Recent: Due to the above I never shared that I received my CHL (as I figured that would hint that I wanted a response from her). Anyway, last night I sent her an email asking her that if she wanted, I was planning on going to the range on Sunday and I would love if she wanted to go too? I told her that I didn’t know her comfort level or experience, but I would be happy to show her the things that she needed to know, i.e. safety, range rules, gun handling, basics of firing, etc. I also offered her the use of any of my firearms, or that I would rent whatever handgun that she would like to try.
She replied (much to my surprise and delight) that she would love to go and that she had no experience with firearms, but that she has common sense. She went on to say that I should teach her like she was dumb about weapons but in a way that she didn’t feel like an idiot.
I was elated! I responded with my enthusiasm and support of her wishes.
My plan: We are going to meet at my house for a while before head to the range (since there will be too much noise there) to go over the basic safety rules, debunk some gun myths, go over semi-automatic handgun basics, have her handle a handgun, go over grip, removing magazine, inserting magazine, racking the slide, etc. etc.
Focus: No pressure. If she wants to shoot, great! If not, no big deal. I am already happy with the accomplishment that she agreed to be there with me.
I am pretty sure that she wants to shoot. I will forewarn her about the loudness. Thinking back to my early days and mistakes made as well as safety concerns, I will have her start with loading one round in a magazine, inserting, locking and loading, firing. Then repeat when desired. The reason for one round. In case of a natural reaction to immediately turn around with firearm still in hands around to recognition of the instructor (in this case being me). I plan on having her do 5-10 rounds this way. It will provide familiarity with the weapon as far as mechanics with the slide, magazine, etc. All of this done at the shortest target distance, what is it 3 yards? I want to build some confidence with visible target hits.
After that, if she wants to proceed, I will suggest three to five rounds loaded and a semi-rapid fire attitude. Distance of target. I will wait for her input as to whether she wants it further away.
If she still wants more, we may take a break to discuss.
Regardless of outcome I will praise her and thank her at the end of the day. Also, if she has any hints that she might have enjoyed the day, I will plant the seed and let her know that if she was interested….that I would be more than happy to fund her getting her own CHL license (a long shot I know).
To be continued.
