Bunnell, FL – While the number of men holding a conceal carry permit outweighs women by about 3-to-1, the number of women receiving their permits has continued to rise over the past four years.
Debbie Bowers is one of 16,148 concealed weapon/firearm license holders in Flagler County as of January 2021, and while she has had her firearm and permit for the past six years, it was not until she began spending time at the Bunnell Range and taking private lessons that she became increasingly comfortable using her firearm.
As a member of A Girl & A Gun Flagler County chapter, she’s among more than 50 women who are honing their skills with a firearm, while learning “firearm etiquette”, under the instruction of facilitator Kathleen Robinson.
“Even though I just started shooting with my husband, I’ve had my conceal weapon permit for six years, but I just wasn’t doing anything with it,” said Bowers.
“I came out and I was so impressed. There were so many women and it was very empowering to know that a lot of the women were already shooting and it just became something I thought I really need to get into,” she said. “I’ve learned so many things about guns, every time we get together it’s so informative.”
A domestic abuse survivor, Bowers said the instruction and range practice gives her a sense of confidence.
“I definitely feel more confident with the gun,” she said. “I think that was the reason I’d just held off not doing anything with it – I was afraid of it, but the group’s taught me to get comfortable with it. I can see why some women get into a position and feel vulnerable but I don’t feel vulnerable anymore. It’s not just about guns, it’s about self-defense.”
Building camaraderie with fellow members, A Girl & A Gun events begin with a safety session according to Robinson, founder of Shelby-Safe Training, and a certified firearms instructor who works closely with the women to fine-tune their skills and take them to the next level.
“I’ve gotten a lot of interest from ladies who are looking for training and some more activities to do here in Flagler County,” said Robinson, founder of A Girl & A Gun Flagler County chapter.
“It doesn’t matter where you start, we want to help you build upon that,’ she said.
In addition to firearms safety and instruction, the chapter engages in competitive shooting, and will host their first quarterly match for an opportunity to move through the ranks and compete at the national level.
The $50 membership includes social activities like Girls Night Out and Breakfast and Bullets, and instructional classes like holstering, rifle clinics, and ax throwing.
“We’re very excited about what we’re doing,” she said.
Naomi Beggelman, operations manager for the
Bunnell Range enjoys being the host range for A Girl & A Gun Flagler County chapter.
“It is very exciting to see more and more female shooters in Flagler County,” said Beggelman. “A Girl & A Gun is a great group where they can partner up, learn new safety techniques together, and form new friendships in the community. We are thankful to be their host range and get to watch everyone grow together.”
Find Out More:
– Bunnell Range: www.bunnellrange.com
– Shelby-Safe Training: www.shelbysafetraining.com
– A Girl & A Gun Flagler County Chapter: www.agirlandagun.org/cat/fl-flagler-county
