Never in a Milion Years

 When I first started this journey into the world of guns, I had no idea that 3 years later this world would be so much a part of my life.   Girlz N Guns, LLC started out as a t shirt company.  A way for me to earn some "ammo money".   Flash forward... Girlz N Guns has turned into an all women's firearms training company.  We have had over 1,000 women come through our classes in less than one year.  Who knew there would be so much interest?  

While sitting in a Starbucks recently, a female friend of mine asked, "Who are these women? Where do they come from? "  I looked around the room  and gestured toward the women I saw, working on their computers, having meetings, reading, chatting,  and said, " Right here! They are these kind of women. Moms, teachers, doctors, lawyers, nannies, nurses, housekeepers, students, grandma's, etc. Regular, REAL, women you pass on the street everyday." 

One of the most amazing things about teaching these classes is the women I meet.  These are women from all different socioeconomic backgrounds and races.  Some of them come in groups, some come alone.  Some come as families!  Three generations is not uncommon at all.  Not only have I watched friendships being formed among these women, but many of my students have become my friends! 
I think it would be a true statement to say that  most of us would have never crossed paths had it not been for this shared common interest to learn more about guns.  

Never in a million years would I have guessed that something so often surrounded by  controversy would bring women together in this way.

Camaraderie

: a feeling of good friendship among the people in a group

Camaraderie is what I experience among the shooting community.  I am constantly amazed at how supportive and helpful everyone is to each other.  If you show up to a match without an important piece of equiptment,( like your gun??) rest assured, hope is not all lost!  Someone will help you if at all possible.  How do I know this?  I have witnessed it first hand at a major match and at ranges on a regular basis.  One such incidence,  A guy forgot his competition rig.  This would surely mean his 3+ hour car drive and match fees would go to waste if it were not for his competitors quickly spreading the word and finding everything he needed.  I've seen people's guns break, sights fall off, run out of ammo and yes, I drove an hour + to a match only to realize I forgot my gun and complete strangers come to the rescue.  These are the kind of people with whom I like to keep company. 

If you forget your lunch, need some advil, or just have a question, someone is always willing to offer a helping hand.  There is a true sense of camaraderie in the shooting community.  This I know to be true.