Getting involved in the shooting community can be intimidating for any newcomer. It’s especially difficult for women. I’ve met some of my best friends through the shooting sports and I would hate to think that someone felt like they didn’t “belong.” The truth is, the shooting world is for everyone no matter your gender, color, or nationality and there are organizations to help bridge the gap all over the country, but none like A Girl and a Gun.
Led by Robyn Sandoval, AGAG welcomed over 700 enthusiastic women to Cameo Shooting and Education Complex just outside of Grand Junction, Colorado. The goal was simple: to “Accelerate” their confidence, and not just in shooting. For three days, students spent half day per class, chosen from a huge catalog. There were 61 classes to choose from ranging from drawing from a holster to Vehicle Defensive, teaching students how to stay safe in parking lots. There were classes on mental focus and defensive law, as well as basic maintenance tracts for revolvers, auto pistols, and my personal milieu “The Anatomy of the AR15,” which is why I was there to begin with.
Robyn and I have been trying to line something up for this for the last few years, but my schedule was always full of things a little closer to home. When she reached out this year, the stars aligned, and everything was going to work out just great. I have followed the organization for a long time and have several friends involved with them on one level or another. I knew what they were about, and I respect any group trying to bring new shooters in. Being my first conference, I really had no idea what to expect, but I grabbed a few rifles and tools and set out for the short 1,400-mile drive from Lexington, KY to Grand Junction.
For those who have flown with firearms before, you can sympathize with me when I say I’d rather drive. Flying with one gun is a pain, and I had several. I planned out my route right across the middle of the country and with a list of podcasts and books on “tape” on my phone, I was ready to see the countryside as God intended, from the windshield of a Silverado.
After a couple of days and millions of dead bugs on my bumper, I pulled into Cameo. The drive in from Denver was amazing. Everything from deep snow to beautiful desert canyons and everything in between. This was my first real interaction with AGAG, so I had no idea what to expect. I was a little nervous to be honest. I have taught hundreds of classes before, but a high percentage of my students were men and a high percentage of them were law enforcement of some sort. I have never taught an all-female class, much less 6 of them full of brand new shooters, but I was excited to even be asked to be a part of it, so I squashed the nerves with a protein bar and got ready for the next day. Outside, there was a vendor village set up so that the ladies could visit with and ask questions of folks who had something to offer them.
The next morning, I was in the classroom and ready to go way too early. I tend to do that when I go to new places just to be sure everything is good to go, and this time was no exception. Being early, I was able to see most of the ladies come into the compound and meet by the huge American flag. Now if you’ve been to any match anywhere that is primarily men, you know the vibe: we’re all excited to be there and see our friends, but no one is dancing, singing, or jumping around with anticipation. It’s somber as mags are loaded and gear is checked.
This was totally different.
Imagine going to a birthday party at a skating rink when you were a kid. The music is blaring, people are smiling and laughing, and the vibe is electric. You are so excited to get in there with your friends you can barely get your skates on. Imagine 700 women of all ages and skill levels doing the same thing, at a shooting range. It was absolutely amazing! I was blown away by the incredible energy these ladies were exuding. It was infectious. I even caught myself dancing before they got there. When the first class started coming in, I was so jacked up I almost started too early!
The women in my class were an absolute joy to teach. They were like sponges, absorbing every word I said and asking some fantastic questions. A couple even stumped me! Thank you, Google! Each class was 3.5 hours long but seemed like only a few minutes. One of the coolest things I saw about AGAG is the way they put their ladies where they need to be. My class was open to all levels, but other courses were a higher skill level than some of the students were ready for. By testing and dividing them into color groups, the student and the instructor immediately know looking at their badge what skill level they are working with. Not only is this extra safe, but an incredible way to be sure everyone is in the right place.
Another innovation that I hadn’t seen before at any event was a “Gear Check.” I spoke to Robyn briefly about it, and her take was simple: the students don’t have time not to be ready for class. It not only effects them, but everyone involved. They do everything in their power to keep that from happening. Students were lined up with their gun cases waiting to make sure they had what they needed. In the past, many of the new students would be so new that their gear had never been tested or even looked at by someone who knows what’s going on. AGAG squashed that through the Gear Check. Before they can attend class, everyone MUST have their gear checked and certified by AGAG staff, saving everyone time and frustration.
A Girl and a Gun doesn’t stop at the end of classes, either. In the evenings, there are social events and dinners throughout to help students meet the staff and each other. Being able to walk up and talk to a new person isn’t a skill everyone has and AGAG even helps with that. Introverts leave extroverts. These events also hook different chapters of the program together to strengthen the programs in their areas. There are individual chapters all over the country and more than likely, there’s one near you. If you are or have a lady in your life that you think could benefit from being around other women that love to shoot, this is the organization for you.
After 3 days and 6 classes, I’m glad to say my first conference was a success. I truly enjoyed being a part of this group and even though I’m not a woman, they did everything they could to make me feel as welcome as everyone else. Finding a group of people who you can share your passions with is truly a life-changing experience and I recommend anyone who is interested to reach out to their local chapter. AGAG is providing real information and instruction all year long and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it. People like Robyn and her team, Rangemaster Adam Wilcox, and all the RO’s instructors helped make this event a huge success. Honestly, I can’t wait for the next one!
-Nick
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