Note from the Editor, Alex:
Girls in shooting? The answer should always be yes, get as many involved as possible and play your part in banishing the old ways back to the 1800’s where they belong. Here’s why from the view of a 16-year-old who loves all things shooting.
Now, over to our guest writer Evelyn:
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Shooting is often misunderstood — seen as intimidating, exclusive, or only for a certain type of person. Because of this, it hasn’t always felt accessible or appealing to women and girls. However, times are changing, and it’s time for the women of the UK to pick up a rifle, a shotgun, or a pistol and discover everything this sport has to offer.
No matter the area, shooting is a sport where women can truly thrive due to its equal nature, demand for discipline, and many opportunities. Contrary to popular belief, shooting is one of the most equal sports out there, relying mostly on pure skill with relatively few physical factors that might separate men and women. In many cases, men and women can compete in the same leagues, with and against each other.
Shooting, if anything, is a mental game, and if anyone will excel in that, it’s women. Women often have more patience, responsibility, and focus (especially at my age). So why is it men who get into the sport, jokingly telling their friends, “Don’t tell the wife,” as they purchase another gun or gear. It’s almost as if shooting is still seen as an “off-limits” activity for women, but the reality is that shooting is a sport that welcomes everyone. So, why not break those old-fashioned stereotypes and invite the women in your life to come with you (then you can buy as much as you want!)?
Not only does shooting build skills in responsibility and safety due to the nature of the sport, but it can also help immensely with the improvement of self-esteem. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of hitting a target after only a few attempts, and for girls starting shooting early on, it can lead to a lifetime of confidence and esteem. For husbands and fathers, I ask: why wouldn’t you want that kind of empowerment for the women in your life?
Shooting has a thriving community with many women’s clubs, events, and even online forums, where women can bond, share experiences, and learn together. There are also many great female role models in the sport, including Amber Rutter (Olympic silver medalist), Charlotte Kerwood (gold medalist), and Jennifer McIntosh (double gold medalist). Not only that, but there are many excellent opportunities for girls in shooting. With the support of clubs, training programs, and the growing community, girls and women have more chances than ever to achieve, excel, and make an impact in the sport.
As a 16-year-old girl myself, it’s easy to find it daunting trying to break into the sport of shooting, especially as I personally grew up surrounded by messaging about gender roles and the hobbies they should pursue. Boys my age and younger have always been given books, video games, movies, etc., about guns and the world of weapons, whereas it was always just assumed that the girls would not be interested (don’t get me wrong, I played my fair share of Halo growing up).
Luckily for me, I had the chance to explore many different hobbies and sports I’m interested in, including shooting. But even then, I am met with incredulity or just plain outrage from people around me when I tell them, often from boys at school or, in some cases, even teachers.
Which is why it is now more important than ever for more women to get into shooting—not only to achieve great things, grow personally, and challenge gender roles but also to just have a hell of a lot of fun. Because, when it comes down to it, hobbies and sports should not be limited to any specific group.
So, if you are a woman or a girl who likes the idea of firing shots downrange, or a husband or father who thinks your wife or daughter might love the same sport that you do, then definitely check out some links below to investigate getting women into shooting.
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Photo Credits:
NRA, home of British Sports Shooting: https://nra.org.uk/home-page/
BASC, British Association of Shooting and Conservation: https://basc.org.uk/women-in-shooting
Clay Pigeon Shooting Association: https://www.cpsa.co.uk/
Small Bore Target Shooting: https://www.nsra.co.uk/
Women's Country Community: https://thecountrygirlsuk.com/
Women in Shooting