Women are leading a surge in gun ownership — here’s why

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the world of gun ownership in America — and it’s being led by women.

For years, firearms ownership was seen as a predominantly male activity, but recent trends show that women are driving the surge in new gun buyers. A recent Gallup poll highlights this growing shift, showing that women are not only purchasing firearms at higher rates, they are rethinking what it means to protect themselves and their families in today’s world.

This is no fleeting trend; it’s a cultural shift. And it’s changing the face of gun ownership across the country.

According to Gallup, gun ownership has surged dramatically among women, particularly among Republican women, where ownership jumped from 19 percent in 2007-2012 to 33 percent in 2019-2024. This reflects a broader trend: Women are not just buying guns for recreational purposes, they are increasingly turning to firearms as a way to protect themselves in uncertain times.

And the shift isn’t limited to any one political group either. Democrats are also purchasing firearms at higher rates, driven in large part by concerns over personal safety. In fact, the desire for self-defense is now a bipartisan concern, transcending political lines, race and backgrounds and reflecting a broader spectrum of values and beliefs.

As a mother of three, I know firsthand what motivates millions of women across the country to take their right to protection into their own hands. It’s about protecting what matters most — our loved ones. In the face of rising crime, civil unrest and unpredictable threats, many women are choosing to own a gun to be their family’s first line of defense.

But it’s also about freedom, choice and personal empowerment. Women are no longer relying solely on traditional means of protection or waiting for others to ensure their safety. Firearms ownership gives women the power to defend themselves in a way that aligns with their own sense of security. This shift is part of a larger cultural change, one that values personal responsibility, self-reliance and the right to protect oneself. Women are taking control of their own narratives and shaping the future of gun ownership in the process.

It’s no surprise that many women who purchase firearms are also seeking out training. As this trend continues, it remains critical to ensure that women, especially first-time gun buyers, have access to the life-saving education, training and support they need to be confident and responsible gun owners. The U.S. Concealed Carry Association, where I serve as editor at large, has seen this trend reflected in seminars across the country. And as a certified firearms instructor, I’ve seen this often in my own classes.

This surge in women gun owners is more than just a passing trend; it’s part of a larger movement toward self-defense that is reshaping how Americans view their Second Amendment right. As more women arm themselves, they’re also becoming more educated about the legal, ethical and practical aspects of firearm ownership. This change is influencing the national conversation about gun rights and is likely to have a lasting impact on policy decisions for years to come.

One such issue that is top of mind for women gun owners is national concealed carry reciprocity. It’s a critical policy change that would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry their firearms legally across state lines. Concealed carry reciprocity strengthens individual liberties while also enhancing personal safety and bringing much-needed clarity to the legal landscape surrounding self-defense in America today. It ensures that women have the legal right and ability to protect themselves, no matter where they live or where they travel. Until Congress finally acts, and we hope they will next year, millions of concealed carry holders are at risk of arrest if they happen to cross the wrong state line.

As we look toward the future, it’s clear that women are a driving force in the gun ownership movement. Their increasing involvement in firearm ownership is helping to bridge historical divides and reshape how we think about self-defense. Women’s voices are becoming a central part of the debate surrounding the Second Amendment, and their contributions will help ensure that future discussions about gun rights and public safety are both inclusive and representative.

When women are empowered to protect themselves and their families, the entire nation benefits. And as more women embrace their right to bear arms, they are not only transforming the culture of gun ownership, they are ensuring a safer, more secure future for all Americans. And that’s something we should all support.

Beth Alcazar, award-winning author and certified firearms instructor, is editor-at-large for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. She testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance at a hearing titled, “Second Amendment Rights Empower Women's Rights.”

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