Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Beckley (WVVA) Gun advertising has traditionally been geared toward men but is now turning to women as they are increasingly becoming driving force behind firearm sales.
A 2015 report by the FBI revealed background checks to purchase the weapons are up almost eight percent and major retailers are attributing that rise to women.
What's behind the rise? According to Kathy Wall, it's personal security. She is among dozens of women brushing up on skills this month with NRA Instructor Herbie Atha. "I don't think there's a lot of publicity about personal safety, especially for women. I do think we depend somewhat too much on males."
According to the National Sporting Goods Association, she is one of thousands who are helping retailers see record sales of firearms this year, with almost 70 percent reporting more purchases made by women. "We're put into positions where we have to protect ourselves. It's more common now and we have to be prepared," added Wall.
Atha agrees that the rise is largely tied to self-defense. He said five percent of the women who take his class are victims of home break-ins. "We have a great police force, city, state, and county. We're fortunate in that respect. But they can't get there if the guy is kicking the door down.
"Ladies should be able to defend themselves. If someone is crazed or on drugs or mentally insane, and they're trying to get in your home and you're alone, you need to be able to defend yourself, and a gun is the only way," said Atha.