Adventures At The Gun Show

Gun Shows

I have been working the Gun Show for 5 years now promoting my CHL classes.  As I was sitting behind my table last weekend “people watching” the thought crossed my how much the show is the same in terms of vendors and product, but how much the show has changed in who is attending…. Women!

It is typical to see the a few chicks following the dudes up and down the aisles with him shopping with a childlike glimmer in his eye, with her reward being some beef jerky, sugared pecans and maybe a piece of jewelry or a candle.  I have met my fair share of husbands and fathers that dragged the women in their life to my table so I could talk to them about classes and convince them that having a gun is not a bad thing. 

My favorite bait and switch moment was during the last election when the Sarah Palin shirts were really hot.  There was a vendor next to be that happen to be selling just such a t-shirt.  The husband who I had visited with several times during past gun shows got his wife to attend with him that day and got her next to my table by showing her this shirt.  It was my moment to take every objection she had and turn it into a reason why she needed to give me and my classes a chance.  She agreed to come to my CHL class the next weekend, and by the time we were finished with that 10 hours, she was already signed up for my next 8 hour new shooter course, and brought another family with her.  She is my one of my favorite clients and is now my friend.  It doesn’t really matter what her objections were, it was that I was able to connect with her woman to woman and explain the truths about what she was afraid of.

Getting back on topic here… I have noticed the numbers jump in women attending the show and who are actively shopping for a guns, concealed carry purses and best of all TRAINING!  There is a different feeling at the show, and I praise the women for it!  If you haven’t been to a gun show, I recommend the experience at least one time; it will open your eyes to the several options that are available to you for recreational and self defense firearms.

What age is ok to start teaching the kids about guns?

There is something very special about teaching our kids about the facts of life.  We teach them how to ride a bike,  play sports, to look both ways before crossing the street, don’t play with fire, stranger danger etc.   The topic of guns usually gets left out, except for the phrase “they’re bad… don’t touch it”. 

I love this topic and the opportunity to talk with parents about how they can teach their kids about gun safety, and become more responsible gun owners at the same time!  First let me say that our 2nd Amendment must be protected and the only way that can be done is to pass on the traditions of hunting, sport & recreational shooting and the ability to use guns for self defense to our kids or it will be lost to future generations.  With that said let’s get to it!

Parents must decide when their child is old enough to receive gun safety training.  A common question is what is the right age?  We started our boys with formal training at 8yrs old, but we started preparing them at 3yrs old.  Keep in mind that just because you start training at 8yrs old (or younger) each child will progress at their own speed.  Maturity has a lot to do with it.  Our older son was very comfortable learning how to shoot and demonstrated responsible gun handling skills early on.  He participated in competitive shooting and hunting by the time he was 9 yrs old.  Our younger son didn’t become comfortable with hunting and competitive shooting until he was 12.  I once knew a kid at 4yrs old that could shoot his 410 shotgun and drive a gator like nobody’s business.  It is all up to the individual kid. 

The NRA has a wonderful program called Eddie Eagle and teaches “STOP, DON’T TOUCH, LEAVE THE AREA, and TELL AN ADULT”.   The program is designed for children in preschool to 3rd grade.  There is a cartoon and workbook featuring Eddie Eagle that uses a song & dance with a great storyline to get point across about what to do if you child should happen upon a gun.     There is a full curriculum guide that includes several handouts, stickers and a certificate of completion.  The program is not designed to teach safe handling or marksmanship.  Formal training can include the Boy Scout merit badge for rifle and shotgun (which is great for the girls too, you can find the worksheets and topics of discussion online, or for kids age 10 & the NRA first steps or home firearm safety course.  If you are a parent that is new to guns as well, they are ideal classes for the entire family.  The best memories come from mom or dad taking their kid to the range and showing them how to use the sights and sharing the joy of pulling the trigger for the first time.

Parents should be positive role models for their children.  It is absolutely important that you are following the three rules for safe gun handling:

1.       ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 

2.       ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

3.       ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. 

Additional guidelines are

}  Know your target and what is behind it

}  Be sure the gun is safe to operate

}  Treat every gun as if it was loaded

}  Check TWICE to be sure firearm is unloaded

}  Know how to use the gun safely

}  Use only the correct ammunition

}  Wear eye and ear protection

}  Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting

Bottom line, there are two major cause of gun accidents:  ignorance and carelessness.  Don’t be ignorant or careless about safe gun handling in front of your child, monkey see monkey do. 

Parents should help their children understand the difference between pretend and real life.    Our kids watch all these cop shows on TV and movies where someone get shot and just falls down and dies.  In reality being shot is a horrible, gruesome, ugly thing and we make sure our kids know it!  We also use these shows as teaching opportunities.  It is a game to point out all the poor gun handling skills, finger on the trigger, sweeping the muzzle of the gun towards another person.   My proudest moment was at a movie theater when my younger son who was 9yrs old at the time saw a huge display with a hot chick holding a gun.  He didn’t notice the hot chick; he noticed her finger on the trigger!

Do not keep firearms a mystery.  As with everything else, if you tell them they can’t have it, they will seek it out!  Whenever a new gun comes into our home, under our firm supervision everyone gets to see it, hold it, learn about it, and eventually shoot it.   It becomes another opportunity to practice correct gun handling skills and places the gun in our home environment and not something they only see at the range. 

Girl's Night Out at the Shooting Range!

There is a huge movement all across America, women are buying guns and going to the range in record numbers.   Some gals are just jumping in and hanging with the boys, while others are more timid and are looking for a support group to ease into it. 

The good news is there are many groups, leagues and clubs forming for ladies only to come out and learn to shoot in a fun, relaxed and safe environment. Depending on your  interests:  hunting, action shooting sports or self defense, Girl’s Night Out at the shooting range is a great way to make friends and form a support system to help you in your journey to being independent with your gun. 

CAUTION: GIRL’S NIGHT OUT AT THE SHOOTING RANGE IS ADDICTIVE!  I may only shoot a box of 50 rounds, but I can spend 2 hours at the range hanging with my girlfriends, then on to dinner afterwards.  Participating in the league at my local shooting range has enabled me to meet a wide range of women that I wouldn’t have meet in my normal business and networking circles.   For me, a few of my new relationships has lead to business development, another gal was elected event organizer and is bringing the group together in social events outside the range.  Real friendships are happening and it is really awesome. 

If you would like help finding a group in your part of town, email me at julianna.crowder@gmail.com  There are too many groups to list here, but I am more than happy to help you find one… or help you start one at your local shooting range. 

Revisting my Tiger Valley Experience

My first weekend of training was a level one carbine class.  I knew that I would most likely be the only girl in class and was ready for my fellow classmates not to expect much from me or my shooting ability.  So that morning I did my hair and make-up, picked out my shooting “outfit” and loaded up my gear, which includes a custom lavender AR-15.  The hair and make-up didn’t last long, but I looked good when I got there and pretended I was a badass Angelina Jolie character!  My husband John came along as my chauffer and cheerleader for the weekend.  It was wonderful bonding time for us!   Let me share this tip with you girls, there is no better turn on for a guy than a girl shooting a gun and doing it well!  As I expected I opened the door to the classroom and walked into an all male class.  I was met with smiles from my instructors and quick glances from the guys.   After the range safety brief we started the class by zeroing in our rifles to make sure we were hitting what we were aiming at.   The instructor pointed out how well I was doing and told the guys I was making them look bad!  I had an immediate confirmation that even though I didn’t know as many technical terms as everyone else, my lavender AR and I we’re going to do just fine!

What I wanted to gain from this carbine class is a higher confidence and build muscle memory with my AR.  My muscles learned after two days of training that before we take the level two class we will be going to gym and getting into shape!   I practiced drills getting on target fast and accurately, moving, getting down to the ground and shooting long range.  That was work and I don’t care who you are!  There is a phrase “train how you fight”… so I had on my “go to war gear” on and practiced how to move around with it.  Being a girl with a lot of curves it was challenging at times.   I came away from weekend #1 with pride, excited that I learned knew techniques and did them successfully!  I made friends with a few of the guys and was definitely part of the team.

The next weekend I returned to Tiger Valley for the Level 1 pistol class.  I went alone this time because I felt comfortable with my instructors and really wanted to step out on my own.  I spend a lot of time at the range helping others with their marksmanship.  I recently I realized I am having some issues that I haven’t been able to fix on my own.   So weekend #2 was my personal confidence booster!    As I did the weekend before, I walked into a class of all men but this time saw a few familiar faces from my shooting community.   There was another couple in class and I assumed that lady was along to watch her husband because she wasn’t dressed appropriately to spend two days at the range.  But to my surprise she took the class.  Remember the quick glances I spoke of before?  Well she got them for sure.   It was the third time she had ever held a pistol and did very well, and did it in a pair of low heel boots!  Her mental attitude was very inspiring and she didn’t let this very intimidating environment shake her!  I would like to add that even though she did fantastic , this kind of  class is not meant for the completely novice  shooter.  I would highly recommend taking the NRA First Steps course so you have an understanding of safe handling of the firearm and range etiquette before taking any class that teaches marksmanship. 

The two days I spent with my Glock 34 were wonderful.  It was like finding a new best friend!  I had marked improvement on my issue with trigger control and gained a new perspective on what your grip should FEEL like.   I can’t wait to get to the range this week and practice, and will miss my instructor saying “outstanding” every time I do it right.  I am so excited and inspired it is crazy! 

I am a certified NRA Firearms instructor and teach the TX CHL, so I feel very comfortable around guns in general.  My husband is also a firearms instructor and has educated me over the years.  But as we know there is only so much your spouse can teach you before you need to hear it from someone else.   No matter what your level with firearms is, taking a beginner course is always a good idea.  I was able to spend time on the very basics of shooting and put into practice the skills I need to draw my gun and shoot accurately.  If you can shoot fast but can’t hit your target…. It is time to take a class. 

Women Learn Differently Then Men... yah think!

Women’s Safety Academy Texas understands that women desire a different approach when it comes to firearms training. Women process information differently and have different needs when learning to shoot a gun.  This may surprise you, but in general women tend to be better shots than men, learn faster, and are safer handling firearms when taught in the right environment.  The right environment beings with an instructor who knows how to communicate the information in a way you can process it. 

When I was first learning to shoot, I had a great support system.  My husband is very knowledgeable and is a fantastic instructor.   Most of the time I understood what he was telling me, but a few times it led to major riffs in the peaceful waters of the Crowder home when I wasn’t getting the answers I was looking for, couldn’t grasp what we has telling me, or didn’t progress as fast as he expected me too.  Part of the disconnect was the dynamics of being husband and wife, but another part was his ability to relate to my learning process.  I have found some wonderful training schools but noticed that I was usually the only gal in the class, and the style of teaching is designed for how men learn. 

The “women’s demographic” is on fire right now and many instructors are expanding their programs accordingly.  August of 2010 I launched Women’s Safety Academy Texas for the same reason, but developed my programs from a different perspective.  I have an ability to translate the material into what I call “Julianna speak” when I pass it on to my fellow lady shooters.  Before becoming a firearms instructor, I owned a dance studio for 7 years, and being a trained dancer I learn kinetically, so I  teach women to shoot using kinetic methods.  I relate the techniques of shooting to everyday activities and motions, even to yoga and pilates.

Without the proper environment that addresses a woman’s specific need for instruction, she may leave the class without any confidence or retention of in what was taught to her.  That is when you hear her say, “I took a class, but I don’t remember can you show me again”.   She certainly doesn’t want to offer up to teach other women because she has no self-confidence in her own skills. She will be less likely to recommend formal training to her friends as well. How do I know this? Because I have been there!  I made it through my classes ok, retained some good info, but wouldn’t think that many of my friends would endure, let alone enjoy the class.

At Women’s Safety Academy Texas we teach women the correct techniques while addressing the specific learning styles of each woman.   Most importantly, we address their confidence level immediately.  You will leave with more than just the basic skills of shooting, an increased confidence, and be comfortable with your new shooting skills and the safety that knowledge provides.

Visit www.WomensSafetyAcademyTexas.com  to learn more about the classes we have available, which are taught by women for women. All classes offer a safe and enjoyable place for our women to learn the skills necessary to operate, handle, shoot and clean a firearm with confidence.

Questions and Tips For Buying A Gun

How to find the right gun, or maybe you are not sure you really like the gun you have. 

Think about all the needs you have for a pistol. Before you buy that pretty gun, let’s find out what your needs are. What do you want the pistol for?  Target practice, self-defense…or both.  If it is for defense, will you use the gun for home defense, car defense, concealed carry?    Do you plan to make shooting sports a regular hobby? Possibly plan to compete in action shooting sports?  Consider how it will perform doing these multiple tasks if you are only considering buying one gun.  Once you have identified what you need the gun to do, then you can narrow down what will work best for those needs. This will also help you determine the caliber and model of firearm you should be considering.  Speaking of choosing a caliber… will the caliber of ammunition be readily available and how expensive will it be?
How familiar are you with firearms?  You will need to spend time to get acquainted with your gun so you can be comfortable in its use, cleaning and maintenance, not just loading it and firing it.  If you are planning to depend on it for your personal safety, you should be willing to practice and get familiar with it!  Enroll in a formal training class.  You also must prepare yourself mentally to use your gun to defend yourself against an attack and in the worse case, be willing to take a human life.  In a life-and-death confrontation, you cannot afford to have a debate in your head on whether to pull the trigger or not.
Do you know the law? Are you willing to take the time to read the laws regarding firearms?  They are rather lengthy and can be tricky to understand. It is important that you know the State and local laws, and abide by them.  The best way to learn Texas law is to attend a concealed handgun license course, even if you don’t intend to apply for the license.  The course topics include: gun safety, proper storage options, and use for deadly force.  You are required to keep the gun “safe” at all times. That means you are liable for the firearm and it’s use by anyone (even a thief) so you had better be prepared to have a safe secure storage system BEFORE you buy.
Try Before You Buy – Go to a local range or enroll in a class with an instructor that allows you to try lots of different guns.  Remember it is not all about caliber, it is about how the gun feels in your hand.   Three things you are looking for:
1. The gun fits properly in your hand, able to reach all the controls
2. Sights easily align
3. You can handle the recoil.
Typically for self-defense you want the largest caliber you can COMFORTABLY handle.  Keep in mind that pistols of the same caliber or even manufacturer do not feel the same in the grip.  Each model has a different weight and feel, it is just like finding shoes, you might wear a size 8, but all size 8’s don’t feel the same.  Other things to consider is if you will being using the pistol as a carry gun is can you conceal it on your body and can you wear it on your hip or store it in your purse without it being too heavy. 

A gun is something that you shouldn’t compromise on.  You want a reputable firearm that will last, and will work for your specific purpose(s). You want a gun you can handle, you want a gun that you feel in love with, not one that you “fight” with or are frightened of.  Choosing the right gun makes a huge difference.  Most people do not get it right the first time, but you can by putting in the time to educate yourself!