However a Pew Research Center study, found that Black people are still less likely to own guns. About a quarter of Black Americans owned a firearm while 36 percent of white people did in 2017.

If you are considering increasing your safety, consider things such as your emotional stability, living circumstances, and occupation. 

Emotional Stability

Women are emotional beings that feel and love deeply. When it comes to firearms, women have to react logically. Too often, people have drawn their firearms over emotional harm and not physical harm.

And make no mistake ladies, you could jeopardize your freedom for the misuse of a firearm. Logical reactions could prevent worse case scenarios such as domestic violence and homicide. According to research by the CDC, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men experience domestic violence.

Another major issue with firearms and emotional health is that most deaths by firearm are by suicide. CDC research in 2017 concluded that roughly 47,000 people died from suicide and about half of those deaths were by firearm.

Have a mental health check here and there, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional. Owning a firearm starts with being mentally capable of owning one.

Living Circumstances

Take a look at your current circumstances of how you live. Certain factors will push the initiative to own a firearm as a precaution. After you analyze your situation, you can determine your level of comfortability when it comes to safety. From there, the decision to purchase a gun will be easier.

Do you live alone?

Do you have children?

Are there any other adults that reside in the home?

Has any recent violence or crime occurred in your neighborhood?

Have you been a victim of a crime whether domestic violence, theft, etc.?

If you purchased a gun, how will it be stored?

There is a growing population of women who live alone. It could be from moving to another area away from family and friends, the loss of a spouse or domestic partner, or simply just being independent. Purchasing a firearm is a good precaution if you ever need to immediately defend yourself.

For ladies with children, if you are going to own a gun, please be strategic about how it will be stored for your children’s safety. If other adults live in your home such as your spouse, you still need to store the gun safely. 

If you have experienced a tragic event in the home, or you know events that took place in your neighborhood, owning a gun could bring comfort for you and your family. Keep in mind that even in the middle class and wealthier areas crime could still occur, even though the possibility is less likely.

Your Occupation

There are plenty of women who may work night jobs for many reasons from supplementing income to working in the nightlife industry. With the chances of crime happening during nightly hours, it could be beneficial to carry a firearm 

However, make sure you abide by your laws regarding where you can have your gun. Most jobs have security measures in place and you may only need your protection when traveling to and from home or going anywhere else.

If you do decide a gun is for you, take the next steps and get some firearm training. Knowledge and comfort handling a firearm are necessary to responsibly carry.

We’re constantly working to bring you more knowledge about women of color owning firearms.

Soon, our hand picked selection of firearms will be available. We also have self-defense accessories, range supplies, and apparel for sale.