Lindsey Christiansen
Stereotypically, women do not own guns; guns are owned by men. However, although maintaining a low profile, many women own guns. Based on polling research, 15 to 20 million women in the United States own their own guns. The reality of women who owns guns and why is much more in depth than stereotypes would assume.
Women have their own reasons for owning guns, some of which include: working in law enforcement or on a ranch, enjoying the thrill of hunting birds or game, participating in competitive shooting, being prepared to defend themselves, and owning a gun that has been passed down in their family for generations. Studies show that women have reasons just as valid as anyone for owning guns; and they do own them.
According to a 2009 study by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 70% of gun shop owners reported more female gun-buyers than in years past. The study went on to say that women who were buying firearms were overwhelmingly doing so with self-defense as their top priority. Reportedly, 80 percent of the women surveyed were purchasing firearms for self-defense, while 35 percent were planning to use their gun for target shooting and 24 percent planned to use their gun for hunting.
Further estimates from the survey, National Opinion Research Center, reported that of the more than 200 million guns owned in the United States, 10.8 percent were owned by women in 2008. Studies such as these show an upward trend in the amount of guns that are owned by women. The National Rifle Association announced that its "Women on Target" program, a program that offers shooting clinics for women, saw a 20 percent increase in attendance in 2010. In sum, more than 10,000 women attend the program. Women should no longer be thought of as not owning guns; women are not afraid to protect themselves and keep their families safe, even if it means owning a gun. Women are also becoming more involved in gun-related sports. In 2009 the National Sporting Goods Association also saw a 20 percent increase in the number of women participating in hunting and all other shooting sports that involved guns.
Women are slowly catching up to men when it comes to owning guns and participating in shooting, hunting and self-defense. No matter who you are guns should always be kept safe. A gun safe is a great place to store weapons and other valuables. Gun safes keep guns from being in reach of children and prevent accidents.
Fort Knox is proud of the fact that we are America’s Best in Gun Safe and Gun Vault manufacturing.
