Load Up, Ladies

Richmond County
Daily Journal
By Dawn M. Kurry

Many women these days are arming themselves so they can be prepared for the worst.

On Jan. 14, women will receive free lessons on shotgun and pistol safety,
proper use and firing. The women have signed up for different reasons,
but they all have one thing in common; they want to be comfortable
with firearms.

“I’ve never liked guns; I can’t stand ‘em,” said Barbara Ingram, who
signed up for Ladies’ Day at DeWitt’s Game Farm. “My husband had guns
but we never kept them out. I’m by myself now.”

After Ingram’s husband passed away, she realized she might need
to protect herself one day. She has her husband’s pistol and hopes
to get acquainted with it.

“This might be a chance for me to learn how to use it,” said Ingram.
“At least I’d know where the safety was on one. I have no earthly idea
what (kind of pistol it) is.”

Ingram said she saw an article about free shooting lessons for women
in the Daily Journal, and called the number that was listed. Ingram
said she was relieved when she learned Deputy Keith Mabe would
be doing the pistol lessons, because she knows Mabe.

“I know he won’t shout at me if I do it wrong,” Ingram said. “I’ve
always been afraid of guns.”

Ladies’ Day at DeWitt’s will begin with sign-in at the clubhouse at 10 a.m.
Participants will also be able to sign up for Concealed Carry classes,
which will be held at a later date and will cost $75 per person.
To get to DeWitt’s Game Farm from Rockingham, take Highway 220
North 14 miles to exit 13, Haywood Parker Road. Turn right at the
top of the exit ramp heading east on Haywood Parker Road. Go 50 feet
and turn left on Derby Way. Follow Derby Way two and a half miles
and turn right on Jimmy Carriker Road. DeWitt’s is one and a half
miles on the left.

Rick Mitchell is National Sporting Clays Association certified instructor
and a certified Level II Gunfitter. He will have 12 gauge and 20 gauge
shotguns available to shoot. For shotgun shooting, participants will
be responsible for the ammunition, which is $7 per box of 25 and targets,
which are 35 cents each.

Deputy Mabe is a N.C. certified general instructor, with certifications
in firearms, first responder, hazardous materials and TASER, said Mitchell.
He is a Concealed Carry permit instructor.

Ricky Kanoy will be at the event. He is the owner of Powers Firearms,
2304 Jane Street, Greensboro. He is a handgun instructor as well.
He will have .38 revolvers, .380 automatic pistols and 9mm automatic pistols
from his store collection for women to look over and choose from.

Kay Vance signed up for the lessons because her husband got her a gun.

“My husband has a few guns,” she said. “He got me one and I want
to be more at ease with it. I want to be able to use it comfortably.”

Jan. 14 will be like a ladies’ day out for Lisa Long, her 15-year-old
daughter Chelsea Davis, Long’s sister Lana Grant and her 15-year-old
daughter Lexi Grant.

“My daughter has been interested in hunting,” said Long. “She got a
20 gauge for Christmas that she will be shooting. I will shoot hers or
borrow one. My sister and niece are bringing their own. This is my
daughter’s first year hunting. She’s been once. We’ve talked about
shooting several times. That’s what she wanted to try. She’s always
trying new things and staying busy.”

Apart from wanting to be involved with and supportive of her
daughter, and shooting targets in the backyard, Long is also concerned
about safety and protection. She is considering the pistol course
alongside the shotgun shooting.

“I would love to learn how to shoot a handgun,” said Long. “My daughter
plays travel ball and we’re on the road a lot by ourselves. I want
a handgun for protection.”

Long said there have been times where she looked at the baseball
bat in her home and realized it wouldn’t be enough. As a parent,
she wants to be able to defend her family.