She surprised the heck out of me and told me out of the blue she wants to learn to handle a pistol and get her carry permit. My sons are getting older and not around much and I travel so I think she wants to improve her security while alone. I am trying to find a course to get her accustomed to using a firearm first and then get her in a permit class. I want to make this as comfortable for her as I can, and I will stay out of it so she doesn't feel any pressure from me. Any suggestions would be appreciated and we live in the north metro. Thanks

There are a number of instructors here who offer packages of beginner - carry all in one, the site owner (Joel) being just one of them.

We are offering a women only 3 hour intro to handguns from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday July 22nd. We will have an NRA certified experienced instructor for every four students. My website http://rejfirearmstraining.com/has more details, but basically it is 2 hours of classroom and an hour on the range and it includes all targets, fees and 50 rounds of 9mm. The training room and range is Inrange in Monticello and our class will have exclusive use of the range. Use of our guns is always free and we have many to chose from. We have trained hundreds and working with new shooters is something we particularly enjoy. Most of our new shooters students have gone onto permit training and several of the women shooters are now active in handgun leagues and IDPA.

Congrats to your wife!

As you mentioned (staying out of her training), would be best. That way she wouldn't feel 'intimidated' by you (nothing against you personally, but women seem to have a hangup or two if taught by their spouse....something about husbands not being patient enough )

Of course, you realize, that your gonna have to buy her a gun of her choice now.

Again, congrats to your wife for taking the 'big step'.

Nice! I might have to ask your wife to call mine to gently encourage her to go with.

I am pretty excited about it but I am trying to not show her. Thanks for all the quick information, I am going to let her pick what course she wants to do. I think I might have to start looking for a new pistol right away also.

Aside from IDPA shooter's class, I'd also recommend DonL for ANY new or experienced shooter. His style and personality work well to encourage and foster confidence and he definitely has the skills down.