7 More Misconceptions About Female Shooters

Editor’s Note: Here at Shooting Industry, we’re proud of our content’s “staying power” — which is why we’ve revisited some classic stories to commemorate 70 years of serving the industry throughout this year. And, just because a story was published several years ago, it doesn’t mean it’s less valuable here in 2025.

We received the following note from competitive shooter Jessica Singer-Yahm, who came across Ashley McGee’s Arms & The Woman column (“7 Common Misconceptions About Female Shooters”) from the May 2022 issue. Jessica elaborates on a further seven misconceptions she’s observed in her experience sport shooting.

Dear Editor,
As an American female shooter actively participating in IDPA and currently training in Switzerland, I read the article “7 Common Misconceptions About Female Shooters” with great interest. I also plan to start teaching all-female pistol courses, and I’d like to contribute a few points based on my experience in sport shooting so far.

1. Women lack the speed and control needed for dynamic shooting.
This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, I routinely perform faster and cleaner magazine changes than many of the male shooters I train with. Mastering control and speed comes down to dedication, refining fundamentals and a willingness to push oneself — not gender.

In fact, I know women who are Safety Officers and classified Sharp Shooters in IDPA who consistently demonstrate composure, focus, and skill under pressure. As the article notes, women tend to be more coachable — a strength that pays dividends in dynamic disciplines.

2. Women can’t maintain or understand their firearms.
This stereotype still lingers in many circles. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been “mansplained” basic firearm maintenance, from oiling to disassembly — often by people who never asked if I needed help. In contrast, male shooters are typically only offered help if they request it. When men assume I can’t field strip my pistol or troubleshoot minor issues, I let my actions speak for themselves. Women are often perceived as less mechanically inclined, but this has no basis in reality. Many of us are meticulous, knowledgeable and fully capable of maintaining our equipment to high standards.

3. Women are only into shooting because of their boyfriend/husband.
This stereotype undermines the independence and genuine interest many women have in shooting sports. Plenty of us discover firearms through personal interest, professional development, or self-defense goals. Assuming we’re just “tagging along” is dismissive and outdated. I’m the one who dragged my husband to shoot, he comes along for the ride — not the other way around.

4. Women are too emotional or nervous to handle pressure in competition.
In reality, emotional regulation is a strength for many women in high-pressure scenarios. Competitive shooting demands calm under pressure — many female shooters excel at this through discipline and mental resilience.

5. Women aren’t physically strong enough to shoot well.
Shooting is about technique, not brute strength. With proper fundamentals, grip mechanics, and training, women can shoot just as fast and accurately — if not more consistently — than men. Smaller stature, like myself, can even be an advantage in certain competitive divisions such as faster transitions, etc.

6. Women don’t belong on the range or in leadership roles.
Some ranges or clubs still have a boys’ club vibe, but this is changing. I am the second woman to join my dynamic shooting club, and one of the SO’s is a woman. Women are not only participating but leading — as range officers, instructors and champions. Representation matters, and seeing women lead helps shift the culture for good. Based on personal experience, women make shooting more fun!

7. Female shooters are rare.
We’re not rare — we’re rising. Women are the fastest-growing demographic in firearms ownership and training, especially in defensive shooting and competitive sports. The narrative just hasn’t caught up to the numbers.

My goal in Switzerland is to encourage more women to join competitive shooting, take up more space and just enjoy the sport. Hopefully to evolve into the perception regardless of gender, it is about the joy of the sport.

Too often, women in shooting sports are viewed as exceptions or treated like they’re out of place. In reality, we are showing up, putting in the work, and earning our place on the line — just like anyone else.

Thank you for helping shine light on these misconceptions. I hope my input can continue that important conversation.

Jessica Singer-Yahm, Competitive Shooter
Switzerland