It finally happened Student Failed

[Seabear]

I felt so bad for this young woman. She didn't have much experience, and to add fuel to the problem her husband had her shoot a PX4 SubC in .40 . I felt like it was too much for her and asked if she would like to shoot one of my 9mm, he said she was fine, she could handle the .40. While I was dealing with another student's issue I guess he got on her about something and made her cry. Then she's fighting back tears and can't see, plus being upset. I tried to encourage her and actually got her calmed down and shooting better, however it was too late. I looked that poor target over really hard. Best I could come up with was a 165, 170 if I counted a jagged hole as two hits. She was too upset to shoot again, so I told her husband I would be more than willing to meet with them privately at the range and help her improve enough to pass.

While she was shooting he kept riding her and I kept telling him that she just needed one instructor at a time (me). Let me help her. He couldn't quit . Poor girl ...I bet she never tries again.

This is why I usually split spouses up. This is one of the few times I have allowed spouses to stand next to each other, and obviously it was a mistake.

[speedsix]

...proud heads make for cold beds...he'll pay...

[Seabear]

...proud heads make for cold beds...he'll pay...

I was thinking the same thing.

[MoJo]

I would contact the woman and ask if she wants to try again. This time sans hubby and .40. Spouses are not the best choice for firearms trainers.

[Crossfire]

I would contact the woman and ask if she wants to try again. This time sans hubby and .40. Spouses are not the best choice for firearms trainers.

Yup. He should have been removed from the line as soon as he started causing problems for her.

[Keith B]

This is the reason I feel it is best to have 4 shooters or less per RSO. With that ratio, when something like this occurs, it usually allows one RSO to step in and 'insert themselves' between the husband and wife and keep them from interacting. As Crossfire said, at minimum I would have removed one of them and had them shoot in a different lineup. If it was up to me, the husband would have failed for interfering with another shooter.

[speedsix]

...my wife disdained guns...then decided to get her permit when my son did...didn't shoot with her class...asked me to take her up there during the week...my range/gun store bud offered me to go back with them...I was "busy" looking at guns...she used a Glock 9 from their range guns...fired 242...had never fired a handgun before that night...I told 'em I was goin' home to practice my "yes-ma'ams"...

[Seabear]

I would contact the woman and ask if she wants to try again. This time sans hubby and .40. Spouses are not the best choice for firearms trainers.

Absolutely I only have contact info for him, but I asked him to have her call me.

[Seabear]

I would contact the woman and ask if she wants to try again. This time sans hubby and .40. Spouses are not the best choice for firearms trainers.

Yup. He should have been removed from the line as soon as he started causing problems for her.

I ended up satnding between them. I considered removing him, but we all know that would have been a touchy situation. Once I stood there she did much better, she just started pushing too hard against the recoil.

[Seabear]

Keith, I agree. I like small squads I always split them into 6-8 with another RSO helping. This was a squad of 7 that unfortunately had 3 problem children. I'll will definitely be thinking this over and not allow it to happen again. Like others, I have had men and women who have never fired before pass the first time through with a small amount of instruction/coaching. I think the biggest problem was the weapon choice. We had talked about it before class and this was not what I recommended.

[Glenn61]

No reason for him to be hard on his spouse. You also wonder if she wanted to be there in the first place. Many are already apprehensive about handling a firearm let alone someone (they should be getting encouragement from) breathing down their back. Tells me a lot about him. You did what you had to do--for her safety and the safety of others. I applaud your effort in helping the young lady. Wish I could get my wife to come out to the range just to try but hell will freeze over before she does I will never force my wife to do anything she doesn't want. She's already supporting me having a firearm in the house.

Glenn

[Keith B]

I COULD never force my wife to do anything she doesn't want. (Even if I wanted to. LOL)

Here, I fixed it for ME

[Keith B]

Keith, I agree. I like small squads I always split them into 6-8 with another RSO helping. This was a squad of 7 that unfortunately had 3 problem children. I'll will definitely be thinking this over and not allow it to happen again. Like others, I have had men and women who have never fired before pass the first time through with a small amount of instruction/coaching. I think the biggest problem was the weapon choice. We had talked about it before class and this was not what I recommended.

Yeah, unfortunately you end up with a line like that every once in awhile. Usually you can get them to settle in quick enough that you can move on to the others, but there are times you just can't take care of even 3 with two RSO's.

And, like you, I have seen first timer's that 'get it' and you never even have an issue with them. In reality, I usually worry more about those 'experienced' shooters that have been shooting all their lives, but have more than likely developed bad habits. They are many more times likely to be a problem than the newbie whose minimal but proper training is fresh in their head. The newbies will also usually listen much better than the 'I already know how to shoot' pupils, so they are easier to coach for minor corrections and you can quickly move on to another issue.

[Seabear]

Absolutely. My worst one in the squad was a gentleman that "has shot all his life", was there for his third renewal, and finally had to admit he hadn't fired a pistol in 4 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His ammo was so old it wouldn't function the gun (constant FTE), I had to finally give up and hand him some of mine. I pulled him aside at the end of the day and told him he needed to dispose of that ammo, buy some new stuff and get some practice/training before he hurt himself or got killed because his gun wouldn't function.

It was a long afternoon. I was just glad we all left with the same number of holes we came with.

[Glenn61]

Absolutely. My worst one in the squad was a gentleman that "has shot all his life", was there for his third renewal, and finally had to admit he hadn't fired a pistol in 4 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His ammo was so old it wouldn't function the gun (constant FTE), I had to finally give up and hand him some of mine. I pulled him aside at the end of the day and told him he needed to dispose of that ammo, buy some new stuff and get some practice/training before he hurt himself or got killed because his gun wouldn't function.

It was a long afternoon. I was just glad we all left with the same number of holes we came with.

Never mess around with ammo that has been exposed to that Texas coast humidity for a long time.