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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 communities, and challenging stereotypes, these women are redefining the gun ownership landscape.

The Rise of Female Gun Ownership

The number of female gun owners has been steadily increasing, driven by factors such as personal safety, empowerment, and changing societal perceptions. Let’s explore the rise of female gun ownership, highlighting key statistics and trends.

The number of female gun owners has been steadily increasing, driven by factors such as personal safety, empowerment, and changing societal perceptions. Let’s explore the rise of female gun ownership, highlighting key statistics and trends.

  • Overall Increase:

Between 2005 and 2020, the number of women who own firearms in the United States saw a substantial 67% increase, according to a survey by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

  • Personal Safety:

Women are recognizing the importance of self-defense and taking charge of their personal safety. Owning firearms provides a means for women to protect themselves and their families.

  • Empowerment and Independence:

Female gun ownership offers a sense of empowerment and independence. Women are embracing their Second Amendment rights and taking control of their own protection.

  • Shifting Perceptions:

Societal attitudes towards female gun ownership have evolved, with a growing acceptance and recognition of women’s rights to bear arms. This change in perception has contributed to more women feeling comfortable and empowered to become gun owners.

  • Influence of Shooting Sports and Training:

The popularity of shooting sports and self-defense training has played a significant role in the rise of female gun ownership. Women are actively participating in shooting competitions, seeking self-defense training, and joining gun clubs and organizations tailored to their needs.

The Initial Steps: Training and Education

Proper training is paramount for new gun owners. We emphasize the significance of comprehensive and responsible training. There are various training options cater specifically to women such as:

  • Beginner’s firearm safety courses: These courses provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for handling firearms safely. They cover topics such as firearm operation, safety protocols, and basic marksmanship.

  • Women-specific training programs: Many training programs are specifically designed for women, creating a supportive and comfortable learning environment. These programs focus on addressing the unique needs and concerns of female gun owners.

  • Shooting range sessions with experienced instructors: Regular practice at a shooting range under the guidance of experienced instructors can help new female gun owners become more comfortable and proficient with their firearms.

  • Online tutorials and resources: There are various online platforms that offer tutorials, videos, and educational resources on firearm safety, handling, and marksmanship. These resources can be accessed conveniently from home and provide valuable information for self-guided learning.

  • Self-defense and situational awareness courses: In addition to firearm-specific training, self-defense and situational awareness courses can provide valuable skills for personal safety. These courses teach techniques for assessing potential threats and responding appropriately.

  • Continuing education and advanced training: Once the basics are mastered, new female gun owners can explore advanced training options to further enhance their skills. These may include courses on defensive shooting, tactical training, or competitive shooting disciplines.

Challenges Faced by New Female Gun Owners

Entering the world of firearm ownership can present unique challenges for women. Overcoming fear and building confidence, navigating a male-dominated gun culture, and balancing family responsibilities with firearm ownership are common hurdles faced by new female gun owners. Here are strategies for overcoming these challenges and finding support are also discussed.

Creating a Safe Training Environment

Safety should always be a top priority during firearms training. When selecting a shooting range or training facility, prioritize places that prioritize safety protocols. If you have the space, consider setting up a safe and comfortable training area at home. Ensure that your training space is free from distractions and equipped with proper safety measures. Additionally, invest in appropriate protective gear, such as eye and ear protection, to safeguard yourself during live-fire training exercises.

  • Overcoming fear and building confidence:

Many women may feel intimidated by firearms, but education and training can help overcome this fear. Taking a beginner’s firearm safety course and regularly practicing at a shooting range under guidance can build confidence. Seeking support from experienced female gun owners can also boost confidence levels.

  • Navigating the male-dominated gun culture:

The traditionally male-dominated gun culture can make it challenging for women to feel accepted. Asserting oneself, demonstrating knowledge and skills, and building a network of supportive individuals can help navigate this. Women-oriented shooting clubs or organizations can provide a welcoming environment for connecting with like-minded individuals.

  • Balancing family responsibilities and firearm ownership:

Finding a balance between family responsibilities and firearm ownership can be a challenge. Open communication with family members about firearm ownership and safety is crucial. Implementing secure storage measures and incorporating firearms training into family activities can help address concerns.

  • Finding support and empowerment:

Having a supportive community is invaluable for new female gun owners. Connecting with other women in the firearms community through online forums, social media groups, and local gun clubs can provide encouragement and empowerment. Attending events and workshops focused on women in shooting sports or self-defense can offer valuable learning and networking opportunities.

Beyond the Basics: Advancing Skills and Knowledge

The journey of a new female gun owner does not end with basic training. Advancement and improvement are continuous pursuits. Exploring advanced training opportunities allows women to refine their skills and gain confidence in real-world scenarios such as:

    • Defensive shooting courses
    • Competitive shooting and sports
    • Tactical training and situational awareness

Building a Community and Finding Resources

Connecting with other female gun owners is a vital aspect of the journey. Finding local gun clubs, groups, and organizations provides a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Online resources and communities also offer valuable information, advice, and camaraderie, enabling women to thrive in their firearm ownership journey.

Overcoming Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Female gun owners often face stereotypes and misconceptions. Addressing these preconceived notions is crucial to empowering women to embrace their choices and challenge societal expectations. By sharing stories and experiences, female gun owners can reshape the narrative and promote understanding and acceptance.

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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