I have been teaching AZ CCW classes for a number of years with my husband and recently have noticed more and more women coming to classes. So I have recently started having women’s-only basic handgun classes. I really enjoy teaching these classes.

Because of my experience teaching these classes I have come to the conclusion every women should be a basic knowledge of guns and how to shoot. Now, I realize there are a lot of women who absolutely do not want to shoot a gun and I respect that.

I would like to state that I Hate violence! I am a mother of two and a grandmother of 5. I was a nurse for many years. I was very active as an adult volunteer with the Girl Scouts for over 20 years and I am a life member of the Girl Scouts.

About 25 years ago, I began going to shooting matches with my husband and I have been shooting ever since. I enjoy pistol and trap shooting. It is not only the shooting that is fun, but I have meet so many great people from all over the country and from different walks of life – women as well as men. And none of these folks are violent. In all the years of shooting at various shooting ranges, I have never seen hot tempers. It just is not tolerated. There in no alcohol allowed at the facilities and safety is number one priority. In fact, statistics show that the shooting sports are one of the safest sports there is.

First, I believe knowledge is power. I have had women come to the class who have never handled a gun before, some where terrified of the prospect of handling a gun, and a few their spouse made them come. For the most part, those that were terrified where raised thinking guns are evil and by what they say on the news, not from personal experience.

I think folks are amazed when during class we teach that if you have a gun in your possession, you never get in another argument again! Especially, if you are carrying a gun for self-defense.

What I learned, is most woman have access to firearms. Usually it is a husband who has firearms for hunting or shooting sports. So from a safety standpoint women need to know how to safety handle and store firearms.

I today’s environment, we never know when we maybe in the area or even face to face with some disgruntled individual with a gun. What happens when you find yourself in a situation when you are terrified and you don’t know how to handle it. You FREEZE!

I have found that just a basic understanding of firearms gives women knowledge to protect them. Understanding some basics such as reloading and simple movement has a defensive tactic may help them make better choices to keep themselves safe instead of freezing without any options.

By the end of the class, even those who flinched when they shot for the first time, were doing great and, yes, even having a good time. You can definitely see the self confidence level increase dramatically. Many of my students have continued on with the shooting sports and having a great time.

Do I think every woman should have a gun for self-defense? No, every woman should have the right make that choice. But there are many things to consider before you decide on a gun for self-defense. This takes a commitment to ongoing training and practice as well as other issues, which I cover thoroughly in class. Churchill shooting