The A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League is launching the first Chattanooga chapter (the third in Tennessee) on Saturday. The league was founded by Julianna Crowder and Renee Blaine seven years ago when a group of ladies got together at a local range in Leander, Tx. to socialize and shoot guns. Word spread across Texas and now the league has grown to include over 100 chapters across the country. Current membership is over 5,000 and a social media following of more than 30,000 fans.
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers announced that participation by women has greatly increased in both target shooting and hunting in the last decade. Retailers as well have seen a rise in the number of firearms being sold to women. If they own them they need a place to get out and shoot them and have some fun. Girls Night Out at the range provides a safe, welcoming environment for women to come and shoot, whether it’s to learn basic firearm safety, be more proficient for personal safety, or just to have a good time and get some “trigger therapy", said officials.
A Girl and A Gun is a ladies organization established by women shooters for women shooters for pistol, rifle and shotgun sports. The mission of the league is to educate and encourage women about the opportunities of recreational and sport shooting, to promote women’s interests, and participation in competitive shooting sports.
The Chattanooga Chapter of AG&AG, organized by Stephanie Winn, will be based out of Shooter’s Supply and Indoor Range, 4824 Hixson Pike. The chapter will have regularly scheduled events every month for ladies to socialize and practice their shooting skills. Events will include Girl’s Night Out, Breakfast & Bullets, and Trigger Time. Girls of all ages are welcome. The members range in age from 12 to 80+ years old.
The official launch is Saturday at Shooter’s Supply from 1-5 p.m.