Converted another one...

[knight0334]

Converted another
Warning, this may be a long winded post. May also be fragmented.


My bestfriend, a former fiancee' of mine, just got converted. She was born in and raised in DC, and was brainwashed by the media to think only cops and badguys had firearms. Years ago when we were together, I did manage to get her out to the range a couple times and fire a couple pieces. ...it was a start. But for the last 8-9 years since we went splitsville(true friendship grew afterwards), she fell deep deep deep back into the anti-gun & firearm phobia thing.

She just got out of a violent relationship and certain threats had been made(ex-con boyfriend, still on parol). Also knocks at the door in the middle of the night, footprints around the windows, etc. She is also finishing up her last year in college to become a Crime Scene Investigator with LEO credentials, starting Act 120 training in the fall. So I've tried to warm her up on the firearm and carry issues, sometimes with some semi-heated debating.

Well, last week her concerns got the best of her in regards to her recent ex. She was already in acceptance of the matter that she should would need to start firearm safety and practice target shooting. I already offered to teach her all the basics and to help her get proficient with a pistol, so she broke down and gave in on the whole thing. I started reading off the laws to her, both firearm and the use of force in PA. She took notes and had some very good questions. I had also brought several of my firearms over to show her how to safely handle, clear, load, maintain, etc. With her petite build, she leaned towards my Bersa Thunder 380 as a piece to start out with.

So, we went at to one of my shooting spots (yeah, in today's crappy weather) and did some live fire training. ..which she did very well. She learned very quick what I taught her before going out to the range. ...safety, unloading, load. She score a perfect in my book. I asked her if she like the pistol, she said yes except the safety being made for a right handed person(she a south paw). I told her it was hers until we find a lefty gun that she likes.

Next, we went down to my favorite FFL and did the transfer, then hit Walmart for a lock box to keep it out of her kid's hands.

She's already asking when can we go back out to shoot. She's also digging the idea of getting her LTCF too.

I tell you what, its been a long decade of several debates over firearms with her. But it all paid off today. I was very proud of her, and now I got another shooting buddy.

[aubie515]

It is a good day when you can introduce someone new to the shooting sports. Good job on converting her and make sure that she gets more practice sessions.

[LorDiego01]

I love converting people. Its good karma.

[Little Joe]

Greta job. As soon as shooting weather (I hate the cold) comes along I hope to get a few more of my non shooting friends out.

-Joe-

[Emptymag]

knight0334,

Good job!

I recently introduced a female co-worker to shooting. She was curious but intimidated due to everything the media has fed her ("the gun went off", etc.).
Before I allowed her to touch a handgun. I explained to her that guns don't just "go off", someone has to do something to CAUSE it to fire. I explained HOW a pistol works, took it apart to show her and went over all the safety rules to the point that when she DID pick it up to shoot, she was verbally repeating those rules ("OK, finger out of trigger guard til ready to shoot" as she brought up the pistol to take aim) and I was pleased to find that she remembered the most important things (safety) and that she had a smile on her face when she finished shooting. Another misinformed person educated, and understanding why "safety first" is so important.

She wasn't really anti-gun, she just didn't understand firearms well enough to feel comfortable with one in her hand. I started by showing her some empties in different calibers which prompted many questions. I showed her a few articles that explained firearm safety and as she became more curious, I lent her a book titled "The Concealed Handgun Manual" by Chris Bird (excellent book) and when she finished the book she said "I would like to try it!"

She is an intelligent, successful businesswoman who was open-minded enough to LEARN enough to dismiss her fears and ended up enjoying something she never would have persued on her own.
One more on "our side."

Hey Joe,
I'm going to the club in the morning to shoot CMP with my SKS.
Forecast is 9 degrees for the HIGH... You're welcome to tag along!

[Willtallica]

Getting a firearm is simply a matter of being responsible for one's life, and freedoms.

[knight0334]

Well... I think I created a monster.. lol (a good one).

Just got off the phone with her and she was asking about accessories. Grips, holsters, extra magazines, tactical lights, etc, etc..

[billamj]

Congrats to both knight0334 and Emptymag. Great work and the best part in both instances is that you were able to convert females who had grown up with the whole anti crowd teaching them how evil guns in general and gun owners in particular are!