Caleb Giddings broached this subject yesterday on his blog and answered the question of “how-to” by simply saying… “Dont.” Seriously. Go read the article for the full context, but basically he is saying dont force the issue.
My opinion on the matter is the same as I mentioned the other day in my Gun N00bs post… that is take them shooting. If there is truly a real interest there and its something that they want to get into then they will be instantly hooked.
Treat it just like any other range trip with a first time shooter and try to make it as fun as possible (reactive targets, use small manageable calibers, dont have a bunch of yahoos around acting like asses, remove as many other intimidation factors as possible, etc, etc) and focus on short term successes. Shooting is like anything else… If you can make it a fun and engaging first time experience, then chances are they will want to go back for more. Its fun. We all know that, but often times first-timers have preconceived notions that can lead them to believe that its not something they would enjoy. But dont push the matter. If they have had an open mind and have tried it but just dont like it then move on. Its probably something thats just not for them. Or maybe they will come back to it at a later date.
I will also add one other caveat that I have observed on the matter… that is, women love shooting with other women. I dont know if its the lower level of intimidation because no men are around, or if its the bonding of it being an all girls shoot, or anything else or all of the above. Who knows and who cares… but it seems to exponentially increase the fun of a range trip for women to have a “girls night out” range trip. So, if you can arrange something like that with other experienced female shooters then do it. It will certainly go a very long way.
