A gentleman called me tonight inquiring about an LTC course for his wife. She is about 20 weeks pregnant, and they both want her to get her license. With their first born on the way, they want her to be able to carry. She is already comfortable with pistol shooting, so this is a next logical step for her.
The question he had was, "should she shoot while pregnant?"
I suggested that no, being in a shooting range (we live in Houston, so most of my options for qualification are indoor ranges) would not be a great idea. The sound of the gunfire is perceptible to the baby, and that's not good for the developing child.
He agreed, but then he asked, "could she shoot the course with a suppressor?" I know optics and lasers are out, and I'm nearly 100% sure that suppressors are OK, but I promised to get back to him with more info - so here I am. My other thought is that lead is also not good for the child, and it's best to avoid it.
I've checked out a few old postings on the forum for ideas on the topics of qualifying with a suppressor and shooting while pregnant, and also some other info and even more info available off the forum.
I do have an acquaintance with a ranch and a private shooting range on it in the outskirts of Houston and I thought of a combination that might work.
- If we were the only folks on the outdoor range, and
- if she used a suppressor, and
- if she wore long sleeves to avoid, and
- if she wore a face mask (and surgical gloves as well, if she wants to), and
- if she washed her hands and arms with cold water right after,
I tend to be risk averse, but I understand why they want to get the license done and dusted now before she has the baby (because afterward will be harder to get the free time).
I welcome all opinions.