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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Women, A Neglected Consumer Group In A Man's World?


There was a great comment posted on The Well Armed Woman's Facebook page which really identified one of the challenges we have as women as we enter the testosterone rich world of firearms. It also highlighted the potential we have as a "consumer group" to effect and influence the firearm industry. USA Today reported that in 2011, women make up 23% of firearm owners. This is substantially up from 15% in 2010 and 13% in 2009. In Shelley's FB post, she mentioned the "desire for women to be recognized as actual, potential customers! I cannot tell you how many times I get ignored...and I don't like to spend my money where I'm not appreciated!"
Women are a mighty consumer force and we have some very specific needs which must be met to make decisions and correct purchases. Not an unreasonable request when we are spending our dollars on potentially life saving equipment and accessories.
Let's have a constructive discussion on what we need specifically to have these needs met and what The Well Armed Woman can do to not only satisfy what is needed, but to be an influence and a voice in the firearm industry. Please share with The Well Armed Woman your thoughts, ideas and needs on this subject.

8 comments:

  1. Carry Guns
    Posted by LEAH 2/5/2012 3:29:16 PM
    What's everyones favorite gun to carry? I joke that a gun is like my accessory ... it depends on what I am wearing. I have four different carry guns. My smallest is a Ruger LCP 380 and my largest is a Glock 9 mm. I love the Ruger because I can carry it in a IWB on a skirt (and not loose my skirt!). My favorite is probably my Walther PPS with a Cross Breed holster because of it's sleek size and the really comfortable holster. The biggest challenge I have is that sometimes a gun just doesn't work with an outfit and I'm forced to carry in my purse. I haven't found a carry purse that I like yet, so I just keep it in a holster in my purse. What are some options/choices you have made?

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  2. Posted By CARRIELIGHTFOOT123 on February 6, 2012
    Because I too have more than 1 carry gun, I also make the choice based on what I am wearing. For women with 1 carry gun, the choice is one of which holster to choose. Having multiple holsters to wear with different clothing styles is really important.
    The easiest gun for me to carry is my Kahr P.380. It's slim, light and easy to conceal. In the waistband is preferred, but love the undergarment pants and the flashbang bra holster which is clipped to my bra between cups. I too must carry in my purse sometimes, typically in a pocket holster in a separate compartment. I am product testing some of the concealed carry purses and will keep you posted on my favorites. I LOVE my Kimber .45 1911, but it is a little to big to carry most of the time.

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  3. Posted By IDEEMOM4 on February 8, 2012
    I carry a glock 27 in undertech compression shorts on a regular basis, I'm looking for a good way to carry a smaller 'backup gun' on my ankle or in my boot. My hubby bought me a walther ppk, but the spring is to stiff for me to pull...

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  4. Posted By CARRIELIGHTFOOT123 on February 8, 2012
    Ankle carry can be discreet and comfortable. You do however give up some precious time in drawing your gun. Also keep in mind that you can't draw from your ankle if you are running or scrambling to avoid danger. But it is quite common especially for those that are in a sitting position much of the time. I don't wear boots so don't have any experience with carrying in a boot. I have however heard of people using a pocket or belt holster with a clip and clipping the holster on the top edge of the boot. Your boots would have to have the room to accommodate. What kind of gun are you considering instead of the Walther?

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  5. Posted By SANDIROSS on March 5, 2012
    Hi, I just saw your article and could not agree more. I stood at the BassPro counter for 20-30 minutes while a group of male employees stood in a group talking among themselves...they saw me but did not bother to come over...until my husband walked up and then one of them quickly approached and spoke to him not me! My husband had to tell him, SHE is the one who wants to speak with you, before the employee even acknowledged I was there! Needless to say, I did not purchase and found a private dealer, and I, not my husband, have purchased 5 guns from him. I don't know if it would take better trained employees or female employees behind the gun counter or a very public campaign to point out that women are a large consumer force. As far as BassPro goes, we voted with our feet!

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  6. I normally carry either a Taurus PT709 or PT738, depending on my attire. I have ordered (I hope) a better holster for the 9mm, one that conceals better IWB. Since I have been carrying concealed I have noticed an increase in self-confidence and assurance, straighter posture and more awareness of what is going on in my surroundings. All of this because of the training and information I have gleaned from various sources, not the least of which is from The Well Armed Woman. I share the info with my elder daughter who also carries (in another state) and have encouraged her to check out your website. I am proud to be a "'Chick' with a Gun."

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It is interesting how we "change" when we begin to carry a firearm. I have noticed that with myself too. We are so much more aware of everything once we take our protection into our own hands and are not somehow subtly dependent on another. Glad your daughter is carrying, sounds like you have been a wonderful role model for her. Thank you for sharing!

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