Bonding over bullets: Women pack heat due to increase in violent crime

Now more than ever, women are drawn to guns. According to an annual Gallup Crime survey, 23 percent of women own a gun. That’s up from 13 percent in 2005.

George Horne owns a firing range and has noticed the trend. "There's been a real increase in women visiting the store and purchasing firearms, especially handguns, smaller ones for conceal carry."

The firearms industry is targeting female shooters with merchandise like pink guns, grips and accessories.

"To make it more appealing to woman. That’s what it is because I haven’t had a man come in and ask for one," said Horne.

"We've seen a big increase as far as our numbers when it comes to female shooters coming in," said concealed carry instructor and retail manager Tom Faustin. He added it’s a stark contrast to the shooting range demographic a decade ago.

"It was definitely a male-dominated environment. Very rarely did you see females, and if you did see females, it was just the wife or the girlfriend tagging along," said Faustin.

In a shoot-off between the male and female genders, Faustin said women have the edge genetically.

"Historically, they have better hand-eye coordination than men. Females tend to be more receptive. They listen to what you’re doing and then they actually apply it. So in the long run, a lot of times they end up being a better shot," said Faustin.

We found a mother and daughter who bond over bullets. Jeanne and Meg Gosbee take weekly shooting lessons together.

"She's got a big life, I've got a life and it gives us that special hour and a half each week to just come out and shoot things," said Jeanne Gosbee.

"It’s wonderful bonding time," said Meg Gosbee.

Together they’re learning how to protect themselves and pull the trigger.

"I just think that education is really important, and that's why I'm here," said Meg.

"In the beginning it was frightening. It really was. I’m very comfortable with it now," explained Jeanne.

It’s a skill set Meg wants to have, just in case she has to protect her life.

"If it ever came down to something, God forbid, that I did have to use my training and my skills, then I would hope that I have practiced enough that it would become second nature at that point."

"Anybody can find themselves in a situation where they might find it necessary to have to defend themselves. If you have that skill set, it becomes a lot less intimidating to think that you can do it," said Faustin.

Gun experts said training, classes and practice are paramount, regardless of gender.

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