The Well Armed Woman

Are you one of the many women hesitant to pursue firearms training?  Then let me introduce you to The Well Armed Woman!  Never heard of it?  The Well Armed Woman is where ‘feminine and firearms meet.’

Formed in February 2012 by Carrie Lightfoot, The Well Armed Woman’s purpose is to “educate, equip, and empower women gun owners.”  Frustrated by the lack of resources for women in the gun industry, Carrie decided to take it upon herself to provide not only a sense of community, but also information, products and training solely focused on women’s needs.  In addition to her website and online store, there are also chapters throughout the United States ready to invite you in!

The Well Armed Woman:  Education

On the website, you will find a plethora of options to click through and read.  I’ve spent hours on that site and still have not seen everything.  You can find information on just about any topic related to women and guns in the blog.  You can listen to Carrie’s podcasts or signup for one of the many giveaways she has.  Carrie also uses her site to keep us all updated on the goings on at the NRA.  She was just elected to the board of directors in May 2018.

The Well Armed Woman:  Equip

Also on the website, you will find the online store.  I have spent way too much money in this store, and I am one of the few women on the planet who hates to shop!  TWAW only sells products made and tested to fit women’s bodies and lifestyles.  Which is very refreshing because I have wasted a lot of time and money on man products that just don’t work for me.  Not only will you find women’s holsters, concealment clothing and purses, but also beautiful jewelry and gifts!  And of course, range supplies and other self defense products.  If you become a member of a Well Armed Woman chapter, you also get discounts in the store.

The Well Armed Woman:  Empower

Empowerment comes through training and fellowship.  TWAW provides a safe, non threatening environment where women can come together and connect without judgement.  As of May 2018, there are 377 chapters total, in 49 states.  Sorry, Delaware!  If one of you reading this lives in Delaware, we need you to step up and start a chapter!

Chapters are where the magic happens.  Each monthly meeting starts with an educational presentation.  The topics vary, but the next few coming up in my chapter all look interesting.  We will be learning about situational awareness, hearing from author Liz Lazarus on surviving assault, and getting certified in the Stop The Bleed program.  We usually don’t shoot at the monthly chapter meetings, those are on different days/nights.  Twice a week my chapter hosts shoot nights at the local range, and oftentimes members get together to shoot more outside of these hosted events.  We have every type of woman in our chapter: those who have never shot, those just learning, those who compete, and those who teach.  It’s a great bunch of women, and I hear this rings true throughout the country.

Find A Chapter Near You

Click here to find a chapter near you. Even if you have to drive a ways, you will not be disappointed!  If you cannot find one, then I highly encourage you to start one!  I cannot tell you how empowering it is to be surrounded by other like minded women when it comes to guns.  The media is doing everything in its power to paint us as crazy lunatics, and it is comforting to hang with ladies who think alike.  Why do they think it is not ok for me to protect myself and my family?!

As an instructor, I find great joy in mentoring members of my chapter.  I give up range time to help fellow members.  We break up in groups of one strong to the rest new.  I really look forward to shoot nights, as they give me the opportunity to mentor.

In addition to local chapters, each state has a coordinator who facilitates state events.  Last year in Georgia, ladies had the opportunity to shoot through a purse at the annual state event!  What?!  Who in their right mind would destroy a perfectly good purse?  This was actually very eye opening.  Shooting through a purse did not work as planned. Accuracy was compromised, and unexpected danger was discovered.  Muzzle blast (the fire that comes out of the barrel with each shot) caused minor burns on the hands, and if the purses would have been loaded with all of the junk we usually carry around, probably would have caught fire.  The Georgia ladies learned that shooting through a purse is not a good idea.

Firearms Fellowship

The Well Armed Woman chapters fill a great need that all women have—fellowship.  Gun ownership, and especially conceal carry, is a very touchy subject in our country.  You may have close friends who would disown you if they discovered you were pro 2A.  Maybe this is what has discouraged you from regularly visiting the range.  Or maybe you just aren’t comfortable with men watching you shoot.  The Well Armed Woman provides all women, regardless of age, size, race, or religion a safe and welcoming environment to learn and practice shooting skills.  You will never be laughed at or yelled at for your abilities, appearance or opinions.  Find a local chapter in your area and go to the next meeting!  The Well Armed Woman has your back!