FINDING THE RIGHT HANDGUN

 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...

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

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

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

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

 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

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