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Women Learn to Defend Home With Handguns

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Mar 3, 2013 at 9:40 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2013 at 9:42 PM MDT

MONTROSE, Colo. While owning a gun is one thing, its true power comes from knowing how to use it. One Montrose-based company is teaching women how to use handguns to protect their families.

The Introduction to Defensive Handguns Course, put on by Willful Firearms Training, is designed to educate the student about the handguns that are best for personal defense and how to use them efficiently.

Lee Roberts is a volunteer coordinator at Hilltop and participated in Sunday's training.. She's lived in Montrose for 39 years, and only picked up a handgun this week, "I've been very aware of a need to protect myself and my family, and I wanted to do it correctly. I wanted to know how to be safe with a gun."

Mike Will, owner of Willful Firearms Training and the lead instructor, said, "The fastest growing segment of the firearms industry is women, becoming firearms owners and seeking training to become proficient and safe with their firearms."

Many of the ladies were first-time firearms users.

"How you would store your gun, what condition you would leave it in. We talk about interaction with law enforcement. Basically, to help these ladies, first-time gun owners, just become comfortable."

"What to do and what not to do, and basically be able to empower myself," said Roberts.

Will says while women aren't the traditional firearms holders, that's no longer the case, "Men are mostly the perpetrators, in almost all cases. And women just don't want that feeling of being helpless."

"Domestic violence and sexual assault is something that is just out there and women are more vulnerable and can be victims," Roberts said.

Will is a strong believer of getting an education outside the classroom.

"I don't think you can learn effectively that way [only in the classroom], I think you need to have the gun in your hand," he said.

"Awareness really empowers you. You are able to run, fight, do whatever you feel is necessary," said Roberts.

This training puts these ladies in the driver's seat, giving them some peace of mind, knowing they have the skills to protect themselves.

The classes will be held once a month at the Warrior Resource Center in Montrose.

For more information, click here.

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Mike, Lead Instructor said on Monday, Mar 4 at 8:53 PM

Fudd, from your comment I can't be sure, but it almost sounds like if you found yourself in that situation you would choose to do nothing and loose your life, thus changing it forever. Is that what you were meaning to say?

Mike said on Monday, Mar 4 at 8:40 PM

Fugg, you are correct, knowing how to use a handgun is a prudent step if you choose to own one. The ability to use it in a self defense situation is quite another. In that life threatening situation, your life will be forever changed, reguardless of if you have (and use) a firearm or not.

Safty First said on Monday, Mar 4 at 10:26 AM

At least if you do successfully defend yourself with a weapon you get to continue to live your life, changed as it may be

Not Dependent said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 11:41 PM

I love "Fugg"'s post. It's the dependency argument again. Don't try this at home kids, it's scary and it will hurt you. Remember you stupid gun owners, only "professionals" with the right union card and pay checks are qualified to have and use guns!!!!! You silly little people are just fooling yourselves. (Got news for you, we silly little people built this country. Not you whimpering elite snobs!!! )

Fugg said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 11:03 PM

Knowing how to use a gun and not hesitating to use it when needed are two different things. Even if you do manage to protect youself or family with a gun your life will never be the same afterward.

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