More women in Ohio take interest in using guns

By Roneisha Mullen

The (Toledo) Blade

Published: Saturday, Jan. 14 2012 12:30 p.m. MST

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In this Dec. 7, 2011, photo, Theresa Cleland, co-owner and manager of Cleland's Outdoor World, teaches gun safety during Ladies Night at Cleland's Outdoor World , in Toledo, Ohio. Cleland's is a place where many women show up to learn how to handle and shoot guns. While firearms have been more commonly associated with men, an increasing number of women are showing an interest in owning and using guns. From mothers protecting their families to young professionals who live alone, to women in their 60s, it’s a trend that’s catching on.

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Summary

Deborah Pierce enjoys living alone.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Deborah Pierce enjoys living alone.

There are no kids to clean up after and no one else to cook for.

"I'm OK with living alone," said Pierce, 52. "But other people worry about my safety."

A growing number of violent crimes, including robberies and home invasions, has the Toledo woman considering some extra protection.

"There's been so many shootings in Toledo that it's unnerving," said Pierce, a glass inspector. "If I ever have an intruder, I want them to know I mean business."

That's why she's learning to shoot a gun.

While firearms have been more commonly associated with men, an increasing number of women are showing an interest in owning and using guns. From mothers protecting their families to young professionals who live alone, to women in their 60s, it's a trend that's catching on.

Concealed-carry course instructors say they've seen a steady increase in the number of women getting concealed carry permits.

"The percentage of women carrying guns is increasing faster than that of men," said George Benore, owner and instructor at the Institute of Firearms Training in Sylvania. The institute offers courses in gun safety and handling guns properly. "In the past two years, enrollment for women has increased 20 to 30 percent."

Nationally, the percentage of women who report having a gun in their home or elsewhere on their property is 43 percent, up from 33 percent in 2009 and 36 percent in 2010, according to an annual Gallup Crime Survey conducted in October. The poll showed that 23 percent of women reported owning a gun, up from 13 percent in 2005.

In Ohio, residents are required to take 12 hours of gun safety training to obtain a concealed carry permit. Increasingly, local women are taking the courses, getting permits, and regularly packing heat.

Debbie Pratt recently attended Ladies Night at Cleland's Outdoor World to take a course on gun safety and practice shooting at the range. She got her concealed carry permit last year after her home was broken into and is preparing to buy her first gun.

"After that I didn't feel safe living alone," said Pratt, 53, of Toledo. "I'm here for some practice, so I can decide what I want to buy."

While safety may be the initial attraction, many women are finding they enjoy that sense of power and security that comes with handling a firearm.