More women are buying guns--they need gun locks

Soon after the 2024 presidential election, we noticed an uptick of women in social media posting about buying guns. We were curious about the trend and researched what was motivating first-time handgun buyers.

There’s a general consensus in the firearm industry that women gun owners have steadily increased over the years. According to the National Rifle Association, women gun ownership increased by 77% from 2005 to 2020. According to Pew Research, self-defense is a primary motivator. So what was happening now?

Women gun owners are diverse

In recent months, we haven’t been the only ones to notice social media chatter about buying guns. Here's one example--Beth Alcazar is editor at large at the U.S. Concealed Carry Association and a firearm instructor. In December 2024, she published an opinion piece at The Hill. She writes:

“There’s a quiet revolution happening in the world of gun ownership in America — and it’s being led by women.”

Appealing to concealed carry issues, she comments on the trend:

. . . . it’s part of a larger movement toward self-defense that is reshaping how Americans view their Second Amendment right. As more women arm themselves, they’re also becoming more educated about the legal, ethical and practical aspects of firearm ownership.

Women gun owners also cross the political divide.

According to a 2024 Gallup Poll, gun ownership has spiked among Republican women. Since 2007, the percentage of Republican women who own a gun has increased from 19% in 2007-2012 to 33% in 2019-2024. That said, The Guardian reported in late 2024 that women and women-identifying people were seeking out firearm instruction. More gun-shy progressives are also interested in defensive shooting.

From The Guardian:

The nationwide Liberal Gun Club said it had fielded thousands of new membership requests since the election, about half of which have come from women, with queer and trans people also accounting for a bulk of newcomers. One Wisconsin-based instructor has already trained 100 new members, according to the club spokesperson, Lara Smith. The Pink Pistols, a national gun group catering to LGBTQ+ people, said it had opened six new chapters since the election.

Everyone needs a gun lock, no matter what side they're on

Historically, politically motivated gun purchasing isn’t exactly new. And all gun owners, regardless of gender, have something in common. For starters, every first-time gun owner should receive proper training and practice. Additionally, safe gun storage and proper use of gun locks are also part of responsible gun ownership.

Buying a gun without a secure gun lock or storage option tempts fate. Each year, thousands of people die from firearm accidents. If more women are buying guns to protect themselves and their families, the conversation about gun locks needs to be part of the purchase.

We created SafeGunLock knowing that every gun owner needs to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. An unlocked gun can easily lead to accidental firing or gun theft that will contribute to crime.

Did you know?

• For females, firearms were the leading means of suicide in 2022.
• 120 Americans die daily due to gun violence. More than 200 are shot and wounded.
• 79% of youth suicides by firearm used a gun belonging to a family member.
• 60% of persons with dementia live in a household with a firearm.
• 44% of U.S. adults say they personally know someone who has been shot, either accidentally or intentionally.
• More than half of all U.S. gun owners—including 55% of gun owners with children in the home—do not practice safe firearm storage.
• Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens.

Gun locks can save lives

We’re passionate about saving lives. We're committed to ensuring that guns don't end up in the wrong hands. With SafeGunLock, every gun owner can feel secure keeping their gun at arm’s length with minimal risk to their loved ones.

The trends we've been looking at above inspired us to offer a free webinar for first-time gun buyers. Led by one of our gun experts, the webinar is free and comes with no obligation to buy one of our gun locks. (We feel, however, that it is part of an investment into responsible gun ownership.)

Are you a woman purchasing a gun for the first time or a woman interested in a refresher class? Fill out our brief survey! Date is TBA. A recording will be available.

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Our mission at SafeGunLock is to save lives by providing the most secure, convenient and portable quick-access gun lock in the world. Join us in preventing family fire. Learn how SafeGunLock’s quick-access gun locks can keep your family safe while promoting responsible gun ownership.

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