When an acquaintance of mine found out more about my background, she mentioned she wanted to learn how to shoot. If I’m being completely honest, when she asked if I could teach her, I paused, taking a long inhale, followed by an even longer exhale, before I responded. Why the pause? I needed to be thoughtful about the questions I should ask her and find out why she wanted to learn how to shoot. Then, we could make a plan.
I begin by saying how happy I am that she came to me and that I can absolutely help her on her journey. This sets the tone that it is more than just a trip to the range; it’s a process. Then I ask the big questions, “Why do you want to learn how to shoot?” Over the years, I’ve heard many different answers. Here are a few examples of the questions I’ve heard, and how I responded:
I want to learn the “why” so I can ask more questions and make a plan. If someone wants to learn how to shoot to protect herself, my next question is, “If your life was in danger, could you shoot and kill someone?” This may seem harsh, but it is reality. I believe if you make the decision to carry a firearm to protect yourself, you have to accept the fact that you may have to take the life of the person attacking you. I know this may sound crazy, but some people seem to think that carrying concealed puts a magic, protective bubble around them. The concept of “I have a gun, nothing is going to happen to me” isn’t how it works. Likewise, just showing someone you have a gun isn’t going to make him necessarily back down and run, although that method did work for our publisher when confronted in a self-wash carwash. And shooting someone in the foot is not the answer to a deadly threat. Asking the question about taking someone’s life puts things into perspective and sets me up for the next step.
When someone wants to learn how to shoot to protect herself, whether at home or for concealed carry, I bring up the concepts of situational awareness and avoidance. I realize some in the shooting industry don’t like this term, but I struggle to find another as encompassing. In my everyday conversation with other women, I find that some are not mindful of their surroundings and have never considered avoidance as a viable option for their safety.
I find there are two different “I want to learn how to shoot” groups. The first one wants to familiarize themselves with firearms and shoot for fun. For these women, I begin with the four firearm safety rules, firearm familiarization and the fundamentals. This is all done with UNLOADED firearms and SIRT pistols.
The second group wants to take personal safety into their own hands. With this group, I begin by discussing situational awareness and lifestyle.
These groups will travel different paths. Sure, they overlap throughout the journey, but the steps are not the same. And yes, someone may hop into the other group as she moves forward. However, regardless of the path, anyone who wants to learn how to shoot should begin with conversations and lessons away from the range in a safe environment.
Note: People often ask me which gun they should carry or train with on a range. I often recommend shooting a Springfield Armory firearm, not because it sponsors this column, but because I am an advocate for the female-friendly types of firearms they build.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
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