How do I convince the gf to be more comfortable around handguns? - Page 2

Chris_in_the_Mojave · 09-25-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokenMini

Some good suggestions, I appriciate it. I will try to drag her to a shooting range with me soon. I'll start her off with my .17 HMR and go from there. The only thing she has ever shot or handled is a BB gun years ago. Thanks everyone....I'll keep ya' posted.

I'm new here, but you guys are in my area...

You're for sure on the right track trying to get her out shooting.

Start her with a straight .22. Revolver. .22 Auto second choice. Revolvers are easier for new shooters to understand and check clear. I keep one just for teaching! :wink:

If she likes that move her up to a .38 or 9mm. Comfort guns will go a long way in getting her to relax about it.

If you are shooting on a Range or indoors try to pick an "off" time. The sound is very intimidating to a new shooter. If you're the only one there it's easier, and you can take off muffs to talk and explain things.

Many ranges have "intro" course... a FEMALE instructor would be great if you can find one. If you don't want to go the "class route" have a female friend that shoots take her along or come with you.

Good Luck! :-)
Chris

12glocks · 10-03-2006, 05:29 AM

Good luck man! For me that was non-negotiable. My wife has shot in competition (IDPA) and has her CCW. She can outshoot most people. She is very progun and has bought me guns for Christmas etc. I indulge her preferences in the sport as well. For example, she has a green shooters bag, holster, mag pouches, and electronic ear muffs. I even had the slide on her Glock 34 refinished green.

I agree to start her out small in a non-threatoning way. If she does not bite I guess you have something to think about.

Timster13 · 10-03-2006, 01:36 PM

I agree with the others. It's part of who you are. Didn't she know this about you?

As for me. I'm lucky. My wife bought me my first handgun. A Ruger P89.

Luckyontheducky · 10-03-2006, 02:25 PM

Have you tried holding it to her head? Perhaps while whispering 'sweet nothings' in her other ear????

StuntDriver06 · 11-17-2006, 04:55 PM

have a couple of friends that she doesnt know rob you and her one night when you go out, then you pull out your gun and take control of the situation against 3 guys and she will see why it is necessary to carry a gun.... lol j/k

dcrabtree · 11-27-2006, 09:25 AM

I have ran into a similar situation myself. My biggest advice to you is to not "flaunt" the fact that you have guns. What I mean is this...don't have guns in every nook and cranny of your home, in every vehicle, or in rooms she regulary spends time. This approached worked best for me. I had one gun hidden in the house that was accessible, but she didn't know where it was. All other guns & ammo were in a my gun room/hunting room, locked away and out of sight. I tried not to clean my guns when she was around if at all possible. Outta sight really is out of mind. Gradually, she just forgot about them. The fact is this.. you love guns (as do I), she's not crazy about them. Be honest with each other and agree to disagree. Personally, I wouldn't advise that you attempt to take her shooting. I don't think it will help as much as one might think. At least it didn't in my case. Most likely she is not going to go to the range a couple times and magically be OK with things. Like I said, be honest, tell her your guns are part of who you are and that you hope she can accept that. With a little effort on both sides it should be something that can be worked out, but if it not, you'll be dealing with a larger problem. Just MHO....

hondarider227 · 12-08-2006, 02:25 PM

Hard one there. I have guns in my home and I do alot of outside activitys where it is legal for me to carry a gun. I am here in California so conceled weapons are a no-no, damn tree huggers. Anyways my wife hates guns cant stand them, but she knows why they are in the house and why I would have one on me. She also has no problem with my 8 year old daughter shooting with me. She won't go or wants nothing to do with it but she is ok with it. We live an area where mountain lions are around and have had one walk a path right in front of the two of us. I never had to fire a shot, but I know at that time and place she was happy i was carrying a firearm.

loosenut · 12-11-2006, 09:07 AM

I just told my wife that when the $#!+ hits the fan, I won't be the guy there watching armed people take from me because I'm unprepared. When thing go horribly wrong, and survival is key, people do horrible things. Case in point, New Orleans.

I went out and purchased a new Glock model 38. .45 cal using the GAP ammo. Small enough to conceal and powerful enough to make me happy.

**Kronos1965** · 12-11-2006, 10:51 AM

There's been some really great advice already and I have a few questions that may help the conversation with her...

1. Under what conditions would you see as reasonable to carry a firearm?
2. How else would you recommend that we defend ourselves against possible harm?
3. Is the concern that I'm carrying the gun, that it could be used, or that it could be misused?

Good luck.

[SC]Titan · 12-11-2006, 10:57 AM

my woman was the same way man...if she really likes you she'll get over it and come around eventually...she will realize that you having a gun is not worth ending the relationship