LOL, you know I was only joking :o Best of luck on your training, I am still set for September and I will keep you updated

Rita

Serendipitous that I should get my September American Rifleman today. Page 73 has an article, "The Ladies Pistol Project", detailing an experiment by women, for women to figure out what constitutes the ideal firearm for a woman. Bottom line - 35 women x 18 different handguns (all the women volunteered to shoot all the pistols! [free ammo and somebody else to clean up the aftermath - no surprises there!]) with a survey after each pistol and tallying of surveys to determine ranking. The results challenge some of the popular myths. IMNSHO - Worth the read.

Found a link and brief intro video:

http://cdn.americanrifleman.org/arti...istol-project/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSGE...ature=youtu.be

:lifter

Thanks both for the article and links. Very thoughtful read on the subject of handguns, etc. for women.

I do have a question, I am normally a very high stung person, which means I cannot sit still, and I always have to be moving around. My instructor kept telling me "relax, breath, take your time". But I have a very hard time "relaxing", does anyone have some good suggestions before I go back on the range next time? I always feel like I want to run around the block several times just to relax.

Thanks for any advice, now I have to go run around the building because I am way too hyper right now.....;)

I'll let the 18D's give you a professional remote diagnostic answer,,


But Whisky helps me :D

Hummm...Whisky...Na, then I would just be drunk and giddy :) I don't take hard liquor well, even if it is a swig...:p

This is from a retired OSI Agent that worked world wide in civvies...thought the ladies here might appreciate her comments.


Jen's response to a carry question





My experience is that unless you are very slim or built like a 10 year old boy, there's always going to be some fit issues. The waist/hip curve is going to potentially make your gun stick out. Belt loops can be damn near impossible to find (except on jeans or utility pants) and concealing with a jacket ... just makes a big lump. Another issue can be boobs (yes, really); when you draw, your gun side breast can get in the way. Is it a showstopper? Not necessarily, but something to practice and contend with. The good, old-fashioned hip holster seemed to do the job best for me. I wouldn't dream of keeping a weapon anywhere but ON my body. Can't use it if you can't get to it. You may have to opt for higher pants (no low-rise) to make sure the belt stays securely on your waist, too. And on the note of belts, unless someone has come up with a retention gadget, when it's time to visit the bathroom, loop the flat end of your belt back around the first belt loop to keep it from slipping out. I've seen lots of guns hit the floor in the ladies' room, and that's a big no-go. My two cents'.

LOL...Yep... Boobs do get in the way....:D I think she brings up some very good advice, and I would not put a weapon in my purse. You cannot get to it fast enough. Hip Holster.....that's the way to go...now only if I could get my Boobs out of the way...LOL

Thanks for the comments :o

Hopefully your boobs don't get in the way of a hip holster. :p

LOL...Ha...too funny, I just snorted my drink...I guess I worded that wrong...No Boobs are still in the right place on my chest the last time I looked....:p

I've had plenty of opportunity over the previous two plus years observing women of widely varying skill levels participating in 3-gun competitions. Everyone is using hip holsters, ideally positioned on rigid gunbelts, located with belt loops, and not on "hip hugger" pants, most with some amount of "drop and offset" to the holster to compensate for hip flare. Truth is - even moderately endowed women have to make allowances for "boobage" when shooting. The relative levels of experience (and endowment) are reflected in whether or not the "accommodation" is conscious or unconscious. The only factor that mitigates the issue is having quality support to shape/restrain the errant anatomy. (There's a hilarious Facebook post by a well-endowed semi-pro lady shooter who's front fastened bra clip broke during a stage and her travails concentrating on finishing the course of fire while simultaneously worrying about "the girls" breaking free - needless to say she now carries a spare in her range bag.)

I can understand breasts getting in the way of drawing from a hip holster - Rita made it sound like they were directly interfering with the placement/securing of the hip holster. :D

Directly interfering with the placement/securing of the hip holster sounds like a German grandmother I witnessed on the topless beach in Antigua many years ago. Some things cannot be unseen. :eek:

Why didn't she just tuck them into her bikini bottom? :eek:

Haaaaa.....I can't stop laughing...Believe me, I have seen those types of women running around with them flopping right around the belly button, and it's not a pretty sight:D

No, I checked again, my boobs are situated nicely in the correct location...LOL:p

We are gonna have to start tagging these posts with a NSFW.

Well, if we are going there, why not go here: Flashbang! ;)

Pat

Has anyone shot the new Springfield XDe?

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xde-features

Wanted to update;

Went shooting recently with a friend in CO, outside a cabin built in the 1800's. No electric or water, just a very rustic environment that provided an excellent spot to set up targets, and a range.

Shot a Sig Sauer, and a 1911, which I fell in love with, but am going to start with the 9mm as my first purchase.

Also a mini cross bow, and fantastic shot gun shooting clay targets, which my friend obliterated.

Had great eye and ear protection, very important to have.

Learned the basics of how to load and unload the weapons, and tips on what to do/ not do on a public range with the weapons.

All in all, a tremendous undertaking on a short timeline, but well worth the effort.

Attached some pics, and am hopeful to return soon and learn even more.


Safety First is my motto, and it is definitely something to respect when learning to fire these weapons.


Holly:munchin

Ah great for you so cool �� I have not been shooting since August. I think it's time to find another one �� hope you continue ��

Lol, you need to find a nice SF guy to train you....that would never happen then!

Man so I guess I was suckered�� Ok now I need a new instructor any takers lol��

Well, there is training and there is training so maybe aye?

OTOH, since you are armed and dangerous .......

Well Rita,

My instructor was SF, but more importantly is someone I trust after getting to know them over the last decade.

It is very important to be with an instructor you trust, since after all, you are putting your training for personal self defense in their hands.

And when it comes to learning proper safety and security of your weapon, you want to have that trust that they know WTH they are talking about, IMHO.

Learn hard, but enjoy the process! Maybe bring a freshly baked pie to your trainer...you never know... But the point is, learn all you can from a highly trained Professional. You never know if one day your life may depend on that training.:munchin


Holly

If an instructor claims SF status just ask us to vet him.....a place where you can move and shoot, once skilled enough to do so is important and most ranges do not allow that.
This should also be combined with home protection/shooting skills that include family members...what 'ifs'....
Drawing, acquiring, gauging beyond the target (collateral damage), engaging/nullifying target and 360 degree security should be seamless .
Luck (and luck comes with practice)

LOL.. Really, I do trust, and have confidence in my instructor. When I went to my first lesson, he did teach me a lot, and believe me it takes time to process. He was patient, explained everything, taught me the right way to stand, posture, what to look for when shooting at a target, let me know what I needed to work on, etc. There is a lot that goes through your head, and you know that it takes more than one time shooting to gain more confidence, and techniques. I had fun, and we do get along well, and still do. And yes, there is a mutual attraction between us, but training is training and when I am there, that is what we should focus on.

I do have problem areas I need to address, and have not been able to do so. I was supposed to have training last week, but his schedule was full because of the prior weekend which was rained out. I do need a set time, schedule because I want to be able to go out at least twice a month to shoot and work on gaining experience. And to just be more comfortable with a handgun and know what I am doing. As of right now I am going through some marriage issues and “if, if” in the near future I have to be “on my own” again, I want to be able to protect myself. It is a strange world out there today, and if I have to start over, I want to be able to have the ability and confidence to do it on my own.

Thanks again guys, I guess I will try to work this out on my own. :o

A suggestion or two as you sound serious about this.

What you are doing is learning/practicing a martial art...think about it in that manner.

Presently you are learning mechanical and motor skills/co ordination....that is kata, the basic moves properly applied.

Most never get beyond that phase. They can be good shots but that is not what you are seeking.

The mental attitude and projection that makes one a warrior is as, if not more, important. Many in SF call it being 'switched on' and that is a guy who can go from casual conversation and at ease into serious killing mode immediately....because he has internalized the attitude....I could give you examples and in essence that is what edge a small ODA has over larger units.
The 'mode' is precise/controlled/lethal and instantaneous if the individual is mentally prepared.......this is what good team training results in.

Not easily acquired in your situation but not impossible either.

I should open a shooting dojo?

"The Yin & Yang of shooting......"

"Achieving shot group nirvana"

;)

You know the deal.....and if not mentally practiced the switch can go into the off position.

Martial art is martial art.....

The difference between punching holes in paper and punching holes in a person....the reason the military when to human silhouettes and quick kill courses....at the basic level.

LOL...a lot of deep mental thinking in those posts. I may need to do some yoga to clear my mind, loosen my body, and Zen out a bit.;) I do understand about "preparing" the mind when shooting, it is all in how you get there. Or I may need to just watch a "Kung Foo" movie....:D

Oh, and thank you for the suggestions, I really do appreciate it. The more advice I can get is so very helpful :)

Learning to shoot long range takes some thinking (300+ meters) Under that, it's not too difficult, but if you're not in shape it makes it difficult.

Until Tiger Woods started playing golf many "pro" golfers were fat guys. Tiger changed that. Yeah, you can be fat and shoot, but, you better have some upper body strength if you want to be good at it.

Firearms Training?
 

Shooting at People who are shooting at you with the intent to KILL you is Abstract for almost everyone including military, law enforcement, let alone the average citizen. The Military can Train soldiers for combat, The Police Academy can Train Law Enforcement personnel for shoot- no shoot encounters; BUT, Until you are in a gun fight, firefight or armed combat the Psychological cost of Kill or be Killed becomes instantaneous. You do it or Don't do it; There is no try
Regards,

Tom Kelly

Hi Holly:

Have you gone to anymore training classes recently? I think that I may try to look for another instructor and training facility around me. I was looking at a place in PA, one in Frederick MD, and one near me. I have to do a bit more research and ask some questions. I know the one in PA I need my own handgun, so I guess I have to get my rear out there and do some more "handgun" testing. I think I will do some this Friday after work. Oh, and thanks again to everyone that provided such great advice and information.:) Plus, I need to occupy my weekends and this is what I really want to do, more training. :D

Rita,

PM, inbound.


Holly

Rita

Be very very careful about crossing state lines with a weapon and/or ammo. Not sure where you are in Maryland, but Jersey and DC are definitely no-mans land, to be avoided at all costs....

I would strongly suggest you talk to the range owners/instructors about renting weapons and purchasing ammo, while out of state. Good chance there might be a discount for students.

Be Safe,, & Careful..

Thanks JJ, I know that the instructors in PA will travel to a gun range in my area, they would have to do a site visit first. I don't want to travel across state lines with a weapon, so if I could do the training at a gun range near me, that would be the best (I am not far from PA, about 7 miles). The range near me does rent weapons, and they supply ammo if I were to go to that one. I want to handle more weapons before I decide on purchasing one. That is why I rather visit a range that provides these services, and I really want a instructor so I can continue training.

I will be careful, and safe and make sure I do my research first...Thanks again:)

Rita, quick tip from my own personal journey towards marksmanship excellence is having a solid role model. Someone to show that you don’t need easy, just possible. That impossible is indeed spelled I’m possible. Many members on this board and the old souls at the firing line have been that figure to me.

Google Ashley Rheuark and her dry fire regimen. IMHOO, she embodies a dedicated (humble) professional even at her age :lifter

Can confirm. :D

Cold Weather Shooting
 

OK, I am going to ask this question on cold weather shooting because I cannot find anything when I searched. And if I totally had a "Duh Moment" when I searched for it, and it was hidden somewhere in a post, then I apologize...LOL:D

Woo-Hoo, this weekend I will be having a 2nd lesson with my instructor at an outdoor range. This will be the first time I will be shooting my new handgun..Hee, Hee…. But, it is supposed to be pretty chilly this Saturday where I am shooting about 37-39 degrees and I will be out around 3pm, so close to sundown. My question, any suggestions or advice for shooting in colder weather? I know that I will have on extra clothing, and I intend on layering and not wearing anything bulky. And I am assuming that the cooler weather may affect my handling, and shooting abilities especially since I do not intend to wear gloves. So, any tips on clothing, techniques, mindset? Thanks in advance, and as always I appreciate any help, knowledge and experience from you guys…..:o

Note to self... remember to bring coffee thermos...and hand warmers...:)