It Never made sense to me why women don’t learn how to use a firearm and carry one safely and effectively.
Familiarity doesn’t always breed contempt. Sometimes it breeds a higher comfort level and that is what we are finding out about women and firearms. As a society, many women have been left out when it comes to even the simplest exposure to firearms. Certainly, my generation, the baby boomers, did not include girls in the fantasy world of cops and robbers, except of course, as hostages or victims. A role one would think that women would have gotten tired of after all this time. In modern times, women are more desirable targets of crime because, besides the obvious attractions, the low probability that they are exercising their legal right to carry. The good news is that it is changing, but we have lots of room for improvement. In terms of safety, there is no better “equalizer” than possessing a firearm and the knowledge to use it safely and effectively. There are a few things that we should keep in mind when introducing firearms to new shooters. First, firing ranges have firearms available for those who are considering learning to shoot. Start off with something of a smaller caliber. A .22 pistol is easy to shoot and has very little kickback. The experts tell us that many people, especially women, walk into the range very tentatively and walk out an enthusiast. Once you have gotten over the initial fear, it becomes fun. Wait till you hit your first bullseye!
More Women are Carrying!
While the percentage of men that carry has remained relatively flat over the past 15 years, the number of women who carry is up. The National Shooting Sports Foundation said there’s been a 77% rise in female firearm ownership from 2005 to 2020. It has also been reported that black females make up 30% of the new female firearm owners. While the numbers of females who are owning firearms, and acquiring permits to carry, continues to increase, the number are still much lower than men.
It’s Not enough:
Any criminologist will tell you that criminals look for vulnerable targets. Open windows are easier marks than locked ones. Kia’s are easier to steal than Cadillacs, and thus more Kia’s are stolen even though I don’t know anyone who even wants one. And women are much easier to rob/mug or whatever, because they are less likely to be able to defend themselves. Let’s change that. Husbands, take your wives to the range. Fathers, take your daughters to the range. Moms, go to the range and take your daughters with you. Once you become comfortable, you’ll be glad you went and the life you might save may be that of someone very special, perhaps even your own.
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