Women Gun Ownership

[grantar2]

Some interesting stats from the just released NSSF Women and Gun Ownership Report.

2001 - 10% of hunters were women
2013 - 19% of hunters were women

2001 - 1.8 Million women hunters
2013 - 3.34 Million women hunters
86% increase

2001 - 3.34 Million women target shooters
2013 - 5.4 Million women target shooters
60% increase

Women gun owners spend an average of $870 annually on firearms purchases
and $405M annually on firearms accessories.

Top accessories:
1) Gun cleaning products
2) Targets
3) Ear protection
4) Carrying cases
5) Eye protection

73% of Women gun owners have taken at least one firearms training class.

Most important reasons for owning a gun for women gun owners
1) Self/home defense
2) Learn how to hunt
3) Go Shooting with friends and family.

43% of Women gun owners go target shooting once a month.

Three most popular firearms purchased by women:
1) Semi-auto pistol
2) Revolver
3) Shotgun

Top features influencing gun selection for women gun owners:
1) Fit
2) Quality
3) Practicality

73% of firearms retailers reported seeing more women in stores in 2013 compared to 2012.

All stuff you likely know, but NSSF has verified for you.

[Pally]

Thanks for the stats, sure do like the increases in women hunters/shooters!

"Women gun owners spend an average of $870 annually on firearms purchases and $405M annually on firearms accessories."

This sounds a little high for accessories....

[movie zombie]

largest growth of gun ownership is with women and shops should take note of that!

[BonnieB]

I'd venture to guess that women's spend rate for accessories has a lot to do with many of us being new-ish shooters.

I'm working on my FOURTH range bag right now, because my needs have changed a lot from being a first-time shooter with one gun. I got a second set of ears, some custom ear-canal plugs, a full-out gun cleaning set up, individual gun cases/rugs, and the list goes on.

Interestingly enough, the gun itself seems to be the least part of the cost, if you count in consumables, like ammo,targets and cleaning supplies, and accessories like range bags, extra mags, holsters, mag holsters, belts.

I've been seeing lots more women on the Sacramento ranges this last 18 months. Girls Night Out groups and pairs, Mothers and Daughters Groups, and especially whole families shooting together. Love it when families shoot together as a group.

[grantar2]

At the shot show Debbie and I attended all of the women oriented and as many of the retail oriented seminars / panels as we could and still cover all 1,600 vendors in the three days we had.

One of the take aways beyond the color issue, were special considerations for women. Different size for shooting glasses, ear protection. Making ear protection in pretty colors doesn't make them for a woman, fit, is as important as style and function. One area we concentrated on in finding new vendors after hearing one of the women's forum, was eye wear that fits better. Fortunately Mossy Oak has a company they are working with out of Florida addressing just that issue.

Likewise redesign of specific areas of guns stores and training for staff, even mystery shopping the staff to be sure they know their stuff. (We don't have brick and mortar) however a number of stores from across the country were. The report indicates something as simple as the more is less philosophy, putting overstock in the back so the retail area has a cleaner appearance. Providing clean dressing rooms make a huge volume, and value difference.

If the researchers are to be believed, and both are considered both experts in selling, as well as being world champion shooters, something as simple as a reminder card that gives the make, model, caliber, style / color if any on a business size card that you can take with you to remind you of the gun/outfit/accessory you liked but weren't ready to buy, will bring you back. Were going to try that.

In talking one on one we also had validated our concept for Concierge Service, so effective this week we started offing in office, club, home events, were people can get together an try merchandise.

The response to the reports drive to improve the experience of shopping to support the shooting sports, was well received. I think real acceptance was maybe 60 / 40.

[grantar2]

There were a lot of innovative products from woman owned companies at the SHOT Show. I expect to see some really neat stuff hit peoples shelves shortly.

One young lady, her husband and he mom, had some of the nicest, prettiest long gun cases I have ever seen. Machine washable, and padded to make a perfect mat for shooting prone, or to make into a chair for shooting well sitting. Brocade or some of the neatest purple, teal, or green real tree type camo you can imagine. They also make bow cases, which is what Debbie fell in love with.

My wife who enjoys shooting, came out of the SHOT Show with a laundry list of personal purchases she wants to make, including a new gun. (assuming it's available and on the list).

This is going to be a great year for the woman shooter. My hope is your local range / store attended the meetings, read the reports and will have what you want.

[LittleOldLady]

I say, "Whatever helps keep the 2A."
If other women want to accessorize and buy pink and purple things. Then more power to them!
Everyone is different.
Just because it is not for me does not make it wrong.
I do not post often, because I do not have much to say, it is like watching grandchildren talk about their toys.
Gives me pleasure to just sit back in my rocker and watch them play as it were.
I enjoy reading the comments on what other women are doing and their enthusiasm over firearms.

[Jules]

Grantar2, that reminder card is a fantastic idea, and so easy to execute. Sometimes I do quite a bit of shopping around, and notes would be great.

[grantar2]

Grantar2, that reminder card is a fantastic idea, and so easy to execute. Sometimes I do quite a bit of shopping around, and notes would be great.

Thank you for the feedback. Julie Golob and Randi Rodgers gave that idea during their course Merchandising to Women.

[Son of BAR7]

73% of Women gun owners have taken at least one firearms training class.

I wonder what the percentage is for men. I assume much lower.
Would this generality make women the more capable users amongst civilians?

[Steyrlp10]

When I was at Front Sight, it was nice to see how many women had signed up to shoot the Defensive Handgun courses!