Shoot A Gun That Fits
Women aren’t built like men,
so why would they shoot the same gun?
Women typically have smaller hands, longer necks, higher cheekbones, slanted shoulders and (of course) different chests than men.
This ALL impacts gun fit.
The solution? Shotguns built for women!
Three Indicators That A Shotgun Doesn't Fit
Bruises
Bruised shoulders, armpits, and cheeks are a clear indication that the gun does not fit. There are several factors that create these bruises and they are not all necessarily one in the same.
Recoil
The number one reason that women are intimidated by firearms is due to recoil. We hear stories of women that hunted with their family as children and got knocked on their behinds. So they carry this memory with them and the apprehension.
With frequency women will make appointments and they have been directed to purchase a new 20g shotgun to avoid recoil. This the majority of the time is the worst advice they can be given. Purchasing a 20g does not reduce recoil. A 20g has its place and that is for hunting not competitive shooting sports. So, many gals are shocked when they have been fit for a 12g and don’t feel recoil and when they demo a 12g and 20g back-to-back they find out that they felt a substantial difference.
Performance
Improved performance is one of the primary reasons that women visit us, and while, practice is super important, practice alone won’t create the desired results if that shotgun doesn’t fit.
That eye must be properly balanced, the length-of-pull just right so that consistent mounting is possible. Before, these things can happen, the eyes must be addressed, along with proper stance and mounting etiquette.
You Are Not Alone
The last three years, Tracy counseled nearly 500 plus women of all ages focusing on gun fit, shooting basics and performance. Women often shared that they feel intimidated and uncertain about their chosen shooting sport.
These women had a desire to improve their performance and overall experience. Many women were getting “beat up” and bruised (by ill-fitting guns) and not achieving the scores they wanted. Several expressed frustrations at not knowing what would help but they were driven to find a solution. Even though many of them grew up hunting with their parents, siblings and friends, they didn’t know what would help but they were driven to find a solution. Even though many of them grew up hunting with their parents, siblings and friends, they didn’t know what would get them to the next level.
Gun fit is number and for most women, they just don’t know what it’s supposed to look and feel like. Frequently, they have had a youth gun put in their hands, or a “shrink-it and pink-it” gun (which in most cases, is a youth gun with pink on it) or the dreaded man’s gun where someone cut down the stock for them!
Fitting a gun to a woman’s frame is more nuanced that most gun dealers can appreciate. They simply lack the experience or knowledge to fit a woman properly.
