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Women take gun safety course
Published Sunday, April 13, 2008
NATCHEZ — Ne’er-do-wells of Natchez be warned.
On Saturday morning a group of 20 women gathered at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office shooting range to study gun safety.
They should be considered armed and dangerous.
Saturday was the first class hosted by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to teach gun safety skills exclusively to the women of Adams County.
Sheriff Ronny Brown said his office had gotten several requests for such a class.
Once at the range the women met with Investigator Ricky Stevens and commander of the Metro Narcotics Unit Cliff Cox.
Both men spoke on the importance of gun safety and knowing how to properly handle firearms.
While the class was designed to bring an understanding of proper gun handling, Stevens said many of the questions he received dealt with the legality of gun usage.
Stevens said most questions centered on the castle doctrine.
The doctrine, adopted in 2006, essentially permits homeowners to use deadly force in the event of a home invasion.
The doctrine also extends the same rights for use in automobiles and business.
But Cox warned even thought the doctrine is in place to protect citizens, it should only be used as a last resort.
“If you come home and you see your house is being burglarized, don’t go in there,” he said. “Let us respond, we deal with bad people on a regular basis.”
After some classroom instruction the women took to the range.
One by one the women received individual instruction from Cox and Stevens.
Some of the women appeared extremely uncomfortable with the .38 they practiced with, while others looked almost too comfortable.
Karen Ewing said she attended the class to help her overcome a fear of handguns.
In 1995 Ewing was mugged and shot.
She said since that time she has been uncomfortable with guns but carries a .357.
“I’ve seen too many occasions where you need guns,” she said.
Ewing’s son and brother are both murder victims.
Ewing said she hoped the class would help her find a new comfort level in handling guns.
Malika Lyles said she attended Saturday’s class so she could learn handle a weapon in order to protect her family.
Lyles, a single mother, had never fired a gun before Saturday.
Lyles said recent break-ins around Natchez helped her decide to attend the class. “It’s concerning.”
The sheriff’s office will be conducting more gun safety classes in the coming months. For more information call 601-442-2752.
Comments
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Look out.....
We now have "GUN PACKING MAMA'S" Excellent job women for attending this class...
If a woman is scared she is going to shoot then ask questions especially if it is to protect her children....
Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 2:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, If someone is about to hurt my child, I'll shoot then ask questions later! But, I do agree with you fire39212! I think the ladies around the Miss-Lou need to know how to fire a gun and know the safety points about the gun! Good Job S.O. and to the ladies that went!
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 4:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope you ladies will try and be real careful when you go shooting down at the creek.
Posted by priya (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its not all about shooting and hurting someone. that gun can be taken away from them and used on themselves. Before pulling a gun out a women has to be sure she can really kill the person she is aiming the gun at. I have been in the army and thank god I never had to defend myself or shoot to kill someone. Good luck women but thinks there should be more to one class. what about women defending themselves without the weapon.
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good for y'all. Things are just getting to be too bad for comfort around here. Guns need to be respected and learning how to handle one properly is the right thing to do.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have always been an advocate for GUN SAFETY well over it's use. I like that these ladies are taking some responsibility for their protection, and also learning how to handle guns safely and how to get ready, aim and fire. Hot tempered folk don't need weapons. Even tempered people who want nothing but to protect themselves, as there is no other alternative, are responsible gun owners. My dad always taught me, don't pull a gun, unless you are willing to use it! Thankfully, I have never been put into a position to use one of mine!
Posted by Perro (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With the new rash of break-ins and crimes, I applaud women for being brave enough to actually take a gun safety course. I recently bought my mom a gun and encouraged her to use it if the inevitable happens. Lets face it police just can't be everywhere. And if you have someone who has broken into and entered your house you need to take care of your business!
Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on April 13, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
good job,excellent idea. maybe the crooks and thugs will read this ,if they can read.
Posted by endofitall (anonymous) on April 14, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thugs are not interested in news.
They’re only interested in how they will get the next “bump”.
Posted by DUCKHUNTER (anonymous) on April 14, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's hope that the S.O. keeps up with continuing ed. classes on the subject and encourages these (and more) women to come and practice and become more efficient for the inevitable. You ladies are doing a great thing for yourselves, your families and you surrounding community, wherever that might be. Give yourselves a BIG OL' PAT ON THE BACK. BE SAFE AND MAKE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT!
Posted by jack (anonymous) on April 14, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GOOD JOB SHERIFF BROWN AND HIS DEPUTIES FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE THIS FOR OUR LADIES AND WITH OUT COST SOME MEN NEED THE SAME COURSE WILL THEY OFFER IT TO MEN
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on April 14, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Ladies!!!
Now combine weapons with empty hand and you will be prepared, attend martial arts class
I think everyone should attend a local martial arts class regularly, not only for self defense, but also for fitness and it's fun too!!
Posted by Syoung (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When is the next class? I want to sign up!
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