Sisters in Arms
By: Julian Johnson, WBBH
Updated: January 6, 2012
Some say it's for protection, others say it's to relieve stress, but
regardless of the reason, women are picking up guns at an ever growing
rate, which could be why the world of weapons is getting just a little
bit pinker.
"It's exciting. It's an adrenaline rush. It's the feeling of getting better as time goes on," said NRA instructor Beth Fraser.
Fraser is part of a trend that's taking the nation by storm.
"Once you really get into it and start enjoying it there's no comparison," she said.
According to a recent Gallup poll the percentage of women with guns is at a new high of 43-percent.
"Most of the time, they come in for self defense then realize it's a lot of fun and a great sport," said Jon Dezendorf of Fowler Firearms.
Violent acts are on the rise locally and nationwide.
Many women gun owners we spoke to said they believe a weapon all but guarantees their safety.
"It's just a nice feeling to know if you had to, you could defend yourself," said Lauren Wallerstedt, who was shopping for guns Wednesday.
"There are not a lot of women out there that have someone all the time," Fraser added.
Fraser added the gun range can also be for recreation.
"It's a great way to relieve stress," she said.
"If you have something more potent like a .45, it's a little strong so you kind of get your blood going," added gun owner Lorie Van Winkle.
And with many manufacturers shipping out pink guns and accessories, they're hoping women keep coming back for more.
"I'm still a girl at heart so I like the pink and purple," Van Winkle said.
"If it's a way to get them started, I'm all for it. I think it's great," Fraser said about the pink and purple guns.
Because of the increase in girls with guns, many local gun stores now hold ladies nights in an effort to educate women about how to properly use, store and clean their weapons.
"It's exciting. It's an adrenaline rush. It's the feeling of getting better as time goes on," said NRA instructor Beth Fraser.
Fraser is part of a trend that's taking the nation by storm.
"Once you really get into it and start enjoying it there's no comparison," she said.
According to a recent Gallup poll the percentage of women with guns is at a new high of 43-percent.
"Most of the time, they come in for self defense then realize it's a lot of fun and a great sport," said Jon Dezendorf of Fowler Firearms.
Violent acts are on the rise locally and nationwide.
Many women gun owners we spoke to said they believe a weapon all but guarantees their safety.
"It's just a nice feeling to know if you had to, you could defend yourself," said Lauren Wallerstedt, who was shopping for guns Wednesday.
"There are not a lot of women out there that have someone all the time," Fraser added.
Fraser added the gun range can also be for recreation.
"It's a great way to relieve stress," she said.
"If you have something more potent like a .45, it's a little strong so you kind of get your blood going," added gun owner Lorie Van Winkle.
And with many manufacturers shipping out pink guns and accessories, they're hoping women keep coming back for more.
"I'm still a girl at heart so I like the pink and purple," Van Winkle said.
"If it's a way to get them started, I'm all for it. I think it's great," Fraser said about the pink and purple guns.
Because of the increase in girls with guns, many local gun stores now hold ladies nights in an effort to educate women about how to properly use, store and clean their weapons.
