Shooting sports can be intimidating and overwhelming for beginners, especially if they are in a minority group and do not have a mentor.
A Girl & A Gun is working to change that. The ladies-only national organization, founded in 2011, works to create a positive environment that supports women shooters and to generate opportunities for women in the shooting sports.
Each of the 100-plus chapters across the US has its own personality and focus (shotgun, pistol or rifle). Monthly, female-led meetings consist of new-member orientation and socializing followed by a period of instruction focused on a new skill. The remaining time is spent shooting, practicing the new skill. In addition to the in-person chapter meetings, monthly “Virtual Girls Night Out” live-streamed firearms-training videos can be watched from home.
Chapters welcome all experience levels and offer a judgment-free space where shooters challenge themselves, build confidence and encourage one another.
The organization hosts regional and national events, such as a three-day pheasant hunt in Kansas and a Claycation four-day sporting clays clinic led by Guinness World Record holder, Master-class shotgun instructor and CZ-USA Shotgun Product Manager Dave Miller at the NRA Whittington Center, in New Mexico. For competitive members of the group, A Girl & A Gun hosts a national Women’s Clay Championship in Kansas City where members compete in trap, 5 Stand and sporting clays.
If you are interested or know someone who may be, you are encouraged to attend a local chapter meeting to observe and learn. For more information, visit agirlandagun.org. If there is no chapter in your area, you can join the National eChapter or start your own.
