A group called “The Well Armed Woman” is opening its first chapter in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Co-founder Patricia Harrold says the club will introduce women to shooting and gun safety skills while improving their marksmanship and confidence. “I definitely have worked with women who have tried and not been successful working with a male instructor,” she says, “especially those who are brand new to firearms.”

Harrold says for some women, it’s easier to learn from another woman. “I worked with one lady who was 73 years old and she had never fired a firearm before,” she says. “I spent several hours with her, working her through the basics because she just couldn’t get it from her husband. She felt uncomfortable and a bit intimidated. The approach I take obviously caters to women and what they need.”

Harrold says more women are buying guns and they want to learn and practice with other women. “Women ownership is increasing, up 47% in the past few years,” she says. “We’re beginning to dominate the industry. A lot of people are catering to us, creating their own brands. I just wanted to make a formal group that would advance the cause and pick up the connection between men and women who are interested in firearms.”

The group is teaming up with Cabela’s and the Omaha Gun Club. Harrold’s goal is 150 members.

(Radio Iowa)