Women and Guns

Feel-Good Story: More Women Buying Firearms
BY Mary Katharine Ham

It does make me all warm and fuzzy:

A 2009 study found 70 percent of shop owners reported more female buyers.

The study, conducted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Southwick Associates, also found 80 percent of the female gun-buyers who responded said they purchased a gun for self-defense, followed by 35 percent for target practice and 24 percent for hunting.

Despite this study, another long-term study, conducted from 1980-2008 found that the demographics of gun ownership had stayed rather static. But if women made up a larger proportion of the post-election uptick in gun sales than in the past, as some shop owners suggest, it would put a different face on those sales, which are routinely characterized as a white, male trend of redneck paranoia.

Might I posit that this study combined with a recent Quinippiac poll, which showed that the Tea Party movement is majority female, suggests no one should try to physically attack a group of Tea Party moms on a dark night. (Disclaimer for Democrats: This is not to be construed as an incitement to violence, or a euphemism for political violence, or a glorification of violence. It is rather a celebration of the idea of women who are prepared to defend themselves should someone try to hurt them, which is always something that makes me smile.)

Shoulda Posted This Earlier

I follow a few vox sites run by military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 1st Marine RCT 1 is in Fallajuh. They're doing good work.

This post is about the work they're doing training the women of Iraq to help defend their country.

Sisters of Fallajuh

Are you thinking about arming yourself?

To all those that would arm themselves, especially women,

Do you feel intimidated by weapons? Do you think, because you are a "girl," that concealed carry, especially .45, is not for you? Do you have questions about guns, shooting, carry, and what people think about people that carry?

Limatune's Range Diary. She knows what she is talking about.

And she's a movie star too.

Her answer to the question, "Why do you need to carry a gun?"

And here is an answer to a related question:

The the question came, “Why do you guys carry everyday? Is there something that makes you think you are in danger or anything?”

I couldn’t give you my response word for word because my husband and I sort of tag-teamed our answer.

But what it came down to was a discussion mostly of responsibility.

It’s my responsibility to honor the vow I made to my husband almost three years ago that I would come home to him every night for better or for worse.

It’s my husband’s responsibility to do the same for me.

It’s my responsibility to protect my home and my family.

It’s my responsibility to be attentive and alert and to make sure I don’t get into questionable situations.

It’s my responsibility to defend myself.

Bottom line? I am responsible for myself. For where I am, what I do, how I talk, where I go and how I will protect myself.

(Had to do it in pink. She is a self-proclaimed "girly-girl.)

If this sounds like you, give her site a try. I know that I'm going back. And taking Mrs. Cargosquid with me.

Please leave a comment.