Posted on 02/17/2014 6:48:09 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Women gun owners are becoming a significant constituency in America.
As The Inquisitr previously reported, the number of women participating in gun sports, such as target shooting and hunting, has steadily increased over the last decade. Estimates of the number of US women who are purchasing and learning how to use guns range from 12 million to 17 million.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) claims that women are the fastest growing demographic of firearms enthusiasts.
This growth is occurring perhaps because of, or despite, controversial efforts at the federal and state level to enact additional gun control regulations.
CNN has reported that “Almost 80 percent of gun retailers reported a rise in female customers in 2012, according to industry figures. In Florida, 22 percent of the concealed carry permits are held by women. In Texas, women hold 28 percent of concealed carry permits, up sharply over the past decade.”
Even the pro-gun-control New York Times has acknowledged this trend: “In the debate over firearms regulations, the voices of gun owners have largely been those of men. But at firing ranges across the country, a growing number of women are learning to use firearms and honing their skills… Though they may share a fierce belief in the Second Amendment with their male counterparts, female gun owners often learn to shoot for different reasons, their interest in and proficiency with firearms not just a hobby or a means for self-defense, but a statement of independence and personal power.”
On a national basis, gun sale background checks have set a new record, with women buying guns for self defense and/or sport presumably accounting for at least some of the increase. In 2013, according to the FBI, there were about 21 million background checks as compared to about 19 million in 2012. States that enacted additional gun control laws have evenn seen a spike rather than a reduction in gun sales. Texas was responsible for the most background checks of all the 50 states. The Rosenberg, Tex., police department even suggested on its Facebook page that men give the lady in their lives a handgun for this year’s Valentine’s Day as a “gift of safety.”
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To appeal to this growing female demographic, gun manufacturers are apparently bringing to market lighter-weight weapons with slimmer frames and even custom colors.
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Separately in gun ownership news, this past week a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit threw out concealed-carry restrictions in California, although the decision is subject to further appeals.
A shotgun? I would prefer to carry any gun I have in a holster and I can’t do that if I bring a shotgun. I don’t think a shotgun can be concealed if I want to go on a fun meal with friends or a colleague. As for the rest, it’s a matter of quick thinking and quick moving. I want something that is sleek and something that can be loaded quickly. I don’t want to waste time if this is life or death/rape.
By the time I am a full owner, I should be smart and deft enough to handle a gun like a handgun. I plan on being heavily trained in using and handling a gun.
A “Squib” load can happen with ANY gun,,,, DO NOT misinform us women. Unfortunately CQB’s are the norm in rape cases. A woman who is PROFICIENT is a force to reckon with. I can “Un Jam” the slide of my 1911 faster than you can count to 1/2.
True Squibs can and do happen but they aren’t common. Can you clear a jam with one hand?
PS.... I keep my 45 in condition “3”. I DO NOT have to cycle the first round.
You need TWO hands to rectify a jam,,,, one to hold the lower receiver and the other to slam the slide forward.
Do you see now why I opt to carry a revolver?
Hey sis,,,, I’ll back you up any day, any way,,,, keep shootin.
No,,,, I don’t see why. My husband brings in as many “wheel guns” as he does “semi autos” for repairs. You made your choice,,,, I’ve made mine.
More than she’ll ever use......
Cept for the Model 94 Winchester she doesn’t know I bought her. (1954)
Only a hundred rounds so she’ll have something to practice with when I present it.
I’d like to suggest that you give revolvers more serious consideration.
Shoots fine.
Some ammo is now available and we'll be getting 10 years worth.
Why????
Because if you’ve ever done any stress training, you will find how “in the way” a safety is.
For the way most women would carry, a semi-with the safety off is not advised.
I too recommend a revolver, preferably a 38 S&W.
Just keep on keeping on sis, just be comfortable in whatever you choose. Get proficient in whatever your choice is and just shoot. Get good at it and DON’T let ANY man denture you from what you become proficient at. Nite sis,,,,
1.) Revolvers arer less expensive to purchase. A good quality used one can be had for less than $400.
2.) revolvers are far easier to learn with than are semi-automatic pistols.
3.) Revolvers can chamber and fire omore than one caliber of ammunition. For example a .357 magnum can safely chamber and fire .38 Spl ammunition. Semi-auto pistols can not.
4.) If a revolver fails to fire all one need do is pull the trigger again. Semi-auto pistols require much more manual dexterity in the event of a failure.
While I respect your right to purchase whatever you wish to, I respectfully suggest you not exclude a revolver out of hand. I am very, very experienced with handguns of all kinds, I have chosen this type of handgun as my primary defensive weapon.
Sound advice. Mrs. Thunder carries a S&W Bodyguard - .38 spl 5 shot, fits her hand like a glove. I've seen the Mrs. get slightly flustered at the range with her semi-autos so I feel better about her carrying the revolver. I also bought her some snap-caps and we've been doing some remedial handling training at home... Oh, and somewhere along the line she ended up with more handguns than me. How the heck did that happen?
I personally carry a Taurus .22mag revolver, eight shot. Quick followups. I did do a trigger job on it. Amd seeking someone to set it up for moon clip reloads. I consider it nearly the perfect concealed carry piece. I also have a grip laser on it.
That sounds more like carry condition 1. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Cooper what reference or system are you referring to?
I keep my G19 carry condition 3 when in low threat environments and carry condition 1 (though with a Glock that's more like 0) in high threat environments. And yes, I'm a little concerned by this practice too. I verify the condition/status of the weapon every time it goes into or comes out of the holster. But the inconsistency still bothers me a little. May go to all CC 1 full time...
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