[Sioux-san]

If I can overcome my fear of guns, anyone can- finally realized a woman living alone is just plain dumb not to have a gun for protection. I took a good CCW class from a local firearms shop and had to shoot for three cumulative hours to earn my certificate. I have two pistols now and go to target practice as much as I can. It’s addictively fun shooting at the range - the only thing is I still jerk a little when I hear all the BANGs!

[patton]

Pardon, Ma’am - but you got caught up in an old FR joke - lost all my guns in a boating accident...

Like many of us on here, I could arm an army company.

Uh..., er,...uh, except for that boating accident...

[sarasmom]

I distinctly remember you telling me how mad you were at another FReeper for overturning the canoe and losing all y’alls guns......

[MonicaG]

Good for you! I can be pretty jumpy too but one thing that has helped me over the years is breathing - focused, calm, breathing, and firing at the bottom of the exhale. I learned this in an Appleseed marksmanship training a few years ago but it was very similar to the yoga I’d done for years before that; something you can practice any time.

Also, if you haven’t already, you might try shooting rifles. For me it’s easier not to have that jumpy anticipation. I recommend starting with a .22 but you might also enjoy an AR-15.

[absolootezer0]

the only thing is I still jerk a little when I hear all the BANGs

suggestion to help with that: get a revolver, load random chambers, spin the cylinder and close. if you don't know which chamber(s) are empty, you'll see how bad you jerk, and will start to control it.