The Give-A-Way

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 *UPDATE*  I changed the dates.  There is no reason we need to wait until March for the drawing.  I picked March because that was the month on the one year mark, but who cares.  30 days is plenty of time and I think there are actually a lot of good courses that take place in March, so it will run from yesterday January 3rd, 2012 to February 3, 2012 at midnight.  The drawing will be on February 4, 2012.

Last month I started talking to my husband about wanting to do something positive and encouraging for the women out there that might be like me.

Women, who for whatever reason are looking for a way to help themselves.

So as we approach the one year mark of the event that literally changed my life, I have decided to have a Give-A-Way. 

And it is just that, a Give_A-Way.  There is nothing for you to do.  You don’t have to give any money to my favorite charity, or like me on FaceBook, or even let me blog about your training(although I would really love it, if you do).  It is just my gift to one of you.

I have been very blessed by this community and I have been very blessed by the training and support I have received, so what better gift can I give a woman, than the gift of freedom.

The freedom that comes from knowing she can defend herself.
I think we all know that simply taking one class won’t necessarily do that, but it’s a start.

As I said in my last post, “Good guys don’t always win, but together I think we can up the odds”.

I would like to help one woman up the odds, so if you are interested keep reading…

Here are the details…

The prize:

I will pay $300 towards any reputable beginning self defense shooting course in the United States.

Who Can Enter:

Any female 21 years of age or older who is interested in taking the next step in learning how to defend herself in the event that she may need to. I would really prefer it be a new shooter that hasn’t had any formal training to this point.

How To Enter:

Leave a comment specifically saying you would like to enter or email me at [email protected] subject Give-A-Way.

This will run from January 3, 2012- February 3, 2012 at midnight and must be redeemed by September 2012.

On February 4, 2012, I will put the names into a “hat” and pick one.  That person will have until September 2012 to register for a class and when she does, I will send the $300 to the school/course/instructor.

It can not be redeemed for cash and can not be used for any other purpose.  If the winner does not register for a course by September 2012, the prize will be forfeited and the drawing will be redone with the remaining names.

I would appreciate you’re help in spreading the word. I think there in only one official entry right now, so the odds of winning are pretty darn good.

I am very excited about this and you all will be doing me a huge FAVOR, if you let me be a part of doing something positive for you!

164 thoughts on “The Give-A-Way”

  1. …for the price of a comment…

    I’ll throw in 200 rounds of factory ammo in any one of the following calibers:
    9mm
    10mm
    .40S&W
    .45ACP
    .38Spl

    If you’re on board with that, the offer stands. If you’d rather not, that’s fine too and I’m not offended.

  4. I have posted about your very generous offer on my blog.

    I wish more women carried as I believe they stand to benefit most from CCW. Thank you for your efforts to help out.

  6. I’m interested in entering! I’m also sharing this one my female shooter community page.

    CenterMassCombatTactics.com is a local school run by special ops and law enforcement for civilians and i’d love to get more training!

  7. Thank you TangoJuliet for passing on the word.

    North, what can I say? Your the best, thank you!!!

    Amy, you are entered and your course of choice, looks very cool.

  10. No way! I can’t let North out do me. I’ll put up 150 rounds under the same conditions that ZerCool put forth on his blog.

    Take that, Mr. North! 🙂

  12. I’d like to enter! 🙂

    I’m offering to attend the class with the winner if she’s within reasonable distance from me and my schedule allows for it.

  13. Link going up on my place too. I can’t let Tango Juliet and North out do me either. If your winner is near the Metro Charlotte, NC area I will give them my Basic Pistol class (for new shooters, we even provide the pistols) and my NC Concealed Carry Handgun Class. Barring that, how about a 50 dollar MidwayUSA gift certificate for some range goodies for the winner? Gotta have a range bag and eyes and ears ya know?

    Cool idea

  16. I would like to enter please, been trying to work towards my pistol permit and money keeps coming up tight.

    Also reposting at my place.

  17. I’ll also offer a great recipe for a grilled bacon burger rub…

    *burp*

    Keep it up! Can we get to 1000 rounds? What a great new-shooter gift!

  18. I would like to enter also. I have never taken a formal shooting class other than what was required for my CCW. I’m a fairly decent shot with my Sig P250 9mm, but would like to learn how to handle the weapon to protect myself. Thank You!!

  20. I’ve had a basic class to get my CCP, but I will link this so others will read about it.

    Oh… we are looking into going to one of the Johnny Appleseed events this year also!

  21. Okay!! I am entering! I know I have been horrible about actually doing classes but I know I need too. Not only need but want. I want to feel more capable and confident. http://www.deserthillsshootingclub.com/ is the club closest to me but honestly I am not sure about courses. It would be nice to find one aimed at women. I really am kind of crazily shy in person.

  24. Bbwwwahahahaha. North my Mama made me promise not to shoot anyone I know so you get a pass for now. *snerk*

  26. I would like to enter. I would also like to enter my mother- she is an amazing woman who has never had any formal training. My father just got his CCW permit in NC but my mom has yet to get hers. With them getting “up there” in years and me being a distance away, I think it is so important for them to have the ability and knowledge to defend themselves as I want many more years to be with them! Money is an issue since they are both retired, so I know this free class would get used!!! you guys are all doing such a great thing. I am posting this to both of my blogs also.

  27. Lila, excellent! Nothing wrong with being shy unless it holds you back and you are not letting it, so good for you!

    WildchildT, thanks for sharing a little about your mom. Very cool. I have you both entered.

  31. I would like to enter my wife. We are taking a cwp class this weekend. She even talked a few women she works with into taking the class with us.

  32. I would like to enter. I have had no formal training what so ever. I have a few rifles and know how to hunt with them but I am looking at a very nice little handgun that I may get for my birthday. I am not sure if there are any formal classes in my area other than the concealed carry class but I will have to look into it.

  35. Well thank you so much Mr. McCray.

    I seriously want to be at the winners house when day after day ammo is delivered. I bet her postman will be very very nice to her or at the very least not be late with her mail

  36. I would love to enter, as well! I have a .22 rifle that I used at high school (! Yes, at the high school’s range in the basement!) when I was part of their team. It’s been mumble-mumble years since then and I’d love to get registered for CCR. $$ is an issue, or I’d have another gun or two.

  37. A great thing ya’ll are doing here.
    I will spread this about for ya! Best I can do at the moment.
    I am currently putting together a booth for a local Women’s Expo to hopefully break the ice and get more women armed or at least aware..

  40. Please include me in the drawing! I learned everything I know from an old boyfriend but am always looking to learn more, especially at a class outside of a firing range.

  41. Please enter me in the contest. I have a Lady Colt 380 with a 7 shot clip. I have shot it about 30 times out in the desert. Really need some formal training! Thanks for putting this together!

  42. I would like to enter please. I am just learning to shoot a handgun. The only training I have had was my CCW class.

  43. There are some incredibly generous offers here! Awesome! I am sharing your giveaway info with some friends. I have been blessed enough to have taken a couple of courses this past year. I would love to hear a new shooter was going to get their start with some great formal training!

  44. Very generous opportunity, I had posted it to Women Firearms Instructors on FB. I hope you get lots of positive responses. I believe that training is critical to safe learning, and the leads to empowerment and a sense of strength.
    Thank you for sharing your good fortune with someone who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

  46. I want to enter, please. I just got my very first gun (.38) and my family and i are now members of the shooting range. I am planning to sign up for safety and personal protection classes that i will take with both my children. I would give my life for them so i am doing everything in my power to keep them safe and to protect my family. All of us will be learning this year! 🙂

  49. I don’t want to enter the contest as I am a fellow woman that is licensed to carry and shoot all the time. Don’t get me wrong, who wouldn’t want 1000 free rounds of ammo? 😉

    I just wanted to say I think this is a GREAT contest your hosting. Anything to get more woman out there shooting and familiar with guns rocks in my book! Keep up the great work

  50. I would like to enter. I have taken a CWP class, in Nov., I bought my Ruger in Dec, and have praticed some since on my own. Still have a lot to learn!

  51. I would like to enter the contest – I am really hoping Cathy Jackson will be teaching near me sometime in the next year! (crossing fingers!) I am also going to share this out to some girlfriends! Thanks!

  52. I am a 60 yr. old woman, living alone and would love to own a gun for protection. Pleas enter me to win! lol I am new to this but not too old to learn…

  53. I would like to enter. I’m looking at different handguns now and will buy my first in a couple of months. I’m looking forward to learning! And thank you for your blog and for this wonderful give-a-way!

  54. I would definitely love to enter this. 2 years ago, almost to the day I was raped. I froze, and didn’t protect myself. That day the old me died. for the longest time I was scared to go anywhere by myself. after a lot of encouragement from my husband, I have recently decided to start carrying a gun. I am still learning, and while he is a great teacher, I would love to be in a class where I can learn more. I don’t want to be afraid anymore. I want to take back my life, and be a positive role model for my daughter. I am determined that I will never be a victim again. Thank you for this contest. I hope that who ever wins uses the class as a way to make positive changes in their lives, and be one less potential victim.

  55. WOW! What an awesome opportunity. I am 66 years old and just started shooting at age 64, and discovered, to my amazement, that I LOVE TO SHOOT!! All that I currently own is a 22magnum Taurus snubby revolver. But I have been longing to purchase a 9m conceal carry semi-auto. I’ve taken the CCW class and would love to have enough training and shooting time at the range to become an instructor, since I’m a retired teacher with lots of time on my hands!
    [email protected]

  56. jwmama1, Hi:) I am so very sorry for what you went through and I am so happy you have support and a desire to move forward. My in box has been flooded with stories like yours and what I thought was gonna to be just a little give a way has become so much more.

    I am going to need to write a post, but I want to say to you and others who have overcome violence and those that haven’t, you are so amazing to take back the power and fight.

    I can not be more sincere when I say how very blessed I feel to have you all let me be a part of your journey.

  57. PLEASE include me too! I just inherited my father’s Walther and would LOVE To take a class. As a survivor of rape, this means more than I can say…

  59. I took my ccw course in November. Taking my first Avanced Handgun class the last weekend in January boohoo. Unless you go back in time lol. Class was 295. Ouch lol. And 500 rounds I bought today. Big ouch haha.
    Shared on my page tonight!!!! Way cool of you to do this!!

  60. Mommakelley, I have you entered, but I am going to delete your comment. I am going to give you the same advice I got when I first started blogging…do not put anything on the web that might get you in trouble, like hinting that you might be doing something illegal. I didn’t do anything illegal, but I suggested that I might. I had no intention of carrying illegal, as I am sure you don’t, but I was so scared, I mentioned maybe I should. Let me know when you read this then I will delete it too:)

  62. I want to enter! I would love a chance not only to become more proficient, but to beat the pants off my boyfriend (who I met the first time I went to a range – he was the armorer!)

  64. Saw this posted on the Cornered Cat FB page. I would love to enter. One of my new year’s resolutions is to learn to shoot. I’m brand new to the topic and don’t even own a firearm (yet)

  65. I have never had any kind of training of any kind with guns. I am hearing of home invasions all over our County and not knowing how to handle a gun under circumstances of emergencies, I need someone who can teach me how to handle a gun, aim it properly, etc… I have a handicapped son living with us, as well.

  72. I definitely want to enter and WIN!!! I am a 57 year old in Albuquerque, NM and LOVE shooting but need classes big time.

  74. I am interested in entering. We own a gun, but I have only held and shot a gun once, and I would really love some formal training so I’m prepared should I ever need to be!

  82. BK, 21 is the minimum age. I have consulted some folks and legally speaking, 21 is the age that was suggested to me.

    I am absolutely for training early and I hope you do that. In my conceal carry class there were 2 young girls, under the age of 18 I believe and I think that is awesome. My own daughters will be in training well before they turn 21 or even 18, but in terms of a Give A Way, 21 is the age.

    Thank you so much for visiting the blog and for your interest in training.

    • In most states that allowed Concealed Carry, you must be 21 to get a permit. For training, you can be younger, but often the instructor will require a signed release by a parent or guardian. Basic Pistol training is not innappropriate for a young teen, with a parent, or a 17/18 year old with parental signature.

  83. I can teach you how to shoot, for a lot less than that. Use the $ to trade into a good .22 and some ammo. Call first, then I will make arraign, er sorry, CTFS. I don’t shoot well either, my eyes are close to 50. Hell. I’ll just do it now. Keep your cash. Line your FRONT sight on the target, then, use the rear sight to zero in. That’s all it is.

  84. Please enter me in the give away. What a fabulous offer! We have a gun club not too far away that gives classes.

    Blessings,
    Red

  85. I’d like to enter as well! I’m pretty much brand new to shooting, so I’d love the opportunity to take a class. Thank you so much for offering such a generous opportunity!

  87. Ooooh! please add me to the entry list. I’ve been visiting the local gun shop a bit lately, and thinking about getting some formal training, and a new pistol. What better reason to go for it than a give a way 🙂

  88. Thank you for offering this! I would love to enter the give away. I’ve only taken my CCW class, which didn’t have a hands-on component. Thanks so much!!

  89. I just got my first Glock 27 and am in search of a great training program. I’ve shot one once before, but that was a while back. Please enter my name in your drawing. I’m eager to learn how to better defend and protect both myself and my children. Thanks for your efforts-your support and information is so empowering!

  90. Wow! What a great giveaway and thanks for doing it. Can you count me in as an entry? I just got my first firearm (Kimber Ultra Carry) and concealed carry card, but I’m not yet comfortable with the idea of carrying full-time. I’d really like to take a defensive shooting class to help with that. Again, thank you so much for doing this giveaway!

  91. Thanks and please accept my entry into the contest. I live in the country and in a high crime area so learning self defense is a must.
    I have taken basic courses and have my CCW but I am not yet comfortable carrying in public. I need to go to the next step and build my confidence to carry and to get instruction on improving speed and techniques for accuracy.

  92. I would love to enter! One of my goals for this year is getting a gun and a carry permit to go with it – but other then shooting with my dad and brother I don’t have any training or experience…
    Thanks for this opportunity!

  93. I would REALLY like to enter the contest. My husband gave me a handgun for Christmas. Something I have been wanting for a long time. We used to live in a second floor apartment but then we moved into a house. I felt secure in the apartment but not in this house. So I have been wanting a handgun for protection. I learned how to shoot a rifle and machine gun in the Army. But shooting a handgun is different. So I would really like to learn. Thank you for this opportunity! 🙂

  94. A photo and link to this is on my upper sidebar until the drawing. Wonderful of you to do this.

    I got lucky, I had an LEO Mom who taught me to shoot. Not all women are so fortunate. Bless you.

  97. If they live in Iowa, (or are willing to travel) I’ll offer the lady a seat for her friend for free. I will honor it for any of the pistol classes. That way you can double your Give-A-Way. They can find our site at http://eiaft.com. Obviously, this can be seen as advertising, if you wish to remove it, I will take no offense. Bill

  98. Bill,, there is no way for me to know about every program out there. Finding a good reputable course/instructor will be the responsibility of the winner, but I did check out your site and it looks good to me. Nice backgroud, experience and qualifications. I have zero issue with you advertising your business and I would be happy to add your generous donation to the list of prizes. Thank you!!!

  99. Yep, I understand. Thanks for adding me. “Must issue” is new to Iowa in 2011 and there were a ton of quicky 4-hour classes – with no range time. I am confident we do it much better and provide folks a number of course options. Regardless if someone wins from Iowa, your offer is very generous. I also enjoy your blog, very nice job, keep up the good work.

  105. I’d love to enter the drawing… I’ve already had a beginner’s self defense course, but would really like to take the next level.

    I’m also posting to my blog to pass the word along!

  106. I would love to have a beginner’s shooting self-defense course! I have never been through any formal courses for training. Between what I read, and what my husband has shown me, that is the extent of my training. It would be awesome to go through a formal course!

  109. I would love to enter the give-a-way. Your blog is wonderful and I have shared it with my Ladies shooting group. You have a way of putting down in wouse just what I’m feeling a lot of times. I plan to take my 1st formal class next month and then start adding more every few months. AGirl – you rock and are a true inspiration to me.

  111. This sure is a terrific thing that you are doing. I’m lucky enough to be able to have been given some very good training, so please don’t enter me in the contest, but I am definitely posting about this in my blog.

  113. I would like to enter my wife. House-Hold 6 wants to take a woman’s class, but as hard as we look there isn’t one in the budget. Houston has some great schools and instructors though.

  116. Hi, agirlandhergun, we love what you are doing here! We would like to do our part to support you (and the winner). If you are interested, we will donate a cleaning package to your growing list of prizes. The package will contain three cans (one of each size we make) of Steelgard Firearm Protector – a cleaner, lubricant and rust prevention product for all types of weapons.

    You can contact me on http://firearmprotector.com (or send me an email using my first name and the domain name) to let me know. We can send the products directly to your winner as soon as you have a shipping address for us to use.

    Keep up the great work!

    Angela

  117. I will try to keep brief, I would like to enter my wife Cynthia. I’m a VietNam vet and stayed away from guns after I got out but I’m getting back into it and wanted my wife of 38 years to participate with me.

    Cynthia, has never held, fired, or been around a any type of gun with the exception of a “cow girl” cap gun when she was but a girl.

    I got her to go out shooting with me and to my pleasant surprize at 25 yards Cynthia had a many a cluster in the center of the target.

    But, she needs formal basic instruction in gun handling. In the Army there is nothing more dangerous than a trainee with a loaded gun. Yup, Cynthia needs some real training and I’m too close for objectivity.

    So, put her name in if possible and I can hope!

  118. I am very interested in entering your drawing.
    I do not currently own a gun, nor have I had training with guns.
    My sister whom I admire and love dearly, referred me to you and suggested I enter.
    Thank you for the opportunity and thank you to all who have added additional prizes.
    Leeann

  123. I would like to enter the drawing! I have zero shooting experience and my husband just got a 9mm. I would love to learn how to use it if absolutely necessary to defend myself or my family.

  125. Please enter me in the drawing. I have a S&W M&P9C on order for CC and I would love to be able to have a self defense class on how best to handle this if the need arises.

  127. Please sign me up this would be totally awesome! I travel a lot by myself going to appointments with my girls and it would be very nice to have more training behind the gun!

  128. This is a great giveaway, thanks so much for the generous sponsorships. I’d love to enter please, formal training has been on my wish list for the longest time but the budget has never allowed for it.

  132. I would like to enter my 19 year old daughter. She has shot my handgun a few times but I think some kind of training would be good for her. Does she have to post a comment for her to enter of is my entering for her ok?

    • Hello! How wonderful that you are supporting your daughter in getting training. I think that is awesome. Unfortunately, for this Give-A-Way the minimum age to enter is 21. I absolutely believe in training women before they turn 21. My daughters are 7 & 8 and they have both been shooting for a while, but this particular Give-A-Way is aimed at woman over the age of 21.

  135. I’d love to enter! I’m looking into buying my first gun in the next few months and have no training. This would be a great start. Thanks!

  139. I’m Excited to have you enter me! For Christmas my husband gave me my first gun, a S+W Body Guard (w/Laser!) and today I purchased my own Rugger Mark III (1043)22/45. I want to get involved in a Women’s League, but I may have to start a Women’s Shooting League here in the Star City. We maybe the Largest City West of Richmond, but we sure do lack a Women’s Presence in the shooting world. I know I need more training and I am more than glad and happy to do whatever it takes, whether I win or not!

  140. Wow, what an awesome thing you are doing!! I am about to purchase my first handgun, and I am finally not afraid! Anyway, please enter me in the Give-a-Way! I can’t wait to enroll in a shooting class then I want to get a concealed carry permit. 🙂

  141. I would LOVE to enter (and win) your drawing!!! My goal for 2012 is to become proficient with a gun. I’ve actually spent much time recently researching different makes/models/types and also finding good classes, as I have absolutely no knowledge on use and maintenance. I am slightly overwhelmed at the initial startup costs, (gun,ammo,classes,etc) as a single parent there’s not a lot of extra money lying around my house! I am so grateful that I found your site, not only because of this wonderful giveaway, but also due to all the great things I’m learning from it. Thank you and please, keep up the great job.
    [email protected]

    • Very nice! Don’t get to overwhelmed with cost and stuff. There is actually very little that you “need”. A good quality gun(there are lots of them out there), a good hoslter(some very good ones under $45), and quality instruction. You can do a lot even without ammo. Range time, bullets,training, it is expensive and hard for most of us, but don’t let it stop you. Step by step and it will all come together. Lots of free resources too. Join your favorite firearm instructors newsletter or FB and the blog writers in the gun world are smart, read them, you will learn a lot. Good luck and please let me know how you are progressing!!

  143. I can’t enter myself but I’ve passed the contest along to all my female students on our forum!
    Crystal Inhersights.net

  144. New to all this and loving it. Empowering myself with knowledge takes the fear away! Would like to enter your giveaway please.

  145. Wow! So many entries now! I would love it if you could enter my name into the “hat”. I really need/want to attend a training course! My husband lives away from me and our two small children during the week, and I would feel so muchore confident having something other than a very bright flashlight as a home defense tactic! What a wonderful thing it is that you are doing! God, I hope I win!!! I need this!!

  146. Hi there! I posted above to enter myself into the drawing, and I’m wondering if I could please also enter my sister, Stephanie? She doesn’t have a blogger/wordpress/etc account, so I told her I would post for her.

    Is this ok? Do you need any other information?

    Thanks!!!

  147. Please enter me in your contest. I’d love the opportunity for some formal training! Thank you for such a generous offer! Thank you to all of the other generous offers being added as well!

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