I don’t know anything about guns

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.

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 of shooting.”

 

Again, as we continue this series we’re talking about firearms and their uses, the mindsets needed and other information that makes this (somewhat) foreign topic a little more comfortable. Today’s topic “I don’t know anything about guns” goes hand in hand with the first one, “I don’t want to have it in the house; I have kids here.” What makes guns good or bad is the person behind it pulling the trigger. Remember that. This is vital to the entire 2^nd amendment and those who want to protect our rights as American citizens.

Not everyone knows how to use firearms. That’s perfectly ok. Not everyone grew up shooting like my husband and I. Not everyone thinks that having a firearm in the home is necessary. That’s ok too! That’s your choice. That’s the great thing about the 2^nd amendment. We have that option, even if we don’t take it. Here’s the deal with not knowing anything about firearms: you have to want to learn. You have to take the time to learn. Yes, it takes work and yes it takes effort, but that’s the beauty of learning something new! Half the fun is in the learning experience.

I don’t know how to play chess. Does that make me incapable of learning, understanding, playing and winning? Absolutely not. It just means that I haven’t taken the time to learn how to play. Why? Because it’s not important to me. I don’t think that chess isn’t going to improve me as a person or my skills to defend my family. Like I said, I could learn to play chess easily. It takes time and dedication and practice. Much like any new hobby or skill. It just takes training. My husband plays very very well and is a willing teacher. The only thing stopping me from learning this new skill is me and the value I put behind it.

Training for a new skill takes time, dedication and somewhat of a back bone. Let me tell you something. I’ve taken many advanced firearm classes. I’ve been the only female at 95% of those classes. Do you think I like being the only girl in a class that’s geared predominately towards dudes? NOPE! It’s frustrating at times to be the only female and have to use the port-a-potty and to have a dude hold my rifle because I can’t easily sit down with a full-length rifle hanging from my sling in a two-by-two-foot square of nasty. That’s frustrating and kind of embarrassing to be honest. But as I’ve said before in this series; tactical equipment isn’t made for women. We’ll cover more of that later.

So ladies, you might not know anything about guns. That’s ok! It’s more than ok actually. As a firearm instructor, I will tell you honestly that I prefer a student know nothing. They’re a blank slate that I can instill tactics and techniques into with little problem! Some of the most difficult students to teach are men who grew up playing cowboys and Indians or call of duty or watched too much Hawaii five-0. They have habits that need to be corrected! Ladies are easier to teach. Plain and simple. If you were to attend a firearms course and be the only female there, I bet you money, the instructor will be glad to have you!

I’m going to say this respectfully as I can: if you want to learn, if you know you NEED to learn then grow a pair and take a class. It’s as simple as that. Don’t let YOU stop you from learning how to protect yourself and your family. It may be uncomfortable. It may be a challenge for you, but isn’t being uncomfortable worth the lives of your children and family?

I hope you’ll consider, thoughtfully, about taking a training course on firearms. Who knows, you might find a new hobby that you thoroughly enjoy!

 

Cheers,

Nila