Women-Only Basic Handgun Class - SE Mich

[SigSire]

My wife is open to learning to use a handgun (Sig Mosquito 22) for home defense purposes (we'll hold off on the CPL for a bit). She has no previous gun experience and has a fair amount of apprehension about guns in general.

We have talked about perhaps a womens-only intro class to get her some exposure and experience. I think she would fair better in a womens-only class rather than having men (especially me ;)) around.

Any available in the SE Michigan area (primarily Northern suburbs of Detroit)?

[byeguns]

Call Firing line in Westland. They have female instructors and no guys in the range when they hold the class and my wife loves it.

[SigSire]

I just checked out their website. It's perfect.

Thanks.

[Trebor]

Karen and Marty from K&M Academy run female only classes as well.

They teach a good class and I recommend them highly.

You should also keep an eye out for the "Women on Target" events that will start happening in the spring. These are NRA sponsored shooting events for women designed to introduce women to safe firearms handling and the fundamentals of marksmanship.

Karen runs an event at the Livingston Gun Club.

I also help run two or three Women on Target events down at CCRC in Williamston.

[SigSire]

Ah, another great option.

Thanks.

[fbuckner]

KayL onthe boards here as well is an excellent person to teach. She is a NRA Instructor and a wealth of knowledge.

[a new guy]

contact Marty at www.kmtactialresponseacademy.com

[BA]

Contact Karen and Marty from K&M Academy at http://www.kmtactialresponseacademy.com/
I'm also an Instructor, I don't run any family members thru my classes. I sent my daughter to K&M. They do a great job. You can't go wrong.

ba

[SigSire]

Thanks, everyone.

[K12144]

Where is K&M located at? I saw some things on their site that seemed to suggest Novi, but the site also says they teach in a number of areas...

[fbuckner]

In our experience we have found it really doesnt matter if you have a womens only class or not. To be honest most women outshoot a lot of men. Today we had two new women shooters with 12 men shooters and these women in their early thirties had no problem and felt very at ease with the instruction. It depends on the instruction not the gender specific classes.

[K12144]

I think women tend to like women-only classes for a couple reasons. One, there isn't the pressure of feeling like men might be watching you and thinking "she'll never make it" and feeling like you need to live up to what they do. Two, you don't have to deal with the attitude some may have (which I've seen before--the guy at a gun shop who gave me a syrupy-sweet tone as he said, "have you ever shot before, honey?" or the guy at the gun show today who greeted my partner and acted as if I didn't exist). Three...some women may find it empowering to be surrounded by competent women rather than being the only one or one of the few in a men's class and feeling like you're alone in the crowd or a freak. Four, you aren't the "odd man out" (see above).

[calvinpetey]

I personally enjoy co-ed shooting. Expecially when you get some macho, smart ars brute in the lane next to you "strutting his stuff".

I find it totally gratifying to load up the .357 Smith & Wesson (Highway Patrolman) with some nice hot magnums and show him how a "girl gets it done".

I might not look quite as "butch" as he does when I shoot...but I probably have a better looking group on my target.

But when all is said and done, I am there for one reason and one reason only...to shoot. I don't care who is next to me, I get caught up in the moment. I am there to try to improve my skills and I have learned to block out everything else.

The more you shoot, the better you get. The better you get, the more confident you feel. The more confident you feel the more adept you will be at defending yourself and your family should the need arise.

Do whatever it takes, get out there and shoot!!!

:mg: :help:

[Trebor]

Where is K&M located at? I saw some things on their site that seemed to suggest Novi, but the site also says they teach in a number of areas...

Like most instructors, Karen and Marty don't own their own range. That means they teach where they can make arrangments to rent range time or have other access to a range. The good news is they aren't then limited to ONLY teaching at one location.

To find out where else they teach besides Novi just contact them directly. They could answer any of your other questions at the same time.

[10T.Sharp]

I attended a class at MICPL.net in Hartland, MI with my husband to better understand firearm safety and the training needed for CPL in Michigan. I could not have asked for a better experience.

The instructors were very professional, and know a great deal about firearm safety and MI laws. I was nervous at first but felt at ease during class time and at the firing range (I didn't even have to ask for help). They took the mystery out of pistols!

The guy sitting next to me in the class portion told me that he was happy to see women in the class. At the Howell Gun Club, I had two other guys tell me that they wished their wives would have also taken the class.

I feel comfortable with firearm safety now and understand the responsibility of proper CPL training. I will definetly take more classes with MICPL.net in Hartland. Can't Wait!!

Ladies if you have any questions, let me know.

[SigSire]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

[MICPL]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

Hey Sig,

Just a suggestion, my wife will also be taking our class as well in Feburary. My wife is a bit nervous, so I think it would be great to have both of them there to lend a little bit of support.

[JKGirl]

My wife is open to learning to use a handgun (Sig Mosquito 22) for home defense purposes (we'll hold off on the CPL for a bit). She has no previous gun experience and has a fair amount of apprehension about guns in general.

We have talked about perhaps a womens-only intro class to get her some exposure and experience. I think she would fair better in a womens-only class rather than having men (especially me ;)) around.

Any available in the SE Michigan area (primarily Northern suburbs of Detroit)?

Get her this mosquito and you cannot go wrong;)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o171/dpiontek/newgun005.jpg

I have it and I love it!! Also I never understand why women want to go to the Firing line to be taught by "female" instructors...give me a hot guy any day -- come on!!!! give her a reason to want to go back;) :roflmao:

[Rugergirl]

My class is tomorrow at Double Action, Dad and hubby are taking the class as well.
I've talked with the instructor on the phone and get a great impression, I think I'm really going to enjoy the class.
I'll report back Monday and let you know how it went.
As far as girls only classes I really don't think I'd enjoy them as much. I am very competitve by nature and have always enjoyed "beating the boys", I feel it help to bring out the best in me.
I compete with myself everytime I go shooting and my goal is to better each time, no matter who else is there.

[dsp]

My class is tomorrow at Double Action, Dad and hubby are taking the class as well.
I've talked with the instructor on the phone and get a great impression, I think I'm really going to enjoy the class.
I'll report back Monday and let you know how it went.
As far as girls only classes I really don't think I'd enjoy them as much. I am very competitve by nature and have always enjoyed "beating the boys", I feel it help to bring out the best in me.
I compete with myself everytime I go shooting and my goal is to better each time, no matter who else is there.


So Rugergirl how did the class go? JKGIRL

sorry I am logged in under dsp by mistake;)

[Rugergirl]

So Rugergirl how did the class go? JKGIRL

sorry I am logged in under dsp by mistake;)

The class was great. Great instructors, that were able to get out the facts everyone needed to learn, at the same time the class was far from dry and boring. We all came away with a great education, some with improved skills, a few laughs and a true understand of a lot of things many people might not have thought of.
For me personally the range time was bothersome. I had several issues with misfires and gun jams. We went to the range Saturday for practice and I'm not happy with 4 jams out of 50 rounds with a brand new gun. Most of the problem was not ejecting spent brass, but I did have one round that the rim was hit twice and never fired, the tip has a small whole in it but not all the way through the tip. Sunday morning I preloaded both clips, checking each bullet and found another with a bad crimp, deep gouge in the crimp. Ammo or gun or both? I'm leaning toward ammo as the problem and won't be firing anymore of the Winchester Super X. I did a full take down and cleaning Saturday and everything looks fine with the gun. Had I known I was still going to have problems I would have used the GP100 instead of the MK III for the range time. I've previously owned am MK II and never had a single misfire with that gun and I had to easily had 35,000 rounds through it.
Aside from the misfires issues I loved the class and instructors, and wouldn't hestitate to recommend Jim Binder's class to anyone.
Tomorrow afternoon the three of us will head over to the County Clerk and submit our apps.

[PhotoTom]

We went to the range Saturday for practice and I'm not happy with 4 jams out of 50 rounds with a brand new gun. Most of the problem was not ejecting spent brass

What kind of gun?

[Rugergirl]

Ruger MK III 5.5" bull barrel, basically the same as the old MK II I had years ago and never had a single misfire ever.

[PhotoTom]

Ruger MK III 5.5" bull barrel, basically the same as the old MK II I had years ago and never had a single misfire ever.

Did you just get this gun...or...has it run good for you in the past and now just suddenly developed a FTE issue?

[Rugergirl]

Did you just get this gun...or...has it run good for you in the past and now just suddenly developed a FTE issue?
New gun purchased 01-16-09 fired less than 300 rounds.

[PhotoTom]

New gun purchased 01-16-09 fired less than 300 rounds.

I'd suggest trying some different ammo...if that doesn't resolve it...then I'd bet the ejector is out of adjustment or defective.

Good Luck!

[Rugergirl]

I'd suggest trying some different ammo...if that doesn't resolve it...then I'd bet the ejector is out of adjustment or defective.

Good Luck!

My thoughts as well. Spoke to the gun shop, was told return bad ammo for a new full box of something else, bring gun along for inspection as well.
I did a complete take-down and cleaning Satuday evening, visual inpection everything looks fine, no signs of any rough or burred areas. Typical of the Ruger MK series the gun is tight and took a few hammer taps to remove and reinstall barrel as the old MK II did the first few times I took it down, but there isn't any visual problems that I can see or feel.

[fbuckner]

Im glad you enjoyed your CPL class.
What bothers me is if this was an NRA course? They suggest nothing smaller than a .380 or .38 for personal protection rounds. We were also taught that unless the student has an issue that they may prevent them from using those minimums we should refrain from the use of .22 in class..

[Rugergirl]

Im glad you enjoyed your CPL class.
What bothers me is if this was an NRA course? They suggest nothing smaller than a .380 or .38 for personal protection rounds. We were also taught that unless the student has an issue that they may prevent them from using those minimums we should refrain from the use of .22 in class..
I agree, this gun is a plinker, good for target practice and something to start the daughter with when she's ready.
The GP100 is the primary home defense gun for now.
Both hubby and I will be getting a more suitable carry gun, 9mm for me and whatever he selects.
But give me some time, we just got these two in the past month and half.
We will both be audutioning carry guns at the range to see what we like best.

[fbuckner]

2 guns in a month and a half Say thats pretty good!. I suggest you stay away from the really small handguns like the ruger LCP for now. I am an honest Ruger fan but that damn thing hurts my hands being so small and some good punch coming out of it. I suggest a compact Smith M&P or Compact Glock.

[Rugergirl]

2 guns in a month and a half Say thats pretty good!. I suggest you stay away from the really small handguns like the ruger LCP for now. I am an honest Ruger fan but that damn thing hurts my hands being so small and some good punch coming out of it. I suggest a compact Smith M&P or Compact Glock.
Dad owns the SW M&P 9, I've fired it and like it. I've held but not fired the H&K 230, fit's my hand nicely, will be renting one to see how I like it.
Also considering Sig P226 P229 Springfield XD line, or a Glock.
I am petite with small but strong hands, and I will need something small enough to be able to conceal.
I like firing the GP100, feels good in my hand, no problems with recoil and used to shoot competively with a Super Redhawk .44Mag several years ago.
I can be decieving at 5'4" 130 pounds, most people are surprised that I can lift and carry close to 100 pounds.
For those who carry 9mm's are there any others I should consider?

[fbuckner]

226 is a great choice as well they have a nice trigger and are great shooters.

[JKGirl]

Dad owns the SW M&P 9, I've fired it and like it. I've held but not fired the H&K 230, fit's my hand nicely, will be renting one to see how I like it.
Also considering Sig P226 P229 Springfield XD line, or a Glock.
I am petite with small but strong hands, and I will need something small enough to be able to conceal.
I like firing the GP100, feels good in my hand, no problems with recoil and used to shoot competively with a Super Redhawk .44Mag several years ago.
I can be decieving at 5'4" 130 pounds, most people are surprised that I can lift and carry close to 100 pounds.
For those who carry 9mm's are there any others I should consider?

I just sold my Taurus PT-111pro for a S&W M&Pc 9mm...I really really like my M&P. The Taurus was ok.... but the M&P is great- easy to shoot and fun.:-)

[Trebor]

Dad owns the SW M&P 9, I've fired it and like it. I've held but not fired the H&K 230, fit's my hand nicely, will be renting one to see how I like it.
Also considering Sig P226 P229 Springfield XD line, or a Glock.
I am petite with small but strong hands, and I will need something small enough to be able to conceal.
I like firing the GP100, feels good in my hand, no problems with recoil and used to shoot competively with a Super Redhawk .44Mag several years ago.
I can be decieving at 5'4" 130 pounds, most people are surprised that I can lift and carry close to 100 pounds.
For those who carry 9mm's are there any others I should consider?

If you like Sigs, definitely check out the Sig 239. It's a single stack pistol desiged for carry. The grip is smaller then the other Sig's and my female students tend to find that it fits their hands very well.

It's available in 9mm, .40 and .357 Sig. I have the 9mm version and it's a really sweet shooting gun and very concealable. The 9mm holds 8 rounds in the mag.

The 239 is available in both standard DA/SA mode and also in the newer DAK double action mode.

Where are you located? If you are anywhere near Walled Lake we can meet at the range sometime and I'll let you try my 239.

[Rugergirl]

If you like Sigs, definitely check out the Sig 239. It's a single stack pistol desiged for carry. The grip is smaller then the other Sig's and my female students tend to find that it fits their hands very well.

It's available in 9mm, .40 and .357 Sig. I have the 9mm version and it's a really sweet shooting gun and very concealable. The 9mm holds 8 rounds in the mag.

The 239 is available in both standard DA/SA mode and also in the newer DAK double action mode.

Where are you located? If you are anywhere near Walled Lake we can meet at the range sometime and I'll let you try my 239.
Thanks you for the offer Rob. Walled Lake is quite a drive for me, I'm in Eastpointe. I'll check to see if I can rent one at Double Action where I usually shoot. If not I may just take you up on that offer.

[SigSire]

Thanks you for the offer Rob. Walled Lake is quite a drive for me, I'm in Eastpointe. I'll check to see if I can rent one at Double Action where I usually shoot. If not I may just take you up on that offer.Yup, you can rent a 239 at Double Action, if I recall.

I have the 239 SAS Gen II in 9mm with Crimson Trace laser and love it. Great gun.

[nic1010]

If you like Sigs, definitely check out the Sig 239. It's a single stack pistol desiged for carry. The grip is smaller then the other Sig's and my female students tend to find that it fits their hands very well.

It's available in 9mm, .40 and .357 Sig. I have the 9mm version and it's a really sweet shooting gun and very concealable. The 9mm holds 8 rounds in the mag.

The 239 is available in both standard DA/SA mode and also in the newer DAK double action mode.
.

R-girl,

This is a great gun! I am looking to use it as my carry pistol....40 w/a DA/SA trigger. It fits my hand very well...now I'm just getting used to shooting it regularly. That single stack makes for a different feel in my hand (over the other Sigs). It's also small enough to carry comfortably and not look huge on a woman's hip.

I've also been really pleased with the Springfield XD's. I have both a 9mm and a .45 that also fit REALLY well in my hands. I have added a Hogue grip to the 9mm to reduce slipping/any movement and it's made for even better shooting. They are worth taking a look into and maybe renting for a try.

Be sure to post after you've tried these. I'd love to see what you think of them!

:) nic

btw, I love the disclaimer you add to the bottom of your posts! Too good! :)

[Rugergirl]

The XD 9mm is another one that sounds promising. Something tells me I'll be renting a few different guns. I held the Kahr CW9 today and that one is on the "to try" list as well.
Maybe I just need a bigger gunsafe???
And thanks for the compliment on my "disclaimer" I adopted that from a boating forum I belong to, it's almost a requirement with some of the folks there:shake:

[remingtondude58]

...are there any others I should consider?


I do not carry but the Glock 27 (26 in 9mm) shoots well and I also like the S&W M&P and if you are willing to go 380 then the Beretta Cheetah (I shot it at the MGO fun shoot and it was amazing).

[SLAMnoma95]

I own a Bersa Thunder 380 that I like for carry, its light, and fits my hand perfect.

The Springfield XD9 is a sweetheart though, thats probably my favorite of all the guns I own. However, it's the 16+1 4" model...not exactly the most carry friendly.

I also live in Eastpointe and try to get out to Peter's on gratiot every other week or so, if you are ever interested in shooting the Bersa or XD

[Craig]

My experience has shown me that it doesn't necessarily make a difference. There are some men who feel self concious about being around other while handling guns. And the men who are in class tend to make just as many mistakes with some of the lessons as the women do.

CPL classes require certain things to be taught regarless. It's a very basic class and fundementals. Guys who've handled guns all their lives often times have learned unsafe habits and bring them to the class. It's these bad habits that need to be corrected, often times the women don't have the bad habits because of their lack of gun handling and pick up things faster.

[Rugergirl]

Update:
We rented and fired the Kimber Pro Carry II on Saturday, left a deposit on a set of twin Pro Crimson Carry II's, and picked those up Tuesday.
I hadn't considered a .45 until I fired the first 7 rounds, and decided right there that "we were meant to be".
Since we picked them up we've both put 175 rounds through them and are really happy with the choice.