The First Time...

So I decided to re-launch the blog.  Re-launch is probably the wrong term to use, since the blog sorta fizzled before it began.  Just over a year ago I had big plans to blog about female firearm ownership and in the background get Bang Bang Boutique web store going.  But I got ambitious and launched the store first.  Now, with the re-design complete it seemed like the right time to give blogging another go.

One of my favorite things about running Bang Bang Boutique is the ability to interact with strong, confident markswomen of all skills and backgrounds.  Recently, I had asked our Facebook fans what it felt like to shoot a gun for the first time.  We got such great replies that I thought it would be fitting to highlight them here.  So with no further ado - this is what you said:

Empowering - Grace S.

I felt powerful and completely aware of how the mind and body working together can accomplish amazing things; like putting a small metal projectile through the center of a piece of paper from a distance. -  Chrys S.

My first time firing a gun was 20+ years ago with my now husband - I was curious, nervous and thought it was OK, but it didn't interest me much. Then, my husband wanted me to learn how to use/handle a gun because he was getting his permit. I went, but wasn't happy about it. I wasn't very good. Then I realized it was something we could do together and really started to enjoy it. Now, I shoot as well if not better than him in the range. We even compete in IDPA competitions once a month. - Yvonne C.

I was a little girl my Dad took me squirrel hunting. I shot at knots in the trees :) at that age no way was I going to kill a squirrel! I am now 51 and just bought my first 22 lr, pink camo of course! I am more excited now then I was then! - Lisa F.

I was very nervous, not sure what to anticipate. The kick was awesome (Judge 45/110) - Yvonne M.

I was nervous as a cat when I first started shooting, because I didn't have anyone to go with me except my 13 year old son. I knew he was experienced, though, because he had been in 4H shooting sports for a few years, so I counted on him to keep me safe and help me along. Now, shooting is my absolute passion, and my now 14 year old is my ever-faithful shooting companion, along with my husband :0) Thanks, Dylan, for turning me on to my obsession :0) - Cathi B.

Amazing, powerful and a little scary - almost like I was going to fly up into space. - Donna G.

Thrilling and powerful - Dallas W.

My first experience shooting was during a class. I am so glad it was through a class with instructors with opportunities to try different weapons. It gave me the confidence that I could do this and begin the process of finding the right weapon for me. I am now excited about taking more classes to improve my skills! - Kimberly G.

The first time I shot a gun it was scary. I was relieved when the whole thing was over. I could feel the power of the gun in the recoil and honestly it still scared me after it was all over, until I was taught how to properly control the firearm and actually place the shot. I still get nervous when I shoot a gun that is new to me. Firearms deserve respect but they also deserve proper training to handle them correctly. Kudos to all those instructors out there who take the time, paid or not, to properly train folks to handle firearms. There are way too many idiots out there who treat them as toys. - Angela H.

All I could think was, "Wow! This is fun! Why didn't I try this earlier, and when can I come back for more??" - Annette E.

It was empowering since I'm only 4.11". The best part is hitting my target dead center & watching all the guys jaws drop. I fell in love with shooting after that and now I get to teach my daughters how to shoot. The excitement on my daughters' face the first time was priceless.- Bobbie Jo S.

I don't remember the very first time I shot a gun. It was early, but I do remember the first time I shot skeet as a teen. That was awesome and I did better than the boys! I still love making dust out of clays. - Anne K.

I started with a .22 at summer camp. After that, even as a 12-year old girl.my step-dad and mother always would get me to shoot guns if they had any doubt as to whether they were sighted in correctly. - Claibourne J.

Next to sex???? OH yea =} - Lisa Gayle J.

I felt relief because I wanted to shoot for so long. - Jimmy A.

It was the scariest yet the most fun thing I had I had ever done. All I could think was I want to do this again. Now going to the range or reading and watching tips are in the back of my mind. Contagious. - Bridget P.

I was nervous, intimidated. But I trusted my husband (then new boyfriend) who is a 6 year Navy Vet. I knew he would not let me do anything stupid. By the time the day was over, I shot every gun in his collection! I was hooked!! I have my CCP here in Washington state and working on OR, UT and AZ. I believe in my right to carry, but highly encourage anyone interested in guns to take classes or work closely with an experienced shooter. - Andi DeAnn S.

Hmm, before the first shot, I was excited. I was learning something new, acquiring a new skill. I love learning and honing my skills, so this was right up my alley. The first shot was a bit scary. I will be honest and admit that a childhood around king guns didn't prepare me for the BANG if a handgun. The recoil was stronger than expected, and even with hearing protection, it was LOUD!! But when I looked down range and saw that my shot had hit? Pure elation. And power. But not a wacky "I'm unstoppable!" power trip. No, this was a warm feeling in my gut, that slowly spread through my body.  Quietly, the voice of wisdom in the back of my head said, "You have the power. You have the power to protect yourself and those you love from the bad guys. You have the power, but more importantly, the responsibility. You are the only one who is responsible, at all times, for your safety. No more relying on others, that's not YOU anyway, and you know it. Now learn how to use this tool. Learn, practice, and be confident." And then I was addicted! - Missy W.

I was about 7 and I was scared but wouldn't let it show because I was shooting against all my male cousins. I whipped their behinds and had a great time!! - That Texas Lady

I was thirteen and went deer hunting with my grandpa it was awesome - Becky F.

I was 22, and joining the military. We were qualifying on the M-16 rifle. I had never shot a gun before. I was nervous and excited. I remember hanging on every word the instructors told us in the classroom prior to heading out on the range. When we got outside, with our eyes and ears on, all lined up....we heard, "Shooters ready?" All 25 women shouted "Locked, cocked, and ready to rock, sir!" and when that first blast rang out, I felt like crying. It was so fun! (I felt like crying, too, when my elbow came down upon a sizzling hot casing! - what a cool scar it was though!) Ooooh -rah!! - Sarah G.

I felt exhilarated and in control. It was as if I was in control of my safety. It was a five sense experince. The feel of the tension in the trigger. The smell of the burnt gun power. The shine in the full metal jackets. The faint pop that I could hear through my ear protection. The taste in my mouth when it got cottoned up. The peace in my soul! - Lisa  G.

My first time shooting was with my Grandmother. She was in her long leopard print, fur collared coat, wearing 3" heels. We were in the desert , looking at the property she just bought, when I was 8 years old. I cherish that day and have a wonderful picture to remind me. I was filled with adrenaline and scared for the loud bang that was about to happen. My hands were shaking in anticipation of the big jolt I knew I was going to experience. But when I shot the tin cans I felt pride. My grandmother shared the passion of shooting with me and I had the biggest smile a girl could have. And I still do!!! - Donnette L.

I am fortunate to have been around guns since I was a kid, my dad has always been a gun fanatic. But I will never forget the day he took me out to shoot his .22 rifle!! A very special bond was created between my dad and I, one that I am very lucky to say still lives on today!! We shoot USPSA together twice a month and it is a blast!! - Stephanie M.

Like it was an exact, natural fit! :) - Suzi Shooter

I pinched my finger and pouted. My grandpa told me not to be a whiner and MADE me shoot again. One of the many things I am thankful that he did for me. When I started beating him I think he regretted his decision, but he was glad to have someone who had a mutual appreciation for the smell of Hoppe's and a beautiful fall day. ♥ - Megan P.

It was an empowering feeling that began my love for shooting, that lead me to become a firearms instructor. - Melissa R.

The first handgun I shot was just about a year ago. It was a .22 rental gun that felt like a Desert Eagle in my hands. But after that first POP! and the smell hit my nose, I felt light as air. Exhilarating to say the least!- Andrea H.

Startled the heck out of my and hurt my shoulder. (Gimme a break, I was only 6!) :) - Laurel M.

So tell me - what was your first time like?