I don’t know about you but from the very first time I stepped foot into a gun range I felt intimidated. Intimidated because I didn't know what I was getting into, I didn’t know what I was doing, and because well, I was the only girl. Nowadays though, I no longer feel intimidated. I practice, train, and have taken many courses to understand how to use a firearm and how it works. I’m confident in my skills and know how to handle myself. However, there is one thing I can’t change with training and practice and that is being a girl.

Sadly, unless the range safety officers or instructors know me, I’m almost always being judged because I am usually the only girl. Then add in the fact that I put effort into my personal appearance that adds another tick to their judgement box. It’s immediately assumed that I will be the weak link and that I’m the one to watch out for. I think it’s funny because I’ve seen some really questionable safety practices among guys at the range or in the classes I’ve taken (and some even have some type of background in firearms) and it’s like they have no idea what they are doing.

Last month I took a training class and was working with the instructor on some drills. I wasn’t firm in my stance during part of the drill and it showed in my shot. He made the following comment, “Probably not the best shoes to wear; next time function over fashion.” I let it roll off and commented back, “This is what I wear and if I am ever in a defensive situation where I need to use my gun, I will most likely be in very similar shoes.” He didn’t have anything to say because I don’t think he was expecting that from me. Also let me clarify these shoes I was wearing were ankle boots with a 1” heel, if that. I actually almost wore higher boots but my better judgement of what I could potentially be walking into told me to be a little more practical. I didn’t want to give them anymore reason to put me in a box. What I realized after that comment was that he had made his assumptions about me as soon as we met in person. This had nothing to do with my firearm handling or safety. It was purely made on my physical appearance. Also let me also say that this judgement has occurred from women too, not just men.

There is a shift in women learning how to defend themselves with a firearm. This industry is growing and it is still going to be a long shift to get everyone on board to understand. I mean, after all, there’s a reason Not Your Average Gun Girls was created. It has nothing to do with gun girls being average. It’s the exact opposite. It’s about the gun girl no longer fitting the old school mold. Gun girls these days are moms, executives, models, baristas, uber drivers and everything inbetween. Their interests range from anything to hunting to ice skating. It’s about seeing a woman walking down the street, whether she is in heels or pushing a stroller, but little do you know she can and will defend herself and her loved ones.

I signed up for training because I was having some struggles figuring out some issues I was having with my shot placement and wanted some help from an instructor. We got down to the root of my issue and it turns out to be my trigger finger. Mission accomplished. But as the day ended and I was on my way home I was thinking about his comment a lot and this entire journey I’ve been on. I’ve really come a long way since that very first time I stepped into a shooting range and hated shooting a gun. And I am so proud of myself for making the choice to lean into the discomfort and chart a path for myself and other women to be self-reliant.

So my point is that I am always here to share with you my struggles I have faced going down this road and have always wanted to encourage you to find your own path in this journey. I am four years into shooting and I’m not the perfect bull-eyes shot but that’s not my goal. There are going to be times, people, and days that are going to test you and times where you are going to feel off. You aren’t going to vibe with every instructor and that’s okay. Instructors having different teaching styles that don’t always match up perfectly with the learning style of the student. In these moments where you feel you need to stand down, it’s time to stand up. Remember your ‘why’, your goal, and why you chose to take the class or work with an instructor. Ask questions if you’re unsure, especially if it’s your first time in a class handling a firearm. Don’t be afraid to ask to review the safety rules again or to get clarification on something that you don’t understand.

Lastly, thank yourself for taking the steps to learn, train, and practice this perishable skill. Stand tall and confident knowing that you are taking responsibility for your personal safety. And if you ever need extra encouragement, I’m here to give that to you.