ARCHIVE - ISSUE NINE - OCTOBER 2014 COVER - FEATURED PICTORIAL - TRAINING - LIFESTYLE - REVIEWS ARCHIVE - ISSUE NINE - OCTOBER 2014
Spotlight on a Sure Shot
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by Carol L.
I don't exactly recall how the conversation went, but I do recall it ending with something like, "Well, since you're a Texan now, you should learn how to shoot." We had just finished watching the episode of "American Guns" where Niki Jones was featured with her infamous Snow Queen. I have to admit, I was rather smitten and ran to Facebook to look up Sure Shots. My husband tells me I squealed when I found out that they had North Austin practices, and we made plans to attend one the next week. I won't lie—I was terribly nervous, even sick to my stomach as the day grew closer. I grew up with a great appreciation for guns, perhaps more of a fear of them, as my Dad instilled in us from a young age that they were serious. He also never kept any in the house, per my mother’s request. Now living in Texas, my husband, a former military member, was more than excited for me to learn, and seeing that "American Guns" episode was all the persuasion that was needed. I can recall feeling very out of my element as we walked through those doors at Red's. I felt shy and awkward, not even knowing where to begin or who to talk to. I think I stuck out like a sore thumb as Niki was the first to spot me and say hello. I told her that I had seen her on the show and that I was interested in becoming a Sure Shot. She asked me if I had ever shot before and I shook my head, "No, Never! First time!" She smiled and had me come over to go over the Four Rules of Gun Safety and take a quick lesson on how to hold a pistol before having me go to the counter to rent one. I was so intimidated. I had no idea what I was asking for! The guy behind the counter and Niki put me quickly at ease as I rented a small Ruger and was led out of the range. Even with ear protection, the percussion was frightening. I glanced back at my husband, who had the biggest grin on his face. "Are you ready?" he asked me, "Uh, I think so!" He stepped up to the line with me and both he and Niki talked me through how to load and place the magazine into the pistol. My hands were wet and shaking. My husband reminded me to take a few breaths, always point down range and just go for it. So, I went for it and pulled the trigger. It scared me half to death, I had to set the pistol down and back up. I didn't even have the safety on! Niki came over, safe the gun, and reassured me that I was doing a great job and encouraged me to try again, so I stepped back up and took aim. It jammed. I freaked out. Not sure what to do, I set it back down and looked over at my husband. He cleared it for me and told me to try again. It went a bit smoother this time, all except I seemed to have a "death grip" on it, so he laughed and suggested that I relax a bit. Niki came back by and helped me adjust my stance and explained further how to aim. Okay, I think I got this now! I pressed the trigger and relaxed into it. This isn't so bad! I finished my first magazine and stepped back to allow someone else to use the lane. My husband pulled in the target and laughed some, stating that for a first timer, I did pretty well—most of my shots were to the target’s head. I loaded a second magazine and stepped back up, this time a bit more relaxed and knowing what to expect. The pistol jammed again and I just shook my head, and set it down with a laugh. Yeah, I was a newbie shooter, I’m sure everyone could tell. One of the range officers cleared it for me and I finished the second magazine. I didn't do so badly after all! I was pretty proud of myself! It was now time for class and honestly, I cannot even now remember what the topic was at the time. I was just too excited. I was bitten by the bug that night and have never looked back. I am now signed up to take my CHL and I am the proud owner of my first pistol, "Mehendi" (A S&W M&P .22) My husband also recently purchased a Remington 12Gauge for us to share, and I can't wait to learn how to use that one! Thank you Niki, and thank you Sure Shots for giving a first timer the encouragement she needed to try, try again! |
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Women in the Industry
This month in our spotlight of Women in the Industry, we would like to introduce you to the owner of Urban Moxy, KRISTA DAVIS. This awesome mother of identical twin toddlers juggles being a stay-at-home mom with running a budding business out of her house!
Sure Shots Magazine: Please tell us a little about your company, Urban Moxy Krista Davis: Urban Moxy is trying to bring fashion to firearms. For too long there have only been boring or over the top blingy styles of concealed carry handbags. We want to bring fashionable, trendy and modern styles of bags that every woman would want to carry at a price point that we can all afford. SSM: How long has your company been in business? KD: We have only been in business for two and a half years. We started with 50 bags of one style and sold out in the first two weeks. It was a hit so I knew there was a need and we were on to something! We have now expanded to 7 (going on 8) styles and the sky is the limit from there. SSM: Have you always been involved in the shooting/tactical/firearms community? KD: I began shooting in my teens with my friends up in the mountains. I've only recently started shooting on a regular basis and have loved every minute of it. I have chosen to conceal and carry since 2008 when I realized that it was needed in my travels. SSM: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. KD: My professional background is in fashion eyewear sales. I was involved with major brands and designers so I had to look the part which meant that my briefcase and handbag had to be beautiful. I am now a stay at home mother of identical twin toddlers and run the business out of our home. My husband works full time and helps with the business after he gets home from work and after the babies go to bed for the night. We moved from the Northwest to Louisiana last year once we found out we were having twins and we were so blessed to have been welcomed with open arms. SSM: What made you decide to start Urban Moxy? KD: Working in sales, I had to drive and travel alone throughout 4 states and I didn't like knowing that I couldn't protect myself if something should happen and I am glad I made the decision to carry. A man blocked in my car in a gas station parking lot in the middle of the day and tried to get in but I already had my 380 waiting and as soon as he saw it, he jumped back and got back into his truck and left. I called in his plate and that was the end of the story. At that moment, I became frustrated with the way I was concealing either in my car's center console or it was in the bottom of my designer purse with my lipstick, phone and wallet and whatever else settled in there. Neither was a good place to keep it. I started shopping for a concealment bag and was left wanting. I started researching and talking with friends and the bag came into view after thousands of emails and hours. We wanted to appeal to every woman and especially moms who have never felt comfortable carrying. Since I am now a mom, I can lock up my holster pocket (aka"lock it pocket") and set my bag on the floor and not have to worry about little hands getting ahold of my pistol. We wanted to solve the "mommy problem" and I believe we have while simultaneously offering fashionable concealment options. |
SSM: What is the best part of your job?
KD: The interaction. We have some of the most wonderful and kind people in this industry! I get to do trade shows and gun shows and talk to people and hear their suggestions and praise. People are thrilled to finally have some fashionable options for women. SSM: Have there been any lessons your work life taught you? KD: I'd say that my work life has taught me the loyalty of people. We have people in our corner who strongly stand behind us and what we are trying to do and it has been a huge blessing to hear their stories, reassuring us that we are on the right track! |
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SSM: So, if you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
KD: My mentor is my mother. She has an entrepreneur spirit, a strength and a love of people that I hope I can emulate. Our "Gina" bag is named after her because she is a 5 year breast cancer survivor so we did the pink bag with the pink ribbon accent on the front in honor of her victory over cancer! She is my hero. SSM: What is your primary weapon and why? KD: I currently carry a Walther PK380 because it is light weight, has good stopping power and is easily concealed in my bag or in my holster in open carry. It has been a great little pistol for me. SSM: What are some important lessons you have learned while running Urban Moxy? KD: That customer service is key and unfortunately this is lacking in today's world. We treat every customer like they are our only customer and we are so thankful to them for sticking by us! We take care of our customers if there are any issues that come up and we have received great reviews because of our customer service. It's the little things that go a long way! SSM: What do our readers have to look forward to in the future from Urban Moxy? KD: We are getting ready to release our newest addition, the “Aurora” bag which is a deep purple color and has a braid accent on the side and of course, our lockable holster pocket. I am confident that this is going to be a best seller! SSM: What is the best shooting advice you have been given that you feel might be important to share with our readers? KD: Shoot!!! Shooting regularly has helped me tremendously! I am a part of a women's shooting league and I shoot twice a month with these ladies, and I have made some lifelong friends. Not to mention, I am completely comfortable carrying my firearm and am capable of protecting myself now. I have spent a lot of time training so I can carry responsibly. SSM: Where do you see Urban Moxy in 5 years? KD: I see us being a leading supplier of fashionable firearms accessories! We are beginning to branch out into fashion 2A related jewelry and are looking at other venues that we can explore while keeping fashion at the forefront. We aren't going anywhere and we are thrilled to have landed in such a great industry. SSM: And for our final question… If you could be any character in a movie, who would it be & why? KD: This was a TOUGH question! I think I have to go with Wonder Woman. I have always loved her and actually have some of the comic books. I have always had something Wonder Woman hanging on my office wall to remind me that I can do anything I set my mind to. When I found out I was having twins and someone asked me "oh how are you going to manage that and manage a business?" with a look of fear on her face, I proudly said, "I'll manage because I am Wonder Woman"! She is the epitome of strength, courage and beauty in women. She may not use a handgun but an invisible jet and lasso are pretty cool! |
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Check out Urban Moxy concealed carry handbags and other cool accessories on their website, urbanmoxy.com. Or check out their Facebook page. 
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