Gun Shaming Is Damaging Our Industry
When people ask what A Girl & A Gun is and who can attend our events, we proudly say, “All are welcome.” Our community is open to all women, whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned shooter. We also welcome junior shooters who attend with their moms, and we invite the men in our lives to support and celebrate this space we’ve created—a place where women connect, grow, and often end up enjoying even more family time together on the range. It’s a win-win for everyone!
To be clear, we’re not “man-haters” or trying to separate ourselves from the broader shooting community. AG & AG simply offers a safe, supportive environment where women can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn at their own pace—without feeling judged or pressured by the presence of a husband, father, or male peers. While we deeply respect and appreciate the many amazing male instructors out there, we’ve found that many beginners thrive when women mentor other women.
Our goal is to welcome women in, build their confidence, and help them step boldly into the larger firearms community. We choose to do that in a female-focused space—kind of like a ladies’ night out, bunko group, or book club. Just as men enjoy poker nights with the guys, women deserve this kind of camaraderie and empowerment, too.
I was inspired to write this after reading some comments on a Facebook post where I mentioned buying a specific gun for my teenage son. While most of the remarks were made in jest, some carried a tone I’d call “gun shaming.”
Here’s the thing: It’s great to be loyal to a particular gun brand or model—there’s nothing wrong with that. But that doesn’t mean your favorite will work for everyone. In our case, my son had trained with one gun for years, but he hit a frustrating wall in his progress. We tried everything—adjusting the gun, changing techniques—but it just wasn’t working. Finally, I handed him a different gun from my training kit, and the difference was instant. The smile on his face said it all. Sometimes the gun chooses you—not the other way around.
Gun shaming doesn’t stop at brands, either. It’s expanded to colors, accessories, and personal preferences. And honestly? If it’s not your gun and you’re not the one shooting it, there’s no need to criticize.
We live in a world where people are shamed for just about everything. When I see it happening in the firearms community, I feel the need to speak up. We should be better than that. You don’t have to change your preferences, but please, don’t shame others for theirs. What matters most is safety. If you see someone using a low-quality or unsafe firearm, offer help kindly and without judgment. Sometimes that pistol is the only option that fits their budget, or it was gifted from a trusted, loved one, so it is a pivotal time to encourage her on her new journey with compassion not condescension.
At A Girl & A Gun, when we say “all are welcome,” we mean it — all women, all skill levels, all styles, and yes, all guns. It’s wonderful when we can help someone discover a firearm that fits their needs. But let’s never make anyone feel bad about what they shoot or how it looks. After all, a gun that someone enjoys using is far better than one that just collects dust in a safe.
See also:
How To Fit Your Hand To Your Pistol
Fall Fest Teaches Eloise Vogel Her True Strengths
AG & AG Shooting Journal: It’s More Than Shooting