Category: Uncategorized

By: Top Shot Chris Cheng
American History Channel’s Top Shot Champion and Author of “Shoot To Win”

Buying a firearm is a serious decision—and a personal one, especially if it’s your first time.  Whether you’re considering it for personal or home defense, sport shooting, hunting or all of the above, owning a firearm comes with a responsibility that goes far beyond choosing the right make and model. It’s about learning how to use it safely and responsibly and giving special thought to where that gun will be kept when it’s not under your direct control.

There are a lot of questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a gun. If it’s your first time, I recommend looking at Project ChildSafe’s “Road To Responsible Gun Ownership” guide, which covers step-by-step questions and tips to consider.  One of the most important is, “Where and how am I going to store it in my home?”

Unfortunately, most people don’t think about this question — especially if they’re buying a gun for personal or home protection. Obviously, if you have kids in your home — ever — you want to make sure that firearm is secured, where only you can access it.  The last thing anyone wants is a tragedy involving an unsecured gun being picked up by a child.

Even if you never have kids in your home or if you live alone, securely storing your firearm is still vitally important. Guns can be stolen from your home. They can also be stolen from your vehicle if you’re taking them to the range (or hunting) and need to stop somewhere along the way where you can’t bring the gun inside with you. In fact, thefts of guns from vehicles is becoming one of the most common crimes across the country.

It’d be bad enough to have to suffer the loss of property, but to think your firearm is now going to be used to commit a crime is never a burden anyone should have to bear. There are several options for securely storing your firearms at home and in your vehicle … taking that step plays a direct role in keeping your community safer.

Owning a Gun Means Understanding It

The most important step after buying a firearm is learning how to handle it properly. If you own a gun, you owe it to yourself and your family and loved ones to know how to safely operate it, how to handle it safely and how to safely clean and maintain it.

Misunderstanding how your firearm functions—or worse, never learning—is a recipe for tragedy. Every year, accidents happen because someone mishandled a gun they didn’t fully understand how to operate. Don’t let that be you. Make safety your first priority.

Take a Training Class

One of the best things you can do as a new gun owner is take a firearm safety and handling course at a local shooting range. Most likely the retailer who sold you the gun has recommendations on local ranges or may even be part of a range already.  If not, check out the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Where to Shoot webpage for a state-by-state directory of ranges.

These classes are often affordable, beginner-friendly and led by certified instructors who know how to walk newcomers through everything they need to know, from basic safety rules and handling, to how to shoot accurately and with confidence.

Training gives you more than just knowledge—it gives you familiarity. The gun becomes less intimidating once you understand how it works and develop your safe handling skills. You’ll stop thinking of it as a scary object and start seeing it for what it really is: a tool that demands respect and discipline.

Your First Shot Shouldn’t Be in a Crisis

Perhaps the most critical message for new gun owners is this: the first time you fire your gun should not be in an emergency.

In a high-stress situation—like a home invasion or self-defense scenario—your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. Fine motor skills decrease, adrenaline floods your system and decision-making becomes harder. If you’ve never held or fired your gun before that moment, it’s unlikely you’ll use it effectively or even decide it’s best not to use it. Worse, you could hurt yourself or someone else by accident.

There’s a popular saying that in a crisis it’s much more difficult to “rise to the occasion” than it is to “fall back on your training.”  Regular practice at the range, guided by professionals at first, builds muscle memory and confidence. When you’ve trained in a safe, controlled environment, your ability to stay calm and act appropriately in an emergency increases dramatically.

Responsibility Comes First

Owning a gun is not just a right—it’s a responsibility. A firearm can protect, but only if the person holding it is informed, trained and prepared. Don’t let your first shot be a desperate one in the dark. Take the time to learn. Train regularly. Keep your firearm secure and never forget that safety is always the number one priority.

If you’re serious about gun ownership, start with education. Check out the Road to Responsible Gun Ownership guide, learn about firearm safety in the home, visit your local range, sign up for a class and ask questions. The more you know, the more confidently and safely you’ll be able to exercise your rights, protect yourself and protect the people you care about.

Chris Cheng is a champion American sport shooter, winner of the History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 and author of the book “Shoot to Win, which offers tips for new gun owners and shooters.  A proud believer in personal liberty, he serves on the boards of the Asian Pacific American Gun Owners Association and Operation Blazing Sword/Pink Pistols, pro-gun liberty organizations for Asian and LGTBQ Americans, respectively.  Cheng is a former staff writer for The Firearm Blog and has appeared in Gun Stories with Joe Montagna, among other media outlets.  

By: Tim Schmidt
Chairman and Co-Founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association

The vast majority of gun owners, especially CCW permit holders, have taken steps already to make sure their firearms are securely and responsibly stored in their homes. It’s always essential to ensure that personal firearms can’t be stolen, picked up by a child, or misused in any way. If the statistics from the FBI are to be believed, however, many of these same gun owners are overlooking the importance of being equally vigilant to secure their guns in their vehicles.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), firearms are frequently stolen from vehicles, raising not only concerns about property loss but also about their potential use in criminal activity. This puts both public safety and gun rights at risk. As responsible gun owners, we have a duty to take every possible step to prevent our firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

That’s why initiatives like Project ChildSafe — a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) — and national awareness events like the NSSF’s Gun Storage Check Week® (June 1-7, 2025) are so critical. They provide clear, practical guidance and public reminders that safe storage is essential, not optional.

The Risks Are Real—and Preventable

The reality is that a parked car, whether it’s locked or not, and whether a firearm is visible or not, is an easy target for thieves. A thin piece of glass is all that separates them from what’s inside.

In many cases, they’ll break in looking for money or valuables and then find an unsecured firearm. In other cases, they can be more deliberate. Many of us at the USCCA have heard stories of thieves tailing gun owners after they leave the range, waiting for the driver to stop at a coffee shop or grocery store on the way home. Once the owners are out of sight, the thieves break in and steal the guns, cases, ammunition, optics, and everything else not bolted down.

And therein lies the central message: Securing your firearm in a vehicle requires more than just locking the doors. It requires securing those firearms in a way that can’t be accessed or removed by any unauthorized person.

What You Can Do Right Now

NSSF and Project ChildSafe have several resources on gun storage, including a “Gun Storage for Your Lifestyle” infographic that discusses options for safe storage in vehicles.  There’s also a comprehensive brochure and videos with helpful information as well.

I mention these resources because even if you already take steps to prevent your guns from being stolen, you can still be a powerful voice in the gun-owning community to promote this lifesaving practice. Take the time to share and teach from these tools, and help us ensure that the gun-owning community (rather than organizations opposed to gun rights) owns the firearm safety message.

Protect Your Property, Protect Your Rights

Gun owners are among the most responsible citizens in America — but we must continuously work to uphold that reputation, or we risk undermining our own rights. As we recognize Gun Storage Check Week, I encourage you to take a few moments to check how you’re securing your firearm — especially in your vehicle.

Secure storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental tragedies and firearm theft. It protects our communities, our families, and our rights. By staying vigilant and storing your firearms securely, you’ll help to protect what matters most—your loved ones, your community, and your freedom.

Tim Schmidt is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association

Project ChildSafe’s 2025 Friends and Family campaign is a time when Project ChildSafe invites gun owners across the country to join us in spreading the word about firearm safety. From May 12 to June 6, anyone can enter to win amazing weekly prizes by sharing Project ChildSafe resources with their friends and family.  

We want to greatly thank our partners and sponsors in this effort, without their generosity, this campaign would not be possible. This year set a new standard with the largest collection of prizes we’ve ever gathered – including a mix of gun storage and security items, optics, holsters, firearms and other tactical gear.  

With the campaign nearing the halfway point, we’re taking a moment to give our sponsors the opportunity to share a few words on why they support Project ChildSafe’s mission to spread the important message of gun safety: 

“At CrossBreed Holsters, we believe responsible gun ownership starts with secure firearm storage. Protecting families, preventing accidents, and promoting a culture of safety are core to our values. That’s why we proudly support Project ChildSafe—an important initiative dedicated to educating gun owners and providing free safety resources to help keep firearms out of the wrong hands,” says CrossBreed Holsters CEO Carol Craighead. 

“Supporting Project ChildSafe is a meaningful way to contribute to firearms safety and the well-being of communities across the US. All firearms sold by Davidson’s and Gallery of Guns include free gun locks. We believe if the proper tools are given to consumers upon the purchase of their firearm, the consumer can immediately take their purchase home and store their firearm securely,” says Davidson’s Inc. Strategic Implementation Manager Keri Pratt. “Our goal is to encourage new and experienced gun owners to become prominent examples of good citizens in their communities, reinforcing our ongoing support for Project ChildSafe.” 

“At Kinisium, we believe secure firearm storage is one of the most critical steps in protecting children and preventing tragedy. We created Kini to give families an added layer of real-time awareness so they can act immediately if a firearm is accessed,” says Kinisium Co-Founder Nicky Zabetian. “Partnering with Project ChildSafe was a natural fit. Together, we’re working to empower responsible gun owners with the tools and knowledge to keep their homes safe.” 

“Ensuring every firearm is securely stored is not just a responsibility—it’s a commitment to safety for our families and communities. There simply is no reason to ever have an unsecured gun in your home. Partnering with Project ChildSafe, SecureIT is proud to champion innovative, adaptable storage that keeps safety first without compromising readiness,” says SecureIT Tactical CEO Tom Kubiniec. 

“ZKT Group is proud to support NSSF’s Project ChildSafe because we recognize that bearing arms is both a privilege and a liability for every citizen,” says ZKT Group Marketing Director Mac Lu. “Firearm safety must be emphasized and educated extensively, especially to future generations. ZKT Group is committed to helping young citizens to exercise their freedom with firearms safely and responsibly.” 

There’s still time to win our final few prize packages featuring awesome products from our sponsors! Click here to learn more about the sweepstakes and to enter for your chance to win.  

The 2025 Friends and Family campaign concludes the week of June 1 with the giveaway of an exclusive Secure Storage Grand Prize Package featuring: 

• Kinisium: Kini SafeAlert Motion Sensor 

• ZKT Group: x1 Modular Fast Access Classic Gun Safe  & one  Prepackaged Gun Wipes  

• Crossbreed Holsters: Custom Holster 

• Sportsman’s Warehouse: gift card 

• Secure It Tactical: Fast Box™ Model 47 Gun Safe 

• Lockdown: Large Handgun Vault 

• Davidson’s Gallery of Guns: R92 Lever Action Rifle Davidsons Exclusive 

Be sure to spread the word and share Project ChildSafe resources with your friends and family for a chance to win between now and June 6. 

By: Todd Roggenkamp
Assistant Director of Education for Safari Club International Foundation

With the rapid technology advancements in the 21st century there has been a shift in the US population’s life experiences.  We’ve gone from a time when manual labor was required for almost every aspect of life to one of an automated and interconnected world.  We no longer have to rely as much on fulfilling basic human needs for food and survival. This in turn has impacted societal values on how animals, including wildlife, are viewed.

Historically, most people held “traditionalist” or “utilitarian” values for wildlife, based on the belief that animals were a commodity for the benefit of people – primarily as a food source.  Nowadays, most of our food is farmed, and we have fast-food joints on every corner or order food from an app. We’ve largely lost the connection we used to have with wildlife as a critical element of our own survival.

That loss of connection extends into our wild “places” too, where the habitat necessary for wildlife to thrive has been replaced by structures and manicured parks, and fewer people have access to the truly wild places in our country. That pushes wildlife even further away and widens the disconnection.

A recent study America’s Wildlife Values Project is the first of its kind to describe how US residents within all 50 states think about wildlife. The study showed that in just the last 12-14 years there has been a shift in wildlife values, reflecting an increase in people viewing wildlife as part of their extended social network.  They view wildlife as their extended family or friends, deserving caring and rights like humans. This is in contrast with a decrease in traditional utilitarian values where wildlife is utilized for the benefit of humans

The good news is that common ground does emerge from these disparate views, and that common ground is “conservation.”  We all want to see wildlife thriving today and in the future, and the hunting community plays a vital role in that.

Most people don’t know that since the late 19^th century hunting has made substantial contributions to conservation, including bringing species back from the brink of extinction and reintroducing them to their native areas — like the reintroduction of wood bison in Alaska. Hunters have and continue to put wildlife first by supporting the overwhelming financial burden of conservation work. Important vehicles to financially support conservation like the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman Robertson Act), the Federal Duck Stamp program, licenses, permits, tags and hunting-focused conservation organizations like Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) are committed to spending dollars supporting conservation.

As an example, nearly $25 billion has been collected to use in conservation efforts since the inception of the Pittman Robertson Act weas passed in 1937. The Federal Duck Stamp program has provided an additional $800 million to directly support the purchase of more than six million acres for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Although this does not encompass all the funds that are raised for conservation, it does give a good picture of how much conservation efforts are supported through hunting.

Past efforts to educate the public on these successes have focused on creating awareness of how conservation funding has helped increase wildlife populations and habitat. However, knowing that the perspective of the public’s value of wildlife has changed, it is important to recognize the role of  past and present conservation funding to a variety of other conservation needs — and help ensure wildlife and wild places can be enjoyed and shared by all.

Public education should focus on topics such as how hunting provides funding for wildlife research, restoring ailing wildlife species and improving their habitat, benefiting non-game species and assisting wildlife biologists in fighting wildlife diseases. Each one of these topics is an example of the passion for wildlife shared by hunters who are committed to making sure our environment is bio-diverse, sustainable and available for all lovers of wildlife to enjoy and value into the future.

Beyond public education about how hunting provides the funding critical to wildlife and conservation, it should also focus on the commitment hunters make to fair chase, ethical hunting and safety, especially when it comes to the handling and storage of firearms at home, in the field or in vehicles.  The non-hunting public has been misled by tired stereotypes of who hunters are, and it’s up to us as the hunting community to model and advocate for firearm safety and responsibility.  As a first step, I invite you to check out and share the hunting safety resources from NSSF’s Project ChildSafe.

Moving the needle on how the US population views the role of hunting in conservation as well as safety in hunting will be important to help ensure conservation funding into the future. Doing so will illustrate that hunters are indeed first for wildlife, committed to responsible and ethical hunting, and dedicated to making sure there is wildlife for all future generations.

Todd Roggenkamp is the Assistant Director of Education for Safari Club International Foundation. He has spent the last 25 years helping develop and provide programs that focus on the importance of the role hunting plays in conservation. An avid hunter, trapper and angler, he is dedicated to helping educate the public about the importance of conservation, sustainability and being a good steward of our environment.

By: Cheryl Todd
Vice President of Arizona Citizens Defense League and co-host of the GunFreedom Radio Podcast

In the modern world, the intersection of women and firearms is often viewed as an unusual or even surprising topic, but it is one that carries significant weight in both history and the future of our nation. It is not just about the tools and training unique to the female physique but also about how women in the United States are engaging with the very foundation of our Constitutional protections, particularly the Second Amendment. 

Women, especially mothers, have long been seen as the gatekeepers of safety in the home—responsible for everything from keeping sharp knives out of reach to securing medications, cleaning products and, yes, firearms. Just as women safeguard their homes from potential harm in countless ways, they are also key players in the conversation about gun rights and safety. 

A particularly poignant anniversary related specifically to women recently passed: the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. In a country that has been around for nearly 250 years, this right has only been available to women for the last 100. For many of us, it is hard to imagine there was ever a time when women couldn’t freely walk into a polling station to cast their vote, let alone that it was once a radical, illegal act for women to even think about voting. 

That right, however, was not handed to us; it was fought for and hard-won. Women who sought representation through the ballot box were seen as divisive and extremist, and the fight for suffrage cost many of them dearly. Some women were ostracized by friends and family, and others faced imprisonment. But after years of struggle, sacrifice and perseverance, the 19th Amendment passed and was ratified and adopted in 1920. From that day forward, women across the country gained the ability to shape the direction of the nation through their votes. 

So, wouldn’t you think that once we won the right to vote, women would be unwavering in defending every syllable of every other enumerated Liberty our Founding Fathers and Mothers fought, bled and died to secure? Wouldn’t we stand tall and proud, storming the doors of every polling place, defending our rights and the values that have defined our nation? 

Unfortunately, the reality is more complicated. As we passed the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, efforts are afoot to chip many of our rights slowly away — often led by other women. Misinformation, emotional appeals and political maneuvering have led some to make choices that undermine our freedoms. Many of us have allowed ourselves to slip back into thinking that government programs—rather than our own actions—can protect us and our families. We’ve allowed ourselves to slip backward in our thinking, voting for laws that separate us from our freedoms, including the most basic of rights—the right to defend our lives and our families. 

Perhaps the most significant right at stake today is the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, a fundamental right that protects our ability to defend ourselves. In an era where some organizations try to claim women are too fragile or incapable of handling firearms, we have allowed ourselves to be manipulated into seeking permission from the very government that we fought to gain even the most basic of rights. These voices suggest that women should remain helpless, waiting for a “big, strong government program” to save us, rather than empowering ourselves to protect what matters most. 

However, in defiance of this narrative, women across the country are rising up, taking action and fighting to ensure our rights—especially the right to bear arms—are not diminished. As the co-host of the GunFreedomRadio Podcast and the proud Vice President of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), a non-profit, grassroots organization that is dedicated to protecting and advancing the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, I am working to educate legislators, the media and the public about the importance of the Second Amendment. Through these efforts, I am joined by thousands of other women and men in promoting responsible gun ownership through community outreach and advocacy. We believe that education—not legislation—is the key to safer homes and safer communities for our children and for all of us. We carry forward the legacy of the suffragists who fought for our right to vote, and our voices are helping to shape a future where freedom is not only preserved but strengthened. 

Women and guns are not an oddity, novelty or a contradiction—they are part of the same story. Women are at the heart of their families, their communities and our nation. We understand the power of our rights: the right to vote, the right to defend ourselves and the right to shape our future. These rights are inseparable. Through our actions, we teach our children the importance of showing up, speaking up and using the 19th Amendment to protect the Second Amendment. We understand that our rights are not just abstract ideas—they are essential to our freedom, our safety and our strength. 

So, when we talk about women and guns, we’re talking about much more than firearms. We’re talking about the power we have to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. We’re talking about the legacy of women who fought for our right to vote and the responsibility we now carry to defend that right—along with the Second Amendment—every day, not just during election seasons, but in every season of our lives. 

Cheryl Todd is the co-host of the GunFreedomRadio Podcast and a passionate advocate for the Second Amendment. As the Vice President of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), a non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, she educates legislators, media and the public on firearm rights, safety and the importance of preserving individual freedoms for future generations.

By: Staci Claunch
Southwest Regional Director of Women for Gun Rights 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the strides women have made in securing their rights and ensuring their personal safety. In doing so, we must acknowledge that the right to self-defense is not just a matter of personal security. It is a fundamental civil right — one that intersects with women’s empowerment, safety and responsible gun ownership.

Historically, women’s rights have often been framed within the context of voting, workplace equality and reproductive freedom. For much of that same history, gun ownership has been viewed as a predominantly male domain — and for centuries women were expected to rely on male protectors, law enforcement or social structures to ensure their security.

While these institutions play a role in public safety, they cannot always be present in moments of immediate danger. A firearm in the hands of a responsible, trained woman provides her with the means to protect herself and her loved ones when no one else can.

That’s why, over the past several years, more and more women have embraced gun ownership and challenged the notion that ownership is a privilege for men only.  They are recognizing that owning and carrying a firearm is a civil rights issue — one that acknowledges a woman’s autonomy over her own safety. As a result, women are one of the fastest growing segments of the gun-owning population today.

At the same time, with rights come responsibilities. Firearm ownership is a serious commitment that requires education, training and practice. Training programs and women-focused firearms education courses have grown in popularity, offering instruction on marksmanship, situational awareness and conflict avoidance. These programs not only teach practical skills but also foster confidence and self-sufficiency. If you’re going to own a firearm, take the time to learn how to use it.  As I like to say, the first time someone handles a firearm should not be the first time they need it in an emergency.

Likewise, women who choose to own firearms must also embrace the responsibility of storing that firearm securely when it’s not in use. Protecting the safety of yourself and your family means more than simply bringing a firearm into your home.  Ensuring that firearm cannot be accessed by a child, someone who may be at-risk of suicide, a burglar or any unauthorized person should be the top priority.

Additionally, advocating for responsible gun ownership strengthens the integrity of the Second Amendment. Women who own and carry firearms responsibly help dispel negative stereotypes about gun owners and contribute to a culture of safety and preparedness.

As we honor Women’s History Month, we must acknowledge that the right to self-defense is an essential part of women’s civil rights. Firearm ownership, when paired with education and responsibility, provides women with a means of protection, empowerment and self-reliance. The movement for women’s rights includes the right to personal safety, and in an era where women are increasingly embracing their autonomy, responsible firearms ownership is a powerful tool in the ongoing fight for equality and security.

Staci Claunch is a U.S Army and Navy veteran – where she served in both Iraq and Afghanistan – mother of three, wife of 16 years and owner of Scorpion Defense LLC. She shoots competitively and is a Safety Officer for the International Defensive Pistol Association, USCCA instructor, Account Executive for Delta Defense and the Southwest Regional Director of Women for Gun Rights.  As a self-declared firearms enthusiast, her passion is for training and working with women who are new to the sport. 

By: Karen Butler
Founder and President of SLG2, Inc.

March is Women’s History Month and a good time to reflect on the positive impact women have made and continue to make in their communities, which in turn benefits the shooting sports industry.   

History is full of women that influenced positive attitudes towards the use of firearms and who excelled as ambassadors of the shooting sports by promoting firearm safety and teaching shooting fundamentals.  Currently there are numerous women who in leadership positions throughout the shooting sports industry, serving as exceptional brand ambassadors for safety and the sport, and who also work within their communities to educate people on safety and firearm use. 

Obviously, there are too many women to call out by name who have influenced positive attitudes to use of firearms usage, but two stand out to me.  Molly Pitcher is my first choice, because she, according to The American Battlefield Trust, represented thousands of women who fought in the American Revolution.  The legend of Molly is that she was a nurse on the battlefield, and when her husband was killed, she continued the fight by firing his cannon.  Another woman who I read about in an article by NRA Women who embodies the right to keep and bear arms is Ida B. Wells.  Ida was a civil rights activist in the later 1800s who exercised her First Amendment rights to speak out for African Americans.  She was brave and realized after her friend, Thomas Moss, was killed by lynch men that she needed a gun.  She later had to use that gun to protect herself.  These two women stand out to me, because it is awful to think about where we would be as a nation had they not made the choice to use a gun. 

Our original firearms brand ambassadors are easy for most of us to identify.  The iconic images of Annie Oakley performing in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Shows are of a confident, skilled and proficient shooter, but did you know she also taught women to shoot?  Historians estimate that she taught more than 15,000 women about gun safety and use of firearms to target shoot and defend themselves.  

Gun safety and use was also taught by many people who ran “Cellar Clubs” across 1940s America.  Sponsored by Colt’s Manufacturing, these clubs were advertised to encourage women to learn how to shoot.  There is not a lot of data on the impact, but in a time when women were rising in status, it must have been extensive. 

In the shooting sports industry, there are many women who broke some glass ceilings and excelled to leadership positions.  Here are a few who should not go unnoticed:
Cyndi Flannigan, who has over 40 years in the firearm industry and was VP of Marketing at Walther; Deana McPhearson, who is the Chief Finance Officer for Smith & Wesson; Brandi Collins, who is the Marketing Director at Glock;  Sara Simonow, who is the Marketing Director of Colt; Abbey Clary, Director of Media, Advertising & Public Relations at Ruger; Ozge Cumberland, Chief Revenue Officer for Primary Arms; and Marion Hamner and Sandy Frohman, who were Presidents of the National Rifle Association.  The women listed are just a few of the many more women who should be mentioned here. 

We also have some amazing women who serve as brand ambassadors for our industry.  Julie Golob is an ambassador for NSSF and Smith & Wesson, and she also has written a children’s book promoting safety, Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules.  Tactical Mia, a ten year old, is representing women in shooting sports and promotes families learning about firearm safety.  Check out your favorite gun company’s website and you will find women and young girls who are representing women in shooting sports. 

Some of the biggest influencers of firearm safety and shooting sports in communities are the women who are certified instructors across the country.  Some are part of Armed Women of America, A Girl and A Gun or local women who have created their own groups at their gun ranges (maybe like the Cellars Clubs) and teach classes within their communities.  Many additional women have their own small businesses and are in their community promoting safety and firearm education.  If you consider the positive impact that Annie Oakley made as one women, you can exponentially multiply that for all the phenomenal women instructors that are teaching firearm safety today.    

I would be remiss, if I didn’t mention men as we talk about Women’s History Month.  Women have made incredible impact in the firearm industry, and many of our male counterparts have been extremely supportive as we rise to the challenge to promote gun safety and education.  I am grateful for the men who have supported all of us over the years. 

Women will continue to make a positive impact in shooting sports.  If you want to make a positive impact, even if you are not an industry professional, brand ambassador or instructor, you can make a difference by using the resources put out by the NSSF’s Project ChildSafe. 

Karen Butler is the founder and President of SLG2, Inc. an experiential marketing company that includes promotes firearms safety, shooting sports, and personal protection through interactive experiences with its brands Shoot Like a Girl and SafeLivinG.  Karen retired from the Department of the United States Army after 22 years of distinguished civilian service in November 2016. She shot a bow and a rifle for the first time in 2000, after camping with some friends, and was instantly hooked. She went on to become an accomplished hunter, speaker and writer.  She launched Shoot Like A Girl in February 2009 at the World Archery Festival in Las Vegas, NV, and has achieved tremendous success since then. She was named the NRA Woman of the Year; recognized by Outdoor Life Magazine as one of their 2011 Top 25: Leaders in Hunting, Fishing and Conservation; and named Entrepreneur of the Year by Women’s Business Center of North Alabama in 2017. She has been featured in Time Magazine, on multiple television shows, interviewed on National radio shows and conducted seminars at numerous events, including the NSSF Range and Retailer Business Expo.    

By: Jan Ennenga
Executive Director of Armed Women of America 

As we enter March, my thoughts are about lions and lambs, and how women are a mix of both. We are nurturers, gentle, calm and caring — and yet there is a fierce side as well. Throughout history, women have defended and protected their loved ones, keeping them safe from harm.

From mythical warrior/protector goddesses like Diana and Artemis to frontier women keeping watch over their homesteads, the instinct to protect is deeply ingrained in us. In today’s modern times, that instinct remains just as strong, but the ways in which we protect ourselves have evolved. Today, more and more women are choosing to become firearm owners, recognizing that self-defense — protecting themselves and their families — is one of their most fundamental rights.

The number of women purchasing firearms has surged in recent years, and for good reason. We understand that when danger presents itself, we may be the first and only line of defense for ourselves and our loved ones. Women from all walks of life—mothers, daughters, single professionals and retirees—are embracing their right to bear arms. It’s empowering to take control of our personal safety, to refuse to be a victim and to ensure that we are prepared should the unthinkable happen.

But that involves more than just buying a gun.  It means taking training courses and learning how to safely and effectively use firearms. Owning a gun without knowing how to use it under stress is like having a fire extinguisher but not knowing how to pull the pin. Regular practice at the range, situational awareness drills and even courses on de-escalation and conflict resolution are part of responsible gun ownership.

Equally important, owning a firearm means understanding how to store it securely to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. No unauthorized individuals — especially children — should ever have access to your firearm.

In that spirit, anyone considering a firearm purchase should think first about how that gun will be securely stored in your home when it’s not in use.  There are several safe storage options available, ranging from a simple lock and key to full-sized armored and fireproof gun safes. Ammunition should also be stored separately as an additional layer of precaution.  The last thing anyone wants is for something that’s meant to be a tool for your personal and home protection to become a source of tragedy.

As we honor Women’s History Month, let’s recognize the strength, resilience and courage of women throughout history who have stood as protectors of their families. And let’s commit ourselves to being responsible, educated and prepared defenders of ourselves and those in our care. Because being both a lion and a lamb means knowing when to be fierce and when to be gentle—and ensuring that our means of defense are as safe as they are effective.

Jan Ennenga is the Executive Director of Armed Women of America, a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling women to be their own self-protectors, creating freedom, peace of mind, and confidence in themselves.

This year’s SHOT Show® – the firearm industry’s annual trade show  – truly stood out among all previous events. From January 21 through January 24, the Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum in Las Vegas buzzed with constant energy throughout the week. Industry professionals were busy forging new relationships, reconnecting with long-time friends and looking for innovative ways to collaborate. 

This year, we introduced a unique storytelling component at the Project ChildSafe® booth, where attendees were encouraged to sign a whiteboard and share a personal anecdote on “Why Secure Storage Matters to You.” To enhance this experience, attendees were offered Polaroid cameras to capture a tangible, immediate snapshot of meaningful moments while at SHOT Show. At Project ChildSafe, we believe responsible firearm ownership goes beyond flashy activations; it’s about making personal connections and engaging with people on a deeper level.

Some of the attendees who shared their thoughts on why secure storage matters include: 

• Kia Glenn, National African American Gun Association (NAAGA): “I practice safety because our lives depend on it!” 
• Claire Houtsma: “It can create space between a person thinking about suicide and their firearm, so they can get help and support. 
• Stiffler Family, Stiffler Manufacturing: “Safety is our number 1 concern with us having two little boys. Thank you!” 

SHOT Show attendees who stopped by the Project ChildSafe booth also had the opportunity to learn more about Gun Storage Check Week®, which is a national awareness campaign that reminds gun owners to check on their storage practices to ‘Make Sure It’s Secure. Visitors received a variety of educational resources and were encouraged to sign up as supporters and participants for this year’s annual observance, which kicks off in June during National Safety Month and continues in September for Suicide Prevention Month. To spread the word, Project ChildSafe also appeared on multiple radio shows, such as KNZR 1560AM and The Lars Larson Show. If you’d like to be part of this year’s Gun Storage Check Week efforts, please sign up to become a supporter today! 

To conclude our week on a high note, we had Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian, visit the Project ChildSafe booth for a meet and greet, helping us spread the message of secure storage and suicide prevention resources with attendees. 

Overall, we’re grateful and excited to have built new relationships with inspiring individuals like King Pedford, who is educating the next generation of hunters on the importance of conservation, The Armory Project, a valuable partner on vital suicide prevention efforts, and A Better Way 2A, who shares our passion and mission to promote real firearm safety solutions for every community. 

Project ChildSafe and Gun Storage Check Week are programs of NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association®. NSSF owns and manages the SHOT Show.