Advice on handgun training in Bellingham WA area

[oldbrownhat]

My gf lives in Bellingham and when we were chatting on Skype today (as I’m just across the line in BC) she surprised me by saying she was “thinking about getting a gun” because she’s concerned about the possibility of civil unrest if the pandemic and lockdowns go on too long. She’s a scientist so very aware of the need for medical caution but also pragmatic about the potential side effects.

I say she surprised me as she is not a “gun person”. I will fully support her in this, and I know she would take it very seriously and get the proper training. If the cross-border travel restrictions are relaxed later in the summer, and if my local range reopens, I told her i’ll take her to the range with a couple of my guns (probably a Model 10 & a Ruger SR9) so she could get a feel for revolvers & semi-autos (if our idiot government hasn't banned everything by then. Grrrr.....) This would be for home defence, and probably not CCW.

I know there are NRA-approved courses available in WA, as well as courses “by women for women” (although that’s not critical for her). I can go online to research it but I thought I’d mention it here as I know there are a number of members in WA who could advise better, and with direct experience, than I can from a keyboard. Perhaps some of Clint Smith's DVDs might be a useful resource as well.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Your girlfriend is a pragmatic gal.

I live south of Tacoma, so I can't help you with any suggestions for Bellingham. Good luck.

 

[JJEH]

Gunsite!

https://www.gunsite.com/classes/seattle-3-day-150-pistol-class/

 

[oldbrownhat]

Gunsite!/

The original! Certainly a possibility, once she gets some handgun familiarity, which she can probably do locally. She's aware that, as Cooper said, "Owning a gun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." (And she's already a darned good musician anyway.)

 

[Suburbanite]

oldbrownhat

Plantation is close and likely the least expensive option. And she can benefit from her tax dollars at work.

Plantation Rifle Range | Whatcom County, WA - Official Website

A short trip down I-5 would get her to the indoor Skagit Shooting Range.

Classes - Skagit Shooting Range

If your girl friend is new to firearms I would encourage her to tryout a variety of firearms, including long guns. If she enjoys shooting hand guns, great! But she might find a long gun like a pistol caliber carbine or a 20 gauge shot gun easier or more enjoyable to shoot.

If your girl friend likes Clint Smith videos, well, you have a keeper!

 

[oldbrownhat]

Many thanks for this, Suburbanite. I know of the Plantation range. I'm compiling a list of possibilities. There is also the Custer Sportsman's Club and a few others.

She is quite new to firearms (aside from a brief and unhappy experience in the Canadian cadets about 40 years ago! And didn't lilke the FN-FAL, it seems.) She's never fired any of my handguns, only my Marlin 1894 years ago when we were allowed to shoot in clearings on the forest service roads. That was all nixed when idiots took up everything from computers to beer bottles to appliances to shoot at and left it all there.

I think long guns of any sort are out. But yes, trying out several handguns to see what feels right will be mandatory. As someone else advised me, it's like clothes; if shoes or a bra don't fit properly, it doesn't matter who makes them or how highly recommended they are! She doesn't know anyone there who's into shooting aside from me, so she won't be able to try anything outside of the few things I have. Yeagher's is close by and there might be someone on the gun counter who could give her some initial advice and maybe fondle what they have in stock. Kesselring's used to be a go-to place but from what I've heard, that's not been the case for quite some time.

I doubt she'll "enjoy" shooting; it's pragmartic decision only AFAIK, but you never know. She's tied up with work at the moment, but when she has some free time she'll be able to get into this properly. Also recommended has been a lot of initial homework, reading up on WA state law and a few books on the principles and mental attitude necessary to be armed. I read a lot of brave statements on various forums about self-defence but often doubt if some of them have ever had to even pull a weapon, let alone fire it. Dealing with nerves while remaining alert and in control, plus the mental toll should you need to actually shoot are not things that can be learned from a couch.

I am familiar with some of Clint Smith's videos from sample clips. ( A few days at Thunder Ranch would really be a fine thing.) I'll reacquaint myself with his videos and send her some links. I think his easy style, devoid of testosterone- driven theatrics might well appeal to her.

Onward and upward....

 

[URIT]

Here are a couple of sites that she might find helpful while researching her choice of a firearm...

American Rifleman | Right For You: Ladies Pistol Project 3 Results

Contents | Cornered Cat

A search for an NRA certified instructor near her residence or workplace should help guide her to find a qualified person to help her become confident and competent with her firearm choice.

 

[lrrifleman]

OP, I am not trying to be paranoid, but your last post produced a world-class red flag!

You mentioned that your GF was affiliated in some capacity with a university. We know how open-minded and receptive they are with any views contrary to their convictions. Considering how they tend to have eyes everywhere, you may want to be much more vague in how you identify your GF!

 

[oldbrownhat]

OP, I am not trying to be paranoid, but your last post produced a world-class red flag!

You mentioned that your GF was affiliated in some capacity with a university. We know how open-minded and receptive they are with any views contrary to their convictions. Considering how they tend to have eyes everywhere, you may want to be much more vague in how you identify your GF!

Sigh... silly me I doubt that any of them read this Forum, but I guess you never know. I've removed that reference. Her workplace is definitely a no-gun zone. Perhaps you should remove the "U" word from your post as well?

 

[oldbrownhat]

Here are a couple of sites that she might find helpful while researching her choice of a firearm...

American Rifleman | Right For You: Ladies Pistol Project 3 Results

Contents | Cornered Cat

A search for an NRA certified instructor near her residence or workplace should help guide her to find a qualified person to help her become confident and competent with her firearm choice.

Thanks for this. Cornered Cat was one website I was trying to remember. I think there will be several NRA-approved instructors available in her area when the time comes.

 

[Tanners Owner]

Another option is Firearms academy of Seattle, located In Onalaska, by Chehalis. Know it’s a distance, but I’ve had good experiences with the training there.

 

[oldbrownhat]

Another option is Firearms academy of Seattle, located In Onalaska, by Chehalis. Know it’s a distance, but I’ve had good experiences with the training there.

Yes, I've read about them and got a good impression. I think they host some Gunsite classes, too (?) It's a bit of a drive but I think that after she's got some basic instruction locally, doing a 2 or 3-day course would be a good investment.

 

[riverrat38]

I go to Skagit Shooting Range, in Burlington, WA. About 35 miles down Interstate 5. SR 20 interchange.
Their class for women is called "Guns & Lace Training". No first hand information on the class, but it is a fine range.

Best,
Rick

 

[oldbrownhat]

I go to Skagit Shooting Range, in Burlington, WA. About 35 miles down Interstate 5. SR 20 interchange.
Their class for women is called "Guns & Lace Training". No first hand information on the class, but it is a fine range.

Best,
Rick

I haven't been on the Forum for a bit and I don't think I got a notification of your reply. That's just north of Mt. Vernon and she/we go down there every once in a while so that's a nice. little drive. I'll add that course to the list.