On nearby folding tables is an arsenal of shotguns, rifles, revolvers and pistols and books like "Armed and Female."
Welcome to First Baptist Church, in Wentzville.
The seminar at the church is for those who want to learn about guns and gun safety. The class began a year ago as an all-female gathering. It's part of the church's Practical Shooting Sport Ministry, which includes competitive shooting.
"Ann and I are here to talk about firearms and what a blessing they are and how much fun they can be if used correctly," McClelland says. She recommends a revolver for beginners.
"It is so simple," she says.
She likes revolvers for safety reasons, too. By disengaging the cylinder, which typically has six chambers, the gun owner can clearly see if it's loaded.
But whatever gun chosen, McClelland advises, don't carry it in your purse. First of all, attackers are likely to snatch your purse.
Also, she asks, "Have you ever tried to find something in your purse?"
Would-be rapists are likely to knock you down, making it difficult to get to your purse and gun, McClelland says.
Instead, carry the gun in a holster. McClelland slightly lifts her loose-fitting top to show her weapon, holstered belt-high. It suddenly occurs to her that she forgot to remove it and was packing while singing in the choir that morning.
There are other places for women to hide small guns, she says.
"Many a time I have carried one in a brassiere and nobody ever knew," McClelland says.
"We had women coming to us who have lived with fear of the firearms their husbands had in the home only because they did not know how to handle them safely and it was the 'man's thing,'" she says.
"You don't have to be scared of the gun if you know what you are doing," says Mom. "Safety first. And safety last."
http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/stcharles/news/article_dabc17ff-ebdd-5566-8386-5ca820e29e14.html
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