How Do Women And Men See Gun Ownership Differently?

Maybe you saw the story in the news recently about a pistol-packing woman in Keithville who thwarted a quartet of thieves who were bent on breaking into her home.  When confronted by the woman, the four hoodlums fled only to be captured by Caddo Parish Sheriff's deputies a short distance from the potential victim's home on Peggy Lane.

When speaking of gun ownership in America, most news stories don't break down the numbers demographically.  A new comprehensive study conducted by the Pew Research Center has done just that. The numbers show marked differences between  men and women and their views on and experiences with gun ownership.

According to the survey that was conducted in March and April of this year:

• 62% of gun owners in the U.S. are men.  22% of women say they own a gun.
• Women tend to become gun owners much later than men.  The average age tthat a woman first becomes a gun owner is 27, compared to 19 for men.
• Women gun owners are more likely than men to say that the only reason they own a gun is for protection.  27% of women fall into this category, while only 8% of men do.

One area that women and men definitely see eye-to-eye is in how they view gun ownership in general.  70% of women view the right to own a gun as being essential to their personal freedom.  77% of men hold that view.

With that in mind, perhaps you know of a woman who is interested in learning more about guns and how to use them.  Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator is offering two basic firearms and safety classes for women. The free classes will be conducted on November 4th and December 2nd from 9am-4pm at the Caddo Sheriff's Regional Training Academy.

Classes will be taught by Sheriff's deputies and will contain one-on-one instruction in the safe handling and firing of handguns on the Academy firing range.  Included will be information on Louisiana gun laws, self-defense, and situational awareness.

Participants are asked to bring their own handguns and ammunition. To pre-register call Community Programs at 318-681-0875.