm trained and purchase a handgun. I also have several non-resident permits too, working on California ccw, whenever la county gets things right. of not O.C. here I come.

[Garv]

Its just that growing up we raised very family oriented, we were always taught stick together because nobody will have your back like family does, I guess family traditions are hard to get rid of

OK so after your training and purchase, you get to start a new family tradition of going to the range once in a while!
Good luck.

[Off the Roster]

That is very good news, I am sure it is a relief for you. Once you get the safety aspect down and feel prepared to buy, I highly recommend seeing Don out at Oak Tree. He is ALL about NOT influencing a woman's choice during her purchase while simultaneously making certain that all the bases are covered. Another big plus is that they also try to keep every gun that they sell on their rental wall so you can take the models that you think you like on a test drive before buying.

[DIVINE]

That is very good news, I am sure it is a relief for you. Once you get the safety aspect down and feel prepared to buy, I highly recommend seeing Don out at Oak Tree. He is ALL about NOT influencing a woman's choice during her purchase while simultaneously making certain that all the bases are covered. Another big plus is that they also try to keep every gun that they sell on their rental wall so you can take the models that you think you like on a test drive before buying.

Thanks I will definitely check them out

[movie zombie]

wow, that is impressive re keeping a rental for every model they sell!

Divine, this is definitely worth doing! I did the same back in 2005 when I was purchasing.

[POLICESTATE]

My family thinks that it is unattractive for me to start getting into guns, I asked was it because I am a woman and the room got quiet, I started to say F you, but I just walked away

Great way of handling it, well done!

Anything you said they would have just used it against you, for instance, if you had said FU to them they would have said that your attitude shows how immature you are and you shouldn't have a gun, etc...

Give them nothing.

Also, my advice, don't ever bring it up with them again. If they bring it up and it seems they are fishing to cause you grief then don't discuss it. If they have a change of attitude then that's another thing.

[BonnieB]

This post is in the Women's Forum. For those of you OT fans who'd like to pile on, please don't. We don't like it and we push back. Constructive comment however is always welcome.

The topic of this thread is about a woman who wants to shoot, but her family told her she'd be 'unattractive' to men if she did. We said, "Not so".

I work in a male-dominated career field. Based on my job, my family sort of just assumed that I own guns and my dad actually seems quite proud of it.

Over time, I have come to realize that the self-confident men are the ones who find my independent personality and skill with firearms to be sexy. It's the insecure men that seem to see those things as a threat and therefore unattractive. In my opinion, a real man will be proud to have such an awesome woman at his side. Theoretically, an alpha male should want an alpha female; yet, some just want a submissive woman.

I agree BK, mostly. Real men want real women, not doormats. My personal experience is that alpha males ONLY want alpha females, and will do about anything to get them. IMNSHO, a man who wants a weak woman cannot by definition, be an alpha.

(Yes, yes, I know I used the dreaded 'female' term. My remarks refer to humans, wolves, etc. So sue me. )

[kayaker55]

+1 on all the suggestions / advice, especially training. Under stress, you'll fall back to your lowest level of training.

My son and daughters received their own pistols when they turned 13. My son shoots everything in the safe. One daughter loves it. The other realizes it's another skill to add to her toolbox. After their first lesson, and after each range session since then, I remind them it's no one's business what we do for recreation. I also taught them to never give up a tactical advantage.

[kaligaran]

You go girl!

Those of us females that are strong and independent need to be able to defend ourselves if the need arises.

You were followed home, that's a damn good reason to consider a purchase. Side note: that might even be good cause for a CCW in your county if you decide to take it to that level.

Firearms are the true force equalizer that puts 80yo gramma on the same footing as an NFL linebacker.

If a man finds it unattractive, eff em. You don't 'need' a man like that.

Maybe your family was concerned with safe handling or negligent discharges? If so, then the WoT class that you signed up for should put their minds at ease. Unless they are true antis and then nothing will convince them otherwise, but maybe you can.

Welcome to the wonderful and EMPOWERING world of shooting sports!

[audiopro74]

Ignore the naysayers. A vast majority of the women in my life shoot. If they didnt when we met, they at some point asked me to teach them. I've dealt with quite a few family members like yours, for teaching their (daughter, sister, niece, whatever) how to properly handle a firearm. 99% have slowly backed off over time as they have figured out that it is the choice of these women, and isn't going away. A couple have actually come around and asked me to train them also, after they realized how much fun the person was having.

I can tell you as a single male, I am instantly more attracted to a woman who knows how to handle a weapon properly. It means that we have a common interest to start with. It also lets me know that that they have a personality of strength and confidence.

Find a good instructor, take your friend since she'll have access also, learn to handle it properly, and use that knowledge to pick a weapon with the features, and fit, for your personal taste. Then study real hard, cause you'll need a good paying job to support the addiction your starting!!