Erie News Now | WICU & WSEE in Erie, PAHigh Heels and Handguns: Part 2

High Heels and Handguns: Part 2

From the infamous Charlies Angels, to Lora Croft, "Tomb Raider," these gun toting divas make it look easy.  In real life, it's a different story.

"As with any tool, if you're not experienced with it, and don't know the safety factors to handle it, you become a threat to society," says gun shop owner Bob McDowell, "that's all there is to it."

Bob McDowell teaches a Handgun 101 class at his McKean gun shop.  More women are enrolling, in fact, there were a half dozen in his January 29th class of 20 people.  Beginners like Patty Pasky McMahon, Sandy Campbell, and reporter Vanessa Herring, had a lot of learning to do.

"This was the first time that I've owned a firearm and I didn't know how to use it," says Campbell, "I knew nothing about it."

We started by learning how to load the magazine.  For Vanessa, it was tough.  After a few tries, and some help from Bob, Vanessa was able to get that one down.   After that, we learned to cock our guns.  Bob lent Vanessa his 9mm Glock, and brought her to the front of the class for instruction.  After some more practice, and lessons on safety, it was time to hit the range.

Even after six hours of training, the first shot took us all by surprise.  "I was scared, I was very nervous when I fired the first shot," says Campbell.  Pasky McMahon adds, "it was really overwhelming, you know, because there's a little bit of a kick back, there's a noise."

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect.  After firing more rounds, with helpful hints from Bob and his team, we started to get the hang of things.

While the point of the class certainly isn't to turn anyone into a sharp shooter, the ladies say they feel better prepared to handle their guns.

"I do feel safe," says Campbell, "it's not that I'm out to shoot anybody, I feel a little more secure."  Pasky McMahon adds, "I think it's something that everyone has to think about.  If you are going to have a gun, that if you do need to use it, that you're going to be ready to do so."

The next Handgun 101 class is scheduled for May 20th.  The cost is $75.  To sign up, call Bob's Gun Shop at 476-7523.