Henry Rifle Forums

So I'm in the middle of a busy summer, and everything is clicking along fine! The manly man is loving camp, the house is slowly but surely coming along, and I took an entire week off.
Today is ladies night at the local range so I figured what the hey. My sister in law is off this week too, so i threw it out there. I was shocked when she said sure. She never shot before so I took 4 guns that I felt would be good for her to start with. My father in-laws Smith and Wesson revolver. A 1950s? Era serviceman's gun for ease of use.
A bersa thunder 380, my Marlin 60, and my new bersa 9mm just to get lead through it.
She shot her dad's gun, it scared her. The rifle, too big for her, and the 380. After much gentle nudging, it scared her. Needless to say she hated it.

sorry to hear it didn't go well .... hopefully you will be able to get her to give it another try

More bullets for you...

Most folks like her should be introduced to shooting with a .22 on their first time out. First impressions count. I know you had the Marlin, but size does matter as you found out.

The other possibility, is that she assented, just to please you. Women do that sometimes. If there's another opportunity, you might suggest she make a range trip with another woman who is a shooter. That normally works out better. Take a look at "The Well Armed Woman" web site. They have chapters all over the country.

https://thewellarmedwoman.com/about-us/

GunnyGene wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 11, 2019 7:01 am

Most folks like her should be introduced to shooting with a .22 on their first time out. First impressions count. I know you had the Marlin, but size does matter as you found out.

The other possibility, is that she assented, just to please you. Women do that sometimes. If there's another opportunity, you might suggest she make a range trip with another woman who is a shooter. That normally works out better. Take a look at "The Well Armed Woman" web site. They have chapters all over the country.

https://thewellarmedwoman.com/about-us/

Gunny's absolutely right. This approach has worked for me a number of times and not just with women. With kids this approach is nearly a necessity if you want a good result. It even works with some types of men.

I agree find a 22 pistol and try again. Maybe even consider taking her to a range with an instructor and joining her in some lessons.

At least you tried Dahlia. She agreed to go, so if she is TRULY interested, then don't give up.
I agree with the .22 suggestion. Nothing to be afraid of there.

We introduced our grandkids to shooting via airguns, with their parents approval. Turns out, both the kids and parents so loved it that shooting our airguns is the first thing they want to do when they visit. Even a BB gun will work to develop an interest in shooting.

North Country Gal wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 11, 2019 10:16 am

We introduced our grandkids to shooting via airguns, with their parents approval. Turns out, both the kids and parents so loved it that shooting our airguns is the first thing they want to do when they visit. Even a BB gun will work to develop an interest in shooting.

Yes, even better!

I always start with .22 then work my way up if they want.

My Niece on her first range trip had a great time but didn't want to go bigger than .22. I was fine with that.

She was afraid and after she fired her first shot she smiled and said "that's it ? I was expecting a big kick back. This is fun, I want to shoot more"

She shot her dad's gun, it scared her.

What was the caliber of her dad's gun?

Perhaps it's also the additional noise and hubbub at the range... There may have been others there with monsters... Forty fours, etc.

If you have, or have access to a bb, or pellet gun, try shooting ice cubes in the back yard at short distances. They explode, giving instant feedback, but there is no danger of injury and mr. Sun handles your cleanup. You can also fill and freeze the cheap thin plastic bottles dollar store drinking water comes in. Once frozen solid, cut away the plastic bottle and put your ice bottles in a cooler. Shoot those and they break, but no glass to pick up. Again, mr. Sun to the rescue.

These guns are lighter, cheaper to shoot, loads quieter, and as long as you have a safe backstop, can be shot nearly anywhere.

@mistered her dad's gun is a .38 special. I chose that due to the ease of use, and light trigger.
It turns out she had a firecracker blow up I'm her hand, so this triggered her fear. (No pun intended)

Yes a firecracker going off in hand will stick in the ol' memory bank!

Now my wife had never shot a gun until 2010 and that was the year I bought my first SA .45 Colt Ruger New Vaquero.
So we stop by the local indoor range so I can get some shots thru it and I brought along my little S&W .38 Special snubbie for her to shoot.

Well after a few cylinders of .38 Special she wanted to try my new .45 Colt and you know what....She LOVED it!
You just never know!

Wish I could get mine on that track Forty. I am a loner in this relationship where guns and shooting are concerned, but that's ok. At least she can appreciate and tolerate my interests!☺