My Daughter Likes To Shoot

[soccerguy59]

What a way to end the year, taking my 19 yr old Daughter shooting for the first time. I HAD to buy a S &W .22 so she could feel safe and in control of a handgun for the first time. I did not want her to begin with my 9mm or .45 and become afraid. We discussed and I showed her the four rules of gun safety over the last several weeks, since she is home from college for Christmas. I showed her how a semi-auto and revolver operate, how to load the magazine and cylinder.

We head to the range, boyfriend in tow, she really nervous but excited. During the drive I explaine the Range Rules, Cease Fire, When the Range is Hot, where to stand, descriped lanes and how constructed, all this to prepare her for the experience, her respsonsibilities, and all this is necessary for her safety, as well as mine and everyones at the range. We arrive to an outdoor range and she seemed releaved it was not an indoor range. She then says, "Dad, I think I am the only girl out here", I said probably but I think I see a female on the shotgun range.

We walk inside and there are 5 guys getting their range memberships, Fathers and Sons, but we are assisted by the Female Range Officer. Now that I think about it, this may have helped in her relaxation, comfort, and enjoyment of the afternoon. The Ranger Officer goes over the rules, she completes the forms and we head towards the range, oh wait she says, "Dad, where's my ear muffs?" LOL, I give her my headset, she was excited and ready, with a big smile.

I unload the bag and setup two lanes at the 7 yd distance, one for boyfriend and one for me and my little girl. I again review the 4 Safety Rules, the loading the the magazine, operation of the gun, but I had forgotten a couple of MAJOR factors, grip and stance. I now have to keep her attention while the boyfriend is firing my XD SC 9mm. The biggest issue as some guy on the lane next to the boyfriend with a cannon that was making everyone jump from the concussion. We stepped back and let him BLAST away. I spent most of my time helping with a balanced, agressive, forward stance with a firm confident grip. I am not a student of these, but know that I need to learn more. I watch and re-enforce the safety aspects of handling a gun and we had a couple of misfires, giving me the opportunity to show her how to clear the gun.

Most shots were left of center, high and low, but had two in the bull. I had her shoot the 9mm, but she was afraid after two shot. I had her try a second time, this time with a better stance, grip and more confidence with the control of the gun.

I am very proud of her control and ability to maintain the safety rules and range rules. Accuracy and Technique will come, but without the safety first, I would be disappointed.

She now wants a handgun when she is 21, after a new car when she graduates college.

[quidni]

She now wants a handgun when she is 21, after a new car when she graduates college.

That last line says it all... methinks you've raised a fine young lady!

[longtooth]

I have granddaughters that like to shoot but cant get my daughter to want to.

[Texasdoc]

My Oldest daughter has been shooting since she was 5 years old after I took her hunting and she got her first deer. now she shoots 100meter small bore and is working on her changes for the USA shooting Team. She also likes shooting handguns and is wanting to get her CHL when she turns 21 and is hoping to get a Kimber Pro carry for her birthday this year.

She has a few custom rifles and is looking forward to shooting a few matches , I wants to go and Shoot a IDPA and Run And Gun match at the local range.


I hope she is hooked for life and has the right to keep shooting.


Doc

[Charles L. Cotton]

That sounds like a nice day at the range. Tell he she doesn't have to wait until she's 21 to get a handgun. Just tell her to have you buy her one now!

Marc and I were commenting just a few days ago that we are seeing more and more women and girls at PSC. They are almost always with men, either husbands, boyfriends or dads we presume. But that's fine; it's more fun to shoot with someone than by yourself anyway.

Good job.
Chas.

[CompVest]

PCS's Women's Only Pistol class is this Saturday at 9:00 AM.

[soccerguy59]

She now wants a handgun when she is 21, after a new car when she graduates college.

That last line says it all... methinks you've raised a fine young lady!

Thank you, she is turning into a young lady, very mature and responsible.