WGOAA Blog

    Stories, tips, and resources for women gun owners across America.

    Latest Articles

    Why Most Concealed Carry Advice for Women Doesn’t Work

    February 20, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Why Most Concealed Carry Advice for Women Doesn’t Work

    Most concealed carry advice for women was built on male assumptions. Here’s why it fails — and what female-specific training actually changes.

    FirearmsConcealed CarryTraining
    Why Firearms Training for Women Can't Just Be a Pink Version of a Man's Class

    February 20, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Why Firearms Training for Women Can't Just Be a Pink Version of a Man's Class

    The firearms industry has spent decades teaching women how to shoot like men. That's not training — it's negligence. Only 8% of firearms instructors are women, and the training gap is putting lives at risk. Here's why women's firearms training must be designed by women, for women.

    Self DefenseConcealed CarryShooting
    What to Look for in a Firearms Instructor for Women

    February 19, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    What to Look for in a Firearms Instructor for Women

    Not every firearms instructor is qualified to train women. Here's what to look for — and what to run from — when choosing a firearms instructor as a woman.

    InstructorsTrainingShooting
    Best Concealed Carry Guns for Small Women: A Woman's Guide to Finding Your Perfect Fit

    February 19, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Best Concealed Carry Guns for Small Women: A Woman's Guide to Finding Your Perfect Fit

    Tired of being handed a man's gun? Discover the best concealed carry firearms for petite and small-framed women — grip fit, recoil tips, holster advice & top picks from women who actually carry.

    HandgunsConcealed CarryFirearms
    Why Women Freeze Under Stress: Understanding the Feminine Freeze Response

    February 6, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Why Women Freeze Under Stress: Understanding the Feminine Freeze Response

    Concealed CarryCourageFirearmsHandgunsSelf DefenseUncategorizedWomen Shooters
    Situational Awareness for Women: How to Recognize Danger Before It Happens

    January 30, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Situational Awareness for Women: How to Recognize Danger Before It Happens

    CourageFearFirearmsPhysical FitnessSelf DefenseUncategorizedWomen Shooters
    Best Concealed Carry Options for Women: On-Body vs Off-Body Explained

    January 29, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Best Concealed Carry Options for Women: On-Body vs Off-Body Explained

    CourageFirearmsSelf DefenseUncategorizedWomen Shooters
    How Women Build Confidence With Concealed Carry: Real-World Training, Gear, and Mindset

    January 28, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    How Women Build Confidence With Concealed Carry: Real-World Training, Gear, and Mindset

    Concealed CarryCourageFirearmsSelf DefenseShootingUncategorizedWomen Shooters
    Why More Women Are Choosing Concealed Carry—And Doing It Their Own Way

    January 27, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Why More Women Are Choosing Concealed Carry—And Doing It Their Own Way

    Concealed CarryCourageFirearmsHandgunsSelf DefenseUncategorizedWomen Shooters
    Pre-Incident Indicators Women Miss: Why most encounters are decided long before they turn physical

    January 26, 2026

    · Amara Barnes

    Pre-Incident Indicators Women Miss: Why most encounters are decided long before they turn physical

    CourageFirearmsSelf DefenseUncategorizedWomen Shooters
    Own Your Space: How Women Command Presence in Any Room

    May 14, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    Own Your Space: How Women Command Presence in Any Room

    Uncategorized
    When His Gun Becomes Your Responsibility Too: A Woman’s Guide to Facing It Head-On

    May 8, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    When His Gun Becomes Your Responsibility Too: A Woman’s Guide to Facing It Head-On

    BlogWomen Shooters
    How to Turn “Mom Guilt” Into “Mom Prepared”

    May 2, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    How to Turn “Mom Guilt” Into “Mom Prepared”

    BlogFirearmsHandgunsSelf Defense
    Protecting Your Family and Defending Your Home: What You Need to Know about Castle Doctrine

    March 10, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    Protecting Your Family and Defending Your Home: What You Need to Know about Castle Doctrine

    BlogCourageHome DefenseSelf Defense
    How to Survive Your First Advanced Shooting Course: A No-Nonsense Guide for Women Who Mean Business

    February 19, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    How to Survive Your First Advanced Shooting Course: A No-Nonsense Guide for Women Who Mean Business

    ShootingWomen Shooters
    Top Networking Tips for Firearms Instructors to Grow Your Business

    February 12, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    Top Networking Tips for Firearms Instructors to Grow Your Business

    BlogFirearmsUncategorized
    Top 5 Mistakes Female Firearms Instructors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

    February 4, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    Top 5 Mistakes Female Firearms Instructors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

    Firearms
    Are You Prepared to Act in Self-Defense?

    January 31, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    Are You Prepared to Act in Self-Defense?

    CourageFearSelf Defense
    Top 3 Myths About Women and Guns That Need to Die

    January 29, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    Top 3 Myths About Women and Guns That Need to Die

    FirearmsPersonal DevelopmentSelf DefenseWomen Shooters
    The 5 Best Shooting Drills for Building Real-World Confidence

    January 22, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    The 5 Best Shooting Drills for Building Real-World Confidence

    ShootingShotgunWomen Shooters
    How to Avoid the “Range-Day Blues” in 3 Simple Steps

    January 14, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    How to Avoid the “Range-Day Blues” in 3 Simple Steps

    BlogShootingWomen Shooters
    Concealed Carry Confidence: 5 Steps to Stop Fidgeting and Start Feeling Prepared

    January 8, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    Concealed Carry Confidence: 5 Steps to Stop Fidgeting and Start Feeling Prepared

    Concealed CarryUncategorized
    5 Reasons Your Firearms Business Isn’t Growing (and How to Fix It)

    January 2, 2025

    · Amara Barnes

    5 Reasons Your Firearms Business Isn’t Growing (and How to Fix It)

    BlogFirearms
    Empowering Women Gun Owners: Your Right to Defend and Protect

    December 29, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    Empowering Women Gun Owners: Your Right to Defend and Protect

    Are you prepared for the legal battle of defending yourself with a firearm? You have rights...know them!

    Concealed CarryCourageFearSelf Defense

    November 25, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    Why should a woman arm herself? - A different take on it

    BlogFirearmsUncategorized
    From Novice to Independent: Building Consistent Training Habits for Female Gun Owners

    September 27, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    From Novice to Independent: Building Consistent Training Habits for Female Gun Owners

    BlogCouragePersonal Development
    Empowering Women Through Firearms Training: A Path to Personal Safety

    August 16, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    Empowering Women Through Firearms Training: A Path to Personal Safety

    AmmoBlogConcealed CarryCourageFearFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentPhysical FitnessRecreationRiflesSelf DefenseShootingShotgunSmith & WessonWomen Shooters
    Mastering Firearm Selection and Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

    July 9, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    Mastering Firearm Selection and Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

    AmmoBlogConcealed CarryCourageFearFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentPhysical FitnessRecreationRiflesSelf DefenseShootingShotgunSmith & WessonWomen Shooters
    Choosing the Right Everyday Carry: Insights for Responsible Concealed Carry Enthusiasts

    June 28, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    Choosing the Right Everyday Carry: Insights for Responsible Concealed Carry Enthusiasts

    AmmoBlogConcealed CarryCourageFearFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentPhysical FitnessRecreationRiflesSelf DefenseShootingShotgunSmith & WessonWomen Shooters
    Mastering the Art of Self-Defense: Insights from Marty Castellanos, Firearms Instructor

    May 12, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    Mastering the Art of Self-Defense: Insights from Marty Castellanos, Firearms Instructor

    AmmoBlogConcealed CarryCourageFearFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentPhysical FitnessRecreationSelf DefenseShootingShotgunSmith & WessonWomen Shooters
    Empowering Women Through Personal Safety: Lessons from Amara Barnes and Julia Valencia

    April 5, 2024

    · Amara Barnes

    Empowering Women Through Personal Safety: Lessons from Amara Barnes and Julia Valencia

    AmmoBlogConcealed CarryCourageFearFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentPhysical FitnessRecreationRiflesSelf DefenseShootingShotgunSmith & WessonWomen Shooters
    Mastering Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    October 31, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Mastering Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    Concealed CarryCourageFearFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentRecreationSelf DefenseShootingWomen Shooters
    Responsible Firearm Ownership: Ensuring Safety for Your Loved Ones

    October 30, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Responsible Firearm Ownership: Ensuring Safety for Your Loved Ones

    Concealed CarryCourageFearFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentRecreationSelf DefenseShootingWomen Shooters
    Mastering Firearm Etiquette: A Guide to Safe Gun Handling

    October 3, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Mastering Firearm Etiquette: A Guide to Safe Gun Handling

    Concealed CarryCourageHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentRecreationSelf DefenseShootingWomen Shooters
    Arming Empowerment: The Story Behind the Women Gun Owners Association of America

    September 26, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Arming Empowerment: The Story Behind the Women Gun Owners Association of America

    Concealed CarryCourageHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentRecreationSelf DefenseShootingWomen Shooters
    Persisting Beyond Training: The Continuing Journey of New Female Gun Owners

    July 31, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Persisting Beyond Training: The Continuing Journey of New Female Gun Owners

    Blog
    Embracing Independence: The Journey of a First-time Female Gun Owner

    July 20, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Embracing Independence: The Journey of a First-time Female Gun Owner

    Blog
    Why More Women Are Becoming Gun Owners in America: Empowered and Unafraid

    July 17, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Why More Women Are Becoming Gun Owners in America: Empowered and Unafraid

    Blog
    Promoting Equal Access: A Guide for Women Navigating Gun Ownership in America

    July 10, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Promoting Equal Access: A Guide for Women Navigating Gun Ownership in America

    Blog
    Know Your Rights: A Summer Guide to Gun Laws for Women in the Outdoors

    July 7, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Know Your Rights: A Summer Guide to Gun Laws for Women in the Outdoors

    Blog
    Empowering Summer Independence: How Women's Familiarity with Firearms Promotes Self-Reliance

    July 5, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Empowering Summer Independence: How Women's Familiarity with Firearms Promotes Self-Reliance

    Blog
    Your First Steps to Independence: A Comprehensive Guide for Female Gun Owners on Understanding Firearm Basics

    July 4, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Your First Steps to Independence: A Comprehensive Guide for Female Gun Owners on Understanding Firearm Basics

    Blog
    The New Gun Owner's Guide to Holsters: Finding the Right Fit for You

    June 30, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    The New Gun Owner's Guide to Holsters: Finding the Right Fit for You

    Blog
    Getting Started with Dry Fire: An Essential Practice for Beginners

    June 28, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Getting Started with Dry Fire: An Essential Practice for Beginners

    Blog
    Gun Cleaning 101: Maintain Your Firearm in the Summer Heat

    June 26, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Gun Cleaning 101: Maintain Your Firearm in the Summer Heat

    Blog
    Summer Safety for Solo Women: Tips for Staying Protected and Confident

    June 15, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Summer Safety for Solo Women: Tips for Staying Protected and Confident

    Blog
    Solo but Secure: Staying Safe on Your Outdoor Adventures This Summer

    June 13, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Solo but Secure: Staying Safe on Your Outdoor Adventures This Summer

    Blog
    Sun, Safety, and Self-Confidence: Exploring the Benefits of Learning Firearms in the Warm Season

    June 13, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Sun, Safety, and Self-Confidence: Exploring the Benefits of Learning Firearms in the Warm Season

    Blog
    What to Expect for Your First Shooting Range: Tips for a Successful Experience

    June 9, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    What to Expect for Your First Shooting Range: Tips for a Successful Experience

    Blog
    Mapping Your Firearms Journey: How to Set and Achieve Personal Goals in Firearms Training

    June 6, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Mapping Your Firearms Journey: How to Set and Achieve Personal Goals in Firearms Training

    Blog
    Your First Summer with Firearms: Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Transition into Gun Ownership

    June 3, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Your First Summer with Firearms: Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Transition into Gun Ownership

    Blog
    <strong>The Essential Gear Every Female Gun Owner Should Have</strong>

    March 3, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    <strong>The Essential Gear Every Female Gun Owner Should Have</strong>

    Concealed CarryCourageHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentRecreationSelf DefenseShootingWomen Shooters
    5 concealed carry options that will set you free

    February 17, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    5 concealed carry options that will set you free

    Concealed CarryCourageHandgunsRecreationSelf DefenseWomen Shooters
    Introducing friends and family to your first pew

    February 3, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Introducing friends and family to your first pew

    CourageHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentSelf Defense
    Committing to concealed carry as a lifestyle

    January 6, 2023

    · Amara Barnes

    Committing to concealed carry as a lifestyle

    Concealed CarryCourageFirearmsHandgunsPersonal DevelopmentSelf DefenseWomen Shooters
    Kids and Firearms

    December 21, 2022

    · Amara Barnes

    Kids and Firearms

    RecreationSelf Defense
    Physical Fitness & Self Defense

    November 25, 2022

    · Amara Barnes

    Physical Fitness & Self Defense

    CouragePersonal DevelopmentPhysical FitnessRecreation
    5 Reasons why every woman should learn to shoot

    November 11, 2022

    · Amara Barnes

    5 Reasons why every woman should learn to shoot

    FirearmsHandgunsRecreationSelf DefenseShootingWomen Shooters