I need help, and don't know who else to ask. My fiance, and girlfriend of 8 years is taking her CHL test tomorrow. I already have mine, and shoot very often. It has taken me a long time to get her even to pick up one of my guns. I bought a buck mark 22 to try and teach her with, but she doesn't see the point in learning to shoot with a 22 because she can't test with it. So I went out and let her pick a gun. She picked a ruger sr9c, and likes the way it feels. The problem I am having is she is all over the place, and when I try to correct her she thinks I am picking on her. She takes her test tomorrow, and our last time before she test is tonight at an indoor range. Looking at her she has good form square shoulders looks like strong arms, but always aims left. I try to get her to correct her wrist, but for some reason she aims left. I am 6'6 so looking over her I can see the gun pointing a foot or so left. When I correct her she says this doesn't look right, but hits the target. I know she shouldn't carry a gun, and probably won't. But is set to take this test, and I know better than to stop her.
Tips to help Fiance pass her CHL shooting test.
- Thread starter stokesj19
- Start date
TheNocturnus
New member
I wouldn't worry about it. When I took my CCW class the instructors wanted everyone to pass so they worked with those that could not shoot very well.
It is better to have a third party train your Fiance rather than you. She will likely learn more and not feel like she is being picked on.
Also don't feel that she shouldn't carry a gun. She has every right to do so. I wish I could get my wife to want to learn how to shoot and then carry a weapon. I would feel much better about her going to and from work if she was armed and capable with a firearm.
It is better to have a third party train your Fiance rather than you. She will likely learn more and not feel like she is being picked on.
Also don't feel that she shouldn't carry a gun. She has every right to do so. I wish I could get my wife to want to learn how to shoot and then carry a weapon. I would feel much better about her going to and from work if she was armed and capable with a firearm.
You tried. Be happy with that. It sounds like she is a wonderful woman and like many women can be resistant to advice from loved ones. I think they call it being pig-headed or some clinical term like that. The fact that she can load and pull the trigger is a plus. Peer pressure and the instructors will help her learn sight alignment rather quickly. No hits equals no pass. Its a great motivator to listen.
Hhmmm....Well, I hope she does well. With re: to someone that can be trusted that can teach the s.o. to shoot, I'd ask around for a recommendation for a professional instructor. [It's amazing how much "trust" just naturally seems to arise subsequent to handing a "recommended" person your money. I think that phenomenon is called cognitive dissonance.]
I'm not certain why her lesser half thinks that she shouldn't carry a gun. I'm thinking that if she wasn't pressured into signing up for the class, then it's her decision to make.
[Re: my own experience....I paid my money to the state, got the CHL packet, studied the rule book that came with the packet, studied the fuller online version, practiced extensively out back with the pistol I intended to use, paid up up for a CHL class, sat through the first part of the class, decided I didn't want to carry a gun off-property, and bailed during the break. I made my own decision re: carrying--no one influence me 1 way or another...which is the way I think it should be.]--Patrice
I'm not certain why her lesser half thinks that she shouldn't carry a gun. I'm thinking that if she wasn't pressured into signing up for the class, then it's her decision to make.
[Re: my own experience....I paid my money to the state, got the CHL packet, studied the rule book that came with the packet, studied the fuller online version, practiced extensively out back with the pistol I intended to use, paid up up for a CHL class, sat through the first part of the class, decided I didn't want to carry a gun off-property, and bailed during the break. I made my own decision re: carrying--no one influence me 1 way or another...which is the way I think it should be.]--Patrice
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Speaking strictly as an NRA-certified instructor: it might not be a bad idea to find her a woman instructor. I've done well with my women students, but some women find it easier to learn from women than men.
Best of success to both of you, eh?
Best of success to both of you, eh?
You guys need to find an old gravel pit and go roll some tin cans around. Good practice with the CF's but fun (and much cheaper) with the Buckmark too. Milk jugs and other plastic containers full of water are also entertaining with the centerfires.
Just be sure to pick up after yourselves.
Just be sure to pick up after yourselves.
chris in va
New member
Sounds to me like she's cross eye dominant. Better check that.
Arouind here , there are some very good female instructors, and women seem to love taking classes from them. They are always booked up.
They "speak the same language" ......
now, push the "thingy-a-majig", and pull back the black "deal" right there...
Remember, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution. They will treat you like any kids will, they will ignore everything you are saying..... but if someone else says the exact thing, they'll listen to them, and you'll wonder why you've been banging your head against the wall. It's just the way it is.
Then tell her, that if she gets a perfect score.... you are doing all laundry, cooking, shopping, dishes and housework for the next 2 months. She won't miss a shot.
They "speak the same language" ......
now, push the "thingy-a-majig", and pull back the black "deal" right there...
Remember, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution. They will treat you like any kids will, they will ignore everything you are saying..... but if someone else says the exact thing, they'll listen to them, and you'll wonder why you've been banging your head against the wall. It's just the way it is.
Then tell her, that if she gets a perfect score.... you are doing all laundry, cooking, shopping, dishes and housework for the next 2 months. She won't miss a shot.
Madcap_Magician
New member
I find it's less a matter of the gender of the instructor as much as it is that The Instructor Is Not My Husband/Boyfriend/Fiance.
WI Birdhunter
Inactive
I'll second the cross eye dominant post. I'm betting that she's shooting with both eyes open and trying to line everything up with the non-dominant eye.
I don't advocate parents, husbands, or other "significant" others teaching family the art of shooting, 5 speed transmissions, or volleyball. This is all from personal experience. 
I would say practice, practice, practice but since you asked the day before the test, I would say "good luck".
I would say practice, practice, practice but since you asked the day before the test, I would say "good luck".
I agree, I'm a firearms instructor, but I would find someone else to train my family members.
Regarding shooting left: Without watching her shoot, I'd tell her not to stick her trigger finger so far in the trigger guard (assuming she's right handed).
You can adjust your sights with your trigger finger, if shooting left, use less finger, if shooting right use more finger.
This is easily seen by dry firing with a laser sighted pistol/revolver.
Regarding shooting left: Without watching her shoot, I'd tell her not to stick her trigger finger so far in the trigger guard (assuming she's right handed).
You can adjust your sights with your trigger finger, if shooting left, use less finger, if shooting right use more finger.
This is easily seen by dry firing with a laser sighted pistol/revolver.
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
I have never had any success teaching any of my girlfriends anything but basic safety. I won't even try that with my wife. I am going to have to find someone to work with her in the Spring.