Tactical Training for Women: Why It’s Growing and How to Get Involved

Since 2020, the number of women participating in firearm training has surged. In 2020 alone, around 8.4 million Americans became first-time gun owners—and women made up approximately 40% of them, marking a historic peak. A Pew Research–backed Harvard study also found that gun ownership among women rose from 15% in 2016 to 22% by 2022—a nearly 47% increase.

More women are entering courses focused on concealed carry, live-fire movement, and threat response. These students range from first-time gun owners to women pursuing instructor certification. Their reasons vary, but the goals are clear: better protection, more substantial confidence, and the ability to take control during emergencies. This growth has prompted instructors, gear manufacturers, and shooting ranges to reassess how they meet those needs. The most effective programs focus on function and consistency, not branding or assumptions.

Why More Women Are Training in Defensive Skills

Organizations like The Well Armed Woman and A Girl & A Gun report steady year-over-year growth. TWAW’s 2021 survey—based on responses from around 6,000 women—showed that women comprised over one-third of first-time gun buyers, and a similar proportion maintained active participation in training and purchasing. The USCCA notes similar increases in its multi-day carry certification and scenario-based programs.

Reasons women give for enrolling include:

• Gaining personal control in high-risk environments
• Reducing reliance on law enforcement during emergencies
• Addressing safety concerns tied to past experiences
• Building skills through direct, measurable training

Many attend their first course with a trusted partner. These introductions often lead to repeat attendance, range memberships, or pursuit of more advanced topics like night shooting or stress-based drills.

This steady return rate indicates that women who attend tactical training tend to continue once the environment fosters genuine learning.

What the Industry Is Doing to Support Female Shooters

Training and equipment are starting to reflect real-world use rather than generic categories.

On the gear side:

• Holsters now come in sizes built for shorter torsos or curved waistlines
• Appendix and inside-the-waistband carry systems use stronger clips and lower-profile rigs
• PHLster and CrossBreed Holsters both offer adjustable carry options suited for varied builds

At the training level:

• More instructors ask about prior experience before giving feedback
• Women’s-only classes create space to run repetitions without interruption
• Mixed courses improve when instructors stay focused on safety benchmarks rather than assumptions

Some instructors who previously worked in law enforcement now offer programs with flexible pacing, live-fire simulation, and side-by-side comparison drills. These methods benefit all students, regardless of gender, and help newer shooters navigate their learning curve with less hesitation.

How Women-Led Groups Are Changing the Training Culture

Female instructors and shooters are building training environments that prioritize clarity, progress, and consistency.

Groups like A Girl & A Gun offer:

• Chapter-led sessions with timed drills and benchmark tracking
• Local meetups that combine instruction with skill-based challenges
• Opportunities to attend national events with access to experienced coaches

Shoot Like a Girl travels nationwide with mobile simulators. They let new students test gear setups and understand firearm mechanics before committing to full instruction.

These programs create accountability and keep students engaged over time. They also produce new instructors, mentors, and shooting partners who reinforce safe training habits and high standards.

What Ranges and Instructors Can Do Better

Supporting tactical training for women starts with logistics, not slogans. Ranges that build real access and comfort see stronger retention from new students.

Key steps include:

• Keeping facilities clean, well-lit, and clearly labeled
• Offering locker storage or privacy areas for staging gear
• Allowing small-group reservations or schedule flexibility for returning students

Instructors who give neutral, technical feedback help students stay focused. This means skipping jokes, side commentary, or stylistic language. It also means correcting only what affects performance or safety.

To help women stay in training, create a space where they can work without distractions, includes clear language, consistent timing, and visible benchmarks.

What Tactical Training for Women Looks Like When It’s Done Right

Tactical training for women grows when the conditions support performance. Gear must fit. Courses must teach. Instructors must respect how students process stress, failure, and movement. The strongest programs eliminate confusion, allowing the shooter to focus on one thing at a time.

If you’ve built gear that works for your frame, trained under someone who made the material clear, or helped a new student complete their first draw from concealment, we want to hear about it.

Drop a comment with your setup, your biggest training change, or a drill that helped you improve under pressure. We’ll feature real tactics in a follow-up.

FAQs

Q: Why are more women signing up for tactical training?
A: Many want to manage threats directly, improve reaction timing, or gain skills that allow safe independence.

Q: What gear adjustments make carry training easier for women?
A: Holsters with stronger retention, flexible ride height, and shorter footprints improve draw speed while seated or standing.

Q: Are there groups focused on women’s firearms training?
A: Yes. A Girl & A Gun and Shoot Like a Girl run national programs with structured, measurable training goals.