Rifles and Pistols and Shotguns, oh my!

Archive for the ‘Firearms’ Category

Rifles and Pistols and Shotguns, oh my!

November 17th, 2010

Elisa

I needed a relaxing getaway a little while ago. So what did I do? Yep, you guessed it – I went shooting. I went out to the desert with a friend to try out a few different types of guns. Once we were set up and ready to shoot, we started off by plinking at jugs with our .22 rifles. (I prefer to kneel down and support my left arm on my knee because my arm gets tired quickly. This helps if you have a weak left arm from sitting at a desk all day like me.)

Afterwards it was time for some handgun practice. We used the lovely targets left behind by strangers we couldn’t even thank. My friend is a rifle and shotgun guy, but he enjoyed the 9MM Springfield XD and is adding a handgun to his gun wish list.

Shooting a .22 Rifle

Shooting a 9MM Pistol

Shooting a 12 guage shotgun

Last but not least (and the main reason for going) was shotgun time! This was my first time shooting a 12 Gauge and I was surprised to find that it didn’t kick as much as I thought it would. (You need to make sure you hold it properly and tight to not get a bigger kick.) I think some of the large caliber rifles that I’ve shot kick more than the shotgun did. I started off by killing a zombie to get a feel for the shotgun. (If you’d like to shoot some zombies you can order targets from Law Enforcement Targets, Inc. You can also check out my Shooting Diva vs. Zombie post.)

This zombie was on the wrong end of a shotgun

Once I got acquainted with the shotgun it was on to the clay pigeons. Again, I was surprised – shooting clays was not as hard as I thought. I’d never shot at a moving target before and found it more exciting than simply shooting at a target. I will definitely be doing more of this! (Look out birds, I may be going hunting next.)

So I learned a couple of things…

Shotguns are not as hard to handle as you may think, and you should definitely try clay pigeon shooting – it’s really fun! Oh yeah…and zombies aren’t scary at all.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

P.S. If you want a Shooting Diva shirt like the one I’m wearing in these pictures, you can order one here.

Shooting Diva 1 : Zombie 0

Posted in Firearms

Tags: .22, 12 GA, 9MM, clay pigeons, clays, female, firearms, gun, guns, handgun, pistol, Rifle, shooting, shotgun, woman, women, zombie

2 Comments »

Shooting in the Desert Oasis

November 10th, 2010

Elisa

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go shooting in the desert. I always get excited for a shooting trip, but something happened on this trip that was different. I felt like a child again, experiencing curiosity and excitement. What stirred these feelings? Let me tell you…

As I was waiting for my friend to put the clay pigeon thrower together, I casually strolled around our spot. I looked around the desert landscape and started collecting bullet shells. I laughed to myself as I realized a new correlation – instead of collecting seashells on the beach I was collecting bullet shells in the desert! Even though the circumstances are quite different, my anticipation and excitement were exactly the same. The thrill of finding new treasures reminded me of hunting for seashells as a child.

Seashells that will soon become cherished treasures

Bullet shells in the desert each tell a different story

The beautiful landscape of the sandy beaches are covered in beautiful seashells. Each has a unique color, shape, and size. Finding the best shell (or at least the one you like best) is a favorite pastime for young and old alike.

Is it possible to get this same feeling in the desert? While shooting guns? Absolutely! The desert may differ in color and texture but there is still a wealth of treasures for the curious at heart. The desert floors are filled with shells, just like the beach. But these shells don’t come from a clam or a snail, they come from shooting guns.

Seashells

“Desert” Shells

As I explored the landscape, I was interested to see what guns others shot (and to see if there were any that I hadn’t heard of before). I found some great pieces, including a bullet out of the shell that was almost completely intact – it had only just grazed something on one side. Other treasures I found included unused paper targets that must have blown away, a roll of tape to use with the targets, and clay pigeons that were missed and landed safely.

I had fun cleaning up the land, going on a treasure hunt, and collecting shells for Julie Teeples – an artist who makes jewelry out of bullet shells. It was truly an adventure and I can’t wait until next time.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Bullet Pendant Necklace - Deep Purple

The comparison of the seashells and bullet shells
inspired me to change an old tongue twister especially
for Shooting Divas.

SHE SELLS BULLET SHELLS
She sells bullet shells,
On a shell site.
The shells she sells,
Are surely bullet shells.
So if she sells shells,
On the shell site,
I’m sure she sells,
Bullet shells.

Posted in Firearms, Uncategorized

Tags: arizona, bullet shells, desert, firearms, gun, guns, shells, shooting, woman, women

2 Comments »

Shooting Diva vs. Zombie

November 4th, 2010

Elisa

I had a BLAST this past Saturday! Can you think of of better way to celebrate Halloween than to shoot up a Zombie Target? I didn’t think so. (I did go to the gun store after wards and picked up more ammo and holsters – it was a day in Heaven for me.)

A friend and I headed up to the Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club outdoor range in Mesa, AZ. The weather was wonderful – finally cooling off from the crazy Arizona summer. The 30 plus benches were are full! Friends, Spouses, children – everyone was out having a good time learning or perfecting their shooting skills.

Elisa's Zombie Target

First we started attacking our zombies with hand guns (Glocks and a 1911) close range. Then we switched over to shooting rifles – a Remington .223 and an AR15 to go out to 200 and 300 yards. (If you like my shirt you can buy one here.)

Elisa shoting an AR15

So where did I get these great targets?

I found them at my local range, but you can also order them online from Law Enforcement Targets, Inc. They are only $1.49 each! Be sure to check out their other great targets.

Zombie Shooting Targets

For a little history on the Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club watch this video. They have great prices and activities. I’m pretty sure I’ll be getting a membership (you can never have too many shooting options).

So ladies, I urge you too jazz up your shooting routine by using fun targets, new guns and shooting at new places. There is a great world out there and so much potential for a Shooting Diva!

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Posted in Firearms

Tags: .223, 1911, AR15, arizona, female, Glock, gun, guns, mesa, Remmington, Rio Salado Sportsmans Club, shooting, shooting range, targets, woman, women, zombies

4 Comments »

Practice Makes Perfect – Shooting Arcade Style

October 27th, 2010

Elisa

I have a confession to make…I didn’t get much shooting in this summer. I finally went again just last week and was fearful that I would be out of practice and off target. To my amazement I was better than ever! I was confused – how could this be?

True, I do watch cops shows and even dream about myself using guns in defense or tracking down a bad guy as an FBI agent – but is this mentally prepping my mind or is there another reason why I did so well after not shooting for months?

A week before I went shooting I went out to lunch with my coworkers at Dave and Buster’s (last time I was there I beat my date at all the shooting games). My coworkers and I had fun playing arcade games after wards. Of course I was hitting up the shooting games big time! I was after zombies from House of the Dead, criminals in Time Crisis 4, robots in Terminator Salvation and much more.

House of the Dead Terminator Salvation

Time Crisis 4

After a few games I started to notice my arms getting tired from holding up the guns. The thought came to mind that this is good practice and A LOT cheaper than paying for real ammo. $20 playing games goes a lot farther and lasts longer than $20 at the range! Had I just found one more way to practice my shooting skills? I could practice my stance and how I hold the gun as well as aligning my sights.

I believe this really did work seeing as I went to the range a week later and had my best shots when most people would tell me to expect myself to be off.

Elisa's Oct 2010 Person Target Elisa's Oct 2010 Bullseye Target

Was it the games or was it just my skill? Why don’t you put it to the test and let me know how it turns out for you!

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Posted in Firearms, Uncategorized

Tags: arcade, games, gun, guns, practice, range, shooting

2 Comments »

Should you get a laser for your handgun?

October 7th, 2010

Elisa

I’ve been thinking that it would be a good idea to get a laser to add to one of my guns or purchase a gun that has it built in for more accurate night use. I found the article “Tag Team, Home Defense Duo: your handgun – plus a laser unit – can stack the odds in your favor” by Richard Nance in the October 2010 issue of Guns & Ammo magazine to be very useful in confirming this thought.

“At zero-dark-thirty when you’re awakened by the sounds of broken glass, it’s much easier to acquire your target with a laser than with traditional sights.”

HERE ARE THE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GET A LASER UNIT:

Lasers allow you to focus on the threat. Instinctively you’re going to focus on the threat and not on your sights. It takes a second to get your eyes to change your focus to your sights – this may be valuable time that you don’t have.
Lasers are invaluable in close quarters. Your gun may be positioned below your line of sight and you may not be able to change this. In this case the laser is your confirmation that you are on target.
Lasers help with targeting when shooting in an unorthodox way. If you have to shoot one-handed or in another way that you are not used to, a laser makes it easier to attain your target. They also have the added bonus of allowing you to keep both eyes open, expanding your view.
Lasers are less conspicuous than light. Your threat may see your laser but it is less noticeable than a light for figuring out your position (a light is a good idea to identify the person if it is too dark for you to do so on your own). The best practice for using your laser or light is to do so sparingly and to alternate your position.

These are great benefits, but don’t forget that having a laser with your gun will not help with threat identification. You should also have a light with you to be sure of who you are shooting at. Also remember that lasers are like any other piece of equipment – they could possibly malfunction – so you better be able to use your regular sights.

LASER UNITS REVIEWED IN THE ARTICLE INCLUDE:

Do any of you Shooting Divas have a laser unit? Please share your thoughts with us.

Yes, I and all of you female shooters out there just got more justification for buying a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard!

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

P.S. You can view my S&W Bodyguard post as well.

Posted in Firearms

Tags: article, guns, guns and ammo magazine, lasers, review, S&W Bodyguard, safety, sights, Smith and Wesson Bodyguard

1 Comment »

A General’s Daughter and a Charity

September 9th, 2010

Elisa

I recently read “A General’s Daughter Carries on Family Tradition with Sporting Clays Event” in Women & Guns Magazine. In this article we learn about Jesica’s shooting history and her family’s tradition of giving.

Jesica Schwarzkopf’s father taught her how to shoot a gun when she was 10 years old. She lost her interest in shooting due to her girlie interests as she grew up. This all changed a little over a year ago. Joining her parents at the 15th annual Sporting Clays Classic to benefit The Children’s Home in Tampa, Jesica saw first hand what it was all about. “I absolutely loved it, and had a blast shooting the guns and hitting some of the clays” she said.

When it came time for this year’s event her parents were not able to attend so Jesica went in their place. Her father, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf is the honorary chairman of the event and Jesica “…wanted to attend on the family’s behalf so there would be a Schwarzkopf there.”

For the full story check out the July/August 2010 issue of Women & Guns magazine.

Elisa with Women and Guns July/Aug 2010 Magazine

About The Children’s Home:

This charity is the oldest of any kind on Florida’s west coast. The Children’s Home was an orphanage from 1892 through the 1950′s. It then expanded it services to meet the changing needs of children and families. Today they help over 8,000 children and adults each year. They focus on helping children and adults by:

Healing the trauma of abuse and neglect
Finding and supporting forever families through adoption, kinship and foster care
Strengthening families through prevention and outreach programs

What others have to say about the Sporting Clays Classic:

First timer and new to shooting clays, Ellen Topping said “I felt proud to be part of this event, and I’ll be attending next year.”

Martha Zwierko who has been shooting all her life tells us why she went. “I like the challenge, the outdoors aspect, the satisfaction of blowing those little Frisbees to bits, and I like that it’s really an equal-opportunity sport.”

Autumn Joiner came to the Classic for the first time this year with her fiance and said “It’s our way to give back.”

The Next Event:

The 17th annual Sporting Clays Classic will be held on March 26, 2011, at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O’Lakes, Florida. For more information on this upcoming event visit their site.

Jesica is a Shooting Diva that is giving back to her community. What can you do to help?

Of over 400 attendees only about a dozen women attend this event. Will you make your Shooting Diva skills known? If you’re planning to go to the beach or Disney World, why not add in some charity shooting for The Children’s Home? You may just start a new tradition of your own!

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Posted in Firearms, Uncategorized

Tags: charity, clays, event, female, Florida, guns, shooting, Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, The Chilren's Home, women, Women and Guns magazine

3 Comments »

Children’s Gun Safety Materials from the NRA

August 26th, 2010

Elisa

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program

This program was created by the NRA with the help of qualified professionals in 1988 (yes I even remember this being taught in my school as a child). The purpose of the Eddie Eagle Program is to promote the protection and safety of children should they encounter a gun. The program is for pre-k through third grade children and teaches them four important steps to take if they find a gun. The simple rules taught are:

If you see a gun:

STOP!
Don’t Touch.
Leave the Area.
Tell an Adult.

Materials to teach this program are easily available (also available in Spanish) for a small fee and include: student workbooks, 7-minute animated video (available on DVD or VHS), instructor guides, brochures, and student reward stickers. Grant funding may be available for schools, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, daycare centers, and libraries.

Parents’ Guide to Gun Safety

Because parents play a key role in teaching safe practices to their children and are responsible for their behavior and safety the NRA also offers a Parents’ Guide to Gun Safety.

If guns are kept in your home, the safety of your and possibly other children rests on you. Parents who accept the responsibility to learn, practice and teach gun safety rules will increase their child’s safety. According to federal statistics, there are guns in approximately half of all U.S. households. Chances are that someone you know owns a gun and your child could come in contact with it at a neighbor’s house, when playing with friends, or in other situations even if you do not own guns yourself.

You should teach your children about guns the first time he or she shows an interest in firearms, even toy ones. Talk openly and honestly about gun safety with them. Explain the rules and answer their questions.

Some areas to cover when teaching your children about guns include:

Toy guns vs. real guns
The difference in being shot in a movie or game vs. in real life
Safe gun storage
Safe gun handling

If you have a gun or will purchase one soon and have children, these materials may help you teach gun safety to them. Don’t avoid teaching them this lesson because you are not sure what or how to teach. Children are precious and should be protected. Their natural curiosity can be dangerous to them. You don’t want a fatal accident to be your fault – take precautions now.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Posted in Firearms

Tags: children, Eddie Eagle, gun safety, guns, kids, NRA, Parents' Guide, tips

10 Comments »

Who’s Your Bodyguard?

August 12th, 2010

Elisa

Unfortunately we can’t all be Whitney Houston and have Kevin Costner as our “bodyguard“. However Smith & Wesson has given us two NEW choices for ultimate protection, the S&W Bodyguards – as a .380 pistol or a .38 revolver. See them in action in the video below.

SMITH & WESSON BODYGUARD .38

Action type: DA-only revolver

Caliber: .38 Special

Capacity: 5

Barrel length: 1.9 in.

Overall length: 6.6 in.

Weight: 14.3 oz.

Sights: Pinned front

Finish: Melonite & anodized

Grips: Synthetic

MSRP: $625

SMITH & WESSON BODYGUARD .380

Action type: Hammer-fired semi-auto

Caliber: 380 Auto

Capacity: 6+1

Barrel length: 2.75 in.

Overall length: 5.25 in.

Weight: 11.85 oz.

Sights: Drift adjustable

Finish: Melonite

Grips: Molded polymer frame

MSRP: $575

Smith & Wesson’s New President, James Debney says the Bodyguards “stand out as platforms with cutting-edge performance advancements.” You can read a review of the Bodyguards in the September issue of Guns & Ammo magazine: just look for the S&W Bodyguard .38 revolver on the cover.

I myself have been looking into getting a smaller conceal carry gun. The Bodyguards have definitely gotten my attention! I might be getting the .380 pistol – small, light and yes…it’s sexy.

Have any of you researched, tried or purchased the Bodyguards? If so, please let us know what you think.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

P.S. I recently got a shi zhu puppy and I named him Wesson

Posted in Firearms

Tags: .38, .380, bodyguard, conceal, conceal carry, guns, pistol, revolver, self-defense, smith&wesson, weapon

3 Comments »

Teaching Children Gun Safety

August 5th, 2010

Elisa

With firearms found in about half of all American households gun safety education needs to be taught to children. Many accidents don’t need to happen. In my opinion they are not accidents, but situations that could have been avoided if adults were responsible with their guns and taught their children gun safety.

Use every opportunity you can to teach children proper gun safety and usage.

Recently I was out of town visiting family and we went to a fun restaurant called Pirate Island. In their arcade they a had a pirate-themed shooting range. My nephew, Brayden and I were excited to give it a try and get tickets. My 18 month old niece Kylli tried to get in on the action too! I was able to take this opportunity to teach him how to properly hold the air powered rifle and how to align the sights. Brayden is only six years old but he listened intently and was a good shot (of course I was better).

Brayden, Kylli and I Elisa The Shooting Diva

With our winnings from this and other games Brayden chose his big ticket item – a toy gun. I was so proud. Once we were home and he was playing with his gun in the back yard he came over to me and started asking me all sorts of questions about the gun. How you would load it if it was real, how he should hold it etc. I answered his questions and took this opportunity to teach again.

Be responsible and teach your children now! They are NEVER too young to learn.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Posted in Firearms

Tags: children, gun safety, guns, kids

1 Comment »

Ladies, Shooting Divas is Here For You!

June 30th, 2010

Elisa

My name is Elisa and I am a graphic designer and an avid shooter. I started Shooting Divas to be the place for female shooters – whether your are experienced or just starting. I want to educate women to not be afraid of guns and encourage them to enjoy shooting as a hobby.

So how did Shooting Divas come about? I’ve always been interested in guns, but I didn’t grow up around them. I was up for any opportunity to use guns and learn more about them – but the opportunities only came when I dated a guy who was into guns.

I finally purchased my own gun almost 2 years ago. (Coincidentally when President Obama won the election…) I finally had enough of waiting for opportunities and said “I’m going to do this on my own! I don’t need a guy to teach me about guns.” There have to be resources and other women interested in shooting and guns…so I set out on my quest to become skilled and educated.

I took an introduction to firearms course at Caswells, a shooting range in Mesa, AZ. It consisted of classroom instruction and shooting practice. I learned a lot and felt more comfortable with my gun. I would highly recommend taking a class from the experts instead of relying on friends.

The course was four hours long with classroom and shooting instruction. It was the best investment I’ve made. I was a little apprehensive about going at first, as I’m sure most would be. I thought I would be greatly out-numbered by men, but I was happily surprised to find that the women actually out-numbered the men! Not only that, but most of the women were my Mother’s age! (I love you Mom!) These women were not going to be afraid of guns or be a future victim – they were taking control and planning now. I learned more in those four hours than all of my previous experience with guns. I furthered my eduction on guns by taking a CCW permit class. I took this class at Black Wolf Defense. I was very pleased with the instructor, John Hansen Jr.

With my new found passion I began thinking of cute “women shooter” shirt ideas that would be fun to make, fun to wear and would work to promote and encourage women to use guns. I talked to some of my coworkers, friends and family – they liked the ideas and suggested that I try selling them. That was all fine and dandy, but I really wanted to create awareness in a larger and faster way. So here I am. You can find me here blogging about the latest news, tips, other female shooters and more.

I welcome any comments, questions and suggestions you may have. Just leave a comment, send me a tweet @shootingdivas, comment on the Shooting Divas Facebook page or email me at elisa@shootingdivas.com.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Posted in Firearms, Uncategorized

Tags: guns, shooting, women

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