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 the essential gear they should have at all times. Here, we offer a basic overview of the essential gear that every female gun owner should have.
- A gun belt – The first essential item for any female gun owner is a gun belt, which is a belt that is specifically designed to hold the gun securely in its holster and keep it accessible for quick drawing. The belt should be made of sturdy material and fit snugly but be comfortable at the same time. Some gun belts fit through regular pant loops. Some are independent of other clothing and velcro snugly into place.
- A gun safe – The next item is a gun safe. A gun safe is an essential piece of gun-owner equipment that should always be used to keep the gun from falling into the wrong hands. A gun safe should be made of a strong metal and contain specialized security features to ensure that the gun is securely locked and can only be accessed by the owner.
- A holster – If you plan on concealed carry, a reliable holster that is made for your gun is next. A holster is essential to keeping the gun safely and securely strapped to the body. It should be chosen after considering the comfort level it gives and the material it is made of. Many women choose leather as it gives superior protection and even offers a more polished and stylish experience, not to mention can be softer up against the body for carrying IWB (in waist-band).
- The correct ammunition – A responsible gun owner who plans on using their gun for self-defense, must be sure to acquire the correct types of ammunition. It is important to get familiar with the different types and match them to the type of gun you have. Keep the goal in mind when selecting the type of ammunition. You will need a different kind for target practice than you will for self/home defense.
- Ear & Eye Protection – Apart from the mentioned essentials, other safety gear should also be taken into account. Ear and eye protection is non-negotiable. We recommend electronic ear protection with sound amplification capabilities. This type of ear protection allows you to amplify sounds of voices while muffling sounds of gunshots.
- Other items – gloves, range bags, ammo cans, & ear plugs – Some women may wish to wear gloves when shooting. This may aid in protecting softer hands from abrasive grips and will also help to keep hands warmer while practicing during the winter months. Ranges are notorious for remaining unheated despite freezing temperatures.
A range bag is a good idea to keep all of your shooting gear in one place, especially while transporting from home to the range. The same goes for ammo cans to keep your ammunition all in one place.
If you don’t invest in electronic ear protection, the range can still feel quite loud even with regular ear protection. Some shooters like to double up and put in ear plugs in addition to their regular ear protection.
Ultimately, all gun owners should make sure that they have the correct equipment when they are ready to delve into gun ownership. The right accessories will make you feel more prepared to take classes, practice at the range, and get used to carrying your firearm comfortably. If you don’t like what you picked out the first time, try another one. There are endless options when it comes to holsters, belts,
Have a pleasant time while shooting.
