Here at XHunt Targets we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by ringing the bell and giving a big shout out to all the achievements of women across the globe. From politics to business, sports to entertainment, women have made great strides in fields that were once exclusively male-dominated. One area that has seen significant growth in female participation is the firearm industry, where women are breaking down barriers and changing perceptions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at women and guns, with a focus on women shooters and their contributions to the firearm industry.
The Growing Role of Women in the Firearm Industry
According to a report by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the number of women who own guns has risen by 77% since 2005, this would also include concealed carry guns too. This trend is reflected in the firearm industry, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and starting their own businesses. This presents an opportunity for women to bring other women together in the firearm industry and capitalize on the growing demand for female-friendly products and services in the firearm industry.
Let’s take a closer look at women and guns, with a focus on women shooters and their contributions to the firearm industry.
Women Shooters: Breaking Down Stereotypes
The image of a gun-toting male has long been the stereotype associated with the firearm industry. However, women shooters are breaking down these stereotypes and challenging the notion that shooting sports are only for men. Women of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are taking up shooting sports, and they are excelling at them. Female shooters are winning competitions, setting records, and proving that they can be just as skilled, if not more skilled with a firearm as men.
A couple great examples of women that are changing the industry and the dialogue about firearms are two women behind the following Instagram channels: Bonnie Lanzarini of Bonbonsnguns, Taylor Abney of Shetheseeker. These two ladies give a whole new light to shooting and the firearms industry.
Bonnie Lanzarini, also known as Bonbonsnguns, is a firearms enthusiast and Instagram influencer who is making waves in the industry. Her Instagram channel features content related to firearms, including reviews, range videos, and product demos. Bonnie is known for her detailed and informative content, which appeals to both seasoned shooters and newcomers to the firearm industry.
Through her channel, Bonnie is helping to break down the stereotypes surrounding women in the firearm industry. She is showing that women can be just as passionate and knowledgeable about firearms as men, showing that women can have their EDC just like everyone else. Bonnie is also a strong advocate for women’s rights in the firearm industry, and it’s evident that she makes it an important part of daily conversation.
Taylor Abney, also known as Shetheseeker, is another Instagram influencer who is making an impact in the firearm industry. Her channel features content related to firearms, self-defense, and personal protection. Taylor is known for her engaging and informative content, which appeals to a broad audience.
In addition to her contributions to the firearm industry, Taylor is also a highly accomplished competitive shooter. She has competed in numerous 3 gun competitions and has achieved impressive results.
If you’re not familiar with 3 gun competitions, they are shooting competitions where competitors use three different firearms: a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. Competitors must move through a course and engage targets with each of the three firearms. The competitions are known for being fast-paced and challenging, requiring competitors to have a high level of skill and accuracy.
Taylor has excelled in these competitions, placing highly in a number of events. She has demonstrated her skill and dedication to the sport through her impressive results, which include top finishes in regional and national competitions.
Overall both Bonnie Lanzarini and Taylor Abney are talented and accomplished shooters who are making a significant impact in the firearm industry. Their passion and dedication to the sport are inspiring and empowering women everywhere to take up shooting sports and become more involved in the firearm industry.
The Importance of Women in the Firearm Industry
Women are making significant contributions to the firearm industry in a variety of ways. As more women own guns and participate in shooting sports such as 3 gun competitions, they are driving demand for female-friendly products and services.
For example, women shooters often have different needs when it comes to firearms, such as smaller grips and sometimes reduced recoil. Women entrepreneurs are stepping up to fill this gap, designing and manufacturing firearms and accessories specifically for women.
Who doesn’t want a fashionably designed handbag that doubles as a concealed carry purse?! Or maybe you’re going out on the town and you’ll be sporting a concealed carry garter holster underneath your dress. This need in the industry gives women a great opportunity to make a significant impact by starting their own businesses within the space or offering firearm customization services.
Overcoming Obstacles: Women in the Firearm Industry
Throughout history, women have played an important role in the evolution of shooting guns and the firearm industry. Despite having faced gender biases and stereotypes, women have continued to make important contributions to the sport of shooting and have helped to shape the industry into what it is today.
One of the earliest examples of women’s involvement in the firearm industry can be traced back to the American Revolution. Although women were prohibited from serving in the army, they were incredibly instrumental in the manufacturing of firearms and ammunition for the military. They also played a role in defending their homes and communities when their soldiers were away at war.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, shooting competitions became increasingly popular, and women began to participate more actively. In 1905, Annie Oakley, one of the most famous women in the history of shooting, was the first woman to compete in a major shooting competition against men. She went on to win numerous shooting competitions and became a symbol of women’s empowerment and strength.
During World War II, women once again played a critical role in the firearms industry. They worked in factories and manufacturing plants, again producing firearms and ammunition for the war effort.
In more recent years, women have continued to make important contributions to the shooting industry. They have broken down gender barriers and stereotypes, demonstrating that women can be just as passionate and knowledgeable about firearms as men.
Overall, women have come a long way in the history of firearms; their influence will undoubtedly continue to have a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.
Celebrating Women Shooters
International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and recognize the contributions and accomplishments of women in the firearm industry.
If you’re looking for some great ways to celebrate women in the industry there are plenty of things you can do to show your support and appreciation.
One great way to celebrate women shooters is to attend shooting events or competitions where women are practicing and participating. Many events specifically cater to women, such as ladies-only shooting clinics or competitions. Attending these events not only shows your support for women shooters but also helps to increase the visibility of women in the industry. One group in particular that’s doing a great job is A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League.
A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League is a national organization that is dedicated to empowering women through the shooting sports. The organization was founded in 2011 with the goal of creating a safe and supportive community for women who are interested in shooting, regardless of their experience level.
The organization offers a variety of training and educational programs for women, including basic firearm safety courses, self-defense classes, and competitive shooting events. Members of the organization have the opportunity to connect with other women who share their interest in shooting, learn from experienced instructors, and participate in events and competitions across the country.
One of the unique aspects of A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League is its focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for women. The organization places a strong emphasis on building a community that is inclusive, supportive, and empowering for women who are interested in shooting.
The League is a fantastic organization that is doing important work to promote gender diversity and empower women in the shooting sports. If you’re a woman who is interested in shooting, or if you’re looking for a supportive community of female shooters, this organization is definitely worth checking out.
Supporting female-owned or run firearm businesses is another way to recognize female shooters. One of the local businesses that we at XHunt Targets support is SafeFire Shooting Range in Camas WA. Owner Danna Baxter founded SafeFire in 2015 when she wanted to open a business that filled both a need in her community and her own personal passion.
By purchasing products from female firearm producers or visiting a local gun shops or ranges run by a woman, you’re supporting these companies to guarantee that women are represented at all levels of the firearm industry and this effort helps to foster gender diversity in the sector.
So in the spirit of International Women’s Day we encourage you to continue to celebrate women shooters in the firearm industry. Share their accomplishments on social media and in person at your local shops. In doing so, you help to promote gender diversity, recognize their contributions, and encourage more women to get involved in shooting sports. By supporting female-owned businesses, attending events, sharing their stories, and advocating for their rights, we can continue to help to create a more diverse shooting community.
Thank you to all the women out there, we give a nod to you and the 1940s expression “Behind every great man is a great woman.”