Gun makers' big bet on women starts to pay off

[oneounceload]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/gun-makers-big-bet-on-women-starts-to-pay-off/ar-AA8vOfH

The number of women in the U.S. who practiced target shooting at gun ranges jumped 60 percent, to 5.4 million, between 2001 and 2013, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), an industry trade group.

This one for all you guys who want to pick out HER gun:

"A lot of women struggle with the way a firearm feels in their hands," said Angelina Giudice, a marketing professional for Smith & Wesson (SWHC). "It's not about the kick. It's not about the color. It's not about being pink or bedazzled. It's about how it feels."

Great news! The more moms we get involved, the more kids we'll get involved too......

 

[bannockburn]

That's why I let my kids pick out their own guns (when they were old enough), trusting their judgment to go with something that fits them the best.

Bought my wife a S&W Model 34 Kit Gun for her first gun and promptly ordered her a Hogue Monogrip for it because I knew she wouldn't like the small factory grip on the gun. She likes the Hogue grip just fine.

 

[taliv]

I shot Wednesday and Thursday after work this week at local indoor gun range. Both nights there were as many or more women than men.

 

[MErl]

It does beat a whistle. Good news.

 

[pinehtr]

That sounds great. Good news indeed

 

[RustyShackelford]

Hot air & gun smoke....

I spoke to a female FFL holder and gun shop owner about 4 years ago who said a lot of this is just media hype.
She explained to me that 2/3 times a year every year, some media wag or reporter will strut in wanting to do a lame puff piece article on: more women buying guns or "are moms wanting to defend themselves with guns".

She said it got old & stale fast then she started to avoid the media requests.

I'm not saying women or new shooters shouldn't enjoy hunting or target shooting but don't buy into some of the media hogwash even when it seems pro gun or supports 2A.

 

[tcanthonyii]

Around here there are certainly more women involved. When I go to the range or a shoot there is almost always a female shooting or getting ready to or handling a gun. My wife is one of them and as a result several other of our friends and family have gotten involved and even more have changed their tune on how they feel about guns and carrying them.

I beg to differ on the color. It IS about the color. Women I'm around generally don't care for an all black gun. Or a "Square" gun. Now that I think about it guys are no different. Some want all bi tones. some don't want stainless. Some want all blued etc. I even see guys painting guns colors etc. so even for men it's about color.

They way I see it for men and women its about color, it's about recoil, it's about how it feels. The biggest difference IMO between men and women is the number of guns owned. Men I know generally want more than the women.

 

[alexander45]

Wonder if we when we will start seeing after market grips maximized for use by female shooters

 

[barnbwt]

"I spoke to a female FFL holder and gun shop owner about 4 years ago who said a lot of this is just media hype."
Who cares; it's better than the alternative "hype" we're so accustomed to (the 'old, fat, racist, drunk, violent, uneducated, white' kind of hype )

TCB

 

[RustyShackelford]

Media hype & guns....

2 wrongs don't make a right, but 2 Wrights can make a airplane!

Really, if the media is flawed or disengenious then it doesn't matter what side they are on.
It's not a "hey, so what" issue.
I respect the female gun shop owner/FFL for standing by her principles.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I have a few non-gun type family members, who happen to be women, asking me to take them and teach them. I think with all the scary news stories and internet craziness, women want to feel protected and independent in their defense, just like men. Gender norms and boundaries are breaking down, and shooting is something that favors neither gender. I'm not surprised that markets catered to women are showing up. I think it's a great thing!

 

[Gaucho Gringo]

Annie Oakley was a better shot than most any man in her day. That included her husband who was a nationally known shooter in his own right who gave up his career as a shooter to promote his wife's career. Women can surprise you a lot, I know my wife can.

 

[Old Dog]

My experience pretty much supports the statement that for most women, it's about the "feel." My wife and daughters have handled hundreds of handguns, and all three have settled on some mid-size or compact, plain-looking pistols (i.e., SIG P-228s, S&W M&P/M&Pc) that they sayu have the best ergonomics for them ... (although the wife has recently adopted a SIG P-238 and my youngest daughter wants my Springfield Armory TRP) ...

 

[Coyote3855]

Interesting to me that the last four NRA basic pistol classes I taught had more women than men. I'd rather teach a female student in most cases. They do not have what my wife refers to as testosterone poisoning and actually listen to instructions.

Unfortunately, several of the women in these classes were shooting handguns their husband or boyfriend had picked out or purchased for them. In several cases, it was not a firearm the women liked or were comfortable shooting. Yes, one was a pink gun. She liked my Glock 26 and shot much better with it than with the gun her boyfriend selected for her.

 

[oneounceload]

My wife prefers my G26 AND the P7 she bought ME for my birthday.........