Armless Man Shoots With Feet

Firearms Training and Peanut Butter

One may ask what does peanut butter have to do with firearms training.  Well, as a firearms instructor, we need to provide the safest environment as possible for our students.  An experienced and knowledgeable instructor will take the necessary precautions such as making sure that there is no live ammunition in the classroom, and safe gun handling.  However, are we aware of the possible unknown risks that instructors can impose on our students by the slightest oversight?

A few months ago, I was conducting several firearms training classes back to back.  Typically my main diet consists of protein bars or peanut butter as a quick snack when I am between classes.  On this particular day, I had eaten peanut butter between graham crackers for lunch before responding to another class.  Following the course, we went to the gun range where students began handling firearms and shooting.  Within a few minutes of being on the range, one of my students started to experience severe itching on his palms followed by hives. 

As one who experiences severe allergies, it became apparent that this student had come into contact with a contagion which triggered these symptoms.  Because the obvious was only contained to his hands, we started a process of elimination immediately.  It only took 2 minutes to determine, only after questioning my student, that he had a peanut allergy.  My oversight of not washing my hands after having eaten peanut butter had caused me to transfer the contagion to my student including the firearm in which he had also handled.  Washing both of our hands, sanitizing the firearms, and my student taking a Benadryl in his possession resolved the situation. Fortunately, he was able to continue with us at the range without any further complications.

As a firearms instructor, we always encourage our students to wash their hands after handling firearms.  It was on this day, that I discovered a very important lesson.  Not only do we wash our hands after shooting, firearms instructors should also include washing their hands after handling any type of food before working with others.  Many people suffer from peanut allergies and some can even experience severe reactions to the slightest amount of exposure.  Fortunately, my student and I were lucky this day, and we are able to actually teach each other!

SHE CAN SHOOT.blogspot: Girls With Guns

SHE CAN SHOOT.blogspot: Girls With Guns: Recently CNN published an article, Girls With Guns at:   http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-857733. It was an interesting spin that briefly i...

Girls With Guns

Recently CNN published an article, Girls With Guns at:  http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-857733.

It was an interesting spin that briefly introduced the positive effects on what transpires when a girl is introduced to firearms.  In addition, the article proposed that we also begin educating young girls on firearms training in school.

I offered a response:

I think that this article only highlights the endless possibilities of what can happen if a girl is introduced to firearms training.  As the owner of a national SHE CAN SHOOT, LLC, I have seen young women gain the strength, confidence, and empowerment to fight any adversity just because she discovered that as a female, she achieved this hidden talent. This is such an amazing experience and accomplishment for a young girl because the sport and opportunity is usually only introduced to boys.

I have witnessed such accomplished confidence fight eating disorders, bullying, self-esteem issues, and a new drive for achievement.

In addition to being the CEO of SHE CAN SHOOT, LLC, I am also a consultant for various defense contractors. My years of government training and experience have placed me in regions of Africa and Afghanistan. During these periods, I witness many indigenous men within villages deployed to serve as security.  The harsh reality is that these villages leave behind women and children who are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves. 

Training these young women to physically protect their villages and families is much like your comparison of how women protected their homes while the west was settled.  Not only does this empower the community against such threats, it promotes social change and empowerment among women in these countries where their voice is largely ignored.

It goes beyond "teaching her how to fight." Teaching a girl the responsibilities of firearms training and the importance of recognizing what would be considered an actual physical threat to her and her family needs to be involved.  We have witnessed this in a recent Oklahoma incident where a 12 year old female is at home alone.  A home invasion occurs and the young woman is forced to grab the only known weapon that she has been trained with, a shotgun, in order to fight against the threat that had followed her throughout the house.  The end result was that this young woman was unharmed.

As indicated above in your article, "You are not only educating her, but you are helping her realize that she has the rights and that she is responsible for protecting her family."

Tina Wilson-Cohen

SHE CAN SHOOT, LLC (CEO & Founder)

What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Firearms Training Over An Alarm System

Recently, I was contacted by one of our SHE CAN SHOOT members who wanted me to share her story as to why she selected firearms training over having an alarm system.  Out of respect for her identity and to honor her request, I will call her PZ.

For you ladies out there who are on the fence about taking firearms training, please read her experience:

Having found myself prematurely retired, I had begun to enjoy the bliss of sleeping without an alarm clock and catching up on TV series that I missed from 2001 - 2011 because of erratic work hours.  All was well until several police cars showed up at a neighbor's home 2 doors away last spring.  Somewhere between 10 - 11 AM, their back deck door was kicked in and jewels were stolen, many from previous family generations.  Because of the hour of the break in and the specific items stolen, I wasn't too worried and thought family friends or relatives might have been involved.

Several months later, a break-in and entering was attempted about 7 houses from me in my small safe rural Montgomery County community.  This occurred in a cul-de- sac, the burglar seemed to be on foot, and tried to commit his crime around 9 in the morning.  My husband saw him walking down our street as he left for work.  He wondered about this unfamiliar person walking toward a dead end in our neighborhood but he never called me about it and would never think to call the police.

Although there were two cars in the driveway and the residents were home, the burglar tried to break into the back door and when the alarm went off, it scared him away.  The next day had several security company trucks installing home security systems in my neighborhood.  We already had a system.  I told a neighbor that my security system is a great idea when we're gone but both break-in's this year were done in the morning hours when I'm home.  It didn't take much thought to realize a gun would make me feel more protected. 

I did some quick research on guns and women on the Internet and decided I needed a 9mm.  My friend and I went off to the gun shop where I made my purchase.  The Internet guided me to Gilbert's Shooting Range for lessons.  While there, they told me they had instructors but that a woman, Tina, had started up a group, SHE CAN SHOOT, for women and would be offering lessons in various parts of the metro area.  

I contacted Tina and we chose to meet at Gilbert's. My lesson included such topics as  revolvers, pistols, ammunition and safety factors.  Rather than starting with my gun, Tina had a bag full of guns and she suggested several that I should start off with.  She selected a non-threatening target (circles instead of a grizzly mean man or a ghoul), picked the ammunition, and lent me ear muffs for protection and safety  glasses.

We entered the lane we were assigned and Tina organized the target, ammo and the gun for my first shot.  I was a little scared and asked her to shoot the gun first and she did.  Next, I took the gun.  As I looked around, no one was paying attention to me nor pointing and saying "look at that retired woman learning to shoot."  I felt very comfortable.  When I took the gun into my hands, I knew that this was for me!  It felt so natural.  I tried several guns, all .22 caliber, and the recoil I expected didn't exist.  This was a lot of fun. 

I decided to try Tina's .9mm before trying mine and was surprised to find that the recoil was pretty intense and that I couldn't rack the slide.  Learning to shoot comes with its own vocabulary, by the way.  In other words, I couldn't move the slide back which is essential.  I lacked the strength in hands and arms.

So I was stuck with a gun I couldn't use.  I wish I had known about SHE CAN SHOOT before I bought it.  Tina suggested I try to exchange it for a .22 caliber but the paperwork is intense because of reassigning serial numbers, etc.  Plus, it could no longer be sold as new so I did not get all my money back.  I did buy a Ruger SR22 that I am passionate about.  It's a great gun and I try to practice 2 - 3 times per week.  I am totally confident with it and feel that if need be, I would be able to shoot an intruder in my home.  Tina and others have told me don't let anyone tell you that you can't cause damage with a .22.  

I feel empowered as the result of my training and practice. SHE CAN SHOOT offers many opportunities for women to get together for various types of instruction, to shoot at ranges and for other related social events.  It adds a level of comradery knowing that women of all ages and walks of life are sharing a sense of empowerment.  As for me, I just may be ready to move on to a .9mm.

~PZ

SHE CAN SHOOT Helps Women Discover Their Strengths and Hidden Talents!

It is in each one of us, whether we have discovered it or not, every woman has a talent.  SHE CAN SHOOT uses firearms training and self-defense as a catalyst to help women become empowered and build confidence.  It is on this journey that each woman hopefully discovers or validates her strengths and talents.

Check out our recent SHE CAN SHOOT female student's testimony.  She discovered her hidden talent:

What kind of women shoot guns? Here is my story. I am a 62 year old grandma, a retired teacher who is now an artist, a photographer and golfer. I signed up for Tina Wilson’s Firearm Instruction class to overcome my fear of guns, to learn gun safety, and to learn how to protect myself.
When my husband took an NRA class, I was very upset to see a gun in the house and was admittedly afraid of the thing. It was my husband who found “shecan shoot.com” on the internet and encouraged me to sign up for Tina’s class. I was not thrilled with the idea but felt that I needed to overcome my fear, to educate myself, and to learn how to defend myself. That was it. Period. Or so I thought.
After Tina’s instruction, the students went to the shooting range to practice what we had learned. Just the reverberations I heard from the shooting range gave me the chills (chills of intimidation, not of excitement). Tina helped me get set up in my lane. I aimed and slowly pulled the trigger. When my session ended, I flipped the switch to return my practice target. Well, what do you know. I completely shredded the “X” right out of the bulls eye. I guess I am a natural. Anyways, that is what Tina said.
When I got home I showed my husband my target practice sheet. He was in awe and could not believe it. He said, “ If there is ever a problem, I am handing you the gun”. I felt very proud of myself. But what is more important is that I have educated myself on the use of firearms and feel confident in my ability to protect myself. We are heading to the gun shop to purchase my first firearm this weekend.
So, what kind of women shoot guns? Smart, confident and empowered women. See you at the range.

Wendy Schobert

At SHE CAN SHOOT, our lessons are simple, and the results are remarkable!  Discover your hidden talent!

What Am I Doing Wrong?

In the past couple of years, women have been crossing off "firearms training" from their bucket list.  Ladies, the firearms industry has taken notice. There are guns out there that look like they were dunked in a Pepto-Bismol bottle and forgotten for centuries. What used to appeal to young girls, "Hello Kitty," has now caught mom's eye as the logo can be seen plastered on AR-15's.  Hearing protection and safety goggles have even caught the pink and purple fever.  But with all of this fashionable hype, why do some women fail to have a love affair with their firearm?  After all, the majority of women have been told that "this is THE gun for them," or some females have had a family member purchase a firearm for them as a present.

Once we have this new item, the next step is taking our "friend" to the range.  There is nothing as embarrassing than if we can't pull the trigger, or when we do, the entire front end of the firearm drops.  As a result, the target boldly indicates that the most popular shots she is capable of firing are to the groin area.  This is multiplied a dozen more times, "What am I doing wrong?"

So maybe your new purchase hasn't been taken out of the box until you arrive to the range.  As you place your hands around the grip of of the firearm, this area is so large that there is no way that a finger can reach the trigger without canting your hand sideways.  The slide on the semi-automatic doesn't appear to move no matter how hard you attempt to lock it back. "What am I doing wrong?"

All of your friends comment how they enjoy shooting.  Your like-minded girlfriends want to show off their guns.  Are you serious? Why am I not having such a good time? Well, your hand hurts, you feel like a weakling, and you think that you aren't capable of being a proficient shooter. "What am I doing wrong?"

Sadly, many women experiencing these symptoms don't understand that there is a remedy for these problems.  First, females need to understand that selecting a firearm is like looking for a great pair of shoes that need to be comfortable and fit properly!  You wouldn't go shopping for shoes with your girlfriend and force your foot into a shoe that fits her or proves to be a great selection based on your girlfriend's taste in shoes, would you?

The grip area of a firearm is very important.  This needs to fit your hand comfortably, while also allowing your finger to reach the trigger as the "backstrap" area of the grip remains in the middle of your hand.  Gun manufacturers are becoming smarter and offering some firearms that allow the interchangeable grips to be swapped out depending upon hand size.

Remember, only the middle padding of the trigger finger should be on the trigger itself when firing.  Your hand should not move at all when firing.  Trigger control means pulling the trigger to the rear rather than applying a "slapping" movement of the trigger with your finger.  Slowly let your trigger finger ride the trigger all the way out, this is "follow through."  If you can't do this because the trigger is so hard to pull, and you find that it is impossible to not move the firearm, this trigger is to much for you!  This is causing the downward movement of the firearm.  As a result, your shots will continue to fall below the bullseye on the target.

Oftentimes, a bad habit can occur when a shooter anticipates the gun going off followed by a "bang."  This is called anticipation.

Firearms with "hammers" are great especially on revolvers because they afford you the opportunity to cock the hammer back when firing each shot which is called "single action."  You will find that this might improve your ability to actually fire into the bullseye without forcing the gun in a downward motion because the trigger was originally so strong.  As a side note, there is a possibility that a gunsmith can also go in and release the tension on your trigger making  you a happier gal!

The bottom line is that a firearm purchase should be based on what YOU like and what fits YOUR hand!  The best way in determining this is to rent as many firearms at the range for shooting, and make a list of what you might prefer.  Join a women's firearms group, such as SHE CAN SHOOT, that will allow you to go shooting and receive training with various firearms.  Get feedback from other women!  Next time, don't let that person behind a gun counter sell you what they think you should have.  Arm yourself with knowledge.

SHE CAN SHOOT Nationwide training!

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SHE CAN SHOOT, Firearms & Self Defense, Chapters Nationwide

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The Gender Differences As It Relates To Firearms Safety Training

She arrives to the firearms safety class after researching her instructor’s firearms experience and her investigative intuition has already acquired what would be expected from her.  He examines and compares the varying prices of courses, and seeks information from his male circle in finding an instructor. Throughout the process of identifying a trainer, she comes into contact with several styles of training.  She is turned off by those who imitate a hard core militaristic method of training.  He takes in this information, and his desire is to become part of the brotherhood.  He imagines himself standing side by side with these men who are the next terminators. She is not impressed by offers from male instructors that promote firearms training for women only classes.  He wonders why there should be special classes for women shooters. She becomes hesitant by offers from female firearms instructors whose shooting experience is very limited. He is hesitant in taking a class from any woman unless she has demonstrated experience or has been referred.

Depending upon the gender demographic in class, she is initially quiet without a need to boast about the highest caliber she has ever shot, if any. He loves demonstrating his knowledge of any kind to the firearms class, while anticipating the countdown to range time.  Her inquisitive nature spurs questions that end with a request, “Can you show me?” Usually, he offers details from the latest rumor, movie, or information that his friends “have told him.”

Upon arriving at the shooting range, she is curious and cautious. He walks up to the line and grabs the gun. Each shot that is fired on the range startles her.  She does not care if anyone observes this.  If anything bothers him, it is not noticeable. In fact, he is waiting to “get this show on the road.” While on the line at the range, she listens intently to her instructor’s advice.  Each step taken is deliberate with focus.  While on the line, he grabs the gun and proceeds to fire as rapidly as possible as if the quicker, the better.  The instructor continues to make requests for him to slow down and not “slap the trigger.” A sudden, unexpected smile illuminates her face as her shot breaks the bullseye on her target.  This is the encouragement that was needed to calm her nerves and uplift her confidence.  

At the end of the class, her target reveals that SHE CAN SHOOT!  His countenance remains unchanged.  He realizes that the class is finished, however he wishes to remain on the range and continue shooting. She leaves feeling armed with more confidence, and she is now ready to begin her journey in researching what lucky firearm will be hers, eventually.  It might be pink, it could be purple, but it could also dark or steel in color which matches her wardrobe at home.

Homework?  Yes, most women take a firearms training course and explore the opportunities of shooting several firearms before making a purchase. Her research in finding an instructor did not end there.  Much like trying on a pair of pumps, she examines how various guns fit her hand and realizes that it is indeed a very individualized choice. She asks as many questions as she does in handling several firearms before the purchase has been made. On the other hand, he primarily compares prices, solicits advice from his friends, and his selection is typically based on what is popular.

The latest Gallop Poll on guns reports that 47% of Americans now have guns more than any time since 1993.  Those firearms purchases are largely attributed to women.  It is reported that 23% of women confess that they are gun owners; up from 13% in 2005.  I use the word confess because oftentimes, women in general don’t feel the need to announce to the world that they are a proud owner of a gun.  Rather, a large percentage of female gun owners covertly carry for an element of surprise should danger surface; or their gun is safely stored at home.  More men adorn their waistline with the presence of a firearm depending on the geographic regions of our country.  It is like passing a fellow motorcyclist, he has joined the circle. Those who know him are familiar with his interest in firearms and his enthusiasm for shooting.  There is no expected surprise or odd look from anyone as he approaches the subject.  When she happens to mention that she is shopping for a firearm, eyebrows raise and some may ask, “Are you in trouble?”  Her “coming out” in taking such a class or acquiring a firearm might earn her a label as “being odd,” or paranoid from certain peers or social groups in our community, but nonetheless, she might be your sister, mother, grandmother, co-worker, wife, or partner, and,  SHE CAN SHOOT!

*Although some readers may view this article as being condescending in nature towards males, the purpose or intent is to post a compilation of opinions based on personal observations and experiences that have been gathered from male and female firearms instructors that note the differences as it relates to firearms training between the genders.  It is merely a general observation, and the writer acknowledges that not all female and male shooters may fit in the categories that have been mentioned. 

-Tina Wilson-Cohen

SHE CAN SHOOT, President

WHY WOMEN SHOOT

SHE CAN SHOOT, LLC is featuring a series,  "Why Women Shoot." 

SHE CAN SHOOT would like to feature Olga Diana in our "Why Women Shoot" series.
Olga Diana joined the Northern VA chapter, SHE CAN SHOOT: The Shooting Divas in 2011. Along with her beauty and melodic accent, she also brought some previous shooting experience to the group. Since joining SHE CAN SHOOT, Olga feels that she has gained more experience and confidence leading her to consider becoming a future firearms instructor.

Why does Olga Diana shoot? She admits that one of her personality traits is having a strong personality. This trait is what sparked her desire to become interested in shooting. "Years ago, shooting was considered more of a man's thing to do, and I wanted to prove to myself that I can be as good as anyone else," states Olga. As a result, Olga feels that not only did she become a good shooter, she discovered that this was also a catalyst in "building self-control and confidence because you have to coordinate the control of your mind and body in order to focus." "The amount of focus that is necessary can also be applied to your goals in life to allow achievement."

Today, Olga applies that accomplished focus and confidence to a jewelry business, Brenap Jewelry, which she owns. Now rather than doing the occasional bi-weekly skydiving escapades that was once enjoyed, Olga gets her adrenaline rush at the range, but that follows after her zen moments as she shoots,

Her message: "Understanding that guns don't kill people, people kill people; if we all have the education and a better understanding of this fact, while treating firearms with respect, this world would be a safer place for us and our children."

Feel free to check out her website at www.BrenapJewelry.com

What are the reasons behind this?

For the past couple of years our nation has seen women increasingly becoming interested in purchasing firearms and becoming educated on firearms safety.  This is not a small spike.  It is more like a 65% increase that the firearms industry has witnessed, hence the pink and purple firearms that are now out there along with pink targets and accessories.  SHE CAN SHOOT, LLC headquarted in Centreville, VA was highly responsibile for initiating firearms education and training for women throughout the D.C. metropolitan area by using highly experienced and certified female instructors starting in 2010. Today, SHE CAN SHOOT has over 1800 members just in the Capitol Beltway area, and chapters continue to open throughout the United States.  The education and training is also passed on to each woman's family members and friends as they are allowed to also attend.
But why the spike and the attention?  SHE CAN SHOOT welcomes your story and comments.  Please feel free to also forward your story to www.shecanshoot.com on why you as a woman have become interested in firearms.http://wj.la/MidYTY

Has Your Child Been Educated On Firearms?

Have you ever watched a child pick up a water pistol or toy gun and studed its behavior?  The predictable outcome is that the child will place its finger on the trigger, point the gun at the intended target, and pull the trigger while announcing, "bang, bang."

On another note, not that it can't occur at any time, however summer usually means older children and teens left unattended at home while parents work. Would your child know what to do if he/she came in contact with a firearm? You may not have any firearms in the household, however, as a parent, we can't prevent our youngsters from being exposed to a weapon if they are over at someone else's house.

Does your child understand the potential dangers of an air rifle or pistol or pellet gun? Simply not owning any firearm is not enough these days to prevent your child from the dangers that exist with these weapons. Children need to be trained on the potential hazards and safety of all firearms, including the necessary steps to take when coming into contact with them.

There are too many occurrences that we hear about in the news which involve children dismissing air rifles and pistols as toys and being injured. Not to mention, children's curiosity with firearms in the house that lead to a gun going off and a person is killed.  

There are debated arguments on whether children should train with the parents or if the parents should only receive firearms safety training and awareness. However, only 1 in 4 households pursue this type of available training because one member usually believes that he has at least a minimal amount of knowledge about how a gun operates.  Scary information, but true.  

It has been my experience for the past 15 years as a firearms instructor that training together as a family not only takes the natural curiosity and fascination of firearms away from a child, but proper training at this age also builds "muscle memory" in which a youngster will be able to fall back on when coming into contact with them.  The respect of handling a firearm and what it can do becomes more of a reality than the impressions that Hollywood introduces.

~Tina Wilson-Cohen, President
SHE CAN SHOOT, LLC