If you cheat on her, she'd take it up instantly
:wink:
My wife started with me when we took our original safety course in 1995. I had military experience before that so I always had an interest. Well we both sat dormant for about 10 years until her licence came up for renewal and we said we should start it up now that we have some more disposable income and a little more free time. We joined a club and now after about 10 times she's loving it. She never shot a gun until the safety course (16 hours) where she shot a little from about 5 or six guns. The club I am in forces all probationary memeber to start with a .22 and you need to qualify with that. 20 shots, single handed, 25 yards, all 20 shots must hit a 35cm target. At the beginning she was nervous but now never wants to miss a Thursday night at the range. Since we both qualified last week on the 22 (also need at least 8 visits before qualifying) we are moving upto the club .38's. After a month (or about 4 to 5 visits) with these we will be likely 'allowed' to move up the the large caliber of the 9mm, .40's and .45's. We have already bought our guns and are waiting for our ATT's. She has bought the Walther P99 (9mm) and I got the M&P .40 cal. We should have our ATT's in about a week which actually allows us to pick up the guns from the Gun Shop and have the "Authorization To Transport" them home legally. Once we have qualified at the club, we'll get out permanent ATT's which will give us the permission to carry the guns to and from the club only.
What I would do is convince her that it is an activity you can do together and experience together. Start her off slow with proper instruction and safety without pressure. For God Sakes don't give her a .45 and say "shoot it baby, you can do it"
My wife also is competitive so once she starts something she always wants to do her best and therefore it becomes a personal achievement which can be very satisfying. It won't happen overnight but she was extremely happy the other night when we looked at her first target shot at the club and 6 out of 50 shots hit the target :!: Now she's upto about a 95% hit ratio on a 12" target at 25 yards.....a big improvement! We are also planning on some remedial and accuracy courses in the New Year south of the border.