THE PRETTY PISTOLERA

Classes for Chicks

I was having a lovely conversation with a young lady named Michelle the other day.  We got on the subject of shooting, girls (shooting comma girls, not shooting girls), and guns.  She told me about a friend that just got into hunting and she loves it.  Michelle mentioned her friend was taking classes through the something-something-conservation-blah-blah-blah.  I finally had some free time to get Google-geeky and do the research. 

Found it!  The Missouri Department of Conversation has hunting classes for women.  For women!  How cool is that?  There is a Bird Clinic and Hunt and a Turkey Clinic and Hunt.  Girls only, no boys allowed.  As I was surfing through the site I also discovered co-ed skeet and trapshooting classes (squeeee!).  As for the Hog Eradication 101 class, I'll pass.

UPDATE:  Oops.  I meant conservation, not conversation.  I actually looked at the word five times to make sure I didn't screw it up.  Give yourself bonus points if you caught the type-o.

Back to School

Those of you that have been reading for a while know I am a big advocate of self defense.  Bottom line, self defense is a learned skill!  If you recently joined us here at The Pretty Pistolera, please do your homework by reading my Ode to Jeanie Bueller. 

If you are a woman in the St. Louis metro area, there is a self defense class on Saturday, September 14th. The class is offered by the Missouri Competitive Shooting Academy where I took a couple of classes (and learned a ton, by the way). 

The self defense curriculum includes basic self defense and some firearms training. If you need a self defense class or happen to be curious about your self defense options, this class a good place to start.  And, it's inexpensive (only $25, lunch included). Get your girlfriends together for a "girls day" at the range!  For more information about the class visit the MCSA website or email me (link on the upper left) and I'll send you the information.   

One of the things on my "aspirational to do list" is to have a calendar of self defense classes available across the country.  If you know of an upcoming class in your area, please let me know. 

Chicks!

I almost forgot!  There were more women at the match yesterday than I've ever seen.  I wasn't the only girl!  There were at least five women competing and at least three or four watching.  Hooray! 

It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with Katie.  Her dad is teaching her how to shoot competitively and she's doing great!

Hot Date!

Breda blogged about "quality husband and wife time at the range."  We (actually is was just me) had a conversation with our friend Jenna about "range dates" this weekend.

Jenna:  We go to the range sometimes for a date night.

Me:  Really? That is a great idea!

Jenna:  The only problem at the indoor range is that it's so hard to hear.

Me:  I know. I prefer the outdoor range for so many reasons. I remember the first time I went to an indoor range.  I thought I was going to die from smoke inhalation.

John:  Huh?

Me:  They go to the range for a date night, but it's hard to hear each other at the indoor range.

John:  Huh?

Me:  Range. Date. Night.

John:  They don't allow black powder at that range any more.

John was half listening again.  He is great about picking up key words like "range," "ammo," gun," and "shooting."  His ears are like radar detectors for his favorite words.... other "less important" words, not so much.

Right on Target...

Check out "Finding Truth" over at Breda's. Just the day before she mentioned she had blogger's block!  Breda, no one could say this better!

"That someone could be, or should be, treated differently because of something like their gender has never made sense to me." 

"...the fact that I am a woman should have no bearing on what I can, or at least on what I attempt, to do."

Taking up this sport/hobby was a very hard decision for me. I am not usually a scaredy-cat, but, I had so many pre-conceived notions!  I refused to listen to any of John's rebuttals against my silly arguments. I was terrified to put myself in a position where I was vulnerable to embarrassment and humiliation. Regarding the people I've encountered at the range, I was so wrong.  I agree with Breda's assessment:

"I have seen so much diversity at the range, so much openness and camaraderie among those that would probably never even exchange a hello in any other situation."

It is so true!  Everyone has been friendly and encouraging. I am so glad I agreed to try shooting.  Looking back, this was a great decision for several reasons:

• My awareness of what is going on around me is much higher
• My confidence in being able to protect myself and Winston has soared
• Competitive shooting is a fun sport John and I can do together
• I am learning something new.  Brain power!
• I've met so many smart, funny people that I would not have met otherwise

If you are on the fence about trying competitive shooting or going to the range for the first time, I encourage you to try it!

It's Here! New Kel-Tec PLR 22 Review

The Kel-Tec PLR 22 arrived yesterday morning and John was like a little kid at Christmas.  He smiled all day long!  I didn't get to play with the new toy until this morning.  I skipped a Spinning class for a quick trip to the range. 

The Kel-Tec PLR 22 looks bad and intimidating, but, it's all fun and no recoil.  We had some extracting issues this morning, but otherwise it's loads of fun.... and did I mention no recoil? 

Hooray!

Check it out!  Lissa had a great time at the range!  She notes in her post:

"Note to self: next time skip the purple shorts and pink top, and go for basic black.  Lara Croft suits the image a bit better than Rainbow Brite.  It’s amazing that people handed me guns instead of the TeleTubbie that got whacked."

Lissa, all I can say is... don't wear a tank top!

Right on Target...

Catching up on The Breda Fallacy this evening... I discovered I am not the only one applying yoga principles at the range.  Hooray!  Breda talks about "feeling how things work, breathing, and quieting the mind."  I agree wholeheartedly! 

My favorite yoga principle to apply at the range is "where your eyes go, your body will follow."   Gary C. from Michigan taught me about eye drills several weeks ago.  Once I saw the results I immediately linked his lesson back to Bikram Yoga.  This has helped me improve my accuracy tremendously. 

Guys, we hear you snickering.

  

Gun Nuts - The Next Generation

Check it out! 

I joined Ahab, Squeaky, and Breda on Gun Nuts: The Next Generation this evening. The show was about women and concealed carry. We also talked about competitive shooting sports. 

The Gun Nuts are on every Tuesday at 11 PM EST.  It rocks!  Add it to your "podcast must listen" list.

Click here for the July 15th podcast of Gun Nuts: The Next Generation.

Pretty Pistolera's Weekend Update...

What a weekend!  We shot a USPSA match with the MO-CSA shooting instructor on Saturday morning.  The match was in the middle of nowhere, literally.  No cell signal!  The Blackberry didn't even work... how is that possible in 2008?  Sunday morning was the IDPA Postal Match.  I didn't do so well... I blame sleep deprivation although I know it's a lie. 

I need practice.  This week I plan to work on speed reloads and do lots of accuracy drills.  Any other suggestions are very welcome.  This is a video from Saturday's USPSA match. 

You can check out the rest of the videos on YouTube.

In addition to the two matches, our nephews visited this weekend. Steven participated in the IDPA Postal Match and Luke got shooting lessons from Uncle Gun Loving John after the match.  And, the best news of all... Steven's lovely girlfriend, Megan, fired a gun for the first time!  Hooray, another girl that likes guns.  You can check out their videos on YouTube, too.   

Reflecting on a busy weekend filled with fun, family, and friends... the funniest thing I heard was at the gas station in No Cell Signal, Missouri.  From a mom to her fifth grader... "run like your butt's on fire!"