The Womens Shooting Academy

BRING ON THE NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I want to start by welcoming all you new subscribers to the WSA newsletter. I want to encourage everyone to interact with this blog with comments and suggestions. If you have an interesting or relevant topic please let me know and we will consider including it in an upcoming issue.

Another WSA venue to post photos and comments to would be facebook.. If you are not already a fan please "like" our pages today The Women's Shooting Academy AND The Women's Safety Academy

2011 was a year filled with many highs and lows both personally and professionally. I reflect back with a lot of wonderful memories and I look forward to the endless possibilities the coming year may bring. 2012 will be the best year yet as I press on with my goal of seeing 500 ladies step into the world of gun ownership this year alone. How do we do that? We do that by putting together a training schedule to accommodate enough classes so that you will NOT have to wait months to get into a class. We do that through an aggressive marketing campaign to reach women who have never even thought about gun training. We do that through our instructors who share my passion and commitment. And lastly we do that through you. The greatest compliment any business can receive is a referral. Your referrals are always appreciated!

WHO IS BEVERLY?
I wrote a short message on a story that I came across last week. It's a very, very sad story with a tragic ending. I did not know Beverly but I can not get her or her story out of my mind. You can read my post about it here: BEVERLY'S STORY Stories like Beverly's are all to common, just turn on the news on any given day and you will find a story of a missing woman. I am tired of hearing these stories.....sick and tired of scum bag, low life criminals that are getting away with these types of crimes. More armed women means less rape and murder.

Where can we start? We can start by encouraging all the women in our lives to become a WARRIOR. WARRIOR stands for Women Against Rape Robbery Injustice Oppression and Rage. The Women's Shooting Academy is holding a WARRIOR seminar on Saturday January 14th. Here is the course description: WARRIOR SEMINAR The cost is reduced to $40.00 and all who attend will receive a FREE pepper spray. Pre-registration is required. Call Vicki at (775) 772-7064 to sign up today.

In the coming weeks I will be updating the WSA website to include dates for all WSA classes. Please continue to check it often so you don't miss out on that "KNIFE" class or the "GUN CLEANING" class. These classes AWAYS fill up.

The first CONCEALED CARRY class for the new year is this coming Sunday the 8th. If you have some basic firearms knowledge and have been thinking of getting your permits why not jump in. A few seats are still available.

LADIES INTRODUCTION TO HANDGUNS continues to be the most popular class we offer. This coming Saturday the 7th is probably the last class date till spring simply due to the cold weather here in Reno. ONLY FOUR SEATS LEFT

WHERE IS WSA INSTRUCTOR KRISTY?
Kristy Cambra is now officially Kristy Imschweiler. I am super excited to announce that Kristy is no longer just a WSA instructor, she is now an official member of my family. Kristy and my oldest son Matt were married in October. With Matt being in the Air Force and stationed in Italy Kristy has relocated to Italy until early 2014. Kristy will still be a part of WSA team, just from behind the scenes.

CONGRATULATIONS MATT & KRISTY!

My New Years Wish For You All,
May 2012 be your best year EVER!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-Mark Twain

Are you looking for a group of folks to go shooting with? If there is a genuine interest here, I will explore what that will take to get started...you gotta let me know though!

I look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming months. I want to say ♥THANK YOU♥ for your continued support and encouragement! We have some exciting things planned for this year....stay tuned, you will be the first to hear about them. For a complete list of WSA classes CLICK HERE

Until next time....

-Vicki

September Newsletter

2011-09-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to Chris and Jamie Parker. Chris and Jamie are the owners of Jack Ross Ammunition, they are a local manufacturer based in Reno. They currently offer factory ammo in .9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 Auto. Please support local business and give Jack Ross Ammo your support. Jack Ross Website
Be sure to mention WSA.

In light of this weeks tragedy in Carson City and the upcoming 10th anniversary of September 11th please take some time this next week to think about your safety. Not only your safety but those you love. Don't wait until tragedy strikes to do something about your safety. Personal safety is a topic that should be discussed around the dinner table on a regular basis with those you share your life with. WHAT WOULD WE DO IF_______________? Start asking this question and then fill in the blank. REMEMBER, you could have a great plan and it could fall apart and you could still become a victim. Have a plan B and a plan C.

Here's a little something from WSA instructor TK:

Next Steps: Are you ready for a gunfight?

Teaching basics of introduction to hand guns, conceal carry and basic tactics is a lot of fun. Students find new skills, expand their mindsets and learn their pistols more intimately.

We teach about encounters at home, the store and other various places. The mind set is to be prepared for an unexpected encounter from a criminal.

However, I have begun to understand how limiting that mind set can be. It is a good starting point and light years ahead of where the student originally starts from. Many times, students have already been victims of crimes when they seek training. This reinforces that most training is focused on criminal encounters.

Unfortunately, the events in Carson City this week reminded me that we need to always move forward in our training and over come limiting mind sets. Let me explain.

Recently I was watching TV and there was a story about a gentleman who had been involved in MULTIPLE gunfights. The first two were random. However in the second gunfight, the perpetrators were gang members. They came back for more, several more to be exact. I was impressed what this man did to prepare himself after the first fight. It saved his life in the ensuing encounters as he survived them all!

In old western days, gunfights were common. Gunfighters trained vigorously to be fast on the draw. (When was the last time you practiced your draw?) The only time truly tested, bet their life on their training and speed. They have disappeared from the modern landscape and with it the mindset of the “gunfight.”

Today’s gunfight can usually be traced to a gang origin because it involves more than one assailant. Most of us train but rarely for multiple assailants. That is where we need to change our basic CCW mind set. Take charge and be prepared to handle more than one threat at a time. They may mean learning to carry an extra magazine or extra pistol.

I think it just boils down to this: What are you going to do about winning a gunfight?

-TK

EXERCISE YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHT:
The Women's Shooting Academy has two upcoming concealed carry classes. The dates are Saturday September 24th & Sunday October 23rd. If you would like to reserve your seat please call Vicki at
(775) 772-7064

LADIES LADIES LADIES

We have two seats left in Saturdays (09-10-11) Introduction to Rifle's Class. WSA instructors Kristy and Tammy will teach you everything you need to know about shooting a rifle. Everything for this class will be provided for you including guns, targets, ammo, hearing and eye protection.

For a complete list of WSA classes please visit the website at: http://www.womensshootingacademy.com/

"War is good when good survives and evil is crushed. If you don't crush evil then evil will get you."
-Ted Nugent

Please submit via email your relevant stories and photos to be used in an upcoming newsletter to: vicki@womensshootingacademy.com

Until next time, be well, stay safe and have a plan!

-Vicki

July Newsletter

2011-07-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Women's Shooting Academy had a lot of fun shooting our first official commercial. I want to say thanks again to Kristy, Hanae, Patty, Marika and Kimi for stepping up and offering to be a part of it. You ladies are awesome and I love y'all.

Enjoy, feel free to pass it on.

Two new laws recently went into effect in Nevada

Assembly Bill 217 and Assembly Bill 282 went into effect on July 1.

Assembly Bill 217, introduced by Assemblyman John Ellison (R-33), allows residents of non-contiguous states to purchase long guns in Nevada. It also allows Nevada residents to purchase long guns in non-contiguous states. This legislation brings Nevada in line with the protections provided by the Firearms Owners Protection Act, which allows for the interstate sale of long guns by federally licensed firearms dealers.

Assembly Bill 282, introduced by Speaker John Oceguera (D-16), is a four-point omnibus gun bill. While this bill was initially problematic due to NRA-opposed language being inserted on the Assembly floor, the bill was rewritten in a joint legislative conference committee to benefit Nevada Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit holders.

AB 282 will:

ensure that CCW permit holders’ names and addresses remain confidential;
revise Nevada state law to allow carrying of any semi-automatic pistol, as with revolvers, once qualified for a CCW permit with a semi-automatic pistol;
allow carrying of firearms in Nevada state parks;
statutorily mandate a background investigation (which is currently being done by all Nevada sheriffs) for CCW permit renewals for the purpose of reinstating the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) exemption for Nevada, thus ensuring that permit holders do not have to go through a point-of-contact check for every firearm purchased, as long as the CCW permit is valid.

I am very excited to announce the launch of iCarry2. The iCarry2 WEBSITE and store are now up and running. Please take a moment to browse the STORE and read our BLOG.
Our blog is A Little Of This And A Little Of That For Women Who Shoot, Hunt & Fish. We Are NEVER Afraid To Share Our Opinion And Love Hearing Yours.

Upcoming Events

Kristy and I will be at the upcoming Reno Crossroads of the West Gun Show on July 30th & 31st. This gun show is being held at the Reno Convention Center. Please be sure to stop by The Women's Shooting Academy and iCarry2 tables. FREE CANDY TO ALL WHO COME SAY HI.

I have recently added some new dates to the WSA WEBSITE. Don't miss the upcoming RIFLE CLASS being taught by Kristy Cambra, multiple dates to choose from. Tammy Rianda recently became a certified rifle instructor and will be assisting Kristy.
If you have any questions or need additional information call Vicki at (775) 772-7064.

WHAT IS A WARRIOR?

A warrior is a fighter. She is a woman determined to win all battles and I believe every women has a warrior spirit. You must prepare for the predator that is ready to attack at the opportune moment. The warrior woman finds herself in many situations and places as she goes about her day.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to become a WARRIOR, when you do, you and those around you will be less likely to become a victim! WARRIOR INFORMATION

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”
-Aristotle

Until next time....be well, stay safe and enjoy your summer!

-Vicki

Introduction To Rifles

2011-06-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

This class is perfect for the man or woman who has always wanted to learn how to shoot a rifle. It is an introductory level class that explains types of rifle actions, proper terminology, true rifle fundamentals and the shooting sport opportunities available to rifle shooters. You will learn to shoot from these positions, prone, sitting, kneeling and standing.

A portion of this class is taught indoors (3-4 hours), while the latter part of the class takes place on the shooting range (4-5 hours). To train fundamentals without the forceful recoil of a high-power rifle we will shoot .22 LR only.

Everything needed for the class is provided including rifles, shooting mat, ammunition, targets, hearing and eye protection.

Space is VERY limited so that personal attention can be given to each and every student.

Classes are offered as a ladies only class and a co-ed class. The class Fee is $125.00

    Saturday, July 23rd (LADIES ONLY)
    Sunday, July 24th (CO-ED)
    Saturday, September 10th (LADIES ONLY)
    Sunday, September 11th (CO-ED)

SIGN UP TODAY!
Call Vicki at (775) 772-7064

iCarry2 launches in Reno

2011-05-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

Meet Vicki & Kristy, Co-Founders of iCarry2

The idea is simple. We are two women who shoot, hunt and carry. Our mission is to create a line of stylish clothing and accessories that represents who you are and what you do. iCarry2 gives women the ability to join in camaraderie as we pursue our adventurous outdoor lifestyles. Gone are the days where women have to wear a man’s shirt, because we carry2.

It all started out of frustration. We were sick of tailoring $15.00 men’s shirts simply because we wanted to wear a shirt that represented our love of the shooting industry. It’s clear: they (the industry) don’t make enough clothing and accessories for women who shoot, hunt and fish. Women in the industry are growing at an incredibly fast rate, and very few companies have mastered the art of ensuring these women have the ability to share with the world their passion for the outdoors and shooting sports. Our line is designed to do exactly that…catch the eye of someone walking by, spark up a conversation, or simply give women the ability to sport their hobby, passion or lifestyle. Whether you are more subtle in your message to the world or want to shout it from the rooftops, we have something for all women who are passionate about the outdoors, conservation, and the shooting sports.

As co-founders of the icarry2 line, we stand on our faith and pledge to give back a portion of all company proceeds. As free American citizens, we are passionate about helping women and children around the globe break away from the bonds of slavery and human trafficking that continues to grow and plague not only our country, but our world. We have partnered with NotforSale, a non-profit agency which combines technology, intellectual capital, abolitionist groups and a growing network of individuals like yourself – joined together to end slavery in our lifetime. Please take a few moments to check out their foundation at http://www.notforsalecampaign.org./

We want women who wear these shirts to feel proud of who they are and not afraid to show the world. We want to give women in the shooting industry a voice…via a t-shirt and/or accessories.

OK....we do have an iCarry2 rifle shirt for the guys too!

We will be at the Reno Crossroads of the West Gun Show May 21st & 22nd. Find iCarry2 right next to The Women's Shooting Academy and Star Targets. Please come out and show your support.

The iCarry2 website and store will launch this coming weekend as well, you can find us at: http://icarry2.com/

As women we carry many things.......but most of all iCarry2 my freedom!

Blessings...

Vicki & Kristy

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
-1 Peter 4:10

FINDING THE RIGHT HANDGUN

2011-03-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Written by: K Caliber

So now you’ve conquered your fear, you’ve educated yourself on how to shoot a handgun…you’ve taken ladies intro. Next step: find yourself a firearm! Taking a training course truly is half the battle. In fact, I’d venture to say the tough stuff is in your quest to find the right handgun. I would like to provide you with a small amount of guidance that just might get you through your search with a little less stress, a lot more enjoyment and the end result being the purchase of the proper handgun for YOU!

Now please understand all ladies are different, I love my Springfield XD in .40 caliber, another lady I know prefers a Ruger LCP chambered in .380. Some have long skinny hands, others have short stalky fingers, our skill level and muscle strength varies dramatically. Many ladies like slim framed pistols while others prefer molded Hogue grips. In the world of purchasing firearms, especially when it comes to pistols, the best piece of advice I can give you is don’t let someone else tell you what you want. Please, if you are in the market for a pistol, take the time to consider the following purchasing tips; it may make the difference between a great purchasing experience and a terrible one.

Do your research!
    Think about when you bought your last car. I bet you did a little internet research before contacting a dealer, right?! I also bet you test drove multiple models and asked relentless questions about features and reliability of each car until you finally narrowed it down to the car that best fit you and your family.
Ladies, gun shopping should be done the exact same way! Subscribe to a magazine(s), research blogs, ask other ladies who shoot what they like and why. Look at features such as the size of the firearm, the caliber it is chambered in, are there any external or internal safety features. Do your research before you even step foot in a gun store.

Compare Feel!
    So there is one vital mistake anyone can make when they purchase a firearm, buying one that isn’t comfortable in their hands. If you don’t feel comfortable holding the gun, you aren’t going to shoot the gun accurately. It’s important the frame of the firearm isn’t too big or too small for you, and that the grips are either comfortable or molded to fit your hands. If you pick the gun up and it isn’t comfortable, either don’t buy the firearm or find the right grips.

Ask questions!
    If you do your initial research and you know which type of firearm is right for you (which you should have been able to determine at the end of the day you took the Ladies Intro class) you should have a ton of questions for the sales personnel you work with. Remember, that if the salesman or woman is truly interested in ensuring you go home with the right firearm, they will be asking you just as many questions! Compare features, ask the expert to tell you why one model is better than the other. You may like a gun with no external safety or it may be very important that you have one...

Tell them about yourself and how you conduct your business. Do you have kids, perhaps you have arthritis, maybe you are a left-handed shooter, or perhaps you summer in Idaho and winter in Arizona. All these things will play a huge part in which firearm you choose to purchase. Ask the salesperson any and all questions you can think of. Do they suggest certain types of ammunition for practice and others for self-defense? If so, why do they suggest each item? How about cleaning and storage? There are thousands of lubricants, solvents and other cleaning items to choose from. What works best, which brand is the safest? You won’t know if you don’t ask…

Know your purpose!
    I can’t say this enough; there is no ‘one handgun’ on the market that will do everything for you. Generally if the gun is fun to shoot, it is larger in size and has some weight to it, which means it is no longer practical to use for carry. Same with concealed carry handguns, they are generally compact and lightweight making them less comfortable to shoot when out at the range or at a competition. You can find firearms that will be OK for dual purpose; however, the reality is you might want to think about buying multiple handguns for multiple purposes.
Know your strengths and your weaknesses!

    It is a very personal decision to buy either a pistol or a revolver. If you have a difficult time functioning a revolver, you really need to consider buying a semi-automatic handgun. If a semi-automatic has too many bells and whistles and you do not want so many options or perhaps are apprehensive about potential malfunctions, you might lean towards buying a revolver. Knowing yourself, your daily routine and how well you can function each type of handgun will make a difference when purchasing any firearm.

What is your price point?
    Alright, I’ll break out the dreaded question…What do you want to spend on your firearm? In all reality you may go above or below your budget to find the right gun but you need to have an idea of what you are willing to spend. Here’s the deal with this though….if you aren’t willing to go above a set budget yet cannot find a handgun you like in your price range; I suggest waiting and saving more money. It’s one more day without a gun, but you are more dangerous to your loved ones, yourself and the public if you don’t have a gun you can function well or feel comfortable with. Realize this purchase is an investment that may save your life or the life of someone you know and love one day. This may be the single biggest decision you make. (Until you are like me and now have a handgun collection far bigger than you’ll ever need!!) Take it seriously, and set the necessary money aside to be able to purchase ammunition, storage and cleaning supplies.

    As I said before, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to buying a handgun. So many factors play into your decision and which gun will work best for you. Please take the time to consider the work you owe yourself to do the research, ask the questions, and complete the self-evaluation you will need to complete while shopping for the right gun. However, through all the seriousness don’t forget this is fun! Having your own firearm and shooting at the range with friends and family is fun!! This should be a pleasant experience, but if it isn’t-find yourself a new gun dealer who cares about you, or call WSA we’ll help you out.

Do you have something interesting or relevant that you would like to share? If so, please send me an email at vicki@womensshootingacademy.com

Until next time...

-Vicki

From a students perspective...

2011-02-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in a self defense awareness class, I would strongly recommend Vicki Kawelmacher’s. I say self defense awareness, because that is what she does; she helps women (and men) be aware of many possible situations we may need to defend ourselves against, and gives us the tools and knowledge to use toward that end.

Hi. I’m Freda Kurtz and my husband, Chris and I have taken most of Vicki’s classes and will hopefully have all of them under our belts soon. In addition to that I have recommended her classes to my friends because I believe that she can help them to be better prepared in the event of a bad situation.

I would really prefer to go into detail of what I like about each class but that would take more than my allotted space here, so I will summarize.

1. She has a passion about people’s safety and making sure that the bad guy will not take advantage of us. Some of her family has been the target of abductors and home invasion, so she knows firsthand what can happen, prepared or not.

2. Her presentations are very detailed, passionate, humorous and easy to understand. She makes sure that safety is the first priority, especially in her firearm courses.

3. She makes you think of scenarios that we normally don’t worry about. For instance, what do you do if someone breaks your front door down while you are home? She helps you plan your scenarios so that you can maximize the potential of defending yourself or escaping safely with your family.

4. She helps you set up your house, car, travel, etc. so that a victimizer will hopefully not bother you, but look for an easier target.

5. She offers tools and makes recommendations of tools (security items, pepper spray, knives, signs, tazers) to carry on your person or have about your house to help safeguard against attackers.

6. She has an assistant that has earned a fourth degree black belt that teaches women how to use basic forms of Martial Arts to defend against attackers.

I appreciate that Vicki has added the Women’s Safety Academy to the Women’s Shooting Academy in her forum because she understands that firearms are not for everyone, and that we can still greatly enhance our chances of avoiding a bad situation, or getting away from a bad guy, by being aware of what’s out there.

Thank you for the kind words.

-Vicki

February News

2011-02-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

If you have been wanting to take this class I urge you to sign up TODAY. This class will not be offered again until May or June.

UTAH CCW INFORMATION
Rumor has it things are heating up in regards to out of state instructors teaching the Utah CCW course. What this means if it continues to move forward, you would have to travel to Utah in order to obtain your Utah permit, or hire a certified Utah instructor to come to you.
I am certified to teach both the Nevada and Utah CCW classes. A lot of folks don't want the Utah because they think it is only good in Utah. This is not true, by obtaining your Nevada and Utah permits you are legally able to carry in over 33 States. For a complete list of reciprocity information here are two great links:
http://www.usacarry.com/ http://www.carryconcealed.net/

This coming Sunday the 20th still has some availability in the multi-state CCW class. If you are interested in attending call Vicki at (775) 772-7064 to register. This is a co-ed class. You must have some basic firearm knowledge, this is NOT for a beginner.

CROSSROADS OF THE WEST RENO GUN SHOW

February 26th & 27th at the Reno Convention Center.

The gals from WSA will have our booth set up. You will find us next to our buddies at STAR TARGETS. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

These guys get my vote for idiots of the year!

The ladies Introduction classes continues to be the most popular class that we offer. Do you have a special woman you would like to enroll. Gift Certificates now available, Mother's Day is coming!

Guest blog writers wanted!
Do you have something relevant you would like to share. To view our first guest post on The Women's Safety Academy please click here: GUEST WRITER CHRISTOPHER

Are you on FACEBOOK? If so, be sure to find both of the WSA pages and "LIKE" us! See our links over on the right side of this page.

"No, no, don't do that, don't do that. If you shoot him, you'll just make him mad."
-Blazing Saddles

For a complete list of all of the WSA classes offered please visit the website:
http://www.womensshootingacademy.com/

Until next time...

-Vicki

Introducing The Women's Safety Academy

2011-01-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

The Women's Shooting Academy is proud to announce the creation of The Women's Safety Academy. I started the safety academy a few months ago because I realized there was a whole group of folks I was not reaching. It has become very clear that a firearm is not for everyone. I wanted to offer a variety of non-firearm classes, these class will now fall under The Women's Safety Academy.

As many of you already know, quite a few of my classes are co-ed. I believe that your personal safety is a choice, not only is it a choice, it is your responsibility. Please browse the website (http://www.womenssafetyacademy.com/), I have recently updated all the class information and added dates through April. Some of these classes are already filling up quickly!

I am always looking for guest writers for either of my WSA blogs. If you have something interesting and/or relevant to share please send me an email. Here are the links to the two blogs I maintain.
http://womenssafetyacademy.blogspot.com/
http://womensshootingacademy.blogspot.com/
WSA on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/wsainreno

LADIES - LADIES - LADIES
They say I fight like a girl. I DO, and am proud of it!

WARRIOR SELF DEFENSE 101
This class is designed to pick up where the WARRIOR in Every Woman Seminar leaves off. This is a very interactive class for any woman 12 yrs and older.
There are times when you may not have any personal protection items available. REMEMBER, you will always have your mind and body with you every day. You will learn how to fight with what you have, where you are, when you need it, utilizing your entire body to the fullest.

This class is taught by Alice Kreider, owner of USA Martial Arts Nevada. Alice is a 4th degree black belt.

Class time will be 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Sign up today so that you do not miss out. Payment is due in full when you register. Be sure to ask about Introductory Offer.

This is a non-firearm program.
AVAILABLE CLASS DATES
Sunday, February 6th
Sunday, March 27th

The first knife training class for 2011 has been set for Sunday March 6th. This is a one of a kind class being taught in Reno. This class fills up every time we offer it. DON'T find yourself on the waiting list! Call Vicki at (775) 772-7064 to register.

MATT'S STORY
In closing I am posting a video that I play in my Ladies Intro. to Handguns Class. Please take a moment to watch this short 4 minute video.
Here is my son's story in his own words. Armed robbery, home invasion, attempted murder, this was a random act of violence. I share this very personal story in hopes that you will begin to think about this and put together a plan for you and your family. The reason Matt did not have a firearm was due to the incident that happened to his friend 5 years prior. I am proud to tell you Matt is doing wonderful and serves our county in the United States Air Force.

Until next time...

-Vicki

January Newsletter

2011-01-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better person" -Benjamin Franklin

Due to an unexpected medical condition I had to cancel all class the last seven weeks of 2010. I apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused some of you. The good news is I am well rested and EXCITED to get back to teaching beginning this weekend! I will be posting the schedule for the next couple of months on the website next week.

CCW CLASS (co-ed) AND GUN ADD ON's
The first concealed carry class for 2011 is this coming Sunday the 9th. If you are interested in attending please give me at call to register. I will also be doing GUN ADD ON's in the afternoon for those of you looking to add any new guns to your permit. The fee for your add on paperwork is $10.00 per gun, this is in addition to the small fee the sheriff's dept. will charge you to print your new card with the additions. Again, must pre-register with Vicki.

01/01/2011 WSA INSTRUCTOR KRISTY DOING IT RIGHT

For the big game hunter this was a perfect way for Kristy to start her year AND end her hunting season.

After 2 1/2 days of walking and looking for this guy...

SHE FOUND HIM.

Here is what Kristy had to say: "You've never really lived until you've experienced the total immersion in nature that hunting provides. There is nothing like feeding your family the healthy meat that GOD created to nourish our bodies."

NEW INSTRUCTORS...Four former WSA students took the NRA Pistol Instructor Certification in early December. I am really excited for all of them. WATCH OUT RENO!

Meet Alice...I am excited to announce that Alice is joining the WSA team. Alice is a certified pistol instructor, a certified WARRIOR instructor, she also holds a 4th degree black belt.

Alice will begin teaching a ladies only 4 hour self defense class that will take off where the WARRIOR seminar leaves off. Learn how to fight with what you have where you are, utilizing your body to the fullest. More information in a couple of weeks.

JANUARY CLASSES are filling up fast. This Saturday's ladies intro. is currently FULL. Next ladies intro. is on January 22nd, don't miss out sign up today.
OC PEPPER SPRAY class on the 19th still has availability.
THE WARRIOR IN EVERY WOMAN SEMINAR on the 23rd is a class for EVERY woman.
KNIFE TRAINING class will be back in February.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?
How about a WSA gift certificate.

WSA is committed to offering you the highest quality training that you have come to know and trust in us. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to the New Year and seeing many of you again.

Until next time...

Vicki-

The Women's Shooting Academy

2010-10-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

A recent gun cleaning class taught by our very own gunsmith Jesse Teague. Next class this coming Monday evening the 1st of November.

Hello everyone,

I will start by saying what the heck happened to September and October? My last update was back in August and it seems like I blinked and here we are today.

The Women's Shooting Academy has been super busy. I have had a lot of projects in the works and most are coming to fruition and it is a good feeling.

The W.A.R.R.I.O.R. Seminar is off to a fantastic start. I am very proud of the wonderful ladies who attended the first ever instructor training last month. I can now truly say that this is a NATIONAL SEMINAR! If you have a passion for the safety of women please consider becoming an instructor and bringing this message to your city, town, and community. For additional information CLICK HERE

SAFETY IS A CHOICE, what's in your toolbox?
Whether it is a gun, knife, taser, kubaton, or a pepper spray make sure it is available to you when you need it. We rarely leave home without our wallet and our keys so please don't leave home without your personal protection items. The more choices and options you have the better!

CLEANING YOUR RIFLES & SHOTGUNS, the date is set.
I have been getting a lot of requests for a gun cleaning class specifically for these types of guns. Monday evening December 6th is the date. This class is limited, call and reserve your seat today. The cost is $10.00 per person. Additional information will be sent to you once you register.

CO-ED SHOOTING TEAM COMING TO WSA
OK ladies, the guys want in. Gentlemen, I have heard your requests and am doing something about it. There are a number of folks that are becoming certified instructors in a few weeks. Several of them have already offered to help get this BIG project off the ground. I would like to offer 2 to 3 shooting events/practices every month so that we can accommodate everyone's different schedules. These will be casual and fun with a little competition to make it interesting. I am looking for some volunteers to help as well. Please call me if you want to be a part of this.

CERTIFIED PISTOL INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
There are a few spots left in an upcoming NRA Pistol Instructor Course. This class is a FULL weekend and is taught by a certified training counselor through the NRA. The cost is $265.00. You must have firearms experience to attend. Let me know if you are interested and I will put you in touch with the instructor.

KNIFE TRAINING COURSE
For those of you who have been asking, the next class will be offered in December. We are working on some possible dates. The exact date will be posted on the website in a few weeks. This class is limited, if you want to add your name to the list so you do not miss out call me.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 1st    Gun Cleaning (semi's and revolvers only)
November 6th    Intro. to Tactics
November 7th    Multi-State CCW
November 13th Ladies Intro. to Handguns
November 14th WARRIOR Seminar
November 20th Ladies Intro. to Handguns
All classes still have some availability, you must pre-register to attend.

REMEMBER:
"Always go with the choice that scares you the most,
because that’s the one that is going to require the most from you. "
-Caroline Myss

In closing, I want to say thanks again, again, and again for your continued support! There would be no WSA without you all.

Be well.

Vicki~

The W.A.R.R.I.O.R. In Every Woman Seminar

2010-08-09T21:13:00.000-07:00


Strategies to Minimize Criminal Confrontation Seminar

The idea for the W.A.R.R.I.O.R. seminar was always in the back of my mind. It was only after opening The Women’s Shooting Academy in early 2008 that I knew that women all across the country needed to step up and own their personal safety.

Being an American woman we have rights available to us because of our Constitution, many rights that women around the world are not privy to. We can choose what to wear or what not to wear. We can choose to vote or not vote. We can choose who, what and where to worship. Some of our choices may be beneficial to us and some may harm us permanently. Never the less, our freedom grants us the ability to make wise and profitable choices every day.

Did you know that 4,000 American females are murdered each year? Did you know there is a forcible rape every 5.8 minutes? Did you know that if you are home when an intruder enters you stand a one in three chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime? Did you know that there are many things you can do every day to minimize your chances of becoming a statistic?

Let me share with you one choice that I have made. It is to make my mission to teach every woman in America to take their personal safety seriously and to make it their number one priority.

How can I accomplish that? By teaching women to be WARRIORS.

A warrior is every woman. She is many things to many people. She is a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a co-worker and a friend. Today’s woman is busy, busy wearing many hats. Women are nurturers by nature and masters of multi-tasking, they think about the safety of others, but not their own.

A warrior is a fighter. She is a woman determined to win all battles and I believe every women has a warrior spirit. You must prepare for the predator that is ready to attack at the opportune moment. The warrior woman finds herself in many situations and places as she goes about her day. We will explore what to do at home, at work, in your car, while traveling, and much more.

This seminar will teach proven strategies to minimize your chances of becoming a statistic. Awareness and the proper mindset will always play a key role in your safety. Pick up your sword and put on your shield, don't say “you can't” or “you won't”. Rise up with me; we CAN make a difference, one W.A.R.R.I.O.R. at a time.

Some topics that will be covered during this 4-hour (non-firearm) seminar include:

• What makes a criminal a criminal

• Awareness and Mindset

• The W.A.R.R.I.O.R. at home

• The W.A.R.R.I.O.R. as she goes about her day

• The W.A.R.R.I.O.R., safety in her car

• The traveling W.A.R.R.I.O.R.

• The social networking W.A.R.R.I.O.R.

• The working W.A.R.R.I.O.R.

• The W.A.R.R.I.O.R. mom and friend

• Lethal and non-lethal options

My dream for helping women is never ending. I am always looking for and am open to new ideas. I hope The Women’s Shooting Academy will one day be the premiere training academy for the entire western United States and to train others the Vicki Kawelmacher way of being true to yourself, not compromising your standards, and to get in touch with your inner feminine warrior.

I give credit to many people in my life for helping me; I am blessed and thankful for each and every one of them. However, it is the love of my husband Tim and my children that I consider my greatest accomplishment in life.

The first WARRIOR Seminar is going to be on Saturday September 25th, 2010. Time: 9:00am to 1:30pm
The cost is $60.00 per person and will include a student handbook. This seminar is open to any woman 12 years and older.

Pre-Registration is required. To register contact Vicki Kawelmacher at (775) 772-7064. Payment is due in full when you register.

If you are interested in becoming a Certified WARRIOR Instructor, the next instructor training will be on Saturday September 11th, 2010. Contact Vicki for details.

You can find additional information and dates at:
WWW.warriorineverywoman.com

Stay Safe-

Vicki Kawelmacher
Founder & CEO

August Newsletter

2010-08-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

Lefties Have Rights Too: Revolvers For Lefties

By: Jenny Teague

Let's face it. It's a right handed person's world. Everything is geared towards the right handed person. When it comes to guns, this still applies for the most part. While there are many semi-auto pistols that now come in ambidextrous models or even left handed models, the left handed revolver shooter can feel left in the dark. It is always hard to watch a left handed person learn to shoot a revolver designed for a right handed person. Fortunately, while most instructors do not have left handed revolvers on hand for classes, that doesn't mean they don't exist. There are options for left handed revolvers, even one specifically for the lefty.

Smith & Wesson recently introduced the Bodyguard, a compact revolver similar to the size of most J-frame revolvers. While it has an ambidextrous cylinder release on the top, it's not truly left handed as the cylinder still releases onto the left side of of the frame like every revolver geared to the right handed person.

Charter Arms, however, has been the front runner in the lefty revolver arms race with a revolver that is designed solely for the left handed shooter. Their Southpaw is your standard carry sized revolver. Not only is the cylinder release on the right side of the frame for a left handed shooter, but the cylinder additionally opens up onto the right side of the frame. For any lefties in the world who are interested in shooting revolvers but dislike having to learn as a righty, this is the best option. While Charter Arm's isn't as big of a name as Smith & Wesson, that doesn't take away it's credibility. It is still a manufacture of quality firearms.

Thanks Jenny, this is certainly some great information for the left handed shooter that prefers a revolver.

The Ladies of CA are coming to Reno, NV

I have noticed that more and more gals are making the drive over the hill from California...WHY? The simple and short answer is, they want training, they want to protect themselves and they want to be taught by a woman!

For me, there are no words to describe the feeling I get at the end of every class. My students have a very special place in my heart, they are where I find my inspiration.

When these ladies come from CA, they usually come in groups and make it a weekend event. A little gambling, a little shooting and a spa treatment, sounds like a pretty perfect weekend to me.

Here is one CA gal and her story.

WSA, Women’s Intro to Handgun class, taught by Vicki Kawelmacher, was life changing for me. My journey to WSA started when a strange man approached me on my own property at my home. After I chased him away unarmed I realized I needed a plan. WSA was an essential part of my safety plan. I live in CA and traveled to NV to take the class and it was well worth the trip. Vicki’s class put me on the fast track to developing the skills and the knowledge I needed to handle a firearm for my personal safety. She teaches the fundamentals with an emphasis on safety and is receptive and compassionate to each student. I began the class a novice and by the end of the day I was confident and familiar with many types of handguns. More importantly, Vicki’s support doesn’t end after class—she’s just a phone call or an email away.

Since the class I’ve purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm compact. I can’t wait to take WSA’s tactics class. I can’t thank Vicki and WSA enough. I HIGHLY recommend The Women’s Shooting Academy.

–A. Whittier, CA

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

I have reconsidered the taser, especially for folks who live in a state that does not offer many CCW firearm permits.

The video below was done in fun but I will tell you that a taser is NO JOKE.

Regardless of what your personal choices are for your safety, getting the proper training is a must. Take this stuff seriously and make the choice that is best for you and your loved ones.

UPCOMING CLASSES:

Sunday August 15th. LADIES ONLY CCW

Saturday August 21st LADIES INTRO. TO HANDGUNS

Wednesday September 8th   OC PEPPER SPRAY

Sunday September 12th   LADIES INTRO. TO HANDGUNS

Sunday September 19th    CO-ED MULTI STATE CCW

Sunday September 26th    CO-ED TACTICS

Private group classes are always available at no additional charge. Call Vicki for details.

WHAT IS A W.A.R.R.I.O.R.?
A warrior is a fighter. She is a woman determined to win all battles and I believe every women has a warrior spirit. You must prepare for the predator that is ready to attack at the opportune moment.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday September 25th   The WARRIOR in every woman seminar is coming to Reno. This is a non-firearm 4 hour seminar for any woman 12 years or older. MORE DETAILS COMING SOON! TAKING THIS COURSE JUST MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Enjoy every day and remember to stay vigilant,

Vicki-

July Newsletter

2010-07-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Women's Shooting Academy is very excited to announce two products to the shooting industry. Be sure to stop by the WSA booth at the upcoming Reno Crossroads of the West Gun Show. This event is being held at the Reno Convention Center on July 24th & 25th. You are going to LOVE these products.

The EP6 Earplugs have a NRR (Noise reduction rating) of 16dB and1 Normal conversation can be heard in both quiet and noisy environments with the EP6 hazardous noise filters. This device is comfortable, low profile, capable of fitting under hats/helmets, and ideal for shooting, construction, motor sports, heavy machinery, etc.

Ergonomic design and multi-flanged stem conforms to ear shape for maximum comfort and retention

Made from soft, hypoallergenic, medical-grade polymer

EP6 are sold in a single left/right set and packaged in a convenient carrying case.

SEE YOU AT THE GUN SHOW!

MULTI-STATE CCW CLASS

Sunday July 18th still has availability. If you are interested in obtaining your concealed weapons permit give Vicki a call at 775-772-7064 to sign up. Additional information will be forwarded to you when you register.

Introduction to Rifle Shooting.

Kristy and Jenny are busy getting the newest WSA course ready. We will begin offering this class in the fall. Stay tuned for more information.

Meet Cindy and Steve

Steve and I are long time gun owners and enthusiast's. We originally took Vicki's class for Nevada CCW renewal and chose her after reading her website and Cindy's desire to take a class from a female. Turned out to be a very good decision. Our prior experiences had been with law enforcement personnel and wanted a more personal, laymans perspective. Vicki is the one! Our most recent course was the tactics course and besides being very educational and timely, we had a great time!

We will return again and again to The Women's Shooting Academy. Thank you Vicki and Staff!

I continue to be inspired by my students. Thank you Steve and Cindy, you are two amazing people and I am blessed to know you!

In closing, I just want to remind you all that when you go out shooting make sure you are prepared. We are in the hottest months of the year, if you shoot outdoors you need to have a shovel, water and a fire extinguisher available. Another very important item is a first aid kit.

Please share your photos and stories with The Women's Shooting Academy, I would love to post them for all to see.

Have a fabulous day!

Vicki-

June Newsletter

2010-06-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

The entire WSA team of instructors recently went to the range and had a fun day shooting. Guess what our number one focus that day was? SAFETY

This month I want to talk about safety. Teaching safety is my passion.

Safety, why is it so important? The short answer, it can prevent an accident, it can save a life.

The Women's Shooting Academy ALWAYS makes safety our top priority, regardless of what class we are teaching. Teaching everyday safety is not just what we do it has become who we are. Each and every instructor on the WSA team is like minded on this issue.

Practice does not make perfect, practicing perfectly makes perfect. This statement can apply to just about everything you do everyday!

NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling

ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
(This is a great NRA rule, however, if your gun is for personal protection it needs to be loaded and available).

NRA rules for using and storing a gun.

1. Know your target and what is beyond.
2. Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
3. Know how to use the gun safely.
4. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
5. Wear appropriate hearing and eye protection.
6. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
7. Store guns so that they are not accessible to unauthorized persons
8. Be aware that certain types of guns and shooting situations require additional safety precautions.

Ignorance
A lack of knowledge of firearm safety or operation.

Carelessness
The failure to apply one’s knowledge when handling guns.

Ignorance is you simply did not know. I always say that carelessness is far worse to me. You did know better and you failed to apply what you knew. When you know better, you do better. It is your responsibility to make sure you do not fall into one of these two categories.

Safety, teach it to your children, make it part of who you are and practice it everyday in all you do.

Introduction to Knife Training (co-ed) A few seats still available!

WHEN: Sunday July 11th. TIME: 1:00pm to 5:00pm COST: $60.00 per person

If you carry a knife or are thinking of carrying a knife then this class is a must for you. We will discuss how, when and why to carry and present your knife. You will learn both offensive and defensive tactics using your knife. We will also cover the laws as they pertain to Nevada, and much, much more.

This course will be taught by a Certified Instructor who is highly trained in multiple forms of martial arts.

Sign up today so that you do not miss out.

In closing, I just want to say thank you for your continued support of The Women's Shooting Academy. Without you, there would be no WSA!

Stay Vigilant

Vicki-

Be sure to scroll down to meet Sandy, Student of the Month for June.

Meet Sandy...Student of the Month for June

2010-06-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

Fear. Violence. Crime. These were the words that came to my mind when I though of guns. I was not raised around guns, nor had I ever shot one before. I was very timid and nervous at the thought of shooting a gun, let alone owning one. This all changed two years ago when I witnessed the aftermath of a home invasion. The reality of the event hit close to home and I realized that bad things really do happen. It was at that moment that I decided I was never going to be a victim.

My name is Sandy Wright and I am 25 years old. I live in Sacramento, California. I took Vicki's Introduction to hand gun class and it changed my life. Learning how to properly handle a gun, and knowing that it wasn’t going to fire unless I pulled the trigger really boosted my confidence. When we got to the range and I took my first shot, I realized that it wasn’t as scary as I had imagined, it actually felt good.

Shortly after the intro class, I went out and purchased my first handgun. I am the proud owner of a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm. After the intro to handgun class, I took Intro to Tactics and plan on eventually getting my CCW. I went from knowing nothing about handguns and being completely terrified to now one day hoping to carry.

I thank Vicki for encouraging me and helping me overcome my fears.
Now I cannot imagine my life without a gun. Instead on being afraid, I feel empowered knowing that I can protect myself if the situation arose.

Getting better?

2010-05-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

WSA Instructor TK sharing his opinion.

It happens every time we have a group of students on the range.

A student says something to the affect, “hey, how come my gun is shooting left, (right, high, low and anywhere else) and not hitting the 10 ring and big ass X in the middle?

Really?

I restrain myself from being the proverbial smart ass that I am and don’t ask the obvious, “Is the gun warped or bent cause it looks straight to me? I am sure it is a manufacture defect. Take it back to the store where you bought it and tell them it doesn’t shoot straight. I am sure they will give you your money back after they are done laughing at you.”

Just kidding. I don’t really think that because most students realize right away what is wrong: it is them. They ask the best question an instructor can hope for: “What am I doing wrong and can you help me?”

If you want an expert opinion, then stop reading here and go surf the web. There are plenty of experts far superior to me that can teach you about how to shoot a pistol and achieve accurate results.

But if you want some practical advice from a regular guy who fights to be better at accuracy with his pistols, stay tuned and enjoy a few stories and thoughts. You shoot better when you know better.

I would tell you I thought I was pretty good with a pistol. Until that is, I put the pressure on myself to MEASURE my results. I was like most recreational shooters. Go to the range, shoot some rounds, feel good because I hit the target, and go home happy.

And as it was put best by one of my dad’s good friends: “Wrongo dongo.”

When I started forcing myself to shoot at specific spots, in groups, analyzing the results and then correcting my mistakes, I knew I had more work to do. This is a process and not an over night result with out some effort. More on that.

In addition during this time, I struggled with the whole two handed versus one-handed grip. What I found out is that I shoot better one handed. Not only that, I learned I can shoot well with my off hand if not better than my strong hand at times! I had a student recently tell me they went to one of the prestigious and well known schools here on the west coast. (A school I might add, that charges a lot of $$$$.) Never once did they talk about single-handed shooting. I can only rationalize that because advanced shooting takes on a “tactical” flavor. And tactical shooting means consistent to the core for every situation. (Train like you fight and you will fight like you train.) And that’s fine for a lot of folks.

But why not shoot one handed if you’re naturally a better with one hand? Play to your strengths. I like having one hand free to use for other practicalities. Tactical is great but don’t forget practical.

And to support that thought, I cannot count the number of students that have discovered that they too can shoot with their off hand and one handed. You should see the look on their faces after a clip of shots goes near dead center with the new stances and grip. It is like they have discovered the secret ingredient for the Colonels chicken. I mean they can’t shoot two handed worth a bling bling and then switch to one hand and have a fairly well placed group center of target? As Rocky Balboa said to Mr. T. “Go for it.”

So here you go, a few suggestions on range time.

You have to make your self do some exercises aka drills. I like making a plan with your target to shoot specific spots, commonly called dot drills. I like using 3 inch round orange dots on a white silhouette target. I place 5 dots in an X pattern on the target. I then shoot 20 rounds at each dot. First out, I shoot two dots, 40 rounds and then check for a pattern of holes. There should be multiple holes in the orange dot or close proximity. To illustrate, jump on this link and see some patterns: Target Group Analysis. Keep working your dots, analyze your patterns and shoot until you over come all the deficiencies.

How long does that take? Depends on you but let me say this. When a student asks for help, I usually start with this question: “How many rounds have you personally shot with that pistol in the last 6 months?” The answer invariably ranges from “not many” to a “few hundred” and “I just bought it recently.” Then what is the solution? More rounds! Ask any martial arts student how many times they must practice a “move” to become good at it. Their rule is 1000 times to “know” it, 10,000 times to master it. Same with shooting. Just be aware that you could shoot 1000 rounds wrong! That is the reason for on going target analysis of your dot drill shooting.

Back to patterns of holes. I get a percentage of students who have no pattern. A lack of pattern indicates that you need to start learning to shoot with a natural point of aim because you have every deficiency on the chart. That is the good news. The bad news is you have a lot of learning to do to become a proficient pistol shooter. Jump again on the web and check out the Wikipedia definition of natural point of aim as it explains it way better than I can: Natural Point of Aim. It all starts with body position, not muscle strength. This really takes a second set of eyes. In that case, join one of the many clubs to find a shooter with more experience to help you on this journey.

Becoming proficient with your handgun could be the difference weather you win or lose the fight. Placement is more important than caliber. Don’t “practice” aimlessly, start drilling!

-TK

May Newsletter

2010-05-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Ladies Introduction to Handguns class May 15th ROCKED!

What size gun should I carry? Is a .380 an acceptable carry gun?

I get asked these questions a lot? There is no right answer folks, ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers. In the end it is NOT about size but about placement. If you think you need a .45 because that what you have been told but can't hit the side of a barn, then drop down to a smaller caliber. Do what works for YOU!

I posted the question about carrying a .380 on Facebook several weeks ago. Below are some of the responses I got.

Karol:
I have not gotten any grief but then I don't discuss what I carry much.

John:
I always say it does not matter what you carry as long as you carry. A 22lr that is carried is better than not carrying anything at all!

Ron:
.380 catches a lot of flack because it is considered by many to be the bare minimum for adequate self defense calibers. Many of us (guys!) hate to think in terms of being on the minimum end of anything, so we naturally poo-poo anything that falls into that end of the spectrum.
In reality, its a fine caliber and its hugely popular right now with ...the increase in available, tiny pocket rockets. It is what it is and ultimately, it is the shooter that is the weapon, not the pistol. If the .380 armed citizen does their part, putting solid hits centermass, .380 will be do it's part.
I am totally comfortable knowing that my girlfriend is armed with a SIG 232.

DID YOU KNOW:

The 2009 year-to-date total for background checks is 11,403,417, an increase of 18.1 percent over the same time period last year.

FBI background checks are required under federal law for all individuals purchasing either newly manufactured or used firearms from federally licensed retailers.

As such, the checks serve as a gauge of sales but do not reflect the actual number of firearms produced or sold.

The increase coincides with a rise in excise taxes reported by firearms and ammunition manufacturers, another key economic indicator for the firearms industry.

Introduction to Knife Training:

This first class on April 25th, was a huge success. The next class will be offered on Sunday July 11th. More details when you sign up. This class will fill up quickly! Call Vicki today if you want to guarantee your space in the class.

The Women's Shooting Academy now has three certified rifle instructors on the team. It has been reported that Jenny Teague and Kristy Cambra kicked some serious butt at the instructor class, these gals don't mess around. A rifle class coming soon!

Upcoming dates:

June 1st: League of Lethal Ladies night
June 5th: Ladies Intro. to Handguns

June 7th: Gun cleaning class

June 9th: O.C. Pepper Spray Class

June 12th: Ladies Intro. to Handguns

June 13th: Intro. to Tactics

June 19th: Ladies Intro. to Handguns

June 27th: Multi-State CCW

Nevada adds three more states to it's CCW reciprocity...http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=5800

Be sure to scroll all the way down to meet Eileen, student of the month for May.

If you would like to share and idea, quote, story or just some interesting facts please email Vicki.

theshootingacademy@gmail.com

In closing, I would just like to say thank you for your continued support of The Women's Shooting Academy. When it comes to our safety and our rights....We are all in this together!

Vicki-

Meet Eileen...Student of the Month for May

2010-05-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

I’m Eileen Petersen, proud graduate of the Women’s Shooting Academy.

I’m an administrative assistant at a local financial firm. My husband of forty-two years is a Vietnam veteran who retired from the Army National Guard after thirty-three years of service. I’m a proud mother of two and a grandmother of a delightful two year old boy. My son is a Major in the US Army and has, during his 15 years of service, served two tours in Afghanistan.

A few years ago, I decided to purchase a gun. The thought of having a weapon to take charge of my own protection, as well as target shooting, appealed to me. After looking around and getting input from several gun owners, I decided on a 9 mm…a Smith and Wesson M&P. The next step was learning to shoot. I found Vicki’s classes for women on line and signed up for her next class. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. I went on to obtain my CCW through another of Vicki’s classes. I actually turned out to be a pretty good shot…even better than my husband, with all his military background and pistol training. I’ve come to love my 9mm, and have developed an appreciation for a wide range of hand guns and rifles. Last year, I received a .380 Ruger LCP for my birthday. It’s perfect for concealment and light enough to carry in my purse.

Before taking “Handguns 101”, I knew absolutely nothing about guns. I was apprehensive and lacked self-confidence when it came to shooting, handling, and maintaining a gun. Now, at age 63, I’m ready to defend myself. I continue to take Vicki’s classes, read books, watch and practice with training videos and stay on top of current trends in self-protection. I go shooting often and enjoy target practice and honing my skills. Any woman, no matter what her age, is capable of taking charge of her own self-protection…keeping herself and her property safe at home and anywhere she goes.

One person made a difference.

2010-05-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we almost had another tragic attack in New York's Times Square. What went wrong, what went right?

US Attorney General Eric Holder said the intent of the attack was "to kill Americans." Mr Holder asked Americans to remain vigilant.
"The vehicle in Times Square was first noticed on Saturday by a citizen who reported it to authorities, and, as always, any American who notices suspicious activity should report it to the appropriate law enforcement agencies," he said. (full story) http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/ny-bomb-car-owner-tracked-down-after-times-square-drama/story-e6frf7lf-1225861950268

"If it wasn't for all the TV cameras, it would be just another day in Times Square," said Duane Jackson, a handbag vendor who said he was one of the first to summon police to the suspicious vehicle on West 45th Street. Jackson, 58, said he was working his usual spot about 20 feet away when he suddenly realized "the car was smoking." "I looked in the car, and I noticed the keys were inside," Jackson said. "The cops asked whose car it was, and I said I didn't know. Then I heard some loud pops that sounded like fireworks going off." (full story) http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-05-02-times-square-car-bomb_N.htm

I think this is a perfect reminder that as Americans we ALL must stay vigilant each and every day. When we notice any suspicious activity or behavior we need to do our part and notify the proper authorities. Law enforcement can only do so much. Yes, one person can make a difference, kudos to the guy in New York for doing his part.

Vicki-

For me, I get it.

2010-04-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have decided to rant a bit about something that is really bothering me today. It was a simple phone call, then a few days later an email from someone else that started me thinking and asking yet again, why...or why not.

Due to the nature of my business, I am privileged to meet, instruct and listen to a lot of women. For those that have the love and support of their husbands and family I am always pleased. Then there are the others, the less fortunate ones, the women with no support.

To all you men and family members out there who are not actively encouraging and supporting the women in your life to take ownership of their personal safety I say "Shame on you". I promise you this, if crime ever looks you in the eye, kicks in your front door in the middle of the night, attempts to kid nap your child or god forbid rape your grandma, you will get it. It is then that you will say, I should have, I could have, now I will.

There are many things each and every one of us can do to minimize our chances of becoming a victim. We can do everything right and still become a victim, I am not trying to give anyone a false sense of security here. The best tool we have is our mind, so use it.

Please, be that support system for that family member even if you don't understand why. Teach and encourage your daughters to pay attention. I could go on and on but I will stop the rant here.

For me, I almost lost my daughter to a child abduction. For me, I almost lost my grown son to a random home invasion, armed robbery and attempted murder. For me, I get it.

Vicki~

A gal's guide to gun shopping by Jenny Teague

2010-04-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

This months newsletter comes to us by our very own Jenny Teague. Jenny puts a little humor in everything she does. I hope you enjoy the article.

Be sure to scroll all the way down to meet Freda, WSA's Student of the Month.

A gal's guide to gun shopping.

You know, The Shirelles posted a very valid argument in their song "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" For those of you who live under a rock, it's an age old question: you find the perfect person and life is like you're in Heaven, but will it be that way forever? I love 60's girl groups because they had style, both musically and fashionably, but they also had great songs that range from fun poppy danceable tunes to songs that made you go, "Hmm..." On that note, I would like to touch base on a subject every woman should take into account when gun shopping. The gun you love today may not be the gun you love tomorrow.

If you are new to the world of guns, it is like being new to the world of dating. I'm speaking to the ladies right now, so guys, you can feel free to step away or eaves drop to hear the perverse world of girl talk. There is only one of you. There are a LOT of men in the world. You may see one guy one day, or hear your friends talk about how another guy is such a catch, and then when you date him, you realize he is a total douchebag. Maybe you have a short relationship. Maybe you're like me and date a guy for 5 years because you've been told that you will never find anyone better and you stay with that guy until you wind up hating him so much you wouldn't piss on him if he were on fire. Whatever the case may be, very rarely in life do we find Mr. Right right off the bat. I say rarely because I know there are maybe a few people in the world who do find their true love the first go at it, and that could apply to guns.

Chances are, if you have ever gone gun shopping, you will go up to a gun counter, hopefully knowing whether you want your gun for: protection at home or for concealed carry, but chances are, you will have a salesman hand you a little .38 special revolver, probably a Lady Smith because it says "Lady" on it and is made for women, even though some of the features that make it "Lady" friendly (like smaller grips) actually make it harder to shoot, or maybe they'll tell you a little Ruger LCP would be great because it's small enough to conceal. Or you will have a man tell you that you need to carry a Glock because that's what cops carry and you shouldn't buy any other gun for protection and you'll look at the thing and go, "What the hell?" at how huge it is and hopefully make a variation of the, "Are you out of your mind?" face to the salesman.

Granted, all three guns are great guns, but are they the right gun for YOU?

There's a lot you need to take into consideration. If you have never shot a gun in your life, first off, I highly advise you take a lesson to learn how to shoot. If you are in the greater Northern Nevada area, I highly recommend The Women's Shooting Academy. Their Ladies Intro to Handguns class is taught solely for women BY women. So you won't have anyone laughing at you if you need someone to show you how to load a magazine or wonder if there is a .38 regular since there is a .38 special. Trust me when I say no question is considered dumb when you're learning. In fact, questions are welcomed because that means you're curious and want to know more and that's what they like. Here in Nevada, you can go to a gun store, pass the background check, pay cash for your gun and walk out of the store with it in as little as 15 minutes on a good day. No one ever questions whether or not you know how to use it and while I love my gun rights, I also find it a little scary to think there are a lot of people who own guns and don't have the slightest clue what they are doing with them. After all, ignorance is one of the leading causes of gun related accidents.

So you've learned how to shoot. You know the basics of pistol safety and operation, you got the terminology down and you are ready to go out and buy a gun. Now what? Do you know what you want your gun to do for you? I think if you've taken a class or had a form of education, you probably know what you want. In fact, you probably have a pretty specific idea of what you want. I'll use one of my friends as an example. She likes little .38 revolvers. We've looked at guns before. She's fondled some of them, but she says that they don't feel comfortable. I'll use myself as an example. Something might feel good, but other aspects don't look good. Guess what? If you're not totally in love with a gun, it's probably not the right one for you! You wouldn't buy a dress if it didn't fit right. You wouldn't buy a purse you thought was ugly. Why would you buy a gun if it didn't meet your expectations?

You find a gun that feels good. You like the way it looks. Then you realize it's way out of your budget. Guess what? You know how you can find a dress that is super cute at Macy's for $150 and then go to Target and find one similar for $30? The same thing exists in the gun world! Like the Walther PPK? Don't feel like chucking out $500? Try the Bersa Thunder .380. Pretty much the same gun except with a slide release (bonus feature!) and it comes in a variety of finishes! My point is, if you find one gun you like and the price is a little steep, ask your gun dealer if another manufacturer makes a similar gun at a cheaper price. Another great option is buying a used gun. Just like you can buy a pair of designer jeans super cheap from a consignment shop, you can buy a high dollar gun at a cheaper price used. If you go this route, make sure you know what the ballpark range of that gun is used. I'll discuss this more later on. If you buy a used gun, it may be a wise idea to contact a gunsmith and ask them to take a look at it for you to see if everything is good and functioning before you take it out shooting. For the most part, you can get a great deal on a used gun in working condition and if it does have an issue with it, gun dealers will let you know up front.

OK, so back to gun dating. You finally bought your first gun. Maybe you have it for a few months or years, but more than likely, the more you start to shoot, the more you'll realize what you really want in a gun. I was like most women. I wanted something easy to use, easy to shoot, and that seemed familiar. Semi's seemed a little scary. My first real gun was a S&W 65-5 .357 magnum. It was a full sized revolver that was an ex-cop gun. I thought it was so cool. But the reality of it was, the only time I would shoot it was if I were taking photos of it. He was a very photogenic gun, but I found him to be clumsy and for lack of a better explanation, dull. He just didn't turn me on after a few months like he did when I bought him. My husband bought a 9mm Sig P226 and I thought he was way more interesting.

So, I did what any girl would do and broke up with my Smith, throwing him in a little gun bag in the safe and spent more time with some of the other guns I thought were more interesting. I flirted with what I thought was the Walther P-38 until I found out he was a liar and was actually a Walther P-1. I still liked him, but didn't understand why he had to pretend to be someone else. I liked him for how he shot, not what he was. But still, it was a hard to learn truth, like finding out you're adopted or something. It still doesn't sit quite well with me, but I don't hate him for it.

I always really liked the look of my husband's Makarov, but the first time I tried to shoot it, I could barely get the slide back to get a round in the chamber and when I finally did, the thing felt so snappy I didn't like it much. But I loved the size. A few years later, as I shot more and started developing better skills and abilities, I tried it again and liked it. A lot. After shooting and wanting a Walther PPK, I wound up going with a Bersa and we got married and have had a nice life for the past few years.

The sad thing is, I feel I may be growing bored of the Bersa and the nice thing about guns is while you might date several guns before finding Mr. Right Gun, even if you do marry a gun, I have learned that guns believe in polygamy and polyandry. They're totally OK with it if you want to have several guns. My husband, however, has taught me that if you do not shoot a gun enough, it gets mad at you and will not shoot right. While I think it his absolutely hilarious to hear him talk about a gun that way, I believe him, and not only because he is a gunsmith.

So here is another thing to take into consideration when you are out and about looking for a gun: the gun you love today may not be the gun you love tomorrow; and that is perfectly alright. But what do you do if you have a gun and you no longer like it after a few times shooting it, or a few months, or years? Just like picking out your original gun, you have as many options when it comes to upgrading (and I say upgrading because in reality, whenever you leave one man, you always wind up upgrading when you realize your last one was a total shmuck. Very rarely do you leave one loser for a bigger loser.)

Some gun stores will do trade ins for guns or flat out buy it from you. If you are unsure of your gun's worth you can look up it's value in the Blue Book of Gun Values. Face it, we're not all car geniuses and yet we've been able to take a little bit of info we know about a car to get it's Kelly Blue Book value. The Blue Book of Gun Values is the same way. You can buy the book or call a gun shop and give them a little info on your gun and they can give you a ballpark range of fair to mint values for trade in and private party sales. It's genius and they put one out every year. Be sure to know the price range of what your gun is worth when you plan on selling or trading it.

If you trade it, you'll probably get so much credit for it and have to add a little extra for your new purchase. If you do a private party sale, you can get more money from your gun and the easiest way is to go to a gun show and just walk around with a little sign on you with what you have and what you're asking for. My advice is to treat this like a car sale. Know your asking price and add about $50 to that and the Or Best Offer (OBO) listing. That way, if someone tries to go down on your price, you'll wind up with what your real asking price is or close to it. And make sure to have a set amount you will not go lower than. Know your gun. Take it for an appraisal at a gun store or with a gunsmith so if someone tries to tell you there's all these problems with it to low ball your price, you can turn around and tell them to quit being a cheapskate trying to rip you off and you wouldn't do business with them anyway! Most importantly, know your state's laws on private party sales. Here in Nevada (the northern part, not sure about Clark County), if it is a pistol you are selling, it has to be to someone 21 years old or older (that's a federal law), and they must be a Nevada resident. Be sure to check your laws on private party sales before going out and doing one if you are unsure.

And of course you can always keep your old gun and get another. There's nothing wrong with having extras. The way I see it, the more guns you have, the better. Variety is the spice of life. You don't just have one pair of shoes you wear every day with everything, you have choices. Why shouldn't your gun selection be that way? "What should I wear today? A dress or pants? Heels or flats? Kel-Tec P3-AT or XD 9 Sub Compact?" Of course you may wind up like me and have several pairs of shoes and guns but really only one pair and one pistol you wear regularly and that's OK.

That's the beauty of guns. They are something you will fall in love with once you get into them. You will go through many guns in your lifetime. You may have several at once or one at a time. Know your guns. Practice shooting them. Clean them regularly. Love them. Treat them well and they will treat you well. And if you decide you don't like one, you can always get another. But never by any means ever let anyone tell you what the right gun for you is. That's just as bad as your friends trying to set you up with a guy they know is totally wrong for you just for the sake of you being able to have a boyfriend. In that case, it's probably better to just not date at all until you find someone you like. Guns are the same way. Remember: never settle and you can always upgrade or add for more choices. Jenny-

Until next time...be well~

Vicki

Meet Freda...Student of the Month for April

2010-04-19T06:15:00.001-07:00

A little bit about Freda Kurtz.

The past ten years have been leading up to this point in my life when I decided to get my CCW. The opportunity came when I saw an advertisement in a paper for the Women’s Shooting academy. Last Fall I finally contacted Vicki Kawelmacher to clinch that decision and I wish I had done it sooner.

I was raised around guns and have been shooting since I was a little girl, but have never been serious about them.

My name is Freda Kurtz and I am 48 years old. I have been in Martial Arts for nine years and have a 2nd degree black belt, so I have some self defense training. But whenever we exercised different scenarios in our martial arts class, we never did the one where the perpetrator pulled a gun on you. That was always one of the big "What if" questions in our classes. The instructor would just look at us and tell us that if we were ever in that situation, good luck! As of this date I have never been in any situation where I would need to use self defense or need a weapon of any kind, but there is always that "What if" question in the back of my mind.

I took Vicki's beginner hand gun class and learned so much about handling handguns. The scenarios that Vicki showed us in her class and hearing the experiences of some of the other students also reinforced why it is a good idea to carry. They were in some of those "What if" situations and wished they had a handgun to defend themselves.

After the beginner handgun class, my husband and I took her Tactics class and then proceeded to get our CCWs. Since then we have had a blast target shooting and continuing the education Vicki started us on by reading books and watching DVDs to learn more tactics. And shopping. I never knew how fun it would be to shop for handguns and accessories. And ladies, you also need to buy new clothes, purses and handbags to go with your weapons. Now I carry almost everywhere I go.

Since Vicki's class I have gotten my CCW for three different weapons and am looking forward to getting certified for my new .380. Taking her classes has taught me how to handle a weapon with respect and confidence. I also learned that it doesn't stop there, but that when I took on the responsibility to carry, I am also responsible for knowing all of the carrying laws and continuing my education. Going to class and shooting once is not enough. Carrying means that I have to practice shooting with all of my weapons and make sure that they are in good working order. Another thing that my husband and I learned from Vicki and her husband, Tim, is the importance of making sure that we communicate with each other and know what to do in the event if a "What if" situation does arise.

I thank Vicki for her instruction and willingness to be there to help us continue our education and I look forward to taking more classes.

March Newsletter

2010-03-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

What can I say, another group of amazing ladies!
Ladies Introduction to Handguns Course.
As we move into spring this is the class that fills up the quickest. For a complete list of available dates you can always check the website link below.
www.womensshootingacademy.com

Why do I need to take the gun cleaning class?

"Alan and I both enjoyed the class. Alan found a loose screw on his revolver that would not have shown up until too late if he had not taken part in the class!

And he learned not to oil the barrel. Those are the exact reasons he wanted to take the class to see what new info he could learn.

And for me, it took all the intimidation out of taking apart the guns and cleaning them. Jesse is great. Not many gunsmiths would make the effort to teach us all those details.
Thank you for offering the class too".
-Kendra

Next class is Monday April 5th. Cost is $10.00 per person.
Sign up today as space is limited.

.45 ACP v .357 MAG?

A 125 gr, JHP .357 round travels at 1600 f/s and delivers 710 ft*lbs of energy. A 165 gr, JHP .45 round travels at 1060 f/s and delivers 559 ft*lbs of energy. The .45 round is much bigger, but the .357 is faster (while still being a large bullet) and in the world of ballistics velocity is king.

Intoduction to Knife Training

If you carry a knife or are thinking of carrying a knife then this class is a must for you.

We will discuss how, when and why to carry and present your knife. You will learn both offensive and defensive tactics using your knife. We will also cover the laws as they pertain to Nevada, and much, much more.

This course will be taught by a Certified Instructor who is highly trained in multiple forms of martial arts.

Sunday, April 25th. 1:00pm - 5:00pm Cost is $60.00 per person

A Women’s Choice for Personal Safety: Be sure to stop by the Women's Expo on March 27th at 1:45 pm to hear Vicki's message. The Expo. is being held at the Reno Convention Center.

Vicki will present a message that is extremely important to her. You will be motivated, uplifted and inspired. When you know better, you do better. Your safety matters to her!

Vicki will give you the tools you need to develop your own personal safety plan. Come and learn why any woman over 12 years old needs a plan. See what choices and options you have and why your mindset and attitude could save your life.

To read about Kate, the newest WSA Student of the Month please scroll down to previous post.

Are you a woman who likes to shoot or want to learn how? It's FREE to join the League of Lethal Ladies. Sign up today!

www.leagueoflethalladies.org

Until next time....

Vicki-

Meet Kate....Student of the Month for March

2010-03-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

She Rides....She Hikes....She Shoots
First and foremost, thank you Vicki for choosing me! But I must say the real credit goes to you! I have only become the gun loving, toting woman I am today because of you! When I called to inquire about the Introduction to Handguns class, your enthusiasm and friendliness was so infectious that my nervousness and intimidation were completely eased and I couldn’t wait to take your class.

With the recent economic challenges our society is facing, there seems to be an increase in crime which has caused me to start thinking about my personal safety. I always feel safe when my German Shepherds are with me but you can’t take dogs everywhere and I’ve often wished I had a gun with me then. So when the uproar began about gun owners’ rights last year, I began to seriously start thinking about it.

As a lot of women, I grew up a girly girl, I even danced ballet for fifteen years. I was raised to be afraid of guns and had never even touched one until Vicki’s introduction class. Throughout my life, I’ve learned that most of my fears are based on a lack of knowledge. As they say, knowledge is key.

Much to my mother’s dismay, later in life I bought a motorcycle. It was something I had always been interested in but never knew where to begin. At that time, I found a class teaching how to ride and basic defensive riding techniques. I have since developed a huge passion for motorcycles, racing, and racetracks. This new hobby, which I previously thought wasn’t “allowed” for girls, gave me confidence that I didn’t know I had. I believe that confidence is what helped me to initially pick up the phone and call Vicki.

Now instead of being afraid to touch a gun, I love them and I look forward to go and practice shooting with my husband. It truly is empowering and confidence inspiring to have the knowledge of how guns work and how to use them safely. I am more confident knowing that I can protect myself and my family if the situation ever arises.

Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Reno

2010-02-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

Our new best friends! The brothers and owners of Star Targets out of Utah were just to darn fun. You will certainly see The Women's Shooting Academy doing more shows in 2010. Thanks to all of you who stopped by to say hello.

Just in case you don't know her, that is Sue Lowden, she is planning on running against Harry Reid. Sue left our booth with some chocolate and a lipstick pepper spray. Isn't that what every girl needs....

February Newsletter

2010-02-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

We can do it, yes we can!

A note from Vicki

I have had many students who have taken my classes and said:

“I can’t do it.”

“I am afraid.”

“I am not strong enough.”

And every one of them was wrong. Each and every one them did do it, faced and confronted their fear and found strength they did not know they had. To them, I offer the following thoughts.

“Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it.” Ella Williams

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Helen Keller

“The most successful people are those who are good at plan B.” James Yorke

“Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.” Richard Bach

“People of little understanding are most apt to be angry when their sense is called into question.” Samuel Richardson

“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas Alva Edison

“I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” Thomas Jefferson

“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.” William James

Vicki~

WSA Student of the Month:

I am so pleased to announce our first student of the month, her name is Gerri and here is her story.

Vicki,

I would like to start by saying thank you very much for choosing me to be your first “Student of the Month.” I am honored. However, the person that should be honored is YOU. You have the knowledge, ability and personality to instruct anyone that makes the decision to learn about gun safety.

Everyday at work, I review cases in which one person has harmed another. It is unbelievable what goes on around us, and many of us are not aware. As the economy fights to get through a recession and unemployment fluctuates between 11% and 13%, our crime rates increase. I am secure in knowing that I have some training that may allow me to keep myself and my family safe should the occasion arise.

I was raised around shotguns and rifles. I was taught: do not touch, they are dangerous, leave them alone. I grew up fearing guns, as opposed to respecting them. At the prodding of two wonderful friends, I took your first class. I have to admit I was quite anxious about even touching the guns you had at the front of the classroom. With additional prodding, I signed up for your tactics class. I almost called in sick.

Today, I love my guns. I also enjoy practicing and experimenting with different calibers. I have lost a fear and replaced it with knowledge. I believe that everyone should have a fear of knowing what can occur if a gun is not handled properly, and remedy that fear with the expertise you offer.

Kudos to you Vicki. You have made a huge difference in the way I look at guns. To you I will remain thankful.

P.S. I had several people including my husband, brothers, brother-in-laws, etc. all offer to “teach me.” Trust me, this is not as effective as The Women’s Shooting Academy.

Gerri-

If you would like to nominate a special student whose life has been changed in some way by a WSA class please contact Vicki.

Changes to the Schedule:

Many of you have been asking for another gun cleaning class, this class will now be offered once a month every month. Sign up today, only a few spots left for the March 1st class.

Introduction to Knife Training. You definitely won't want to miss this one. Sunday April 25th will be the first class.

Refuse to be a Victim and the OC Pepper Spray are certainly a great option if you are looking at non-lethal forms of self protection.

Thank you again for your continued support. I am proud to be your instructor.

Be well.

Vicki

Two New Classes Added

2010-02-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

Introduction to Knife Training (co-ed)

Sunday, April 25th
Class Fee: $60.00

If you carry a knife or are thinking of carrying a knife then this class is a must for you. Here are just a few of the topics that will be covered. How, when and why to carry and present your knife. You will learn both offensive and defensive tactics. We will also cover the laws as they pertain to Nevada, and much, much more.

This course will be taught by a Certified Instructor who is highly trained in multiple forms of martial arts.

Class time will be 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Sign up today so that you do not miss out. Payment is due in full when you register.

Required Class Materials: An oversized white tee shirt, that is disposable. One red or black Sharpie pen.

This a is a non-firearm program.

Introduction to Gun Cleaning and Maintenance (co-ed)

Monday, March 1st & Monday, April 5th
Class Fee: $10.00

This course will be taught by Jesse Teague, a Certified Gunsmith and Owner of Slim's Gunsmithing. How, when and why to clean your gun are just some of what Jesse will teach you. This is a casual, fun and relaxing class.

Absolutely no ammunition is allowed in the classroom. NO exception to this rule. All guns will be checked at the door before you enter.

Class time will be at 6:00pm - 8:00pm and is limited to 10 students. You must pre-register for this class.

Required Class Materials: You are responsible for bringing your own gun cleaning kit. You will also need one large and one small towel.

To register for either of these classes please call Vicki at (775) 772-7064

COMING SOON-
We will be featuring a "Student of the Month"
If you would like to nominate someone whose life has been changed in some way by The Women's Shooting Academy please contact Vicki.

League of Lethal Ladies has come to Reno

2010-02-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

The League of Lethal Ladies has come to Reno.

If you enjoy shooting and want to meet other ladies then this is for you.

The best part is, it's FREE.

Sign up and become a member today.

http://www.leagueoflethalladies.org/

Meet Jenny, the newest member of WSA.

2010-02-02T05:40:00.000-08:00

Jenny Teague is your average Gunslinging Housewife... a little bit Betty Crocker, a little bit Davey Crocket. She grew up in the San Fernando Valley in Van Nuys, CA with a heart set on excitement and resourcefulness. As a child, she was a Girl Scout and took her artistic skills to college at CalArts in Valencia, CA studying fine art. She grew fond of screen printing and graphic design, always enjoying the messy hands-on creative methods.

She has always been fascinated with guns, from shooting her dad's BB gun in the back yard at milk jugs, to learning to shoot pistols and rifles as an adult. She had an ex-boyfriend tell her she couldn't handle anything more than a .38, so when her future husband took her out to shoot his AR-15 and Mauser 98, she knew for a fact there was no such thing as "too much gun" for her and she felt confident enough that she could shoot any gun handed to her.

Jenny is currently working on getting her NRA Pistol Instructor Certification and helping The Women's Shooting Academy with their marketing, and would additionally like to organize an all-women shooting club. When she's not shooting, she likes to sew, make shooting themed art, and of course bake pies, breads and garden. It only made sense that Jenny would wind up married to a gunsmith and have a son, a pug, a beagle and a fish.

A Jenny of All Trades, she is always up to something or finding interesting things to do. Life is long and she finds ways to make each day an adventure; never waking up dreading the day to come.

A note from Vicki:
I hope Reno is ready for all we have planned for 2010. You will be seeing and hearing a lot more from us this year.
Please continue to pass along all your relevant stories and photos. You just may become our feature "Student of the Month"
Until next time....
Be well and stay safe.
V-

January Newsletter

2010-01-18T18:53:00.001-08:00

Attention:
OC Pepper Spray Class this Sunday.
Space Still Available.
Call Vicki today to register.
(775) 772-7064

New Nail Gun, made by DeWALT.

It can drive a 16-D nail through a 2 X 4 at 200 yards. This makes construction a breeze; you can sit in your lawn chair and build a fence. With the hundred round magazine you can build the fence with a minimum of reloading.

HUM....Wonder if it comes in pink!

I can't believe that it is already the middle of January. Don't you just hate the folks that still have Christmas lights up. It's one thing to still have them up, it's just wrong to still turn them on.

As I reflect back on 2009, it was a great year for The Women's Shooting Academy. A whole lot of you decided to get your CCW permit last year. With this right also comes a great responsibility. Do you keep up on new gun laws? Do you regularly practice? I hope the answer is yes to both of these questions!

Speaking of practice, I would encourage you to get creative. Learn to shoot better with one hand. Learn to shoot well with your weak hand. Sit in a chair, lay on the ground, shoot while moving. Keep it fun, but more importantly KEEP IT SAFE.

I hope to see many of you again in the coming months. Thank you for your continued support of The Women's Shooting Academy.

Vicki-

NON-LETHAL SELF DEFENSE
Remember...
Using a firearm is a tool of last resort.
If you can avoid using deadly force then do it.
Please consider taking the OC Pepper Spray Class and
Refuse to be a Victim Seminar.

Below is a short (6 minute) WSA Public Service Announcement. I hope you will watch it and pass it on. You never know, it just might help someone or at least get them to think about developing a plan. Take Care - Be Well - Stay Safe.

A true story from WSA student Patty

2009-12-30T05:58:00.000-08:00

Catching Bad Guys in My Pajamas

I usually get up around 6:30 am but today I woke up before 6. Went out to the kitchen in my red nightgown and red fussy slippers and baby blue robe, poured my coffee and went to sit in my chair and have my morning devotions like I do everyday. Shaun came out to the kitchen to get his second cup of coffee and I heard him pour more water in the coffee maker. The coffee pot was sputtering as it made another cup. Boy it sure was noisy, made a funny popping noise. As I drank my coffee and tried to wake up I realized I was hearing noises but it wasn’t the coffee pot or the dogs that were stilled locked up in the kitchen.

I could hear noises coming from outside, between our house and the neighbors house. What in the world would Mike and Maryann the neighbors be doing outside this time of the morning? It was not garbage day. I decided to go outside to see what was going on.

I walked out onto our large deck that wraps around the back and side of our house. Walked to the edge of the deck and looked into the neighbor’s back yard. Nothing there. I walked toward the front of the deck and looked into their driveway. Nothing. What had I heard? Proceeded to walk to the front of the deck and looked down on our driveway and front yard. Suddenly a young man ran out from under my deck and across my front yard. He was running as fast as his feet could carry him. My mind tried to absorb every detail in the few seconds it took him to run across my yard and up the street out of site. I realized he was a young Hispanic male in his late twenties or early thirties, with short dark hair. He was wearing gray pants and a tray and white large stripped shirt. He was about the size of my youngest son Joey, 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighed about 150 pounds. Ran into the house locking the sliding door behind me which meant I slammed the wooden dowel in the track of the sliding door. Were there others trying to break into my garage or Shaun’s truck parked under the deck?

Shaun was in the den at the back of the house. He had heard me slam the dowel in the sliding glass door. “Shaun get Maggie!” I yelled. Maggie is our Ruger 357 revolver. From where I was standing down the hallway, I saw Shaun dart into our bedroom from the den to retrieve her.

“Someone was trying to break in! I saw him run across the front yard.”

“Call 911” he yelled back.

As Shaun headed out the front door in his robe and slippers with Maggie in his hand, I dialed 911.

“Police or fire department?” the female dispatcher asked.

“Police” I responded my voice shaky and a little high pitched. My heart was beating fast and I could feed the adrenaline.

“What is your name?”

“Patty McConnell”

“How can I help you?”

“Someone just tried to break into our garage. I saw him run across my front yard. He is running up Sagittarius.”

“Can you describe the suspect?” she asked.

“Yes” I said “a young Hispanic male wearing gray pants and a gray and white stripped shirt.”

“Are the stripes vertical or horizontal?” I thought about a prison uniform.

I thought for an instance “Horizontal, not vertical, like a polo shirt”

“How big is he?”

He was not big and I thought about Joey. “Not real tall maybe 5 foot 8 inches, probably about 150 pounds”.

I was told, “We’ll get someone there right away. What number can I reach you? “.Gave her home phone number.

As I hung up the phone, Shaun came back in the house. “They were trying to steal my outboard motor off the boat!”

I followed him outside to see what had happened. The tarp that normally covers the boat was neatly folded back to expose the motor. On the ground lay a large pair of yellow handled bolt cutters. The lock had been cut and was lying on the cement. Only one bolt remained to be unscrewed and the motor could be lifted off the boat. Shaun’s Ford truck was facing the boat. We debated what to do.

“You better stay out here in case they come back to finish the job and get the motor.”

“I’ll sit in the truck with Maggie. Go call the police again and tell them what’s happened.”

Dialed 911 again.

“This is Patty McConnell and I just called a few minutes ago. He was trying to steal our outboard motor off our boat. Are you really sending someone and should we not touch anything?”

“Don’t touch anything, officers are on the way and should be there any minute.”

Ran out to tell Shaun. He was sitting in the truck staring at the boat, with Maggie resting on the console.

“Be sure to tell the police you have a gun so they don’t shoot you “I warned. Went back in the house to watch and wait for the police. The phone rang; it was 6:45am.

“Is this Patty McConnell?”

“Yes”

“This is the Reno police department. We have a suspect in custody. Do you think you can identify him?”

“Yes I can.”

“We will have an officer come by to get you and take you on a drive-by.” I wanted to ID the suspect but I did not want him to see me.

I hung up the phone and ran outside to tell Shaun what was happening. In the back of my mind I thought “I need to get dressed”.

“They have apprehended a suspect and are coming by to get me so I can identify him”. As I start back into the house hoping to change my clothes an office pulls up and parks in front of our driveway. Too late. All thoughts of changing my clothes disappear and I immediately walk towards the black and white police car. He greets me and begins to move his gear off the front seat into the trunk.

“Go ahead and get in. We’ll drive down to Hunter Lake so you can see if this is the man you saw”. It was as surreal as I sit in the police car in my pajamas my hair its usual morning disaster. I could not believe I was riding in a police car at six in the morning in my pajamas. Inside I was laughing. As we head out I tell him the story. He makes a comment about the incident happening when it is daylight.

As we make a right turn on Hunter Lake I see him sitting on the side walk behind the police car with his hands in handcuffs behind his back.

“Oh that’s him!” I respond immediately. There was no doubt in my mind. He was wearing gray pants and the gray and white stripped polo shirt. It was amazing that I had described him perfectly. I looked at his face as we drove by. That was the only part of him that I had not seen.

The officer drove past the young man sitting on the sidewalk and the police car and pulled over along the curb. “I’ll be right back” He got out of the car leaving it running. I looked at the computer in his car a map displayed on the screen with my street name highlighted. I looked in the side mirror and I could see the suspect sitting there. It was such a good feeling knowing they had caught him.

“He told them he was jogging” the officer said as he got back in the car. We chuckled. The suspect had ratted on his accomplish and now everyone was looking for someone driving a Mercury, the get away car.

When we arrived at the house, Shaun was outside waiting for me. I told him they had caught him,

“Way to go honey!”

“Well now the fun begins, paperwork” He had a clipboard with a form attached.

We walked into the house and introduced our selves as we sat at the kitchen table. Maggie was laying on the kitchen table her five cartridges lying beside her.

“I carried a 357 when I was first started on the police force”. He picked her up and handled her like she was an old friend.

Officer Fred explained the form on the clipboard and I wrote down everything that I could remember.

Shaun told Fred that he looked like our neighbor Mike. Another office arrived so we went outside to the crime scene. For the first time we took it all in.

“He cut the cable and the safety cord! He didn’t need to do that” Shaun moaned in disgust. “And he busted the handle!”

Soon two plain white cars with detective arrived to gather all the evidence. CSI was on site right under my deck. All the officers tried to determine the best place to lift a finger print. One detective had a finger print kit and began dusting the motor and the back of the boat with a black powder. We left him to do his job and as we walked into the driveway I saw the neighbors Mike and Maryann leaving their house for their daily early morning walk. Seeing all the commotion and police cars, they walked over to us. I was wound up and retold the story. As Officer Fred walked up to where Mike and I were standing I said “This is my neighbor Mike.”

“Apparently I look like you” Officer Fred said to Mike. Yes I thought you two do look alike.

“When I went out to get the paper this morning I saw a car sitting on our side of the street and thought that was odd.” Mike said. Happened to be the Mercury everyone was looking for. The driver, the girl friend, had fallen asleep and had been there the whole time, a half a block from our house.

There was a divine chain of events that had taken place that morning. First of all, I usually don’t get up that early. Normally I would have been asleep and Shaun would not have heard anything from the far end of the house. Secondly when I went out on the deck to find out what the noise was, I walked directly over where the crime was happening. As I continued to walk around on the deck I had scared the would-be thief. So he ran, but he ran the wrong way. He ran up the street, uphill all the way. Girl friend accomplish was asleep in the car down the street. If he had run the other way, he could have jumped in the car and they would have gotten away scot-free.

In June of this year, I took my first class from the Woman’s Shooting Academy, Introduction to Handguns. I fell in love with shooting with my first experience and as a result Maggie came to live with us. My mindset changed as I became aware of how important it is to be conscious of our surroundings and what is going on. There are bad guys out there who try to do bad things. My curiosity was aroused when I heard unusual sounds at an odd time so I went to investigate. All these events had allowed me to help catch a bad guy in my pajamas.

December News

2009-12-10T14:55:00.001-08:00

Be sure to become a fan of WSA on Facebook.

Reno police warn of criminals targeting shoppers.
(Recent RGJ Article)

Reno police are cautioning residents that holiday excitement can leave you vulnerable to criminals looking for as target.

Vehicle burglaries increase as criminals find gifts in busy shopping center parking lots. Lt. Mike Whan said. In the last two weeks, Reno police and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office received more than 90 calls about vehicle thefts.

“Thieves are looking for opportunities,” Whan said. “Don’t think they’ll avoid busy shopping centers. They will pull up right next to you and break inside.”

Homes are also vulnerable. In the last two weeks, more than 70 burglaries were reported to Reno police and the sheriff’s office.

Whan said to close window blinds and drapes and lock doors. Many residential burglaries occur during the day when people are at work, he said.

“Don’t let people see what you have,” he said.

Reno police recommend:
o Shop during daylight. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
o Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
o Don’t carry a purse or wallet.
o Carry a driver’s license or identification card, necessary cash, checks or a credit card you expect to use in a pocket outside of a wallet or purse.
o Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep it in your front pocket.
o Stay alert to your surroundings. Knowing who is near is the first step to being secure. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, move in the direction of witnesses.
o Display confidence by walking with a purpose, scanning the area around you and making causal eye contact with others.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
o Trust your instincts. If you have an intuitive feeling something is wrong, trust your instincts and react immediately to reduce your risk. If someone approaches you and you feel uncomfortable, move or ask for assistance.
o When you observe suspicious behavior, note specifics about the person and or vehicle and contact police.
o Keep a record of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home, and notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

INTRODUCTION TO OC PEPPER SPRAY:

It's about options and choices.
OC Pepper Spray is a great tool and has it's place. Don't miss your chance to jump in on an upcoming class. All dates have been updated on the website.
SIGN UP TODAY!

In closing, I want to to say thank you. The Women's Shooting Academy has had an amazing year. I am humbled when I look back and reflect on this past year. None of this would have been possible if not for many of you. It's friends and students like you that continue to inspire me. Thank you for your continued support.

I wish you much joy and peace~

Merry Christmas

Vicki-

November Newsletter

2009-10-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of Karen, a student from earlier this year. She started out with the Ladies Introduction to Handguns Course and look at her now. There is nothing like shooting an AR-15.......way to go girl.

This months newsletter is a little different. I have asked fellow instructor TK to write a little something. I hope you enjoy it.

Be prepared.

That has been the Boy Scout motto from day one. I interpreted that lesson when I was growing up to mean to be prepared for life. To be prepared for the unexpected in the wilderness, be prepared in your mind to learn for a life time, be prepared for life as an adult and be prepared to be a responsible American by giving back where needed.

But it seems the world has changed these past few decades. Life has become more complex, violent and uncertain. To be prepared has changed. Now it seems that not only must we be prepared but we must BE READY. Ready for the unexpected that is around every corner.

What is it “that” we must be ready for?

Watch the evening news or monitor the wires of the daily events around our globe and you certainly start to see what others have not been ready for. I am not talking about the whole terrorism aspect, which has its own level of preparedness. Ask any member of our valiant military personnel or dedicated law enforcement officials. They will tell you how they prepare for just that threat alone.

We now must be armed with a variety of skills beyond good map and compass reading. We must be ready with good defensive driving skills as you never know when you may encounter road rage or be involved in a severe accident. Fatalities on the highway are a daily headline. Then there is the random “crime.” From the weekly attempted home invasions, attempted rapes, shootings and robbery’s, there is a lot to “be ready” for. You may be shaking your head that I exaggerate. More likely, you have just tuned it out because we all know it is all around us. Check the call logs posted by your local police department and you will be more than shocked at what happens in our community.

It seems light years ago that we did not have to “worry” about such things. Perhaps it is nostalgic for me to think that we used to be able to play outside, ride our bikes in the neighborhood, walk to school unattended and go six blocks to a friend’s house WITHOUT our parents having to worry about our safety. Now they must be concerned about creeps watching us for perverted reasons. The fact that an organized syndicate exists for the exploitation of children for perverse reasons is often beyond my comprehension. But it is the reality of the world we live in today and you and I must be ready to defend that which we love.

For our family, being ready means a lot of things. Given where this article is being published, you know we have made the choice to exercise all our constitutional rights as citizens, and particularly the 1st and 2nd amendments. But most importantly, we have learned to go back to the old rule I learned as a boy scout. Being prepared means we are prepared for the realities of the world we live in today, not yesterday. Be prepared when you are alone in a parking lot, be prepared when you walk to school, be prepared when you drive for the unexpected; and be prepared not to be the next headline on the daily news.

Be prepared and ready for the unexpected. That’s the new motto of an old Eagle Scout in a different world.

TK~

CCW CLASS on Nov.15th still has a few spaces available. If you are thinking about getting your Concealed Carry Permit sign up today.

The Tactics class continues to sell out. Due to the high demand I have added another date. The next co-ed class will be on Sunday December 6th. I will be posting additional class dates on the website in the next few weeks.

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement!
A brand new course is coming in December. Keep checking your email, you'll be the first to know.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN.....DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR WHEN YOU GO TO BED SATURDAY NIGHT.

Until next time....

Vicki-

September Newsletter

2009-09-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

Our First Gun Cleaning Class!

The first gun cleaning class was a huge success. Thank you to all who participated. In order for your gun to function properly it needs to be cleaned and lubricated regularly.

We will be having another class in November. I will let you know the date once I get it set.

The National Center for Missing Adults and Children.

The Women's Shooting Academy is proud to announce that due to our hat sales we were able to donate $200.00 to this wonderful organization. In addition to our hat sales donations I have decided to personally match that amount. The total donation amount was $400.00. All of our donations are made in memory of Dari Mansfield who was murdered back in 1985. Dari is the mother of Hanae, one of my wonderful assistants! Thank you so much for your support of our efforts through your purchase of WSA hats.

HUM....
Coolness and a steady nerve will always beat simple quickness.Take your time and you'll only have to pull the trigger once.

News on the ammunition shortages:

In speaking to some local gun shop owners it seems that ammo is starting to make it's way (slowly) to the shelves again. This was also confirmed in an article written this week in the Reno Gazette Journal. Let's all hope this trend continues!

TACTICS - TACTICS - TACTICS....you are only as good as your training!

The first Co-Ed tactics class scheduled for next Sunday Oct. 4th sold out in just over a week. Due to a large number of you who were unable to get in on the class I have set another date. I already have several people signed up so call right away....THE DATE IS SET FOR SATURDAY NOV. 7th. This Co-Ed class will sell out.

If you are a women and prefer to be in a ladies only class, the next tactics class will be held on Saturday Oct.24th at Scheels. Call me ASAP to register.

Just a little reminder from Vicki.

Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation....

Pay attention to everything going on around you.
Awareness is your FIRST line of defense.

The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do.

If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.
RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern.

ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT.

Have a plan ~ Practice your plan ~ Live your plan

A NEW NON-FIREARM COURSE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN A FEW WEEKS...
This will include the proper use of pepper spray and a baton.
REMEMBER: You want as many choices as possible at your disposal.

Women’s Shooting Academy Blog Feed:

Subscribe the WSA feed so that you can get up-to-date news on the gun world on your iGoogle and My Yahoo pages.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks.

Until next time...

Vicki~

August Newsletter

2009-08-18T19:47:00.001-07:00

If you haven't tried this before I really recommend trying it, it is far harder than it looks. We really don't tell you to do what we are not willing to do ourselves. Make your practice fun and make it real. The idea here was to pretend that you were sleeping, when given the command you had to locate your firearm and then hit multiple threats. Speed and accuracy were a big factor. REMEMBER: Safety is always your top priority when practicing.

WOMEN'S SHOOTING ACADEMY IN THE NEWS!
I was recently invited to be a guest on Alice 96.5 morning radio with Bill and Connie Wray. I can't begin to tell you what fun that was. One thing I learned was think before you speak...when you're live you don't get a do over!

I also had the pleasure of meeting and working with Karoline Wightman from our local KOLO channel 8. Karoline was a lot of fun and made us all comfortable on and off camera.
Click below to watch the news story.

LEARN HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GUN....ONLY 10 SPACES AVAILABLE
On Saturday evening August 29th Kristy and Hanae will be up at the classroom from 6pm till 9pm teaching you everything you need to know. You will need to bring your gun/guns and all your own cleaning supplies. If you have your manual please bring that as well. We will also bring our own personal cleaning supplies and are happy to share. The cost will be $5.00 per person. Don't miss out, CALL TODAY TO REGISTER! Dessert and coffee will be served.
Jesse Teague a local gunsmith will also be available to assist and help in any way he can!

“Real American feminism is a woman with a car loaded with groceries, kids in the back seat and a 9mm she knows how to use in her pocket…” TK~

LADIES ONLY CCW We are offering a ladies only CCW this Sunday at Cabela's. I have room for a few more, call me if you would like to jump in.

Ladies Introduction to Tactics has been a huge success. For all you who have taken the Introduction to Handguns class I challenge you to step up and take this course. It is quickly turning out to be one of my favorites! Next ladies only class is on Sunday Sept. 20th.
SPACE IS LIMITED

GENTLEMAN I HEAR YOU...
I will be offering a co-ed tactics class beginning of October.
Please let me know if this is a class you would be interested in attending.

Women’s Shooting Academy Blog Feed:

Subscribe the WSA feed so that you can get up-to-date news on the gun world on your iGoogle and My Yahoo pages.

Until next time...

Vicki-

July Newsletter

2009-07-15T19:07:00.001-07:00

Hi,

All is great for the gals and I. We have been very busy this summer. We are thankful for every class that we are able to teach. Men and women are realizing how important their safety is, and doing something about it!

This months newsletter is simple. A message from Hanae and the introduction of Jesse, a fabulous local gunsmith!

Until next time......

Vicki~

A Note From Jesse:
Jesse "Slim" Teague
I have been fond of guns all my life. I attended the Lassen College gunsmithing program in 2006 and then again in August 2008 to get Law Enforcement Armorers School (L.E.A.S.) full automatic certified. I have been doing freelance gunsmithing in Northern Nevada since January 2008.

I enjoy mostly working on, collecting and shooting surplus military rifles, as well as an array of handguns. I gear my business more toward the repair and minor customizing side of things. I feel there are enough gunsmiths out there that can build you a complete custom rifle from scratch, but there are very few that can do a repair, big or small, in a timely manner. That's where I come in. I won't take five weeks to do a job that takes one or two days, and in most cases I can have your gun back to you the next day, I am very flexible when it comes to time frames and can work around your schedule when necessary.
I realize most of the folks reading this will be carrying a gun for their personal protection and I don't want to deprive them of their gun any longer than I have to.

-Jesse "Slim" Teague
----------------------------
Slim's Gunsmithing
www.slimsgunsmithing.com

A special message from Hanae:
Always remember that safety is number one. Don't forget that keeping your gun or guns clean is just as important. If you go out and shoot and know that you won’t be shooting for a month or so, clean your gun before store it. The gunpowder and lead is very harmful to your gun and it causes the gun to rust and not work properly.

I recommend for quick clean try Birchwood Casey’s Barricade. It comes in a spray form that is easy to use. It will protect your gun from rust. It also lubricates the gun. Always lubricate the gun after cleaning. An easy way to remember what to lubricate is: metal on metal and anything that touches metal needs to have lubrication. A good lubricant is MiliTec. It’s a synthetic lubricate that doesn’t gum up or gather dirt. I really love it!

I would also like to take this time to thank Vicki for bringing me on the team to help instruct. I love seeing women empower themselves and learn safe ways to protect themselves and the ones they love. Vicki’s classes teach everything that I have been very passionate about from a very young age. I lost my mother at two years old to a crime that we stress can happen to anyone women, man or child.

Recently, Vicki came to me and said she would like to donate $5.00 from our Women’s Shooting Academy hats to a charity of my choice in the memory of my mom. I couldn't’t believe it! I thought to myself, Vicki must an angle that my mom brought to me.

So I am pleased to announce that in the memory of mom, Dari Mansfield, the Women’s Shooting Academy is donating $5.00 from the sale of each hat to The National Center for Missing Adults. Thank you Vicki for giving my family, especially my dad, and I the chance to keep my moms memory alive and strong.

Hanae
P.S Love you mom

There is still room in the upcoming CCW class on August 2nd.
Ladies Intro. to Tactics Aug. 9th, still has some availability. You REALLY should sign up ladies...it's a great class!
For additional information and dates you can always check the website.

TAKE CARE~

Vicki - Kristy - Hanae

June Newsletter

2009-06-01T12:52:00.001-07:00

The girls and I had a recent photo shoot with local photographer Alexa Gintoff. Here is one of my favorite pictures. We will be sharing more photos in upcoming newsletters. Enjoy!

Exciting News...

I am excited to announce that The Women’s Shooting Academy now has its own permanent classroom. The new location is up on Parr Blvd. near the Washoe County Jail. We will be having some advanced classes coming to our new facility soon! Stay connected for more information. We always welcome your ideas and suggestions for upcoming courses.

Utah only CCW class on Thursday July 2nd.

For those of you who are interested in obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit from Utah I will be offering the 4 hour course on Thursday July 2nd. We will begin at 8am and be finished by noon. There is no firearm qualification required, therefore no need to bring your gun or any ammo. to class.

For those of you who already have your Nevada CCW, by adding Utah it allows you to carry in quite a few more states than your Nevada alone. If you are a Nevada resident and plan on carrying concealed you MUST obtain your Nevada CCW.

This is a great course for all of you Nevada non-residents as well.

For more information don’t hesitate to contact me. Class size is limited so sign up ASAP.

Below is a list of reciprocity sates that honor the different permits:

Nevada AK*, AR, AZ, FL, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT*,

Utah AK*, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NH, NM, NV, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA,
VT*, WA, WV, WY,

Illinois (IL) and Wisconsin (WI) are "Non CCW issue states".**Colorado (CO), Michigan (MI), South Carolina (SC), New Hampshire (NH), Florida (FL), Kansas (KS) and West Virginia (WV) only honor permits from residents of the issuing states. (* Vermont (VT) & Alaska (AK). Anyone who can legally own a firearm can carry it concealed. No Permit/license is required.)

States in red issue Non-Resident Permits. Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Maryland (MD),
New Jersey (NJ), Oregon (OR) and Tennessee (TN) have a very restrictive Non-Resident issue policies.

A special message from Kristy.

Summer time is finally here! The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming, neighborhood parks are packed and the aroma of a backyard BBQ is filling the air. It is time for us to dust off the camping gear, get the bikes out, head to the beach, or for many of you- it’s time to head to the shooting range!

This weather beckons us to spend more time outside: gardening, walking, biking, and sitting on our porches enjoying the summer evening. While sleeping, it is not uncommon for many to open up their windows and sliding glass doors to let the cool night breeze flow through their homes. Keep in mind, many of these activities lead to a greater chance of becoming a victim of a crime. I cannot stress enough how important it is to be aware of your environment and pay attention to your surroundings! No matter how familiar we are with our homes, our work, or the grocery store we frequent the most; we must never be complacent about our surroundings. Analyze the people around you, examine the shrubbery, dark corners, and parked cars. Small simple steps such as these can help us avoid potential victimization.

Being aware is just one small segment of the whole picture of personal security! If you haven’t already, explore and review your options for a self-defense weapon. The spectrum is wide and there is something for everyone: from pocket sized mace to a reliable and easy-to-conceal firearm.

Whatever your favorite summer hobbies are, it is important to keep your personal safety at the forefront of your daily activities; both at home or on-the-go! For more personal protection ideas and strategies that you can implement into your daily life; please join The Women’s Shooting Academy for our first Refuse to Be a Victim seminar June 13th.

Kristy-

Do you know how to treat a Bullet Wound?

Gunshot wounds are one of the most serious forms of trauma that you can encounter. Gunshots cause three types of trauma: penetration (destruction of flesh by the projective), cavitation (damage from the bullet's shock wave in the body), and fragmentation (caused by pieces of the projectile or bone). It is very difficult to predict the degree of damage done by a gunshot wound, and many of the injuries caused by a gun far exceed what you can reasonably treat. For this reason, the best option for most gunshot wounds is to get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. Read on to learn what you can do to help stabilize a gunshot victim.

Make sure you are safe.

Call for help.

Do not move the victim unless you must do so to keep him safe, or to access care i.e.: in a rural or off-road setting.
General principles of first aid for bullet wounds.

Steps, warnings and tips are only for your consideration. Although the specifics of treating a gunshot wound will vary somewhat depending upon the part of the body where it occurs, these steps can be applied to all gunshot wounds.

Act quickly.

Check the A, B, C, D, E's.
A (Airway)
B (Breathing)
C (Circulation)
D (Disability)
E (Exposure)

Control bleeding.

Be prepared to treat the victim for shock.

Wait for help to arrive.

Special instructions for regions of the body.

* Head – Gunshot wounds to the head are frequently fatal. Your best option is to keep the head elevated and get the victim to a trauma center as soon as possible.
* Face and neck – These wounds typically bleed severely. Use direct pressure to control bleeding and keep the victim upright. Be careful not to obstruct breathing while controlling bleeding. With injuries to the neck, be careful that blood flow to the carotid arteries isn't disrupted, as this can reduce blood flow to the brain.
* Chest and back – Apply direct pressure to control bleeding; understand that it may be difficult to control chest bleeding because the ribs make it difficult to compress the structures that are bleeding. Gunshots to the chest can cause what is known as a "sucking chest wound". These happen when air travels in and out of the wound with each breath. Treat these as follows:
* Seal wound with hand or airtight material (e.g., plastic film).
* Apply an airtight bandage on three sides of the wound. Do not close the bandage on the fourth side.
* Lift the unsealed side of the bandage as the victim exhales to allow air to escape.
*Abdomen – Use direct pressure to the injury site. As with the chest, controlling bleeding in these cases can be quite difficult.
*Arm or leg – Use direct pressure to control bleeding. Arm and leg injuries from gunshots can be elevated above the heart to help control bleeding. Use pressure points in the arm, groin, or behind the knee if direct pressure does not control bleeding.

* Never use a tourniquet except to:
Save a life when excessive bleeding can not be stopped by pressure or to go to get help when alone.
If you must use a tourniquet, then to arm or leg only and above bleeding (never on any other part of the body.)!

* Never use wire, string or similar narrow material that could cause a new cut or bursting injury or additional bleeding when tightened.

You can now find many of The Women’s Shooting Academy classes being taught at Scheels. We are very excited they have embraced our classes and support our mission to educate
ALL women in the Reno/Sparks area.
For a list of class schedules please visit our website.

Coming next month....A special message from Hanae!

Let your gun therefore be the
constant companion of your walks-
Thomas Jefferson

There is still availability for the June 13th Refuse to be
a Victim Seminar. This seminar will be held at Cabela's.
Call today to reserve your seat!

EDUCATE - ENCOURAGE - EMPOWER

Until next time....

Vicki~

May Newsletter

2009-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I hope you are all doing well.

Just a reminder that I will be out of the office until Monday May 11th. You can always go to the website for additional information.

The ladies introduction class on May 16th is now full. There are plenty of spaces still available for the June 6th class.

The Ladies Rock….

There are now over 35 gals on the shooting and practice roster. This is a confidential group designed for the purpose of meeting others to shoot and practice with.
For more information call Vicki.

THE TEAM IS READY…
I am excited to announce that Kristy, Hanae and Tim are now ready to begin teaching. They are all NRA Certified Instructors in multiple disciplines. Their commitment and dedication has exceeded my expectations. Safety is, and always will be, our number one priority! We don’t just talk a good talk, nor do we ask you to do what we don’t do ourselves. We will continue to train and educate ourselves and always strive for excellence.

Always be prepared:

I talk a lot about this in all of my classes. When you least expect it is probably
when you will find yourself in a situation of being unprepared.
You need to think of your safety and security all the time.
This concept is NOT always convenient.

The Refuse to be a Victim Seminar is a great place to start. This is a non-firearm NRA approved course. In just four short hours you will begin to develop your personal safety strategy plan. You need to start looking at all areas of your life immediately. There are simple things you can start doing today to improve your chances of NOT becoming a victim.

These seminars are beginning in June and will be taught around the greater Reno area on an ongoing basis. We hope to see you at one soon. Please check the website for a list of dates.

Below is an email I received last month from a recent student. I think it just reinforces the concept of being prepared and having a plan. Remember….when you need your gun, you need your gun!

Hey Vicki,
Steve and Cindy in Susanville and Quincy. This is my testimonial. Have been carrying for several years, recently took a course with you, but had become complacent! We have been living alone in an RV away from home, with my dogs and husband for the last several years. I have always carried......but one night recently I just needed to go to the car for an item (approximately six feet from my RV front door.) I did not pick up my handgun. Retrieved the item from the car (almost totally dark, RV front lights do not illuminate much) I turned to go into my house and right behind me was a male, back lit, could not see his face. Dressed in dark clothing with a hat on, asking me to stop and talk to him. The owner of the RV Park where I stay in was out of town. I hightailed it to the door of my RV, shut and locked it right away when the person tried the door. I work with the spouse of a sheriff’s deputy so called him right away. Sheriff and CHP were there within minutes, took my description, searched and searched, but found no one. Needles to say, I am the hardest one on myself for not being prepared and armed. Never again. Go Carry, Be Happy and Safe.
Cindy W.

The Four Basic Rules to Always Remember

Rule One: All guns are always loaded. This rule means that no matter what, you will always treat a firearm with the respect you would give it if you knew it was loaded. You never do anything with an unloaded gun that you wouldn't do with a loaded gun. This is the most basic rule and all other safety rules.

Rule Two: Do not point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. This rule applies whether the gun is loaded or not! (See Rule One...) Do not allow the gun to point at other shooters, no matter what you are doing with the gun and no matter where the shooters are standing.

Rule Three: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target. Most new shooters have a hard time teaching the trigger finger to do what the brain knows to do, so there is no shame in being reminded. Make sure you understand that "off the trigger" also means "outside of the trigger guard."

Rule Four: Be sure of your target and what's beyond your target. Make sure there's nothing between you and your target, and if you're not sure the area behind the target is clear of people and will stop a bullet, don't fire.

COMING NEXT MONTH: A special message from Kristy!

"The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
Thomas Jefferson-

EDUCATE - ENCOURAGE - EMPOWER

Until Next Time...

Stay Safe

~Vicki~

April Newsletter

2009-04-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I hope you are all well and enjoying this beautiful spring like weather. It's the perfect time to get out there and start practicing.

There are now over 25 ladies signed up to meet others to shoot and practice with. If you are a women and are interested in becoming part of the (confidential) group please contact Vicki.

FREE gun cleaning classes will be offered once a month beginning in June. More details will be announced in May's Newsletter!

Did you know.....
According to the FBI, states with "Shall-Issue" right to carry laws have a 26 percent lower total violent crime rate, a 20 percent lower homicide rate, a 39 percent lower robbery rate and a 22 percent lower aggravated assault rate than those states that do not allow their citizens to legally carry guns.

If you are interested in acquiring a multi-state concealed carry permit please contact Vicki. Do it while you still can!

"No free man shall ever be denied the use of arms"
~Thomas Jefferson

Below is the link to read the NRA article regarding Bi-Partisan Legislation to restore your Second Amendment in National Parks. You may have to copy and paste.

http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?ID=12320

REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM.

Living your life in a constant state of awareness goes a long way towards avoiding trouble. Good habits and tactics apply to everything you do. Make a choice....Refuse to be a Victim!

Refuse to be a Victim is a four hour seminar that focuses on crime prevention and developing your personal safety strategy plan. I am very excited about this seminar. Hanae, Kristy and myself will begin offering this course to our community in late May.

Until next time....

Take Care, Be Well and Stay Safe

~Vicki~