Firearms Fears & Myths Dispelled: Body parts getting in the way

In this series, I am continuing to dispel common fears and myths that some ladies (all folks really) have about owning a firearm and carrying concealed. So many ladies that I instruct are SCARED of this tool. So as we continue this series on common firearm fears and myths keep an open mind. Today we’re talking about the art of the excuse.

First, let’s recap the list:

1. “I don’t want to have it in the house; I have kids here.”
2. “I don’t need a holster if I carry in my purse.”
3. “I plan on carrying a revolver because they’re small.”
4. “I carry a .22 because I am faster and more people are killed by a .22 than any other caliber statistically.” / “I thought anything bigger than a .22 caliber would be too hard to shoot.”
5. “I got it because it’s cute.”
6. “I don’t know anything about guns.”
7. “I don’t keep the gun loaded in the house.”
8. “My husband carries so I don’t need too.”
9. “I just went with what the guy at the gun store suggested.”
10.  “My boobs are too big; they get in the way.”

Yes, I promise you I’ve heard this line before. A few times actually! It’s just another excuse, another fear rather, that females have when it comes to training. Especially training in public in a co-ed setting. Now, I’ve taken many many advanced tactical firearms classes. About 95% of the time I’m the only female in those classes. It’s a little awkward, but we’re all in the class for the same reason. To get better! To hone our skills! Let’s not forget just slinging lead down range, that’s always the fun part! I understand all about body parts getting in the way.

But here’s the thing, I don’t really like being the only girl in a class full of dudes. It can be awkward! Especially when the instructor tells all the guys to use the port-a-potty, instead of peeing behind the bleachers, because there’s a female present. Way to single me out buddy, thanks. (Seriously, thank you! I don’t need a dude peeing next to me because they see me as “one of the guys”…ew). However, I’ve learned that being the only female has its perks too. I’ve had a few instructors that completely ignore me during classes because they don’t know what to do with a girl and a gun. Not helpful. I may be in instructor, but I’m not beyond learning new things! We all have skills that we need to sharpen. I’ve also had instructors that have hovered over me like a bad case of the helicopter mom. It seems too complicated to just treat a female like you would any other student. I have had those awesome instructors who do just that. I’ve learned the most from those types of instructors that would treat me as an equal.

Those instructors who would treat me like a human wanting to get better at defending my family. They’re hard to find.

I’m a pretty darn good shot. Do you think I would have gotten to be a competent shooter if I used my boobs as an excuse? Absolutely not. I learn to shoot with them and around them. I learn to shoot and work with my body to give me the best chance. Yes, boobs can effect a proper “punch out” (arms extended straight out) of the firearm, but it’s by no means impossible, or really that difficult.

Here are some things that you can do to rein in the girls the next time you go to the range:

1. Wear a tight sports bra. Compress those puppies.
2. Learn to work around the curves of your body. Just like equipment (like holsters) aren’t made for women, we have to find ways around that and tailor them to us and our curves.
3. Quit using your boobs as an excuse to not train properly. This is literally life and death. Your boobs aren’t that important to keep you from being able to save your life.
4. Suck it up.

 

I know this might sound harsh. I’ve been on the receiving end of this; a few times. It’s not fun, but it might be something that you need to hear. Don’t let being female get in the way of furthering your training. Don’t let a fear of limited knowledge get in the way of you furthering your training. Lastly, don’t let ANYTHING get in the way of your furthering your training. You’re too important, you’re too special for that. So is your family.

 

Cheers,

Nila