I recently had the chance to attend “The Concealed Carry Fashion Show,” presented by REALIZE Firearms Awareness Coalition in Independence, Ohio. The show, emceed by Amanda Suffecool and Charlie Cook, featured more than 50 different holsters and concealment items, modeled by men and women who represented a variety of real-world body types.
The show was a lot of fun, and, as these events often do, it caused me to ponder my ever-growing wish list of firearms-related items. And that’s what got me talking with fellow attendee and friend, Sue Brenner of the Stark County, Ohio chapter of The Well Armed Woman. She and I decided that a gun girl’s wish list is an intriguing mix of unique and practical products, features, activities and desires. Here are some of the must-haves we discussed. See if any of these make your list!
Holsters
It’s wonderful to find that one “right” holster that fits you perfectly and meets all the requirements to be safe and effective. But that doesn’t mean you stop looking at other options. Events like a concealed carry fashion show always pique my curiosity about new products and innovations. And I have to admit that there are at least two or three holsters on my current list.
Firearms
What gun girl doesn’t have a few firearms on her wish list? I know I do! I might see a new release (like Kimber’s beautiful rose gold Ultra II) or I may try a friend’s gun (like the SIG Sauer P320), and promptly add those new items to my list of guns I’d love to own. That list is very long. And while it will probably never be fulfilled, it’s still a lot of fun to keep track of and to compare with others.
Training Types
From defensive pistol to active shooter courses, there are many types of instruction on my list of things I’d love to accomplish. And I know I’m not alone. Those who are serious about safe and effective shooting know how important practice and training are. The learning process never ends … so neither will my list of desired instruction.
Training Locations
I hear about a lot of great ranges and training facilities across the U.S. and always lament not having enough time or money to get to all of them. My friend Sue stated, “I’d love to go to TDI (Tactical Defense Institute).” I hadn’t even heard of them until she mentioned it, but, of course, I had to make a mental note to check them out! My personal wish list also includes a few places I haven’t made it to just yet. While I can check SIG Sauer Academy and Gunsite Academy off the list (although I’d love to go back), I have yet to make it to Frontsite.
Training Instructors
Do you have a few trainers you’d love to work with? There are so many amazing instructors in this industry. Sue beamed when she mentioned, “I trained with Gabby Franco!” And since we’re reaching for the stars here, I’d love to train with Julie Golob! I’ve met both of them, and I have their (autographed) books, but what an experience to have them as instructors! A girl can always dream….
Instructor Certifications
Many gun girls are already certified firearms instructors, or they have their sights set on teaching one day. For me, as a self-proclaimed perpetual student, this part of my list never seems to get any shorter, even though I’ve checked off many things. I always love to learn more, and I love to be able to share that knowledge with others.
Industry Celebrities
There are definitely some great role models in our industry … from authors, politicians and 2nd Amendment advocates to competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and military figures. I’ve met a pretty big handful of these awesome folks, but there are a host of others who have gained my respect. I would love to shake their hands and thank them for their sacrifices, their accomplishments or their contributions.
Miscellaneous
This catch-all category can help with the rest of the items on a gun girl’s seemingly never-ending wish list. This could include acquiring certain kinds of clothing, bullet jewelry or logoed merchandise; attending firearms-related events; competing in shooting matches; or even joining organizations, clubs or groups that support safe shooting and responsible gun ownership.
