Over the years, the firearms industry has seen a large increase in the number of women taking part in exercising their right to bear arms. In fact, women make up the largest percentage of new gun owners and are a contributing factor in the nationwide increase in concealed-carry permits. This relatively new market in the gun world is primed and ready for support and partnerships to help it grow. GLOCK has stepped up to the plate in this capacity by reaching out to female shooting organizations to offer support through education, products, training and resources. There is a growing female presence in the firearms industry, and GLOCK is offering a warm welcome to these shooters.
There are hundreds of female shooting organizations that are looking for support and a go-to resource. GLOCK has answered the call and respectfully offers these groups help and assistance at all levels. Take, for example, the fairly new group called The Well Armed Woman (TWAW), established by Carrie Lightfoot in 2012 to give female shooters a less intimidating place to shoot. With its incredibly fast growth, it founded a chapter program in 2013 and more than doubled its membership in 2014.
Complete Support
Clearly, the increase in female shooters demonstrates a strong desire in women to learn to shoot and to train, and groups like TWAW are doing everything possible to meet that need. GLOCK is an active supporter of TWAW, and its focus on education and safety ties in nicely with what the group strives to do as well. In fact, TWAW received the 2015 GLOCK Safety Ambassador Award for momentous social media, reach and support.
TWAW values its relationship with GLOCK because it is a company that walks the walk. GLOCK does more than offer financial support. It was a top sponsor at TWAW’s National Chapter Leader Conference last year; it provided generous pricing programs; it provided educational support by sending GLOCK representatives to chapters’ monthly meetings; and the company brought GLOCK firearms for the women in attendance to shoot.
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GLOCK is serious about identifying what women in the industry need. GLOCK knows the power of knowledge, and the company shows its support by sending representatives to TWAW events to field questions, help with shooting and assist in the gun purchasing process. GLOCK offers a complete package of support and provides a plethora of resources.
One of TWAW’s chapters is The Range of Richfield, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This chapter was just launched in April of 2015 and has already seen incredible growth in interest and membership. GLOCK has quickly proven to be an active supporter of this particular chapter. Stephanie Esquell is a local gun enthusiast who is spearheading the Richfield/Milwaukee chapter, and she is impressed with GLOCK’s commitment to helping them succeed. GLOCK makes sure the chapter leaders have contact with a GLOCK representative in the area to answer any questions and to offer their assistance. This is an invaluable resource as more and more women join the ranks of shooters. Education is key to the understanding that leads to confidence, and GLOCK is there to serve those who want to protect themselves.
Making A Difference
Another women’s shooting organization, A Girl & A Gun, was started simply because the co-founder, Julianna Crowder, wanted a less intimidating yet fun and comfortable place to shoot. When the women’s shooting club was founded in 2011, there were only five ladies in it. Julianna shared her guns, provided the ammo and taught a quick lesson. By the end of the evening, she had them wanting more. Soon after, the “Girls Night Out” program was born, and it has helped A Girl & A Gun experience a huge growth in membership ever since. GLOCK has taken notice of this growing organization and recently provided several pistols for it to use as giveaways, as well as extended GLOCK’s Discount Purchase Program. This type of collaboration helps to make it easier for organizations like A Girl & A Gun to have quality firearms to work with in their programs.
RELATED STORY: Leading Lady – A Girl & A Gun‘s Julianna Crowder
GLOCK’s support of these and similar groups is making a positive impact on the shooting sports industry, especially for women. GLOCK has been at the forefront of empowering women through the firearms industry. From support of exceptional Team GLOCK members like Tori Nonaka and Michelle Viscusi, to its hosting of a GLOCKLive event with a women’s panel, to its ongoing support of women shooting organizations, GLOCK leads the way. With the number of women involved in shooting sports and concealed carry on the rise, GLOCK is offering an invaluable service and reliable products. By supporting various shooting organizations, GLOCK can continue its legacy of promoting the importance of education and safety. GLOCK not only knows how to help anyone who wants to be a responsible gun owner, but it’s doing something about it.
For more information, visit http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com and http://www.agirlandagun.org.
