As a whole, gun owners are well-educated, hard-working folks that come from all walks of life.
Recently I had the opportunity to chat with an interesting and inspiring member ofThe Armory Lifecommunity, Brynne McIsaac.
Brynne is an accomplished young woman with almost two decades of experience as an accomplished figure skater.
Brynne McIsaac competed at the Lahaye Ice Center on December 12, 2016. Photo: Nathan Spencer
She is a college student, originally from Virginia.
However, she has had the opportunity to live, skate and shoot all around our nation.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
In addition to shooting and skating, McIsaac pursues a wide variety of activities and sports like SCUBA diving. Image: Brynne McIsaac
Brynne McIsaac (BM):I am a nationally and internationally recognized competitive figure skater.
I skated as a soloist for 15 years, and as a partnered skater for the last three years.
My hometown is in Virginia where my parents still reside with my two dogs.
Competition is very demanding. McIsaac trains on the ice for two to three hours a day. Image: Brynne McIsaac
I am an only child and am so fortunate to have their endless support as I chase my passion!
TAL:When you arent at the shooting range, how do you spend your time?
BM:I am a very busy individual.
McIsaac maintains an active lifestyle away from skating. When not shooting, she can often be found on or in the water. Image: Brynne McIsaac
Unfortunately, I have not spent much time at the range due to my full schedule!
As a full-time student, I also fill my spare time with studies.
TAL:How did you become interested in firearms?
McIsaac found that the firearms community is “very welcoming” and that being involved in the shooting community is “empowering.” Image: Brynne McIsaac
Were there any specific life events that motivated you to learn about guns?
BM:Growing up, firearms were frequently discussed by my family.
My grandfather was a Naval pilot, and my dad was a Lt Col.
Keep Brynne’s words in mind next time you are at the range and see someone you think might be a new shooter. Share some kind words, and potentially an offer of help if they want it. Image: Shutterstock/Robert Przybysz
In the Air Force!
I was always aware of gun safety, and the idea of guns at home seemed normal to me.
TAL:Tell us about the first time you went shooting?
What was it like?
BM:The first time I went to the range, I was somewhere in my teens.
My dad took me to a local indoor range to shoot some of the smaller handheld pistols and revolvers.
The first few shots were a bit scary, but it was exhilarating.
The smell of gunpowder and the thrill of hitting the target were addictive.
TAL:As a college student do you find any challenges with living a Second Amendment lifestyle?
When I find someone else who shares my values we bond very quickly!
TAL:When it comes to concealed carry, do you find yourself dealing with any particular challenges?
Limits of where you’ve got the option to carry?
Acceptance of your concealed carry lifestyle by others?
BM:I am a very small and sporty individual.
I ended up deciding on a basic waistband halter, but Im still looking for other alternatives!
TAL:You are obviously a talented athlete.
BM:When shooting, I learned that the best thing to do is practice.
This is true in skating, as well.
So repetitive practice of shooting technique at the range came naturally for me.
Have you experienced any gender-related challenges on your journey as a shooter?
What were those challenges and how did you overcome them?
BM:Surprisingly, I havent really experienced any gender-related challenges on my journey as a shooter.
BM:Firearms and shooting ranges are pretty intimidating for a new shooter.
Its important that these individuals learn that firearms and the people who handle them arent scary.
As I mentioned before, guns and ranges can be intimidating at first.
The mainstream media tends to portray those that live the firearms lifestyle as a homogeneous group of people.
Folks that look like me.
Male, middle age, white.
The reality is much different.
Shooters come from all walks of life.
In that way, maybe we arent all that different.
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