10TV: Women's Shooting Clubs Becoming More Common

Columbus' CBS affiliate, WBNS 10TV, is reporting that female enrollment in handgun classes is at an all-time high and protection is the top motive.

The number of women who carry handguns is rising across the U.S., according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

From the story:

“I was carjacked and abducted,” said Ellie Scott, who carries a gun.

“Last year, my life was threatened and I had to get a protection order,” said Katie Randall, another gun user.

Linda Walker is a certified National Rifle Association instructor. She is the only female leader with the Buckeye Firearms Association.

According to Walker, women started picking up handguns when the concealed carry law went into effect in 2004.

“It’s important that women are comfortable using guns and know what to do with them,” Walker said.

Gun manufacturers are taking notice, targeting women with products just for them, Westbrook reported. Some guns are now lighter and have smaller grips. There is even a gun called the Pink Lady.

At Delaware’s Blackwing Shooting Center, instructor Robin Salvo said that men used to outnumber women. Now, 75 to 80 percent of students are women.

“It’s just become a new sport,” Salvo said. “Their eyes are open. They enjoy what it is.”

Blackwing has started Women on Target events, featuring lunch and loaded guns.

“Now, I feel empowerment,” Randall said.

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