Took my parents to the range today

[PJK]

Last week my parent, who have been very anti-gun all their lives, called and asked if my wife and I could come and talk to them about their gun options and what it takes to become CHL holders. Needless to say my jaw dropped.

The back story is that my parents are both 65+ and my mother is partially disabled. They have recently heard of a string of robberies that were targeting the disabled and elderly. Both of their cars have the blue hang tags and I explained these are big blinking lights saying "Come Rob Me, I Can't Fight Back". They decided it was time to learn how to protect themselves.

Well today my wife and I (both of us are CHL holders) took them to the range at Sportsman's Outlet in Humble to let them try some different guns. We spent about two hours teaching them about the 4 Rules, gun safety, how to load and unload them and the differences in the guns. They each shot our Glock 26, Ruger LCP, Beretta Tomcat, Colt Police Positive, Smith and Wesson 642 Airweight and a Ruger 10-22 just for fun. Dad was a great shot and my Mom was making 2 inch groupings at 5 yards by the end of it. Mom had a blast!!! They liked all of them except the Airweight. It had a very bad kick, but that was my mistake, when I got home I noticed I loaded +P rounds.

We then went inside and talked and looked at some new guns. My parents really like the Glock 17. The size made it easy for her weaker hands to hold and rack, and the trigger pull was very light. They went to discuss it, but it looks like they will each be getting an LCP and then one Glock 17 for the house.

They want to take the CHL class, so Steve and Donna will be picking up two new students soon.

I am very proud of Mom and Dad, and am looking forward to more range time with them!!!!!

[dewayneward]

It was great that you kept the line of communication open with them so that when they "saw the light" they came to you for advice. I am glad that they (assumed) ate a little humble pie and decided thate protecting themselves is important and are moving forward with that.

Its stories like these that make me remember that I need to continue to season my words with salt and not bruise the fruit with my whacky 2A ways, ha ha!!!!

Have you suggested that they get a shotty for home defense instead of a handgun? Didnt know if this was brought up but decided against due to age or ailment?

Anywho, good job. Its nice when the kids can teach the parents on stuff sometimes!!

[PJK]

I did talk to them about a shotgun and she was worried that one would be to heavy due to her physical limitations. I only have a Mossberg 500 12 Gauge so that was too much for her. So, I am going to borrow a youth 410 or 20 gauge and take her back out to the range.

I really think she needs the shotty for the bedroom and a small pistol for when she goes out. I hope that she likes the youth shotgun.

[Bayllor]

PJK,
This is one of the coolest threads I've seen here. Glad to hear such a good story. Best of luck to you and your folks!

[MojoTexas]

That's awesome! I grew up in a gun-friendly environment, and was going hunting with my dad when I was as young as 4 or 5. (I carried my "toy" gun, later a BB gun, and when I was about 10, a real gun.) Both my parents have had their CHLs for years.

However, my wife is a different story! Although my wife isn't anti-gun, she's never handled firearms at all. I have finally convinced her to let me take her to the range. I've taught her the basics, but we haven't actually gone to the range yet. We have a toddler, so we'll have to arrange a babysitter in order to do so, which is the only reason we haven't gone yet.

I have a S&W 442 J-Frame that is sort of slated to be my wife's gun (once she gets familiar with it) but after reading your post I don't think that's what I'm going to have her shoot first, even if I don't use +P ammo (especially after reading your post!). I am probably going to start her on my Beretta 92FS, since it's a full-sized pistol and should have very managable recoil.

Thanks for sharing PJK, it's great to hear stories like yours! You might have your mom look into the new Mossberg 510 Mini shotguns. I saw them recently mentioned on the "Shooting USA" television series, when they were talking about new products at the 2010 SHOT show. It's a shotgun that's really aimed at kids, but it might be just the ticket for your mother. It comes in 20 gauge and has an adjustable synthetic stock. http://www.mossberg.com/products/defaul ... n=products

[shootthesheet]

[cougartex]

Great story.

[TLynnHughes]

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing.

T.

[UncleBob]

Loved the story - Concealment and personal safety reasons aside - I like many others of my friends just love to target shoot. This is a great example - two people that were "anti_gun" and are now having fun with it.

Thanks for the story.

[Lumberjack98]

That is fantastic and you and your wife should be proud.