Women and Guns by Zack Phillips

Women and Guns

by Zack Phillips

The number of women buying, shooting and owning guns has been on a steady rise for the past few years and I see no sign of it slowing down. But who are these women, and why are they choosing to arm themselves? When I ask this question to women that come in our shop looking at guns, their response is normally for "home protection" or "self defense". But that is not the only reason, more and more women are getting involved in the sport of hunting and the sport of competition shooting.

The average woman is not as strong as the average man.  In a hand-to-hand struggle, even if she goes to the gym five times a week, the average woman is likely going to lose. Although I would hate to be thrown in the cage with "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey of the UFC. And before I start getting death threats and invites to go behind the bleachers, I am by no means saying it is a waste of time to train at the gym, I encourage you 100% to keep your body fit and take some self defense classes (same goes for men). I am merely stating this is the case for the average woman.... unless she has a gun, and knows how to use it!
There’s a famous quote, ‘God made men, but Sam Colt made them equal.’ I am very glad to hear more and more stories of women who have turned the tables on these would-be robbers / rapists / kidnappers. One story that comes to mind is a 12 year old girl from Oklahoma who was home alone when someone broke into there house. She used her Mother's Glock .40 to shoot the robber in the shoulder scaring him away and was found and arrested a short time thereafter. The bottom line is, a gun is without a doubt the best way for a woman to defend herself in a worst-case scenario.” Guns give women a sense of equality, a sense of safety and a sense of being in control of themselves.  
But why now?  It makes sense that more and more women seek to be individually armed as they become increasingly independent, but the number of female shooters has sky-rocketed within just the past decade.
There isn’t recent comprehensive polling data on the motivations behind the spike, but a number of experts believe current events are also a factor.  The foundering economy and proposed gun control legislation are referenced, in particular. In the past, it would be a lot of wives with their husbands, but now a lot of single women are buying guns and taking training. Like many things, this uptick occurred as the economy soured over the last few years.
Bottom line?  More and more women of all demographics are arming themselves in America, and there are three often-cited reasons: the need to independently defend oneself, current events, and the fact that it has never been easier for women to get involved in guns. 
Or perhaps you are a woman who just happened upon this article in your search for answers to your questions, such as, "do I really need a gun?" I will try to briefly shed some light on this question and hopefully help in your decision.
 
Do I Need A Gun?
Only you can answer the question if you need a gun and it's not an easy question to answer. For a woman, this is a tough question to ask themselves because it means facing their vulnerabilities. For our own peace of mind we tend to assure ourselves that; "people are good" or "my neighborhood is safe" or "I am always aware, I can prevent something from happening." Of course we know that none of these things are completely true, and if you are a single woman your risks go up dramatically.
Home Defense
Because of the confusing nature of the different state laws and crimes, verifiable statistics are hard to come by for home invasions in the United States. Some resources placed the statistics as high as 1 in 5 homes in the U.S. that will be broken into or experience some sort of home invasion. The majority of states do not categorize "home invasions" as a unique crime, but instead specify the actual crime committed once the criminals are inside the residence, such as homicide, assault, rape, kidnapping, or robbery. Even with hard to find numbers I don't believe any of us could or should assume that our home or apartment is not a candidate for a home invasion.
Could You Use a Gun to Protect Yourself?

Your choice to carry and own a gun for self-protection says that you are willing to take the life of someone if necessary in order to save your life or the lives of those you love. This is a very significant statement that has very serious ramifications. We of course don't own a gun to "kill", we own a gun to "defend". Should that moment ever arise, could you use your gun on an attacker? You will have to answer this question for yourself.
Before you purchase a gun for your self-protection you MUST fully consider the following questions:

• Do I believe that there are circumstances that make it acceptable to kill another human?
• Could I really aim my gun at another human being and pull the trigger?
• Would I be able to live with the emotional scars that may follow and perhaps even the social and legal ramifications?
• Can I spiritually reconcile this question with my faith?

In all honesty, if you are not willing to explore these questions and cannot answer yes to them, you may not be ready to own a gun for self defense at this time. This would put you and others at great risk. Perhaps you should consider some other less-lethal form of self defense. 
Will You Be a Responsible Gun Owner?
Becoming a gun owner carries with it a great responsibility. Safe storage must be considered and prepared for. Keeping your gun locked in a safe to prevent children or others from unauthorized access is necessary. You as the owner must take into consideration how you will safely store and carry your gun and be committed to eliminating the possibility of unauthorized access to it. 
You Have a Right to Protect Yourself
I personally believe that everyone has a right to defend themselves and should do so by whatever means necessary. I am not saying that you should shoot every 6 foot 6 inch 250 pound crackhead in the groin just because he ask's you on a date, I am merely saying that you DO have options of protecting yourself and because you are the smaller, weaker person does not mean that you have to just give up. As a Christian I like to reference the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was part of the  Philistine Army and was over 8 feet tall and always wore full body armor. For 40 days he would come out each day mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. The King of Israel and his entire Army were terrified of Goliath. 
One day David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent to the battle lines by his father to bring back news of his brothers. David was probably just a young teenager at the time. While there, David heard Goliath shouting his daily defiance and he saw the great fear stirred within the men of Israel. David responded, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of God?" 
So David volunteered to fight Goliath. Dressed in his simple tunic, carrying his shepherd's staff, sling and a pouch full of stones, David approached Goliath. The giant cursed at him, hurling threats and insults.
David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied ... today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air ... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel ... it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
As Goliath moved in for the kill, David reached into his bag and slung one of his stones at Goliath's head. Finding a hole in the armor, the stone sank deep into the giant's forehead and he fell face down on the ground.
Big or small, weak or strong, male or female, we ALL have a right to defend ourselves against evil beings. What you choose to defend yourself with is up to you. As for me and my family, we choose the gun. I encourage every woman to choose some type of protection, whether it be a gun, pepper spray, taser or self defense classes.

Hopefully you never have to but if the time ever comes... be prepared to defend yourself! I'm not saying that as a woman you should be paranoid, dressed in full camo with a Colt M4 slung over your shoulder, a Beretta 9mm in your purse, a Glock .45 strapped to your ankle and a Keltec P3AT stuffed in your bra. Just always be aware of your surroundings and always be prepared to defend yourself with whatever means you feel comfortable with. My personal recommendation would be to get a gun and learn how to use it. Very few things make a bolder statement than the Armed Female. 
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions.

Zack Phillips
Website: www.shootersplus.com
Twitter: @ShootersPlus
FaceBook: SH00TERSPLUS