Ladies First Firearm Training

Ladies First Firearm Training operates as a women-focused firearms instruction school in the Puyallup area. Owner Christa Beasley started the business after taking her first pistol course in 2011 and feeling transformed by the experience. "I want that same feeling for all of my students," she says. All classes are taught FOR women, BY women—no exceptions.

The instruction team includes three NRA-certified pistol instructors:

Christa Beasley (Owner) — NRA-certified Basic Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, USCCA Certified Instructor, and A Girl & A Gun Red Dot Essentials Instructor. She carries a Sig Sauer 1911 as her first handgun purchase and competes in shooting sports.

Shannon Cave — NRA-certified instructor who overcame her own nervousness around firearms and now helps other women build confidence.

Patty Schibig — NRA-certified pistol instructor and USPSA competitor who went from "hiding in the RV" to becoming a competitive shooter and instructor.

Day 1 (Classroom) — 5.5 hours at Sportsman's Warehouse (120 31st Ave. SE, Suite G, Puyallup, WA 98375) - PowerPoint presentation with note-taking materials - Discussion and Q&A throughout - Hands-on activities with unloaded firearms - SIRT (laser) pistol target practice - Magazine loading/unloading practice - Benchrest and standing position drills - Lunch break - Exam (everyone passes)

Day 2 (Range Day) — 2 hours at Upper Nisqually Sportsman's Club (39919 129th Ave. E., Eatonville, WA 98328) - Outdoor covered shooting area (rain or shine) - Range safety briefing - Live-fire progression: .22 → .380 → 9mm - Opportunity to shoot your own pistol (if brought) - Certificate of completion - Target photos

• •Four Basic Safety Rules
• •Double-action revolver components and operation
• •Semi-automatic pistol components and operation
• •Ammunition types and function
• •Proper stance, grip, and breathing
• •Trigger control and sighting methods
• •Identifying bad habits and problem areas
• •Malfunctions and how to handle them
• •Follow-through techniques

One-on-one and two-person instruction available in 2-hour blocks, all on the range.

Includes use of firearms, ammunition, eye protection, and ear protection. Instructors can help you: - Develop shooting skills - Pick out your next handgun - Work through specific challenges

For groups of three or more, email for custom pricing.

Yes. Bring it on range day only, properly boxed and unloaded. Bring 25–50 rounds of ammunition in the correct caliber. You'll get range time with your own gun toward the end of class.

Once you've completed the basic course, join the local Puyallup chapter of A Girl & A Gun for ongoing range practice and competitive shooting events. This gives students regular opportunities to practice what they learned in a safe, supportive environment with instructors still available.

"Christa was so nice, made me feel relaxed and confident. I can now go to the shooting range by myself and feel good about what I am doing... The best handgun instructor I could have ever asked for." — Jenny Rae

"I had never touched a handgun, let alone know how to shoot one. This class will not only teach you the basics of handguns, but you will ALWAYS feel safe while learning to shoot." — Beverly H.

"After the class, I felt a lot more confident and any fear I had of guns is now gone. I learned how to better my grip on the gun and use my sights correctly. All in all, I feel like a more responsible gun owner." — Penni A.

"At the beginning, I was nervous, but excited, and by the end, I was very excited to start practicing on my own time. Instructors were very patient, answered every question, helpful, and encouraging." — Taylor R.

• •Age requirement: 21+ (14+ with parent/guardian)
• •Payment: Full $225 due in advance to reserve your spot
• •Location: Puyallup, Washington (classroom) and Eatonville, Washington (range)
• •Cancellation policy: Non-refundable but transferable to another class with 14-day notice

Gift certificates available for purchase—recipients schedule their own convenient date.