About The Author
Hello, all! I’m Gracie. I’m 25 years old and I have trained in firearms defense, martial arts, knives, and batons. I am an NRA Training Counselor and Chief Range Safety Officer, which means it’s my job to get new NRA instructors and safety officers trained and certified. I sit on the executive board of directors at Clatskanie Rifle & Pistol Club, and have gained some valuable experience in helping to run a gun club and firing range.
Some of my courses include: NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Home Firearm Safety, and NRA Personal Protection in the Home. I also teach some non-NRA affiliated classes: Intro to OR and FL CHL, Street Carry, and Defensive Pistol. I also have trained military units. For even more trigger fun, I compete regularly in action pistol matches.
My passion is to educate women on handgun safety and tactics . However, I train both men and women. I also do house calls for women who are afraid or who’s lives are in danger. We work out a personal tactical safety plan that works best for the individual or the family depending on the way their house is set up.
I myself am not a large woman. I am 5’10″ and weigh 125 lbs. I legally conceal a full sized, tactical weapon everyday. I even effectively conceal in
a little black dress. In this day and age women have to be able to protect themselves and their children. This blog is dedicated to women, like me, who are actively concerned about their personal safety and that of the people around them. Read my blog for a woman’s standpoint on concealed carry, tactics, and other random stuff.
This is my highly customized Pink Springfield XD(m) that I carry & compete with. No, it did not come in pink. That is aftermarket work.
I would like to thank Gregg Smith for being my mentor and business partner through all this. He is an amazing friend. I consider him another father to me. He has been there for me every step of the way.
You will notice that in many of my posts I drag on about the importance of a large handgun. This is because, according to my friends and family, I am “caliber sensitive”. Caliber sensitivity is real, if you suffer from disgust brought about by tiny, inadequate firearms; you may be suffering from “Caliber Sensitivity”. If you think you, or someone you know is suffering from “Caliber Sensitivity” please remember, you are not alone. There is help. Consider this blog a warm, fuzzy support group. Please bring your own coffee.
Of course I have hobbies and interests other than shooting. I have 2 beagles and a corgi and two tabby cats. One of my life dreams is to fly an A-10 (I just love everything about them). I am a GREAT cook; and I am actually really fantastic at riding the mechanical bull. I really want to try REAL bull riding…so if anyone wants to help me out with that one, please… contact me! I collect tea sets and , obviously, shoes. I love to draw and write (if you can’t tell). Sundresses are a staple in my wardrobe, and I firmly believe that a woman needs a pair of heels for every possible occasion that could arise. I am a bit of an oxymoron, or maybe just a moron: I have this old lady “thing” for floral print, and this little girl “thing” for unicorns and horses.
My interest in Africa has led me all the way to Uganda where I taught English to grade school children in village of Kiganda ( about half way between the villages of Mubende and Mityana) in the “bush” or jungle. This was by far the most amazing (and learning) experience in my life.
Jan 12, 2012 @ 05:54:26
Good Morning Gracie. Sorry to post here, I browsed the site a bit and could not find a contact form. Would you please send me an email? My sister is up in your area and is a new firearm owner looking for some defensive pistol courses.
Thank you,
Jim
Jan 12, 2012 @ 14:57:49
Hi there. I enjoyed you blog but i cant seem to find an rss link so i can keep up with you.Do you have one? Thank you,
Doug
Jan 12, 2012 @ 15:13:39
Doug, I added a “follow” button on the sidebar so you can follow via RSS, thank you for bringing the lack of that to my attention and thank you for reading!
Jan 27, 2012 @ 11:48:11
Just one question.
Are you married?
Jan 27, 2012 @ 12:21:48
Michael,
Yes I am… I’m sure you are a real catch yourself, though. Thanks for reading Packing Pretty
Jan 27, 2012 @ 11:54:33
“This is the gun I carry on a daily basis…it is a HIGHLY customized Springfield XDM .9mm”
I believe that’s what science fiction novels refer to as a “needle gun”. You might want to upgrade to a 9mm.
Jan 27, 2012 @ 12:19:40
ALANSTORM,
Thank you for pointing out my typo….next time I’ll click “caliber check” instead of spell check.Lol.
Thanks for reading Packing Pretty!
SayUncle » Chicks and gun blogs
Jan 27, 2012 @ 13:17:53
[...] Packing Pretty, 24 year old NRA certified instructor who actually carries a pink gun. [...]
Chicks and gun blogs | My Blog
Jan 27, 2012 @ 16:06:43
[...] Packing Pretty, 24 year aged NRA approved instructor who indeed carries a pinkish gun. [...]
Jan 28, 2012 @ 03:25:37
Any chance we can get an article covering the “HIGHLY customized Springfield XDM 9mm”? I’d like to get some gift ideas for my wife, who carries an un-accessorized version of the same.
Jan 29, 2012 @ 18:53:58
My goodness Grace! Where were we when you started all this. Go Girl!!!
We love you.
Aunt Sandy & Uncle Vern
Jan 30, 2012 @ 11:06:42
Thanks for teaching everyone should take gun courses to make sure they are aware of the things that could happen and be prepared to use their gun when necessary
May 31, 2012 @ 08:05:46
Great website, and your efforts are commendable. I will be sure to share your link with my wife and daughters, and all my female friends. Well done!
Jun 09, 2012 @ 22:25:01
Hi Gracie! I run a Kuk Sool Won school here in Germany where your sister is based and had the pleasure of teaching her in my Women’s Self Defense Course. She did AWESOME, as I am sure is no surprise to you. Great warrior spirit! I will be sharing your great website with my son and his fiance who live in Cheyenne and are more involved with the world of firearms, Not sure if they are caliber-sensitive though…glad there is help available just in case!
I did used to fly for the Air Force, though not the mighty Warthog. With its huge Gatling gun, I can see why its your favorite..
Jun 13, 2012 @ 09:40:54
Hi Mike! Thanks for reaching out. You are right – I’m not surprised at all that my sister did well in your course. She’s a fighter … love that girl
The Gatling gun is definately a huge attraction for me, as are some of the other armourment features. I love aviation and guns, so naturally all my favorite guns fly.
Take care, and keep up the good work with your Kuk Sool Won school!
Jul 20, 2012 @ 11:15:26
Thanks so much Gracie for putting this blog together. It has a wealth of information and although I am new to shooting I am extremely interested in learning more and empowering other women in their pursuit for safety. I live in south Texas and find very few women groups. Luckily I found one in San Antonio and am joining the group next week. Competitive shooting would be my goal by next year, this time. Let’s see how this all goes. Keep up the wonderful work.
Aug 01, 2012 @ 17:03:25
Gracie… I just stumbled upon your article, and found you very inspiring! I like you an so very much a tom-boy, but still very feminist at heart. Not only can I totally re-late to the floral print sun dresses, and too may heels, I also LOVE anything pink! From riding horses, to riding my motorcycle… and also being 24.. I just purchased my first pistol, in which I legally conceal.. However I wanted to ask you a couple questions! I put aside buying any “wimpy” small caliber guns because they were pink… and went for a 9mm XD big girl gun that’s all black ANY recommendations as to having it professionally painted or using the at home kits?
Sep 20, 2012 @ 12:34:23
Amanda-I ain’t Gracie, and look terrible in heels, but maybe I can answer your question. See if there are any gunsmiths on your area that are knowledgeable and have already done before (try and see the quality of their work) but someone that can Cerakote your weapon is exactly what you want/need. I have done a Google search, and there are professionals that do it all over the US-choice is your. Good luck and many days of safe shooting!
Sep 20, 2012 @ 12:50:48
Amanda, I’m so glad we found each other. I’m sorry I didn’t see this until now. Kevin is right, Cerakote is a great option, and having it done by a professional is the way to go!
Hope you’re enjoying your XD as much I enjoy mine
. Take care, sister. And I hope to hear/see more of you on here!
<3Gracie
Aug 26, 2012 @ 08:35:47
“I really want to try REAL bull riding…” Contact this friend of mine, I’m sure he can make that happen in a fun, safe manner! Tell him I sent you over to him and he can probably set you up to learn and do!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/runnin.ranch
Aug 26, 2012 @ 09:03:05
Thanks Paul, You’re the best!
Aug 29, 2012 @ 21:18:20
My wife is also NRA Instructor here in Missouri We just built a outdoor Firearm Shooting range + a 14ft X 22ft Finished classroom
next to our house for Teaching and training for CCW and other lelated classes. My wife is a great shot and a great instructor.
IF you are in Missouri Call anytime call us or come by
Jrd Consulting LLC
15305 Pvt Drive 3641
Saint James, Missouri 65559
(573) 263-2715 Jane Dowler Cellphone
Gracie I think you would like the range and the location
Thank You, Douglas Dowler
Sep 15, 2012 @ 07:39:21
Greetings from the 14th state! Here in VT I carry a Glock 17 24/7. I find your website to be quite intriguing. If I am ever in OR I will look you up.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 15:16:05
Greeting from the 14th state – VT. You have a great website. I carry a G17 – what do you carry? Where do you live (town, state)?
Sep 20, 2012 @ 12:53:35
Hi Mitchell.
I live in Washington, I don’t share much beyond that about my whereabouts. I carry either my XD .45, my XDs .45, my XD(M) .40, my XD .40 subcompact, or my pink XD(m) 9mm.
-Gracie
Oct 02, 2012 @ 02:45:29
Hi! I’m just getting into firearms/targetshooting/gun knowledge and came across this site. You sound like an amazing person! I’m also 24 years old. I wish they had more classes for women around in my area-Minnesota. I’ll keep on reading!
Nov 08, 2012 @ 08:30:21
Gracie,
I am 60 and own a couple 380′s. I am now feeling that is not enough power nor do the mags carry enough rounds. I need to #1 find an instructor and #2 choose a couple +- handguns for real protection. I live near your XD gun guy Scott. Would he be a good resource for me? 25 years ago when I first started fly fishing, I was the only female in the fly shop. I am feeling the same way now in a gun store. I don’t know enough to ask the right questions. I am leaning towards the XD 40 and the XDs as well. What practice ammo would you suggest?
Nov 15, 2012 @ 22:28:17
Marge,
I’m not familiar with the training opportunities in your area, but Scott may know of some good instructors!
As far as the 380, I agree that a higher caliber would be preferable. Be assured that there is an entire, and rather large, community of female shooters who are ready to welcome you to the fold. You are not alone!
The XD .40 is going to have alot more muzzle flip and recoil than you are used to. I recommend shooting one before buying one. Same goes for the XDs.
As far as ammo is concerned, I just use any brass cased, copper jacketed ball ammo. Winchester makes good stuff, as does Remmington, Federal, etc.
Thanks for reaching out.
Nov 18, 2012 @ 09:41:00
Gracie,
Thanks for your reply. I called Scott and got together with him at the shop. He gave me a great run down on the different barrel lenghts and calibers. Even showed off his competition guns. He has invited me to shoot with him after Turkeyday to try out a few pistols. Can’t ask for anything better than that.
I went to the gun show here last weekend and found a few instructors. So I am off in the right direction. Thanks for the inspiration.
Jan 08, 2013 @ 18:43:12
Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and detailed information you offer.
It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information.
Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS
feeds to my Google account.
Jan 10, 2013 @ 16:43:15
Just wanted to say “Hi” and your website looks great. Keep up the good work. Oh, and I grew up in a 1 horse town in WA myself. Hell of an experience isn’t it?
Jan 19, 2013 @ 22:42:23
Just wanted to bring the typo to your attention in your first line – I understand your 24 years old – not 2.
I love what your doing – Keep it up.