Women are currently the fastest growing demographic in the gun industry. More and more women are getting their permits, learning to shoot and are dominating the competition circuit. More and more companies are now gearing their equipment to women. Holsters are being made to fit our curves better; range bags are being made with smaller straps so they fit our shoulders better. And shocker! Not EVERY woman likes pink and purple! So many companies are not just making or painting something pink, slapping a $10 markup and saying it’s for HER. They’re listening to women in the industry. We don’t always want something pink; we want something that works. Give me a range bag that’s not going to constantly slide off of my shoulders and that’s not half the size of a normal range bag.
How we train is also a lot different. Women tend to like doing things in groups, usually of other women. We also are adults, so we tend to be visual learners. Most of instructors are still men, but there are mass increases in the amount of instructors that are now women. And they’re pretty good if I do say so myself. Sorry guys, but we tend to be a little more patient both when learning and when teaching. And we listen! Again, guys no offense. We like shooting with you, we like learning from you. But sometimes, it just doesn’t work. But don’t let that discourage you at all from working with men and vice versa. Stepping out of your comfort zone can truly help you grow as a shooter and an instructor. The teacher can often learn from the student, and in these cases learn to be a better instructor.
Now there are plenty of outlets that women have to learn to shoot. Places they can go if they are a first time shooter and places they can go to perfect their 3-Gun game. The Well Armed Woman and A Girl and A Gun are two places that come to mind off the bat. TWAW has chapters all over the country. Their website is incredibly user friendly and helpful. There is everything from a store complete with dozens of different holsters and options for women of all shapes and sizes, courses and where you can find them. There are many giveaways, contests to enter and even a forum for registered users to speak with other shooters around the country.
The other organization is A Girl and A Gun. AGAG is a wonderful organization that I have had the experience working with some of the great instructors of this organization. Not only does AGAG have courses and chapters across the country, there are also numerous getaways and camps geared towards specific disciplines. They have a great 3-Gun camp that is taught by some of the best shooters in the country. Trap and skeet weekend vacations in the mountains. And even an annual meet and greet cruise for AGAG members to meet fellow members on luxurious vacations. When you sign up to be a member, you are signing up for access to these great opportunities as well as weekly shooting tips sent to your e-mail and access to some of the bets instructors and shooters.
As much as there are opportunities for women, there can always be more. We need to let women know they have a place they can go to learn where their needs will be met. Both of the above organizations are a great start. You can also check with your local club to see if they have women’s shoots. The NRA also has many organizations such as Women on Target, which is a free women’s shooting clinic. Any opportunity to get a woman to the range should be taken. It’s important to make them feel comfortable and heard. We want them to keep coming back!
