Program helps women to protect themselves
from lcsun-news.com
HEADLINES
Program helps women to protect themselves
By Michael Shinabery/Staff Writer
Sep 23, 2003, 01:36
After state Rep. Gloria Vaughn took a Women On Target firearms class in 2002, she bought herself a medium-caliber handgun. Vaughn attends meetings throughout Otero County — sometimes driving deep into rural areas and not getting home until the late, lonely hours. And, of course, she puts a lot of miles on her vehicle between here and the Round House in Santa Fe.
“There is a great deal of interest in protecting yourself,†Women On Target instructor Carol Leonard said. “As many single women in this country as we have now – and I’m single so I understand this raising kids – we are looking at more ways to keep ourselves safe, protecting our families, that old lioness protecting our cubs.â€
On Saturday, Sept. 27, Leonard is teaching another Women On Target class, to introduce women to the shooting sports, and firearms’ safe handling and use.
“With the amount of violence that is coming in the world at this moment in time, there’s only one way to protect yourself,†Leonard said. “Most men, if they see a pistol in a woman’s hand, they pretty much back off.â€
For four years, Leonard has been competing in cowboy shooting under the moniker Alamo Rose (roses are her favorite flower). You might say where other shooters are good at embellishing their tales with traditional bull, Leonard hits a lot of bullseyes. Waltzing away with top honors is not uncommon, and in 2002 she earned the Cowboy State Competition New Mexico Champion trophy.
Leonard pulled her first trigger before she was 10. Dad taught her; but more importantly, she said, Dad preached safety. When she instructs, Leonard said his standard is “utmost in our minds.â€
Vaughn took the lesson to heart.
“I want to use a weapon safely; the course teaches me how to use a weapon safely,†Vaughn said. “The people who instruct us are so knowledgeable and patient. Even if you’ve never held a gun, they make you feel like you can do it. What I love about the course is, they teach you how to properly clean, how to fire, and how to protect yourself in case of emergency. I certainly would recommend this course for any ladies interested in doing this for their protection, and their knowledge.â€
Class applications are available at Dave’s Guns, 1498 E. 10th St., or call Leonard at 437-6405. Use of a .22-caliber revolver, ammunition, and lunch is included in the $5 fee.
Otero County’s Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range, in La Luz, will host the class. Sign in at 8:30 a.m. The Otero Practical Shooting Association provides the lunch, and shooting starts after instruction. Ear protection is provided, but students must bring eye protection. A portable chair, hat, umbrella and sunscreen are recommended, as are comfortable shoes.
Leonard, a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, also teaches Hunter’s Education, and Refuse to be a Victim classes through the National Rifle Association. She is an NRA rifle, pistol, and self-protection instructor; teaches the Boy Scout Rifle Merit Badge; and plans to be a concealed-carry instructor for the Concealed Carry Bill the New Mexico Legislature passed this year.
from lcsun-news.com
HEADLINES
Program helps women to protect themselves
By Michael Shinabery/Staff Writer
Sep 23, 2003, 01:36
After state Rep. Gloria Vaughn took a Women On Target firearms class in 2002, she bought herself a medium-caliber handgun. Vaughn attends meetings throughout Otero County — sometimes driving deep into rural areas and not getting home until the late, lonely hours. And, of course, she puts a lot of miles on her vehicle between here and the Round House in Santa Fe.
“There is a great deal of interest in protecting yourself,†Women On Target instructor Carol Leonard said. “As many single women in this country as we have now – and I’m single so I understand this raising kids – we are looking at more ways to keep ourselves safe, protecting our families, that old lioness protecting our cubs.â€
On Saturday, Sept. 27, Leonard is teaching another Women On Target class, to introduce women to the shooting sports, and firearms’ safe handling and use.
“With the amount of violence that is coming in the world at this moment in time, there’s only one way to protect yourself,†Leonard said. “Most men, if they see a pistol in a woman’s hand, they pretty much back off.â€
For four years, Leonard has been competing in cowboy shooting under the moniker Alamo Rose (roses are her favorite flower). You might say where other shooters are good at embellishing their tales with traditional bull, Leonard hits a lot of bullseyes. Waltzing away with top honors is not uncommon, and in 2002 she earned the Cowboy State Competition New Mexico Champion trophy.
Leonard pulled her first trigger before she was 10. Dad taught her; but more importantly, she said, Dad preached safety. When she instructs, Leonard said his standard is “utmost in our minds.â€
Vaughn took the lesson to heart.
“I want to use a weapon safely; the course teaches me how to use a weapon safely,†Vaughn said. “The people who instruct us are so knowledgeable and patient. Even if you’ve never held a gun, they make you feel like you can do it. What I love about the course is, they teach you how to properly clean, how to fire, and how to protect yourself in case of emergency. I certainly would recommend this course for any ladies interested in doing this for their protection, and their knowledge.â€
Class applications are available at Dave’s Guns, 1498 E. 10th St., or call Leonard at 437-6405. Use of a .22-caliber revolver, ammunition, and lunch is included in the $5 fee.
Otero County’s Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range, in La Luz, will host the class. Sign in at 8:30 a.m. The Otero Practical Shooting Association provides the lunch, and shooting starts after instruction. Ear protection is provided, but students must bring eye protection. A portable chair, hat, umbrella and sunscreen are recommended, as are comfortable shoes.
Leonard, a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, also teaches Hunter’s Education, and Refuse to be a Victim classes through the National Rifle Association. She is an NRA rifle, pistol, and self-protection instructor; teaches the Boy Scout Rifle Merit Badge; and plans to be a concealed-carry instructor for the Concealed Carry Bill the New Mexico Legislature passed this year.
