Reading the article “Rise in firearms use by women a national trend” by Shannon M. Nass in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette made me reflect on the amount of women that enjoy the shooting sports. Being a woman myself, before being exposed to shooting on a daily basis my feelings were that owning or firing a gun was something that was out of reach. As I got more involved in the industry I found there are many women who are influential and even legendary as rifle marksman. In educating myself about the topic, I discovered a long tradition of women shooters from Annie Oakley, to Soviet snipers in WWII, and now even Sherri Gallagher – a woman who won the NRA national high power rifle match in 2010. After realizing that big guns aren’t just for big boys I decided to develop my marksmanship skills as well.
The stereotype that women only want guns for protection is being changed more and more. Women, including myself and other female colleagues, thoroughly enjoy getting to go to the range and shoot. After completing the Connecticut Pistol Permit course (and passing with flying colors, I might add) I found that I truly looked forward to the opportunities to head to the range and try shooting new weapons and learn as much about them as I could.
June 18, 2011 marks the second Women on Target event that PTR will be attending at the Metacon Gun Club in Simsbury, CT. What makes this year more special is that the female employees of PTR – Bianca Diaz and myself, Devin Green – will be teaching the women that attend how to handle and fire our PTR rifles. The opportunity to teach other women about something we are so passionate about is truly an honor.
I frequently answer customer service questions throughout the day and large percent of men ask if I shoot the rifles we manufacture. I generally answer with a smile on my face and proudly say “yes, and I love it”! I encourage women to get involved and shoot for the first time. Chances are you will love it too!
For more information on PTR-91 you can contact us at info@ptr91.com or (860) 676-1776.
To find a Women on Target event near you, check out the following link. http://www.nrahq.org/women/isc/clinics.asp
Pictures from the event will be posted on our Facebook Page – Click here to “Like” PTR-91
