I gave her the choice of weapons to fire (her first time) from the ones I owned or a rental and explained what she might expect from the various options. She opted to use one of mine a Springfield XDs 9mm. She did quite well for her first time. She took her target home for display and we went to lunch after. The conversation was all inclusive about her experience at the range and how she enjoyed it and would be willing to go again. I planted the seed that if she ever wanted to pursue getting her license that I would fund the endeavor.
Fast forward to last weekend where a dear Aunt was in town (76 years old) from Colorado. She was staying with my brother in Dallas and due to my work schedule I only had Sunday to visit and entertain. She wanted to see me and of course my family. I got the strange idea that maybe she would enjoy a range visit as well! I know, I know, a little bit of stretch here. But when I asked if she would be interested in that. She surprisingly replied. "I always wanted to do that!"
So after we all met for brunch on Sunday. My Aunt, my Daughter, and myself headed to the range.
Note: Due to previous feedback from my Daughter I purchased a Bersa .380 and I introduced it to her saying that she could take custody of it whenever she was ready.
The range time went smoothly and all went well. My Daughter seemed to have much more confidence and poise than her first visit and my Aunt did pretty darn good for a seasoned lady. She did have a habit to want to hand me (standing behind) her firearm after every string of fire. Everytime I grabbed her hand and pistol gently but firmly keeping the muzzle down range to prevent her from doing that. Hey! She is 76 years old, about 4'11" and 85 pounds. I think still, not bad for an old lady!
Both ladies took their targets with them when we left and we decided to stop for drinks to discuss the day's events (cokes, and iced tea at Chili's).
After hearing from my Daughter that she really enjoyed the .380 and that she felt like she had much more control and accuracy with it. I reminded her it was hers for the taking when she wanted. Her only objection is that she would have to get a safe or lock box for it before she could. I showed her the lockable transport container that I had in my car and told her, if she liked, she could have mine and I would get another one.
So she thanked me and took the .380 home with her. I told her before the day was over that she would need to clean it and told her she could learn how on youtube or other websites.
A couple of hours later I got a call from her. She went on to tell me how she bought a cleaning kit for it and another magazine so she could have one loaded with JHP and the other for the range, and she was also looking at range bags. She went on to ask a lot of questions about the LTC Class and application process. She further requested if we could plan some time so I could show her how to clean it which of course I agreed.
I asked her about her husband's reaction to her new addition and she told me he was "OK, with it" after she explained that it was merely a tool that could do no harm unless it was loaded and the trigger was pulled. I would classify him under the category of probably "anti-gun".
So, the ending of the story. It appears that my Daughter is "on board" now, my aunt spoke of getting a pistol for her home once she got back to Colorado, and as for me? Well, because my firearm inventory had been reduced it justified me (at least in my mind) to purchase a replacement which I did. A Sig Sauer P238. I love a story with a happy ending!
Stay safe and thanks for reading!
R
