And Now A Word From Our Winners

Both of our latest Give-A-Way winners wrote me a little note to share with all of you.  I am so excited for them and for the opportunity to be an encouragement to them as they embark on this new adventure of self reliance and self protection. 

From winner #28
I entered this contest because I have recently purchased my first gun, and now I want to become the most proficient at using it that I ever can be. Seeing how the state of the world has become so violent and crime-riddled, I didn't feel safe any longer, even in my own home. That's when I realized that I had to let go of my old fears of owning and shooting a weapon, and take the proverbial bull (barrel) by the horns. You see, I was a student of Yoga, a pacifist, and against the death penalty, and guns didn't seem to have any place in my lifestyle. All of that has changed as this world has changed so much as to be unrecognizable from my childhood world. We could safely play outdoors at night then, unafraid of monsters lurking in the shadows who would hurt us.

After studious searches over the internet, I decided on a Glock 19, 9mm semi-automatic handgun as my first gun purchase, and a Browning Buck Mark .22 handgun for practice and fun, as my second gun. The Glock 19 seemed like a gun that could protect myself and my family if the need ever arose and we were invaded in our own home. I just wanted to at least having a fighting chance should someone decide to break-in and physically harm me or mine. Being that I am a mere 5'3" and handicapped with life-long rhuematoid arthritis, I wouldn't have stood a chance if someone wanted to overpower me and/or harm me. I know from personal experience what it's like to be assaulted and violated in the worst way. I was once held captive at knifepoint for hours, and raped by someone whom I knew and thought I could trust. I never ever want to be so helpless again and brutalized at some madman's whim. I am ecstatic that I'm going to be able to take the classes to learn how to shoot the gun, and clean it, and to act responsibly and legally with all aspects of gun ownership. With all the support and encouragement here at A Girl And Her Gun's blog and FB page, I am taking control of my life, standing tall and facing my past and future fears of the known, and the unknown ... and I've never felt stronger nor more capable of changing my life, than I do right now with all of you and your support and friendship. Thank you for making this possible. I can hardly wait to set-up the classes and get out to the firing range.

Kindest Regards,

Mazie


And from winner #20

I can't thank everyone enough for their support and generosity in offering this! I just got my CCW permit, but haven't carried yet. Been contemplating an M&P 9mm, need holster, training, range time, etc., I really want to take hands-on training from Thomas Sipin, and this will really help me get some proper instruction that I need.

About a month ago, we had a tactical situation a couple blocks from my work. He ended up running from the house, and they were reports that he ducked into one of the businesses Therefore, they were checking businesses and I just kept thinking, "WHAT am I going to do if he runs in here? WHERE can I go? WHY haven't I made this a priority?" Obviously, that was my big wake up call to make it a higher one. I felt panicky, helpless, and mad at myself.

So excited and stunned yet... I'm having a hard time finding the words to show my appreciation and gratitude.

Bless you all, and thank you from the bottom of my heart! Be SAFE and thank you for sharing your insight, comments and all that I have learned and will continue to learn from.

~ Colleen