A growing number of women are choosing to own and use firearms. This is great news for the gun industry and shooting sports; however, women gun owners face a few unique considerations that many men never even think about. Here are a few things female firearm users need to keep an eye out for.

Firearms Sized for Men

This is a huge issue for many women gun owners, and it applies across all types of firearms. There are a few manufacturers that are jumping on board, making everything from firearms to concealed carry holsters for women. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

For example, handguns that have traditionally been designed and built for a man’s grip need a comprehensive redesign to make them comfortable and easy to use for women’s smaller hands. Shotguns and rifles need to be made with smaller stocks, not just long ones that have been cut down.

Chauvinism at the Range

You might like to think the world is past this stage, but, sadly, it is not. Women encountering chauvinism — and sometimes outright misogynistic hostility — at the range is a common occurrence. This can be anything from innocent comments like “Have you ever shot before?” to the blatant rudeness of “Everyone knows women can’t shoot as well as men.”

Ladies, do not allow this behavior to stop you from doing something you enjoy. Try to be patient with the folks who are more helpful and ignore the others. Find a group of shooters who are willing to support you and each other, and stick with them. Men, stop and think before you open your mouth. There is no reason to be downright ugly, which is exactly how your comments make you look.

Women gun owners are increasing in numbers, As they do, things are starting to change. However, you will still need to be aware of a few things, including improperly sized firearms and ignorance among male shooters at the range.