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| Erica Rodriguez from Washington State, and her Px4 |
Beyond the trends, the statistics and the news, it is important to recognize that, overall, our industry does not make it easy for a woman to enter the sacred halls of firearms ownership.
Heck: I would go as far as saying that, in some cases, it is even hard for a woman to cross the threshold of a gun store. It can be intimidating for any newbie to approach what is seemingly a male-only environment as it is. Add to it the fact that we're talking about firearms, with all the reverential fear that society associates with it, and you have a recipe for detachment.
And, yet, women have been joining this incredibly fun world of firearms in drones, lately.
Some say it is a result of the increasingly-high divorce rate, which creates a growing number of single women living with kids, while others say that it simply the fun of going to the range and the consequent word-of-mouth activity that does the trick; whatever the reason, recent studies prove that more and more women own guns.
I feel, sadly, that the market has not kept up with this trend, and for two reason: on one side, it is still hard to find classes where women can feel free to ask questions and learn, with the exception of some great NRA programs and what I recently learn are events and seminars dedicated to women at Sportsman's Warehouse. I meet some women who have grown up using guns. Safety procedures, loading and unloading a gun, posture and recoil control are second nature to them. To Jenn, who lives in a large city in the Northeast, that was not the case. "Simply put," she told me recently, "I don't want to make a fool of myself. So I just postpone learning."
When it comes to product availability, too, our industry makes women face an unfair entry barrier, especially when it comes to shotguns, with length of pull offerings that sometime make shotgun shooting a less-than-enjoyable experience.
The greatest obstacle, however, is visible only when you scratch below the surface. It isn't as prominent and widespread as the other two, but it is a barrier nonetheless. When I ask people "what can this industry do to attract more women?" the answer can lean toward cliches like "pink guns" and "hot men selling guns." This tells me that - in the eyes of some - female gun ownership is still not a legitimate activity.
But do not fear: not all is lost. There are examples like the NRA programs I mentioned above, to help. But help also comes in an easy-to-consume online format. One of my favorite is a website called "Girl's guide to guns." I spoke to Natalie, one of the creators of the website, recently. Natalie wants women to know that there is a serious side, a life-saving one, to gun ownership, but there's a more complex and savory side to it, that is made of social interaction, of meaningful relationships, of team-play, and of the satisfaction of "smoking" a clay or hitting that elusive bullseye at the pistol range. Memories are made, and that is worth all the gunpowder in the world.
Do you want an example of empowered, cool, gun-toting woman? Look no further than Destinee and her videos. Watch her handle a gun safely and with impressive familiarity and you can see why I think that firearms activities are "the great equalizer." Then, if you're a guy, get in line: you're not the only one who wants to date her!
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| Women and guns also means endless memories in the field. |
Now: on to you. Are you a woman who shoots? What has been your experience, when you started shooting? Are you a woman who isn't shooting yet? What's holding you back? Are you someone with an opinion on the subject, regardless of your gender? Help us get better at providing the right solution to current and prospective women shooter, and let's make 2012 the year of the gentler, armed sex.
I was definitely scared to go to the gun store. I asked my Dad to teach me how to shoot a gun, at the age of 36. Gun stores run "dude-heavy". But for the most part, the salesmen (and I do mean sales"men") have been very friendly and courteous. My only "snarky" experience was when I asked a group of sales associates about a rifle they were all looking at. And one of them snapped sharply "it's an AR" (assault rifle). I thought to myself, "No chiz, thanks for not being condescending. What KIND of AR is it?".
ReplyDeleteI pretty much go every week for the indoor range they have as part of their store. I like it. It's a nice change of pace and I go by myself during my lunch break. These guys will answer pretty much any question I have about guns, cartridges, holsters, how to carry, etc... I buy my guns and ammo there, and I am a regular now.
I think most men like to hear of women approaching the shooting sports. Some just need to learn that a certain approach can be viewed as condescending.
DeleteBy the way, is that a Beretta PX4 Storm SC you are sporting there?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. The picture is of Beretta Nation member Erica Rodriguez.
DeleteI am a woman hunter/shooter and have been all of my life. I am still, to this day, intimidated to go into a gun store, simply for the fact that our industry is still male dominated. You never know how you are going to be treated when you are looking for a new gun. In the past I have been treated like I didn't know anything about guns, talked down to, and been looked at like I had three heads when I approached the counter of a gun store.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you read a blog by my friend Gretchen Steele's blog posted by Jane Kolmer on a recent experience she had at the NWTF convention with MANY of the gun companies there. http://walkinwiththewildwoman.blogspot.com/2012/02/nwtf-convention-outdoor-sisterhood-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WalkinWithTheWildWoman+%28Walkin%27+With+the+Wild+Woman%29
Also, the stereotypical "pink" thing has to end. It's NOT just about pink and pretty guns. It is way more than that. If you like pink, then that is fine-I'm not judging anyone for their color choices but I think that manufacturers have to know that shooting is more than making something look "cute". Guns and gear have to fit women (especially those new to the sport) in order to help them feel comfortable.
You can read an awesome article by Barbara Baird from The Womens Outdoor News on the "pink" subject: http://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2012/02/its-more-than-a-pink-thang/
I think it's important to note that the women's outdoor community is very tight knit. We all support each other and we all work together to help and share information. There are many resources that a new shooter can utilize like (my personal favorite) The Women's Outdoor News (www.womensoutdoornews.com) that has news, reviews, blogs, and stories about women in the outdoors.
If there are any women out there that are thinking about becoming involved in shooting/hunting I would say the best thing you can do is reach out to another woman that is in the industry and you WILL receive support.
You make some really strong points. Reaching out to other women is a great way to safely dip your toes in the pool.
DeleteI, too, don't think there is anything wrong with a pink gun. It's just that not all Ford Focus driven by women are pink, nor are all Rolex watches. Why should it be different for guns? You can be an extremely feminine woman and like an AR to be black, 223 in caliber and accessorized like Robocop.
I am extremely new to guns and documenting my journey on a blog. http://fromhousewifetohunter.wordpress.com/ I recently went to my first gun show as a shopper, not merely the wife of the guy staring at the same gun for 15 minutes. I was excited and thrilled to be there with a purpose. Some tables were intimidating and I would get no help from the older gentle men behind their tables. Other tables were very helpful. But I wasn't discouraged, my husband kept me excited about it all and would help out when no one was paying me any attention. So, at times I felt like an outsider "playing the trendy gun girl" part not someone to take serious. The table I purchased my Ruger 10/22 was extremely helpful, supportive and grateful that I became a member of the club that was holding the gun show.
ReplyDeleteI think gun SHOPS could learn something from that table. Ask if I need help, don't assume I am just there because my Husband dragged me there and look at me as if I have a million dollars in my pocket to spend. Also carrying more holsters that women will use, concealed carry inside pants, under dresses snug to the body. I think instead of Hot guys, perhaps a friendly women who looks like she wants to help me. Women will approach another woman when in a "mans world" faster then talking to the man behind the counter
Thought provoking post, and believe me, women are happy when major manufacturers take an interest in our market. Thanks to Britney, one of our outstanding gear reviewers at Women's Outdoor News, for her shout-out here. On a side note, I use a Beretta Neos in classes I teach for women called FIRST Steps, an introduction to shooting. I highly recommend that readers who are interested in learning basic fundamentals of shooting and safety attend one of these NRA courses in their area before even going on the line at a range with a gun. Thanks for the great blog. I'll be checking in again!
ReplyDeleteI started a women's only shooting group (The Gun Powder Gals in Fayetteville NC -near Fort Bragg Army Base) because I was new to shooting and wanted to find women who wanted to get together and practice. The response has been big. We have lots of newbies in our group and I've been incredibly lucky that at least one gun range has worked hard to promote us. They are very women friendly and go out of their way to work with the women in my group.
ReplyDeleteThere was another local range that I had started going to, but being hit on by the guys running the range and the 'volunteers' who would come over and 'show the little lady how to shoot' was annoying.
I credit my journey into the shooting sport entirely to the NRA Women Wilderness Escape program. I highly recommend it to all women, regardless of their level of comfort with guns.
I have owned guns since the 70's and only recently begun to shoot more and venture out into hunting. I have encountered every single problem mentioned and then some. We're not taken seriously. It's really hard to get your foot in the door unless you know someone in the 'good ol boy' network that can translate and stand up for you. That being said:
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more women in the gun shops-a lot more.
I would like to see more hunting clothing/gear for women.
I would like to see better holsters that actually work with womens clothing. Get a clue-we don't wear belts to hitch up our britches so we can't holster a gun with one.
I would like for the manufacturers and marketing people to understand we don't want to look sexy. The last thing we want to worry about is 'gee, does this gun make my butt look big?" We don't want a gun to look cute or to be hot.
We want to learn the sport. We want to play too. We want help. We want support. We want guns that fit our small hands and shorter reach. Is it really so hard?
Great article. My wife got into trap shooting a little over a year ago, and we've discussed similar obstacles for women. It's a shame because she loves shooting and those barriers really don't have to exist. Part of her success can be attributed to a world class shooting instructor who made her feel really comfortable holding a firearm. The other part is her hooking up with some hunting and outdoor women's groups. Still she finds the biggest discouragements from men who think women should shoot tiny pink 20 ga. And a product industry that doesn't build serious clothing and shooting accessories for women. But she remains committed and shoots almost every week. Thanks for the article.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it can be very difficult for a women to enter the world of gun ownership. I also believe that we as women need to put the fear aside and take the first step to end the kind of treatment Im reading about here. The first step is education. Read about gun ownership, your rights and responsibilities. There is so much to wrap your mind around before you even start choosing a gun. Also, never be afraid to ask questions. Whether you are in school, work, a gun shop or a safety course, ask as many questions as possible. I believe most instructors and salesmen will appreciate your enthusiasm and genuine interest. For those who dont, simply walk out. There is no shame in calling someone out on their boorish behaviour or just leaving. Really the only issue I have encountered is a lack of suitable holsters and people knowledgable about how most women carry. I am looking forward to perhaps joining some of the groups mentioned in this blog that are geared toward women.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on a ranch and was around rifles and shot guns my entire life. I moved to Las Vegas NV 8 years ago to work as a supervisor in the intake division of the County Jail and then transferred to the courts as a supervisor in the courtroom servises division. I am now into handguns. I go to the range every Wednesday night ladies are free and to the County Range at least once a weekend. Its always nice to see other women out there shooting and to have the ranges acknowledge women shooters by having a ladies night. We have a number of different semi auto pistols and rifles but my favorite is my Beretta PX4 compact 9mm. It is my everyday carry gun :-) I encourage all women to learn how to protect themselves and to practice their shooting skills on a regular basis. Get out and go to the range people are friendly and the range crew are always there to assist. Don't be afraid to ask.
ReplyDeleteI think you really hit the nail on the head with this one! This is an excellent, well-written post and I couldn't agree more. I've only been shooting guns for 2 years but within that time I've managed to become a Texas Concealed Handgun License Instructor, NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Basics Instructor, and NRA Refuse to be a Victim Instructor as well as a gun blogger! Natalie at Girl's Guide to Guns is one of my biggest inspirations. If I can do it, anyone can; and that's exactly what I try to convey to my students. They're always shocked and amazed to find that they're able to pick up shooting basics really quickly and easily. The important thing to remember is that no one was born an expert. We all have to start somewhere and it takes a lot of confidence to just say "I want to shoot guns and I won't let anyone stand in the way of that".
ReplyDeleteI am a female firearms instructor with a fairly extensive training resume that includes some of the biggest names in the business. Not long ago, I was looking for a place to teach a class in another state (an area where several female students had contacted me and asked for training) and the first range I contacted turned us down. Why? Because, according the club president, women aren't serious about training and there aren't enough women interested in firearms to make it worthwhile to offer a class there. Their loss!
ReplyDeleteI am a 45 year old chubby newlywed- I started shooting 2 years ago with my now husband. I am having a terrible time finding Womens classes & gear. I really can't understand the lack of support in the area. I have contacted several clubs and ranges and were told that they hold ONE Womens Basic course a YEAR?..(usually in mid summer??)...If I want any further training, it would need to be private or a co- ed class. My husband and I are taking a Basic pistol class together.( althou he has been shooting since he was 7 and is X Military). He did not want me to feel intimidated by the Men-- or foolish if we have a class of Youngsters. If anyone has some basic ideas on how to organize a womans group please let me know...I feel like there is a demographic out there not being serviced. I can't be the ONLY one??
DeleteHello: try to contact the NRA - Here is a link to their "learn to shoot" classes, part of their women's program lineup: http://www.nrahq.org/women/isc/index.asp
DeleteI'm fortunate to have a range that offers ladies programs. Also a few of us are NRA certified pistol instructors also. There are still a few guys on the range that'll say "your not gonna shoot that!" and step away from the bench but they are few and far between
DeleteHaving grown up around hunting and competitive trap shooting, I am thrilled to see so many women joining the ranks of my favorite sport & past time. However having been around guns for over half my life, I am not interested in pink. I am interested in quality, performance, and reliability in my firearms. I am interested in gun manufacturers making guns that adhere to my physical needs. I cannot shoot shotgun with too long of a length of pull well. I can shoot it, but I cannot shoot as well as I am capable or as comfortably as I would like. Just like depending on the pistol the grip does not fit well in my hand, which hinders my capabilities as a shooter. I don't have a man sized hand, or arms for that matter. If gun manufacturers are going to target women they need to target women with guns tailored to a woman's physique rather than making it pink. All the guns I shoot are "men's guns," but thanks to a great gunsmith & stock fitter they are tailored to my wants & needs.
ReplyDeleteAs for intimidation in stores, I've been talked down to in gun stores, but only becuase they had marked a used gun's price for far less than they could have gotten, and I knew that. Needless to say I had the last laugh, and got a steal on a great used gun. Usually salesmen are eager to help me, even though they might try to lead me astray thinking I need a gun that I know I don't need or want.
Tried to subscribe but receiving a 404 error "file not found" on the popup...suggestions?
ReplyDeleteIt's working from this end... maybe you have to get sign in to one of the accounts (Google or other).)
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