HOUSTON (KHOU) — Some women do it for recreation and others do it for safety, but when it comes to learning, they do it together.
Nearly 47 percent more women are shooting today than a decade ago. Former special agent Tina Wilson has made it her mission to teach women about safety.
"At any time, at anyplace, violence can happen to us," Wilson said.
She founded "She Can Shoot." It is a four-hour firearms course that costs $55. Women walk away with a certificate of completion and knowledge of how to shoot safely.
"It takes away the intimidating factor of going into an all-male or male-dominated environment," Wilson said.
According to the national sales data, at least 17 million women own firearms in the United States. Wilson says women today like the challenge.
"Frankly," she said, "they are tired of feeling vulnerable."
Shelly Good-Cook is one of the women learning how to shoot.
"If I'm put in a situation where I need to use it, I don't want to think about anything but having to pull the trigger," Good-Cook said.
Once inside the range, the women are put to the test. It takes a while for them to warm up, but in no time, the only one that needs help is the target itself.
Five years ago, the National Rifle Association offered just 13 firearms training classes for women. Today, there are more than 200 nationwide. And here's an interesting fact; while some people still associate guns with men, a woman is actually responsible for inventing the bullet proof vest!
