Looking for a women’s shooting club with great member benefits? A Girl & A Gun gives members opportunities to build shooting skills, make lasting friendships, and help shape future training and events. By spending just 15 minutes sharing their interests and goals, members can also influence how the industry understands women shooters—and enter a monthly drawing for a $100+ prize. Meet Southern NH Chapter member Nicole Comtois, our first winner, and discover how your voice can help shape what comes next.
Five women received exciting news in the third-quarter 2026 A Girl & A Gun Member Appreciation Giveaway, taking home prizes including custom Charter Arms revolvers, a Gun Tote’n Mamas concealed carry bag, a Streamlight flashlight, and an AG & AG pistol case. Inspired by the excitement of a shooting match prize table, this quarterly giveaway gives members of the women’s shooting club a chance to win firearms and gear simply for being part of the community. Meet this quarter’s winners, explore the prizes, and discover how A Girl & A Gun brings a little extra excitement to membership while celebrating the women who make it all possible.
At A Girl & A Gun, firearms training brings women together, and the friendships keep growing long after an event ends. From local Girls Night Out gatherings to DRIFT Academy, Sniper School, GLOCK Getaway, and the National Conference, members encourage one another through new challenges and celebrate every victory together. Women arrive ready to build their skills and leave with new friends, lasting connections, and a community that’s excited to see what they do next.
Women make countless calculations to protect themselves when declining an invitation, ending a relationship, or leaving an uncomfortable situation because they cannot always know who will respect their decision and who may retaliate. Training can give women greater awareness, confidence, and options, but responsibility for violence always belongs to the person who chooses it. Women deserve the freedom to say no without fear, and men of strength and character help protect that freedom by respecting boundaries, recognizing warning signs, and standing against the attitudes and behaviors that allow violence to develop.
Sixteen women gathered at Martial Way Legacy in Austin for A Girl & A Gun’s three-day Combatives Camp, where they practiced realistic self-defense techniques, ground defense, ambush escapes, weapons retention, and other close-contact skills. Through scenario-based training and physical challenges, they built strength, confidence, and resilience, proving that they were willing to fight, adapt, and never give up.
What does it really mean to be a woman who never gives up? This candid conversation goes far beyond resilience, exploring confidence, mentorship, authenticity, and the people who help shape who we become. Through honest stories about setbacks, self-doubt, hard-earned wisdom, and finding confidence both in life and on the range, these women uncover what determination really looks like. It’s the kind of conversation that may leave you thinking differently about your own journey, and the women walking it with you.
What’s the difference between rimmed and rimless ammunition, and why does it matter? If you’re learning about revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, or handgun ammunition, understanding the difference is a great place to start. Learn how to identify rimmed and rimless cartridges, why each design is used, how the cartridge works with the firearm, and what to look for before choosing ammunition for your firearm.
Self-defense is about more than choosing the right firearm and learning how to shoot. Understanding self-defense legal plans, concealed carry insurance, firearms instructor insurance, and the potential legal and financial aftermath of a defensive incident is another important part of being prepared. Using data from 1,239 A Girl & A Gun members, this guide explores what women gun owners are actually choosing, the common self-defense legal protection and instructor insurance brands they encounter, what these products may and may not cover, and the questions every gun owner should ask before spending her money. Whether you already have a self-defense legal plan or are among the nearly 62% of surveyed members who said “None or not yet,” this guide will help you understand your options and make a more informed decision before you ever need to make that phone call.
A Girl & A Gun leaders joined shooting sports enthusiasts from across the nation at Gun Prom in Columbus, Ohio, for an evening of friendship, celebration, and purpose. The event benefited A Girl & A Gun Legacy, a separate nonprofit organization working to establish a permanent training and gathering space where future generations of women can learn, connect, and belong.
What makes a great firearms instructor? It takes far more than marksmanship. At A Girl & A Gun, Director of Training Tatiana Whitlock has built a comprehensive instructor development program that teaches women not just how to shoot, but how to teach. Through Train-the-Trainer, teachbacks, mentorship, and ongoing education, the organization is redefining firearms instructor training by equipping women with the coaching, communication, and leadership skills needed to develop confident, capable shooters in communities across the country.
A Girl & A Gun’s July 2026 Book Club meeting brought together two books that approach personal growth from different perspectives but ultimately arrive at a remarkably similar conclusion: true strength begins from within. The discussion centered on Lisa Bevere’s Girls with Swords and Janet Charbonneau’s The Journey Inward, exploring themes of courage, identity, self-discovery, faith, confidence, preparation, and becoming the woman you were created to be.
If you missed the July A-Team Huddle, this is one recording worth going back to watch. Our chapters are growing, more women are engaging with A Girl & A Gun, and that momentum creates an incredible opportunity for each of us as leaders. This huddle is about how we turn that opportunity into stronger chapters, deeper connections, and experiences that make women want to come back, get involved, and continue growing. It is also a reminder that the little things we do as A-Teamers, from the way we welcome someone to the way we communicate an upcoming event, can have a lasting impact on a member’s confidence and sense of belonging. As we head into one of our busiest seasons of the year, take some time to watch the recording, gather a few ideas, and think about how your A-Team can make the next chapter experience even better than the last.
The July Facilitator Forum brought Chapter Facilitators together for an important conversation about where A Girl & A Gun is headed and how local leadership continues to shape that momentum. With participation growing, new training pathways taking shape, national events expanding, and preparations already underway for 2027, the discussion went well beyond routine updates. Facilitators explored how to strengthen member engagement, develop more capable shooters and instructors, communicate more effectively with different personalities, build stronger A-Teams, and turn national programs into meaningful opportunities at the chapter level. The Forum offered a valuable look at the decisions, resources, and leadership priorities moving the Sisterhood forward.
A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) is proud to announce the official results of the 2nd Quarter 2026 National League Match. This quarter, 129 competitors representing 39 chapters from across the country stepped to the firing line to test their skills on a standardized course of fire, demonstrating the continued growth of women’s participation in practical shooting and the League’s commitment to developing confident, capable shooters. From first-time competitors to seasoned veterans, members challenged themselves under the timer while sharpening practical skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.
This month’s Virtual Girls Night Out brought A Girl & A Gun’s Value of the Month, Noteworthy, to life. Eliza Partington shared an inspiring perspective on what it means to make a lasting difference, reminding members that the qualities people remember most are rarely scores, gear, titles, or recognition. Through stories of encouragement, growth, and friendship, Eliza explored how character, kindness, generosity, and a willingness to help others succeed can create a ripple effect throughout our community. Watch the recording and be inspired to consider the impact you are making and the legacy you are creating.
Each quarter, A Girl & A Gun randomly selects four members and one Chapter Facilitator for the Member Appreciation Giveaway Drawing as a small way to say thank you to the women who make this organization so special. Whether attending local chapter events, pursuing advanced training, or encouraging fellow members along the way, every woman who participates helps strengthen the community that makes A Girl & A Gun unique. Congratulations to our 2nd Quarter 2026 Member Appreciation Giveaway winners!
Many modern PCCs are built on the same AR platform as a traditional AR-15. They feel familiar in your hands, accept many of the same accessories, and operate with nearly identical controls. But while they share a common manual of arms, they were designed around two very different cartridges, and that single design decision influences everything from how they operate and how far they shoot effectively to the competitions they’re used for and the training required to use them effectively. Many of the handling skills transfer between the two platforms, but the ballistic performance, operating systems, and intended applications do not. This article takes a closer look.
This month’s Book Club featured two recommended summer reads: Gates of Fire, a historical novel by Steven Pressfield, and Victory Favors the Fearless by Darrin Donnelly. While the group initially planned to discuss both books, most participants had the opportunity to read Victory Favors the Fearless, making it the focus of the evening’s conversation. Members shared candid stories about overcoming fear, managing competition nerves, building resilience, and developing the mental toughness that fuels success both on and off the range. Rather than simply reviewing the book, the discussion brought its lessons to life through personal experiences in shooting sports and everyday challenges, creating a conversation rich with practical wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a new shooter, or simply someone interested in personal growth, you’ll find relatable experiences and actionable takeaways that just might inspire you to join the next Book Club discussion.
Dates announced! The 10th Annual Back the Women in Blue training event will take place November 10-13, 2026, at the Round Rock Public Safety Training Center in Round Rock, Texas. The event begins with a Welcome Dinner on November 10, followed by three full days of world-class instruction in firearms, defensive tactics, professional development, and leadership.
Seventy women from across the United States gathered June 19-21 for the 2026 A Girl & A Gun Rifle Retreat, an immersive instructor development experience designed to strengthen technical proficiency with the AR-15 platform while preparing chapter leaders to educate and mentor women in their local communities.
What started as a conversation about streaming services quickly became a much bigger question about how companies understand their customers. If Disney believes my partner spent a month binge-watching The Punisher because I watched it through his profile, how many other assumptions are being made about the people behind shared accounts, household purchases, and family spending decisions? The more I thought about it, the more I wondered whether some of the most influential women in the firearms industry may be hiding in plain sight, not because companies aren’t paying attention, but because the data may not be telling the whole story.
The A-Team Huddle is one of the best ways to stay connected to what’s happening across A Girl & A Gun. Each month, Robyn and the HQ team share updates on chapter growth, upcoming programs, leadership opportunities, new resources, and the successes being celebrated throughout the organization. It’s also a chance to better understand the bigger picture behind the decisions, initiatives, and investments being made to support our chapters. Whether you’re helping at events, mentoring members, or simply looking for ways to contribute more effectively, these conversations provide useful information, practical ideas, and a clearer understanding of how your efforts fit into the larger mission of empowering women through education, training, and community.
The June Facilitator Forum was packed with valuable updates, leadership guidance, and practical ideas that can help you strengthen your chapter and better serve your members. From insights gathered at the National Conference and the release of our annual Gear Report to chapter growth strategies, leadership development opportunities, and important policy updates, this month’s forum covered information that directly impacts chapter success. If you missed the live session, taking time to watch the recording will ensure you’re up to date on the latest resources, initiatives, and expectations that can help your chapter thrive.
Adventure looks different for everyone. Sometimes it means traveling to a new place, trying a new sport, or taking on a challenge that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Other times, it means finding the courage to navigate everyday life in a new way. During this month’s Virtual Girls Night Out, Robyn Sandoval and her daughter, Kiara, explored the many forms adventure can take and how embracing new experiences helps us build confidence, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life. Through personal stories, lessons learned, and reflections on the A Girl & A Gun community, they reminded members that growth begins when we are willing to say yes to the unknown and trust ourselves to take the next step.
What if you could identify the one area of training that would have the biggest impact on your growth as a shooter? That’s the purpose of the A Girl & A Gun Color Track System. Designed as a roadmap rather than a ranking system, Color Tracks help shooters understand where they are in their development and what skills, resources, and experiences are most likely to move them forward. Every shooter has different goals, different strengths, and different opportunities for growth, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all training path. By discovering your Color Track, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what to focus on next, allowing you to train with greater purpose, measure your progress more effectively, and get more value from every class, drill, and range session along the way.
There are moments when your past and your purpose come together in unexpected ways. This is one of those moments for me. Through A Girl & A Gun’s partnership with Ruger, I am thrilled to share that we are donating 20 Ruger American Rimfire Compact rifles to Heart O’ the Hills as the camp begins its next chapter at its new home. For me, this is more than a donation. It is a chance to help give back to a place that gave me so much.
What if the best way to learn is not by making practice easier, but by making it harder? In this month’s Book Club discussion of Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, members explore the surprising science behind how skills are actually developed and retained. Through candid conversations about firearms training, aviation, healthcare, sports, and personal growth, participants discover why struggle, failure, reflection, and varied practice are often the keys to lasting improvement. Whether you’re a student, instructor, competitor, or lifelong learner, this engaging discussion offers practical insights that can transform the way you approach training, performance, and mastery.
The Instructor Mastermind series is quickly becoming one of the most valuable leadership development opportunities within A Girl & A Gun. In this session, instructors from across the country shared real-world successes, challenges, and lessons learned while delivering our New Shooter, Holster Skills, and Red Dot programs. The conversation explored what it takes to build confident shooters, navigate competing influences in students’ training journeys, overcome learning plateaus, and create meaningful transformation through effective coaching. Whether you’re a newly certified instructor or a seasoned leader, the insights shared during this mastermind offer practical strategies you can immediately apply in your own classes. If you’re looking to strengthen your instructional skills, connect with fellow leaders, and better understand how to develop shooters rather than simply teach shooting, future Instructor Mastermind sessions are well worth attending.
A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) is proud to announce the official results of the 1st Quarter 2026 National League Match, which brought together 170 competitors from chapters across the country. This quarterly event continues to showcase one of the programs that makes AG & AG unique: a competitive environment where women challenge themselves, build skills, and grow in confidence, no matter where they are on their shooting journey.
What do you do with a firearm when you’re not actively shooting? The answer seems simple, but the reality is far more nuanced. In this month’s Virtual Girls Night Out, Director of Training Tatiana Whitlock explores the often-overlooked topic of ready positions and explains why there is no single “right” answer for every situation. From compressed ready and low ready to high ready and Position Sul, Tatiana breaks down the purpose, advantages, limitations, and real-world applications of each technique. More importantly, she challenges common misconceptions and demonstrates how environment, range rules, physical ability, and safety considerations should drive your decisions. Whether you’re looking to build solid fundamentals or seeking a deeper understanding of firearm handling, this GNO offers valuable insights that will help you become safer, more adaptable, and more confident every time you handle a firearm.
