Number Of Women Buying Handguns Increasing

gmark340 · October 28th, 2009, 11:40 AM

Number Of Women Buying Handguns Increasing - cbs2chicago.com

Relatively positive article. The woman interviewed sounded pretty rational. One thing that was conspicuously missing, though, was the discussion as to whether any of the women buying handguns in Chicago could reasonably expect to get a concealed carry permit.

Number Of Women Buying Handguns Increasing
Reporting
Pamela Jones
CHICAGO (CBS) ―

Local gun shop owners say they're seeing an increase in the number of women shoppers right now. The reasons, they say, are many, including the downturn in the economy and violence on the street.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, about 48 percent of people taking their first handgun seminars this year happen to be women. CBS 2's Pamela Jones reports on the growing trend.

"It's very dangerous out there. I mean, there's people getting robbed here and there," said Josie Santiago. "It's just for protection."

Santiago says she's always thinking about the danger lurking on the streets of the Chicago area. It's a big reason why she visited Illinois Gun Works in Elmwood Park.

Not only did she shop for a new weapon, but she also wanted to find out about taking firearms training from the pros.

"It's better that you know how to use it," Santiago said. "You know, take the class, take the course, protect yourself."

And she's not alone. A National Shooting Sports Foundation survey found that the top two reasons women seek firearms training are for personal protection and target practice.

At Illinois Gun Works, the owners say they've seen a 40 percent increase recently in the numbers of women looking to take classes, and that the number of women coming in to purchase guns is rising, too.

"A lot more. We purchased this business seven years ago, and I've noticed the increase," said Debbie Mastrianni.

"It's not so much because they're scared. I think they just want to learn about it," said Don Mastrianni.

Josie Santiago says the lessons in personal security are something she wants to pass on to other women in her family, but she wants them to learn the responsibility of being behind the trigger as well.

"If it's in the wrong hands, you know, a lot of damage can be done," Santiago said.

Santiago is taking her interest in public safety a step further now. She's going for a degree in criminal justice and eventually would like to become a police officer.

Both Illinois Gun Works and the National Shooting Sports Foundation offer classes for first-timers.

For more information, click the links below.

Illinois Gun Works

National Shooting Sports Foundation: First Shots program
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

BlueNinjaGo · October 28th, 2009, 11:52 AM

I'm honestly thrilled about this. I've been talking to every female I know (co-workers, friends, and family) about getting armed with something. Even if they're against carrying a firearm, I try to at least get them to carry a pocket knife or pepper spray.

Rugergirl · October 28th, 2009, 11:59 AM

I'm doing my part, once every month or so

tiwee · October 28th, 2009, 04:50 PM

This is progress of the best sort. Perhaps progress at the ballot box will follow.

archer51 · October 28th, 2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Relatively positive article. The woman interviewed sounded pretty rational. One thing that was conspicuously missing, though, was the discussion as to whether any of the women buying handguns in Chicago could reasonably expect to get a concealed carry permit.

Conceal carry permits were not discussed because conceal carry does not exist in Illinois. It is even more restrictive than NJ. At least you can apply for one in NJ, you can't even do that in Illinois!

searcher 45 · October 28th, 2009, 06:32 PM

My wife, married daughter and three daughter in laws all own their own handgun or handguns, and some own their own shotguns and rifles as well, all shoot very well, and some have CHL already while the others are saving up to get theirs soon. The women of my family with training could make up a small assault squad. Attitude is right, shooting is good, need some teamwork training and they would be strong in defending their homes, families, and men folk. Don't mess with mommy or it could get very bad!!!!!

BlueNinjaGo · October 28th, 2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by searcher 45

some have CHL already while the others are saving up to get theirs soon.

Sounds like a great Christmas gift!

Quote:

Originally Posted by searcher 45

Don't mess with mommy or it could get very bad!!!!!

I know exactly what you mean... Sometimes I wonder if the BG is better off dealing with me or my g/f when it comes to my child's safety. Get my g/f mad enough or threaten our child in any way and I might actually feel bad for the BG... (a little.)

Eagleks · October 29th, 2009, 01:25 AM

I'm "for" women carrying... now having said that... I have also seen some that scare me because of their lack of knowledge in the use and safe handling of a gun. And, some that if any man approached them, I think they would pull it.... even though it was innocent as could be and they are afraid of their own shadow.

TN_Mike · October 29th, 2009, 02:56 AM

This is completely great news! More armed women means fewer unarmed victims!

retsupt99 · October 29th, 2009, 07:52 AM

I love to hear that anyone, but especially a women has decided to arm herself.
I have talked four of the female staff members (in a school) into getting their CCW permits during the last year. It is a Southern rural school...so probably no surprise.

There are actually nine individuals who have decided to get their permits in our high school...others already had them.
Ya' all, gotta' be 'fixin' to love rural FL...

October 28th, 2009, 11:40 AM	#1
gmark340 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 38	Number Of Women Buying Handguns Increasing Number Of Women Buying Handguns Increasing - cbs2chicago.com Relatively positive article. The woman interviewed sounded pretty rational. One thing that was conspicuously missing, though, was the discussion as to whether any of the women buying handguns in Chicago could reasonably expect to get a concealed carry permit. Number Of Women Buying Handguns Increasing Reporting Pamela Jones CHICAGO (CBS) ― Local gun shop owners say they're seeing an increase in the number of women shoppers right now. The reasons, they say, are many, including the downturn in the economy and violence on the street. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, about 48 percent of people taking their first handgun seminars this year happen to be women. CBS 2's Pamela Jones reports on the growing trend. "It's very dangerous out there. I mean, there's people getting robbed here and there," said Josie Santiago. "It's just for protection." Santiago says she's always thinking about the danger lurking on the streets of the Chicago area. It's a big reason why she visited Illinois Gun Works in Elmwood Park. Not only did she shop for a new weapon, but she also wanted to find out about taking firearms training from the pros. "It's better that you know how to use it," Santiago said. "You know, take the class, take the course, protect yourself." And she's not alone. A National Shooting Sports Foundation survey found that the top two reasons women seek firearms training are for personal protection and target practice. At Illinois Gun Works, the owners say they've seen a 40 percent increase recently in the numbers of women looking to take classes, and that the number of women coming in to purchase guns is rising, too. "A lot more. We purchased this business seven years ago, and I've noticed the increase," said Debbie Mastrianni. "It's not so much because they're scared. I think they just want to learn about it," said Don Mastrianni. Josie Santiago says the lessons in personal security are something she wants to pass on to other women in her family, but she wants them to learn the responsibility of being behind the trigger as well. "If it's in the wrong hands, you know, a lot of damage can be done," Santiago said. Santiago is taking her interest in public safety a step further now. She's going for a degree in criminal justice and eventually would like to become a police officer. Both Illinois Gun Works and the National Shooting Sports Foundation offer classes for first-timers. For more information, click the links below. Illinois Gun Works National Shooting Sports Foundation: First Shots program (© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

October 28th, 2009, 11:52 AM	#2
BlueNinjaGo Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 260	I'm honestly thrilled about this. I've been talking to every female I know (co-workers, friends, and family) about getting armed with something. Even if they're against carrying a firearm, I try to at least get them to carry a pocket knife or pepper spray. __________________ Bersa Thunder .380 cc Springfield XD 9mm sc

October 28th, 2009, 11:59 AM	#3
Rugergirl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,193	I'm doing my part, once every month or so __________________ Disclaimer: The posts made by this member are only the members opinion, not a reflection on anyone else, nor the group, and should not be cause for anyone to get their undergarments wedged in an uncomfortable position.

October 28th, 2009, 04:50 PM	#4
tiwee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozarks Posts: 1,009	This is progress of the best sort. Perhaps progress at the ballot box will follow. __________________ Amendment 2 advocate - Trying to explain the obvious to the oblivious.

October 29th, 2009, 02:56 AM	#9
TN_Mike VIP Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: West TN Posts: 7,720	This is completely great news! More armed women means fewer unarmed victims! __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -Barry Goldwater 1968

October 28th, 2009, 06:32 PM	#6
searcher 45 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TEXAS Posts: 415	My wife, married daughter and three daughter in laws all own their own handgun or handguns, and some own their own shotguns and rifles as well, all shoot very well, and some have CHL already while the others are saving up to get theirs soon. The women of my family with training could make up a small assault squad. Attitude is right, shooting is good, need some teamwork training and they would be strong in defending their homes, families, and men folk. Don't mess with mommy or it could get very bad!!!!!

October 29th, 2009, 01:25 AM	#8
Eagleks Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,740	I'm "for" women carrying... now having said that... I have also seen some that scare me because of their lack of knowledge in the use and safe handling of a gun. And, some that if any man approached them, I think they would pull it.... even though it was innocent as could be and they are afraid of their own shadow.

October 29th, 2009, 07:52 AM	#10
retsupt99 VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 22,731	I love to hear that anyone, but especially a women has decided to arm herself. I have talked four of the female staff members (in a school) into getting their CCW permits during the last year. It is a Southern rural school...so probably no surprise. There are actually nine individuals who have decided to get their permits in our high school...others already had them. Ya' all, gotta' be 'fixin' to love rural FL... __________________ "That I cannot do." "Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks." *********************************** NRA Life Member

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