Tips/guidance for my wife

[Glock619]

I just want to start with apologizing ahead of time if this has been covered before, and if I offend anyone. I'm only looking for advice, no harm intended.

With that being said, My wife has recently started showing interest in firearms. To me, it's a wish come true. My wife is a girly girl to me. Make-up, Juicy Couture and the like. So for her to start shooting, I'm amazed. The first time she shot, it didn't go well. She shoot my old Glock 23. She did not like the recoil or grip. That was three years ago.

Fast forward three years, she now shoots my SIG SP2022 .40 no problem. However, she got upset with me when I tried to correct her stance. The last range trip, she was standing erect and was missing paper completely. When I stepped in, I had her lean slightly forward in a isosceles stance. The four rounds she fired, hit center of mass. However, she claimed that I was making her back and shoulders hurt in that position. That was that, she did not want to shoot the rest of the trip. I tried convincing her to shoot some more, in a weaver stance, but the damage had been done.

I want to get her a gun, since she has been dropping hints. She isn't a big fan of the .40. Don't blame her. She always brings up my dad's 9mm, a Ruger p95. She held a few sub compacts in 9mm, but I advised her that the shorter barrel might make it "snappy". All the guns she liked, could not be found for rent at local ranges, so no way to find out if she would like them.

So now, I don't know what to do. I was thinking of getting a .22 to get the basics down concrete then move up. Any ideas? Any help with instructions? I may have been to intrusive, if that's the right word, on our last trip.

Sorry if its a long post, just want to keep her attention on guns. She has been watching movies and shows that depict self defense and now is worried about not being prepared.

[9mmepiphany]

I've worked with several female clients and the first bit of advice is, "Don't try to teach her yourself...there is too much baggage"

The most important thing to do when teaching, regardless of gender, is to explain corrections and technique in a manner which is understood by the shooter. It is the difference between the styles in which the genders communicate.

Picking a gun without her input also isn't a very good idea

Where are you located?

Maybe someone will have suggestions based on their proximity to you.

[kaligaran]

9mm hit all of the things I was going to say.

First see if there's a NRA Women on Target class in your area. If not, see if there's any ladies beginner classes (there should be). She will most likely have the opportunity to shoot other guns while there (not always but sometimes).

Also, ranges sometimes have rentals. After doing the class for her to learn proper form and safety, see if she (NOT you) can rent some guns and shoot them at a range to get an idea. Of course, you can go with her, but this needs to be her decision and her choice.

[BonnieB]

Too right. Don't teach her yourself, it's relationship hell.

She's clearly motivated and may have just "grown into it". Lots of women are taking up the sport lately and for all kinds of different reasons. We tend to be good shots and instructors and range safety officers like them because we listen. Their words, not mine.

Also, on caliber, there are various lines of thought. 9mm is cheaper and lighter to shoot, but is unobtainable in times of shortage. I shoot .40, because it's a heavier round and it's always available because nobody shoots it. I got all I wanted today locally for $ 20 per box. One a Friday-payday. No .45 and no 9mm in sight, but all the 40 I wanted. Everyone has a preference. I like actually being able to shoot a couple boxes without guilt.

Here's the patented, time tested guaranteed, standard recipe:

• She determines her purpose for the gun. Target shooting? Home Defense? Carry? All the above? What is her motive? Sport? Things to do as a couple? Self Defense? Just a look-see ?
  
  
• She signs up for a one day women's handgun safety and shooting class. They'll probably use .22 revolvers or semi-automatics. NRA's Women on Target is a good choice. No more taking her to the range til that's done.
  
  
• She does her Handgun Safety Certificate in the class or in the next day or two after.
  
  
• She sits quietly with herself for as long as it takes to decide if she could actually shoot a human being dead, if that person was threatening her. If she can't answer yes, then she shouldn't carry and probably shouldn't use the gun for home defense. (Waving guns around does not stop crack-heads.)
  
  
• She goes to the local gun store, preferably without you, at a slow time for that store. I go Wednesdays or Thursdays around 2. She handles every gun that appeals to her and tries them out for fit and function. Does her hand 'like' the gun?. This is like buying shoes. If it doesn't fit in the store, it won't fit at home either.
  
  
• She picks her top 3 or 4 models, goes to a range and rents and fires each of them until she finds the one she likes best. I tried two calibers in my top two brands for a total of four guns. Don't worry about the rental fees, it's cheaper than buying the wrong gun. I shot some .45 through a Glock on my first rental and it just hammered my hands. But .40 in the same size Glock didn't. Go figure.
  
  
• She goes back to the gun store and buys or orders and pays for her own gun. If the gun salesman thinks she's totally nuts for choosing her choice, she can call you on the phone, but you probably will have talked it over anyway. If she thinks the salesman is a jerk, she walks out of the store and comes back another time.

She may have already done some of these steps, and that's fine. But you can't do them for her. If you insist on buying the gun for her, get her a gift card for the gunshop and let her go for it.

[Bugguts]

I've worked with several female clients and the first bit of advice is, "Don't try to teach her yourself...there is too much baggage"

The most important thing to do when teaching, regardless of gender, is to explain corrections and technique in a manner which is understood by the shooter. It is the difference between the styles in which the genders communicate.

Picking a gun without her input also isn't a very good idea

Where are you located?

Maybe someone will have suggestions based on their proximity to you.

QFT! Example, when I bought my first motorcycle, my husband was THRILLED that I was learning to ride but would not teach me ANYTHING other than the basics(Throttle, gears, brakes etc) that I already knew about since riding dirtbikes as a kid(I was 35 when I got M license) but he did not want to teach me anything that the MSF course would have to undo bad habits. Simply because he had been riding for 30+yrs he said he was not an instructor. Our marriage is all the better for it.

Instead of buying her a gun, buy her a range day teaching course and let someone else correct her bad stance. Then let her go from there with her gun choice. Both of mine are 9's that I carry concealed but husband has .40 for his carry weapons but I like those too. 9mm ammo is cheaper and I shoot a LOT. LOL

[ODub]

BonnieB has some really good input. Some people are very open to being taught. Some are not, especially from a loved one. Best of luck.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Glock 34, or XD9 tactical (full size, 5" barrel). And private lessons from a qualified instructor. Keep the peace that way.

Good luck!

[Glock619]

That's really helpful, thanks for all the tips. I'm going to look for course in the area (El Cajon) and I'll let it up to her if she wants to attend.

Hopefully after a course, she'll have better grounds to stand on if she wants to continue in the sport, per say.

[SilverTauron]

That's really helpful, thanks for all the tips. I'm going to look for course in the area (El Cajon) and I'll let it up to her if she wants to attend.

Hopefully after a course, she'll have better grounds to stand on if she wants to continue in the sport, per say.

Whatever you do, DONT TRY TO TEACH HER.

You lose either way. Either you know your stuff and make her feel marginalized, which damages your relationship.

Or you don't know your stuff and risk her safety , which makes her feel marginalized and thus damages your relationship.

Let someone else fall on that grenade.

[wxl]

My wife has a S&W 22 magnum revolver and it's good for her as far as simplicity and kick and has enough firepower to get the point across. Once she gets more comfortable with guns, I may try to convince her to try a Glock.

[fivebyfive]

Wife's cannot be taught by husbands...it's genetics!! I was in the same boat until a few months ago. When I picked out my CZ 40 she said "What about me?" Picking up my jaw, I saw a two-tone S&M SD9VE. She shoots twice a week with her pink range bag, black and pink cap and really nice jeans!! She really has improved and is getting a good feel for her pistol. Knowing rule #1, We signed up for CATS in 2 weeks 1st, It's fun to shoot with your wife. 2nd, Let someone else get paid for it. 3rd, It give you something to share at the range and an area to compliment on her improvement!

[katokat]

If you are in El Cajon, there is a Woman on Target on April 14th at Lemon Grove Gun Club (in Alpine). If you call to make a reservation, it will be full, but we always have some cancellations and no-shows. Show up with her the day of and there's probably a 95% chance she can get it. She would get to shoot .22 rifle, shotgun, and pistol. For pistol, all the mentors start at .22, but we all bring other handguns in bigger calibers if the ladies want to move up. Check out www.lemongrovegunclub.com for details, if she's interested. My husband runs the handgun part, and we can pair her up with a great instructor - male or female, her preference.

By the way, for any others interested in WOT in San Diego, don't get discouraged by the waiting list. We have it 4 times a year, and we're booked for the next three, but if you don't mind taking a chance, just come and see if there is an opening.

[nastyhabts26]

I've worked with several female clients and the first bit of advice is, "Don't try to teach her yourself...there is too much baggage"

The most important thing to do when teaching, regardless of gender, is to explain corrections and technique in a manner which is understood by the shooter. It is the difference between the styles in which the genders communicate.

Picking a gun without her input also isn't a very good idea

Where are you located?

Maybe someone will have suggestions based on their proximity to you.

This man tells the truth.
Dont ever try to teach your wife anything.
ANY-THING
Is there any thing you dont understand about ANY-THING?
And you people who have trailer boats please quit having your wife try to back the boat down the ramp.
Just Quit!!
No good can ever come from it!

[Bugguts]

Hey! I can back a trailer down a ramp, my grandpa taught me how. I've also seen men that CAN'T do it....

[nastyhabts26]

Yes you are right, your father or Grand Father, your son, Uncle, cousin or any other man might be able to teach you something, but not your husband!!
No good will come from it.