Janie's Got a Gun...Concealed Carry Certification - Sound Off!

We took our Concealed Handgun Certification class yesterday.  It was fun, but man, it was a hot day - I think the high was 111 degrees.

Though we own pistols, I had never before shot a pistol.   Can you believe that?  The shotgunner I am, yet I’d never shot a pistol?  Craziness.  I've been missing out, I can tell you that!

I have a Kimber .45 caliber auto, and ThatManILove has a Beretta .40 caliber auto.  He thought that it would be better for me to shoot the Beretta, since I’d not shot before.  It was definitely a lighter gun!

We all met at the Stripes convenience store at Loop 250 and Big Spring St.  My brother and sister-in-law joined the class, as well as some of our friends.  It was a great group.  Our instructor was Dennis Morris, and he is an awesome, entertaining instructor.  

The class was very informative, and they helped each of us with our guns, teaching us gun safety along the way.

Then, we started shooting.  We each had targets, and we lined up in a straight line, fifteen yards from our targets.  It was a little nerve-wracking, but fun, as well.

And I realized within my first five shots...I don’t know how to aim.  I shoot my shotgun with both eyes open, which is a huge plus in sporting clays.  I don’t use the bead on the end of my shotgun.  If your shotgun is mounted correctly, you will basically shoot where you look, and with a little practice, you’ll hit your clay targets.

Isaac Urias was assisting Mr. Morris with the class, and will soon have his instructor’s license.  I told Isaac what I thought was going on, and he helped me.  He told me I could try to aim with both eyes open, but I found it easier to shut my left eye.  My shooting improved immensely once I adjusted to aiming.  Isaac was very good and helped me with the little things, like changing out the clip with my left hand so my right hand never leaves the pistol, etc.  He’s going to be a great instructor.

Finally, we were ready for the range qualification test.  Requirements are that you fire a total of 50 rounds at a B-27 target, scoring at least 175/250, shooting 20 rounds from the 3 yard line, 20 rounds from the 7 yard line, and 10 rounds from the 15 yard line.  I scored a respectable 244/250, so I was very pleased.  ThatManILove, who says he can’t shoot, scored a 248/250!

Afterwards, we broke for lunch, and then went for our classroom portion of the test.  I learned so much!  I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

 We're going to go shooting this week, to become even more familiar with our weapons - the instructors encouraged us to practice, practice, practice.  

 I'm often alone, in different towns and places, and thought this might be a perfect solution for protection purposes.  Today, however, I’m warring with the responsibilities of carrying a concealed weapon, and all that carrying entails.

What about you?  Have you ever thought about carrying a gun for protection?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.