Training

My oldest daughter had been hounding me to take her out to the range. While not exactly what I would consider a "Tomboy" she is adventurous Camping, fishing, four wheeling, and yes, shooting. She like them all.

She is very proficient with the air pellet rifle and the proper handling of firearms so I finally agreed to train her on this:

I have since received some grief from individuals, and my parents, for allowing my daughter to handle the weapon, let alone shoot. They have bought into the false notion that handguns, or any other type of gun for that matter, are unsafe and dangerous. In the hands of the untrained or in the hand of criminals yes. I'd agree.

I would rather have my children know how to properly handle a weapon than not. I would not want my child, or any child for that matter, to just run up to a weapon and pick it up. It is that lack of knowledge that's the dangerous part.

The primary rule my kids are are taught is that if they see a gun laying around they not to touch it but are to come and get me or another responsible adult. If they follow the primary rule all the other rules become obsolete However, if they have to move a weapon for the safety of others, knowing they know how to properly check and handle a gun makes such a scenario safer for everyone.

So, can my daughter shoot? You bet. It's been my experience, from golf to fly-fishing to shooting, the women can, and often do, beat the men with their relaxed accurate casts, tee shots and shooting skills.