Is there a firearm in your house and you are not real comfortable around it?
Have you every thought about what it would be like to own a gun and shoot for fun?
Have you ever just wanted to try shooting to see what it is like?

If you said yes to any of these questions then this class is for you. Most of the time when someone feels uncomfortable around a gun it is because they do not know the basics about gun use and safety. Douglas Ridge Rifle Club is offering a "Ladies Only" pistol class to teach you the basics about pistol (handgun) use and safety.

While experienced shooters are welcome to attend, know this class is geared towards ladies that have little to no experience with handguns. This is a six session class where you will learn:

  • The difference between a pistol and a revolver.
  • Different types/style of pistols and revolvers.
  • Safety rules and safe handling.
  • Basic operation of pistols and revolvers.
  • Cleaning a handgun.
  • Sight picture (How to aim).
  • Grip (How to hold the gun).
  • Trigger control.
  • Stance
  • Loading a handgun.
  • Managing recoil.
  • And more…
Duration: The class is one night a week for six weeks.
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Douglas Ridge Rifle Club Clubhouse and Indoor Range
Cost: Free except for cost of ammo.
Caliber of Guns: We will only be shooting .22 caliber guns for most of the class.
Ammo Cost: It depends on how much you shoot and ammo prices at class time but the average is about $6.00 - $12.00 per session in ammo costs. .22 caliber ammo will be available for purchase at the class. .22 caliber ammo is sold in packages of 50 or 100 rounds of standard velocity. We anticipate ammo to be $6.00 - $7.00 per 100 rounds. Please bring exact change for ammo purchases. You may bring your own ammo but if you do it must be .22 caliber "standard velocity" or "subsonic" velocity ammo if you plan to use our handguns.
Handguns: We will provide both pistol and revolver handguns for your use in class. If you have your own handgun and it is a .22 caliber please feel free to bring it. Make sure it is unloaded before bringing it to the class.
Personal Gun Inspection: All personally owned guns will be inspected by the instructor before you will be allowed to shoot it in this class.
Larger Caliber Handguns: If you want to try a larger caliber handgun (9MM, .38 spl, 357 magnum.40, .45 ACP) you will be able to try one around session #5 or later. If you have a larger caliber handgun of your own you can bring it to shoot at that time.
Attendance: The first and second weeks are the most critical as the majority of the safety and use instruction occurs then. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged as you will then get the most out of class. You may not start in the middle of a series of classes and if you miss the first session, you will not be able to continue and you may be rescheduled for a later class.
Registration: Class size is limited so pre registration is required. To register call Charlie at 503 351-8360 or via email at webmaster@douglasridge.org.

We have two NRA certified instructors John Weil and Sheri McAlister. Either one or both may be the intructor for your class. There will also be several other coaches to help in class and provide more individual assistance during live fire instruction. We offer 3-4 classes a year and they fill up in a hurry and book quite a ways in advance. This is a very popular class so schedule yourself for a class or get on a waiting list right away.