critique my email and give me some pointers

[TransplantTexan]

I recently sent out an email to 4 women that have inquired about going to the range with me. I know 2 of the five have been to a range once before, but not sure on the other 2. I have invited them to go with me and another friend this weekend to try out several pistols, but I wanted to ask how you what you thought of my initial email and also for any pointers (or things to avoid) to make sure this is enjoyable.

I've been shooting for 40+ years and have only taught my son to shoot.

I'm bringing the following pistols for their use: Colt .22 Woodsman, Beretta 9mm 92FS, Colt Python .38 special and or .357 and 2 different 1911 in .45. In addition my friend will be bringing his Sig .22, several CZ 9mm. If at the end they want to I'll have an AR15 and a .22 Tommy Gun for some fun.

One of the shooters bought a Glock 26 (i Believe) and she has shot it once with me at the range, which is why I know she's been to the range once. She doesn't like it and is thinking of selling it. She loved my Beretta and also my 1911 Kimber.
Any way please give me your constructive criticism's and pointers as I really want to make sure they enjoy themselves.

EMAIL -----------

[Garv]

One thing I add to the "rules" is if something happens that feels strange, put the gun down and ask me to check it out.

[Sam Z]

I would also recommend certain attire to avoid, i.e. low cut shirts, open shoes, loose clothing.
I would also recommend a hat/cap.
Dress in layers, usually outdoor ranges temperatures vary, if indoor, the ventilation system can get cold.

[TransplantTexan]

I would also recommend certain attire to avoid, i.e. low cut shirts, open shoes, loose clothing.
I would also recommend a hat/cap.
Dress in layers, usually outdoor ranges temperatures vary, if indoor, the ventilation system can get cold.

One thing I add to the "rules" is if something happens that feels strange, put the gun down and ask me to check it out.

excellent suggestions. We will be at an outdoor range so layers, hats, and sunscreen will be important. I'll also bring a cooler with water, sodas and other drinks.

[rkt88edmo]

I often start people seated at my local outdoor range, but there are benches and stools, it lets us focus on grip, sites, and trigger pull without burning up their energy. Then when they are confidently on target I move to standing when they already have the grip, trigger and sights down somewhat so you can focus on coaching stance. Doing it all at once makes it harder to pinpoint problems and can be overwhelming. Also supported seated is definitely easier to show them that they can be on target consistently.

Load 1 shoot one, then move to load 3 shoot three and eventually to load 5 shoot 5. I generally don't go above five because the breaks in between strings let them rest the shoulders and backs and keeps them from building a flinch. Even with five I encourage them to keep the pace slow and go to low ready between shots and breathe so they don't get too tense and burn themselves up. Having a table is good for that for establishing a hard firing line and to give them an easy way to put a firearm down in a safe manner at any time.

Frequent loading also gets them into more reps of the manipulations and I can watch them for safe handling issues on more reps early on.

double plug.

[jwkincal]

For events of this type I also include a "range etiquette and procedures" bit to cover what to do during cease fires and stuff like that

I always send out the rules and range etiquette as a separate page so it can be printed if desired.

[BonnieB]

I'd include a link to the range site, so that the rules of that particular range can be included in the prep. Also, emphasize that not only is it "women only", but also that husbands and boyfriends should stay at home and watch the ball games. They may come and coach from the sidelines, even if they don't participate. I find that women sometimes get 'performance anxiety' when the SO is standing around.

In hot weather, I sometimes wear a high V neck T shirt to shoot, an ordinary bandanna tied cowboy-style around the neck prevents hot brass from dropping down shirt fronts... They're also good for keeping your hair out of your eyes, and wiping sweaty hands.

Hurrah for thinking of bringing water. I always do.

[BadKitty]

Well, you've posted this in the Ladies Forum; so, can I assume that you were hoping to get feedback from women? I ask because it looks like we've had mostly men offering feedback.

From a woman's perspective, I think your e-mail is in the right neighborhood. I do have a few suggestions. I'd like to second the suggestion to add information about appropriate range attire. Also, I second BonnieB's suggestion that you try to find a nice way to ask that spouses and boyfriends stay home if at all possible.

Though, I think that the e-mail is perhaps a bit too wordy (too much content). There's really no reason to hit everyone with several paragraphs of rules. I assume that you will be going over range rules and the 4 safety rules when you get there, right? Go over it then. To lay out so much information can be too overbearing. Not the theme you want to go for, right? So, I would eliminate #3 "We will likely take up two range spots so that we can rotate you through...." as that info is not relevant for an invitation and also take out the 4 safety rules and "other" range rules as you will be going over that in person.

The information about calibers is sort of helpful; but, maybe it's easier to say that a variety of calibers will be available. Also, if I were to keep the info about calibers, I wouldn't use the word "blast" as it could be perceived differently by different readers. I'd say that the 9mm and .45ACP are a "little bigger, but fun to shoot" or something like that. "Fun" is the operative word here, not "blam!" or "blast!"

[Off the Roster]

Hey Texan

This is a great opportunity - thank you!

Buzz words:
Closed toed shoes
No Heels
Shirt with a collar
No tank tops

As gun safety and range rules are #1 be careful on just making them gobbledly gook and too many foreign words to read. I know that you will do the show and tell version onsite and that the actual will coincide with the words at that time, but too much language upfront can be inundating. By all means indicate that they will learn and employ safe shooting techniques.

The only other thing that I see is your generous inventory. You may wish to consider narrowing their options for the 1st visit (overload) and offer to bring more options for anyone's second outing.

As this is your 1st time teaching women there is a generality that will assist you - women want to know why we are doing what we are being told. Through out their lives men have lived the "pick up the tool and use it and learn the finesse as you go". To most women guns are not tools. These 2 sides of the coin are why women shoot better more quickly out of the gate (technique) and men evolve their shooting faster (experience).

Have a great time!

ps If the phrase "hold the gun like this" is your advice, then start thinking about how to break that down into individual parts : )

[BadKitty]

Maybe something like this?

please - only exceptions being myself and Victor Felix. This will be a great day for your significant other to stay home and catch the ball game. Victor and I will not be doing much shooting as this outing will be more about making sure you are comfortable with a firearm, having funa variety of firearms/calibers for use. We have some with very little recoil (a good starting place if you have never shot a pistol before) to some with more weight behind them.

4. Eye and Ear protection will be provided. These are basically ear muffs and clear or colored safety glasses.

5. Targets will be provided but during cease fire we will need help resetting the targets.

6. Dress comfortably in something like t-shirt, jeans and sneakers/closed-toe shoes. Please no tank tops or sandals or heels. Since we will be outside, you may want to consider a light jacket and hat.

7. For those that decide to go, I cannot stress enough that safety is paramount and that are specific rules that need to be followed. We will go over these at the range.

[TransplantTexan]

BonnieB, Bad Kitty and Off The Roster,

Thanks for those comments and suggestions, I'll work them into the final email.

Not sure if it's good or bad but 3 of the four are attorneys that I work with, maybe I should make them sign waivers (JK), and the fourth is an IT Professional. So in theory they at least have intelligence, hopefully they have some common sense also.

They've all said they are looking forward to the afternoon.

[BonnieB]

Generally, when you sign into any commercial range, what you are signing IS a waiver, exempting the range from liability. If you are an NRA certified instructor, you may have liability insurance from them automatically. Not sure. But you can certainly buy it from NRA inexpensively, regardless. People can sue anyone for anything. They may not win in court but you'd still be out for attorneys fees even if they lose. All the professional NRA instructors I know personally, carry firearm liability insurance, so they don't lose their houses...

It's true, according to instructors that I've talked to, that women are easier to teach shooting than men are, in general. Instructors tell me that women listen better, do what they are told, and they do want to know the "why" of anything. Personally, I believe that many men, particularly young ones, think they are just genetically equipped to deal with guns. Women don't think that at all, IMNSHO, and so are better prepared to be raw beginners.

One of the best instructors I know in Sacramento is Mandy Autrey. I've watched her teach women in particular, and she's just awesome. You might want to email her your document and ask for an opinion. http://www.gunlady.net/

[Wordupmybrotha]

Where's the range report?