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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 by the Women Gun Owners Association of America (WGOAA), expert speaker Lisa shared invaluable insights into these critical aspects. This blog article serves as your gateway to mastering firearm selection and safety as we delve into the key takeaways from the webinar.

Proper Firearm Selection: Your First Step Towards Mastery

The journey to responsible firearm ownership begins with choosing the right firearm, and Lisa emphasizes the importance of this initial step. Selecting a gun that aligns with your needs and preferences is more than a mere decision; it’s a commitment to your safety and confidence. Factors such as firearm type, size, and caliber are crucial in this decision-making process. If you’re considering concealed carry, compact and subcompact pistols like the Sig Sauer P365 or Walther PDP may be ideal. Conversely, larger handguns offer better recoil management for those passionate about range shooting.

Grip Comfort and Trigger Safety: The Backbone of Control

Your ability to maintain control of the firearm is intrinsically tied to your grip and trigger safety. Lisa dives deep into these fundamental aspects, offering insights that can make a difference. She advises keeping your grip even and holding it close to your body when racking your firearm. Regarding trigger safety, modern firearms have mechanisms designed to avoid accidental discharges. However, Lisa underscores the importance of establishing a solid grip and trigger engagement to avoid safety-related complications, especially in high-pressure situations.

Sight Alignment: Precision at Your Fingertips

Aiming accurately is paramount in the world of firearms. Lisa introduced the concept of sight alignment and underscored its importance. She advocates for a laser-like focus on the front sight while maintaining a peripheral view of the rear sight and target. This technique ensures that your shots consistently hit their mark, even when the pressure is on.

Grip Safety Realities: Unmasking the Myths

While some firearms come equipped with grip safeties, Lisa pulls back the curtain to reveal their realities. It’s a common misconception that grip safeties provide foolproof protection. In reality, they require minimal pressure to disengage. Understanding this fact is crucial for safe firearm handling, mainly when your security relies on it the most.

Firearm Break-in Period: Building Trust Through Rounds Fired

New firearms often require a break-in period. Lisa emphasizes the importance of firing many rounds during this period to allow the gun to loosen up and function optimally. This practice guarantees reliability and consistency in performance when you need it the most. It also helps the shooter to get very well acquainted with the firearm.

The WGOAA Exclusive Insights for Paying Members

In addition to the valuable information shared in this article, the Women Gun Owners Association of America (WGOAA) offers an exclusive opportunity for its members to access complete recordings of interviews and webinars. These resources are a goldmine of knowledge and expert insights that can further enrich your understanding of firearm selection and safety. Here’s what you can expect from the WGOAA’s webinars and podcast:

In-Depth Interviews: The WGOAA regularly hosts industry experts, experienced firearm instructors, and knowledgeable enthusiasts who share their expertise in various firearms-related topics. These in-depth interviews delve into advanced techniques, specialized training, and the latest developments in firearm technology.

Exclusive Webinars: WGOAA webinars provide a platform for women to interact directly with experts in real time. You can participate in live Q&A sessions, get personalized advice, and gain a deeper understanding of advanced firearm topics. Topics may include marksmanship, self-defense strategies, and legal aspects of firearm ownership. These webinars are free for all. However, if you miss it, the recording is only available for members.

Podcast Episodes: The WGOAA podcast features thought-provoking discussions, educational content, and captivating stories related to firearms and personal safety. Each episode is designed to inform, entertain, and inspire responsible gun ownership. WGOAA members enjoy unrestricted access to the entire library of podcast episodes.

Member-Only Access: To maintain the exclusivity and value of these resources, full recordings of interviews and webinars are made available only to paying WGOAA members. Your membership supports the organization and grants you the privilege of accessing these premium materials.

How to Become a Member:

Becoming a member of the Women Gun Owners Association of America member is easy. Visit our website and explore the membership options available. Choose the membership plan that suits your needs, and you’ll gain immediate access to the extensive library of webinars, interviews, and podcast episodes. Your membership helps support responsible firearm ownership and safety education.
 

In Conclusion:

The WGOAA is dedicated to empowering firearm enthusiasts with knowledge, training opportunities, and a supportive community. By joining as a paying member, you unlock a world of exclusive content that can take your firearm expertise to new heights. Remember that firearm ownership is not just a privilege; it’s a commitment to safety and competence.
 
We invite you to visit the WGOAA website for valuable resources, training opportunities, and unwavering support for firearm enthusiasts. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues to champion responsible firearm ownership within your community. Remember, knowledge empowers, and in the world of firearms, it’s your ultimate safety net.

Amara Barnes

Amara Barnes is the founder and CEO of Women Gun Owners Association of America (WGOAA). Her passion for helping other women learn the skills, abilities, and gain the confidence they need to handle, carry, and shoot any type of firearm is what inspires her everyday.

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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

January 22, 2025

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

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