BLOG

Are You Prepared to Act in Self-Defense?  

Everything You Need to Know From an Attorney’s Perspective. By: Emma K. Wittmann, Esq.  As women and members of today’s society, we know that life can be unpredictable and there may come a time when we need to protect ourselves.  Not only should we be prepared in our training with

Read More »
3 Myths about women guns that need to die

Top 3 Myths About Women and Guns That Need to Die

Ladies, let’s face it—when it comes to women and firearms, the myths are endless and the stereotypes are laughable. Apparently, we’re too delicate, too weak, and too feminine to own, train with, or carry a gun. And if we do carry one, we get the sideways glances, the comments like,

Read More »
If you’re serious about carrying a firearm for self-defense, static target practice isn’t going to cut it. Sure, it’s fun to shoot perfect little holes in paper while standing perfectly still, but the real world doesn’t come with stationary targets and all the time in the world to line up your sights. Confidence comes from knowing that you can respond to whatever a bad situation throws your way—whether it’s movement, cover, or sheer chaos. To help you level up your skills, we’ve rounded up five essential shooting drills that every armed woman should incorporate into her practice. These drills focus on accuracy, movement, and situational awareness—because let’s be honest, no one is politely standing still while you defend yourself. Ready? Let’s move. 1. The El Presidente Drill - designed by Colonel Jeff Cooper What it Builds: Speed, accuracy, and transitioning between targets. This classic drill is a favorite for a reason: It simulates engaging multiple attackers while emphasizing quick target acquisition. Here’s how you do it: Set up three targets in a straight line, spaced about 3 feet apart. Start with your back to the targets at 10 yards. Your gun is holstered, hands up, and facing away. On the timer (or a friend yelling “go!”), turn around, draw, and shoot two rounds into each target—left to right. Reload, and then shoot two more rounds into each target—right to left. Pro Tip: Focus on smooth transitions between targets, not just speed. Precision under pressure is key! 2. The Box Drill What it Builds: Movement, situational awareness, and shooting while changing positions. Real life requires movement, and the Box Drill gets you off the X. It forces you to engage targets while moving in all directions, simulating defensive scenarios where you’re not standing still like a statue. Mark out a square with cones or tape, about 5 yards by 5 yards. Place a target in front of the square between the two front cones. Start at one corner of the square. On the buzzer, move to the next corner while shooting two rounds at the target. Move sideways, forward, and backward—firing two shots from each corner. Pro Tip: Keep your feet moving and your muzzle downrange. Work on keeping your shots accurate while moving, even if it’s slower at first. 3. The Failure-to-Stop Drill (Mozambique Drill) What it Builds: Critical decision-making under stress. This is a lifesaving drill that teaches you to stop an immediate threat effectively. It combines precision and speed, and it’s perfect for defensive shooting practice. Place a target at 7 yards with a defined head and chest zone. On the buzzer, draw and fire two shots to the chest followed by one shot to the head. Why it Works: Two shots to the chest are intended to stop the threat, but if your attacker is wearing body armor or isn’t immediately stopped, the headshot is your contingency plan. Practice this to build confidence in making accurate, decisive shots. 4. Shooting from Cover Drill What it Builds: The ability to shoot effectively while protecting yourself. If you’ve never practiced shooting from cover, this drill is a wake-up call. Using cover effectively could save your life, and this drill forces you to get comfortable shooting from awkward but realistic positions. Set up a barrier (like a barrel or barricade) 5-7 yards from your target. Practice shooting two to three rounds from: Standing, around the side of cover (left and right sides). Kneeling, around the side of cover. Squatting or prone (from the ground). Pro Tip: Always hug the cover without crowding it—keep enough space to move and lean safely while keeping your gun out of view. 5. Low-Light Flashlight Drill What it Builds: Confidence in shooting under low-visibility conditions. Most defensive encounters happen in low light, yet few people train for it. Using a flashlight while shooting adds a new layer of complexity, but mastering it is non-negotiable if you want to be prepared. At dusk or in a dark range bay, place your target 7 yards away. Use your handheld or weapon-mounted flashlight to illuminate the target while drawing and firing two accurate shots. Practice turning the light on and off quickly to avoid giving away your position. Pro Tip: Train with both dominant and support-hand shooting while holding the flashlight—you don’t always get to use your strong hand in real life. Final Thoughts: Practice Like It’s Real These five shooting drills aren’t just about punching holes in paper; they’re about building the real-world confidence you need to defend yourself and your loved ones. Don’t just practice what’s easy or comfortable—push yourself. Move, reload, adapt to low light, and shoot from unconventional positions. And when you show up at the range, don’t be afraid to be the woman who sets up cones, barricades, and timers like you’re prepping for a SWAT drill. Let ‘em stare—because the confidence you’re building is worth every second. Practice hard, train smart, and remember: Confidence isn’t given—it’s earned.

The 5 Best Shooting Drills for Building Real-World Confidence

If you’re serious about carrying a firearm for self-defense, static target practice isn’t going to cut it. Sure, it’s fun to shoot perfect little holes in paper while standing perfectly still, but the real world doesn’t come with stationary targets and all the time in the world to line up

Read More »
Woman aiming with a rifle, text: 'How to Avoid Range Day Blues' with 3 tips

How to Avoid the “Range-Day Blues” in 3 Simple Steps

Let’s be honest—shooting is fun. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a perfect shot, the confidence of running your drills well, and that boost of badass energy you get from knowing you can handle your firearm. But here’s the thing: you need to be in the mood for it.

Read More »
Empowering Women Through Firearms Training: A Path to Personal Safety

Empowering Women Through Firearms Training: A Path to Personal Safety

Firearms Training for Women: An Empowering Process In today’s ever-changing world, personal safety has become a top priority for many individuals, and an increasing number of women are turning to firearms training to empower themselves and protect their loved ones. This shift represents a growing awareness of the importance of

Read More »
Mastering Firearm Selection and Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Firearm Selection and Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

Owning a firearm is a significant responsibility that demands a deep understanding of the selection process and safety measures. Whether you’re a seasoned firearm enthusiast or contemplating your first purchase, the nuances of choosing the right firearm and ensuring its safe use are paramount. In a recent exclusive webinar hosted

Read More »
Mastering Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

Loading and Preparing Your Firearm “Safety isn’t expensive; it’s priceless.” – Hallee Layman Let’s start with the basics. Before heading to the shooting range or considering self-defense scenarios, you must know how to load and prepare your firearm correctly. Here’s a quick breakdown: Magazine Loading Techniques: Different magazines require various

Read More »
Responsible Firearm Ownership: Ensuring Safety for Your Loved Ones

Responsible Firearm Ownership: Ensuring Safety for Your Loved Ones

The Changing Household Situation In light of shifting household dynamics, many gun owners face evolving circumstances, such as the addition of children or hosting guests. In response to these changes, addressing firearm safety becomes crucial. It’s imperative to adapt to these new situations and ensure that firearms are securely stored,

Read More »
Persisting Beyond Training The Continuing Journey of New Female Gun Owners

Persisting Beyond Training: The Continuing Journey of New Female Gun Owners

The increasing trend of female gun ownership has sparked conversations about empowerment, personal safety, and independence. In this article, we delve into the journey of new female gun owners and explore how they persist beyond training to become confident and knowledgeable firearms enthusiasts. By addressing challenges, seeking advanced training, building

Read More »
Promoting Equal Access A Comprehensive Guide for Women Navigating Gun Ownership in America During Summer Activities

Promoting Equal Access: A Comprehensive Guide for Women Navigating Gun Ownership in America During Summer Activities

Dispelling Stereotypes and Misconceptions Historically, gun ownership has been predominantly associated with men. However, it is important to debunk these stereotypes and misconceptions, highlighting the growing number of women who choose to own firearms for personal safety and empowerment. By challenging gender norms and showcasing the diversity of female gun

Read More »

Gun Cleaning 101: Maintain Your Firearm in the Summer Heat

Welcome, ladies, to the fascinating world of firearm ownership! One crucial aspect of owning a firearm is understanding how to maintain it. Just as you take care of your fashion accessories, your car, or your home, your firearm needs TLC too. The heat of the summer season can pose unique

Read More »

The Essential Gear Every Female Gun Owner Should Have

Having a gun for home protection or other purposes has become increasingly common for women, who now make up a considerable portion of hobbyists and marksmen. To ensure that female gun owners are outfitted with the correct equipment and stay safe in the shooting range, it is important to consider

Read More »

5 Concealed Carry Options That Will Set You Free 

Tried and true beltless carry options that won’t drop your pants.  You’ve finally decided to take the plunge into the world of concealed carrying, but does this mean you  have to ditch the yoga pants and put real clothes on? Oh heck no, ain’t nobody got time for that.   There’s

Read More »
Introducing friends and family to your first pew

Introducing friends and family to your first pew

One of the most important aspects of gun ownership is safety. When you are introducing friends and family to guns, it is important to make sure that everyone is safe and knows how to handle a firearm properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to introduce

Read More »

Female Gun Ownership on the Rise

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution did not specify gender. But, it was only in 1920 that women were allowed to vote, and only after that could they even consider purchasing firearms. This is just one of the many disparities between the rights of men and women.  For

Read More »

Committing to concealed carry as a lifestyle

Carrying a concealed firearm is not just about personal safety—it’s a lifestyle. For many, concealed carry is about empowerment, responsibility, and commitment. It’s a decision that requires more than just getting a permit—it’s about adopting a mindset of preparedness, ongoing training, and understanding the laws and ethics that come with

Read More »

Kids and Firearms

Introducing your children to your firearm If this is your first gun, it will feel especially nerve-wracking to imagine showing your kids and telling them about what it means to own a firearm and how they are expected to behave around them. They may have a lot of questions about

Read More »

Physical Fitness & Self Defense

Why your life depends on it Self-defense is not just about being able to physically fight off an attacker, it’s also about having the awareness and confidence to prevent an attack from happening in the first place. That’s why physical fitness is so important when it comes to self-defense. A

Read More »
5 Reasons every woman should learn to shoot

5 Reasons why every woman should learn to shoot

And these are just the first 5… Learning to shoot is empowering. It gives you a feeling of confidence and self-reliance that you can’t get from any other activity. Here are five reasons why every woman should learn to shoot.  1) You never know when you might need to use

Read More »