'Well Armed Women' Take Aim In Tulsa

A group of Green Country women is taking aim at self protection. There's a new chapter of Well Armed Woman in Tulsa.

The Well Armed Woman is a nationwide group that was founded in Arizona in 2012. Since then, chapters have opened up nationwide with a focus to empower, equip and educate women in self-defense.

And Monday night's meeting brought out women of all ages--from 20 to 60.

While some women claim shopping as their sport of choice, others are taking aim at the gun range.

"We're shooting, we're training, we're becoming more aware, more empowered," said Tahlequah resident Dee Page.

Page helped start up Tahlequah's Well Armed Woman chapter in March, which, until now, had a handful of members, who were driving an hour or more to be a part of the group.

"I have two young children and I want to protect them, I don't want anyone to hurt them," said co-leader Jennifer Smith.

Smith had never picked up a firearm before April, but she said her passion for protecting her family has grown into helping others protect theirs.

"I enjoy helping other women learn how to shoot firearms and feel comfortable with it," Smith said.

She is now an NRA-certified instructor and a range safety officer. She's also responsible for creating the Broken Arrow-Tulsa chapter of the Well Armed Woman.

Historically, the gun industry has been male-driven and women, new to shooting, say that can be intimidating. But that is changing.

"Gun stores are changing and women in general are changing. They're becoming aware that they can stand up for themselves and not rely on anyone else," Page said.

The most recent Gallop Poll shows 43 percent of women own a gun. Hannah Sweeney is one of those women.

"I'm in my 20s, I live alone in an apartment, and I want to be able to protect myself if anything were to ever happen," said Hannah Sweeney.

Sweeney said one of the biggest draws to becoming part of the Well Armed Woman was learning with and from other women.

"By being empowered by this group, I'll feel confident and comfortable to use a firearm if ever needed," Sweeney said.

The Tulsa-Broken Arrow group will meet once a month on Monday nights at the 2A Shooting Center in Tulsa. The organizers say there was such a great turnout, they may look at adding another day.

You don't have to own a gun or have a carry license to join the group.

Go here to learn more.