The firearm industry has traditionally been a guy’s club, and that was fine in the past; it was just how it was. My dad taught me the basics of shooting and kept it fun, but in the ’70s, shooting and hunting weren’t exactly what girls in my neighborhood were into. Thankfully that is changing, and more women are learning to shoot than ever before.
It’s always a blast watching women pick up a firearm for the first time, and even better when they start to enjoy it. When I first got into shooting, I encountered a mix of well-meaning teachers and a few people who made me want to throw the gun down and storm off the range.
I’ve had my fair share of encouragement as well as some, let’s say, less-than-ideal “guidance.” Most men I meet genuinely want their ladies to get as fired up about shooting as they are. But, let’s be real—some of you fellas could use a little coaching on how to make that happen. I took it upon myself to run a very scientific poll (aka” Facebook official”) asking women what got them excited about shooting and what turned them off.
Now, I’m sure none of you fine gentlemen are guilty of these missteps, but just in case, here’s a “What NOT to do” guide you can share with your buddies. Heck, some of these tips might even spice things up beyond the range. Who knew shooting advice could even lead to a better relationship?
- Assume She’s Not into It
Unless she flat-out said she’s not into it, chances are she’s at least intrigued. Maybe she’s just overwhelmed by the idea of squeezing in range time between work, the kids, and, you know, her other responsibilities. Maybe—just maybe—she’s interested, but could use a little help getting in the mood. Pro tip: Organize the babysitter yourself. A little thoughtful planning might get you some points and who knows where that kind of effort could lead later?
- Compare Her to Other Women
Ah yes, nothing gets a woman hotter (and by “hotter,” I mean “angry as Hell”) like comparing her to your ex, who was a skeet champion. It’s sort of like telling her that your mother’s meatloaf is better. Or, better yet, remind her how Larry’s wife is a “total hunting babe,” Yeah, that’s going to make her want to run out and buy that shotgun. Spoiler: Maybe not for the reasons you hope.
- Take Charge Without Asking What She Wants
There’s nothing sexier than… communication. That’s right, ask her what she wants! Whether it’s learning to shoot competitively, go hunting, embrace concealed carry for self-defense or just trying to see what the fuss is all about, give her a say in the experience. Planning it all out without asking what makes her feel good, doesn’t usually lead to happiness, on or off the range.
- Don’t Bother with the Details
Ladies love a little pre-game planning. It’s not that we can’t be impulsive, but we do like to know what we’re getting into. So, if it’s her first trip to the range, help her get warmed up and feel confident by giving her plenty of information. What should she wear? What will she see? What’s the vibe? How can she look good while doing it? Skip the prep, and you might find she’s not the only one feeling unready for the big moment.
- Rush the Process
Fellas, this is one place where slow and steady wins the race. Rushing the experience, and not paying attention to what feels good and safe, can lead to a range disaster. There’s no need to speed things up. Slow down, let her savor the moment, and I promise both of you will enjoy it a whole lot more.
- Treat It as Only a “Physical” Thing
Women are emotional creatures, who want to enjoy every part of an experience. And yes, that includes the shooting range. We want the sights, sounds, smells and all the sensations. If you expect her to just “get the job done,” she might not have the time of her life and your dreams of her becoming your shooting partner could fizzle out fast.
- Maybe You Are Not the Best Instructor
You might not be the right person to help your lady find her shooting groove. (It’s okay, no hard feelings.) Sometimes the person closest to you is not the best one to teach you how to drive, ride a horse or handle a firearm. Set that ego aside, cowboy, and let her learn from someone who clicks better. Your goal is to make sure she has the best experience, right?
- Use the Wrong Sized Gun
A cute, pocket-sized piece may look like it’s easier for her to handle, but that’s often not the case. Small guns can be harder to grip and uncomfortable to shoot. Find something that fits her just right, with enough weight to absorb recoil, something she can get both hands on with ease. I hate to say it, but size really does matter regarding her enjoyment of the shooting experience.
- Forget About Protection
Safety first, right? Keep her well-protected with the right gear. That means more than just a nice gun, it means eye protection, ear protection, and the right clothes. (Pro tip: Low-cut tops and flying brass don’t mix well; it leads to burns in all the wrong places). Trust me, making sure she’s comfortable will go a long way toward ensuring she has a good time.
- Don’t Let Her Include Her Friends
Women are herd animals. (Ever seen one of us go to a restroom alone?) We love doing things together, cheering each other on and learning from one another. Let her bring her girls along, it might just be the most fun she has all week. Don’t worry, she’ll still want to do things with you, but a little all-ladies range day could be just the boost she needs.
- Don’t Give Her Space
Fellas, she can handle this all by herself. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step back, watch her shine, and let her take the lead in her training. Having a partner is great but giving her the room to learn and succeed (or fail, and then succeed) all on her own can boost her confidence like nothing else. If she needs a little alone time at the range, that can be a good thing.
- Talk Down to Her
When I walk into a gun store with my husband, the salesman often assumes he’s the one buying the gun. Or worse, they talk to me like I don’t know which end of the gun goes bang. Here’s a tip: treat her like she’s got a brain and knows how to use it. After all, enjoying firearms is about what’s between her ears, not just the firepower in her hands.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll not only help her enjoy shooting–you might just rack up some serious brownie points. And hey, who knows? Maybe those sparks at the range will lead to sparks at home. After all, a little thoughtful communication can go a long way… in more places than one.
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