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Women in Gun Blogs: Nothing About Us Without Us [Op-Ed]

In this opinion piece, we discuss a problematic article by The Firearm Blog and tackle why more gun publications should give women a voice.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Pew Pew Tactical.

As I perused my regular selection of gun sites, as I usually do after my kids go to bed, I came across an article from The Firearm Blog.

Used Gun Sites
Reading up on all the good gun stuff, doing some gun shopping...that's what everyone does after their kids go to bed, right?

Concealed Carry Corner: Concealed Carry for Women, the title boldly shouted at me.

I clicked on it because as a woman I always like to see other writers' take on one of my favorite topics.

But my intrigue was suddenly met with disappointment as the name of a male author splashed across the screen...

Exhausted

Before we get too into why TFB's article gave me a serious eye roll, I should probably introduce myself.

For those who don't know me, my name is Jacki, and I am the Managing Editor at Pew Pew Tactical. I'm an avid gun owner, daily concealed carrier, and purveyor of all things gun media. I live and breathe this community.

Jacki Billings, Headshot
It's me.

I've worked in this industry in some capacity for six years now. While I regularly dig into the pistol and concealed carry realm, my favorite topic to write about concerns women.

As a woman, and one that came into guns when there weren't many female-centric articles, one of my commitments has always been to bring quality content to others challenged by the same things that plague me.

From techniques to gear to fashion, I dedicate a good batch of articles to covering lady gun issues. (In fact, keep an eye out on Pew Pew Tactical in the coming weeks...especially on Wednesdays.)

Womens Brands Alexo Athletica Skirt
PPT Laser Shirt + Alexo Athletica + Sig P238 = comfy!

I, like so many other women in the gun industry, want to help and encourage other women to embrace gun ownership confidently and safely.

So it pains me when I stumble across articles that knowingly disseminate questionable information to women…especially when that information is written by a man.

Now, before you come at me, let me clarify. I think men can write on women's topics. There are plenty of universal gun-related topics that apply to all genders.

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There are also male authors who put significant time and energy into understanding the intricacies of female concealed carry, consulting women and listening to their advice. Rock on, my dudes.

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What I can't stand, though, are male-authored articles clearly aimed at catching Google keywords with little regard or reverence to the demographic they're shooting for.

And that leads me back to The Firearm Blog…

TFB Women's Carry
The article in question...

On International Women's Day, no less -- a day dedicated to celebrating women's contributions to society -- TFB's Concealed Carry for Women felt like a slap in the face to female readers, authors, and experts in the gun landscape.

Women stand as the fastest-growing demographic in the shooting industry, with the National Shooting Sports Foundation reporting a jump in ownership between 2005 and 2020.

Women Guns NRA
(Photo: America's First Freedom)

There are entire organizations (Shoot Like a Girl and A Girl & A Gun), not to mention publications, podcasts, and YouTubers who are all women and cater to women's topics.

So, why would TFB…in a sea of possibilities and diversity, settle on a male author for women's concealed carry?

The TFB article was a mind-boggling mess of poor research, misinformation, and straight-up bad advice.

Suggesting that women can't strong side carry efficiently? Not true.

G48 CCW
The G48 in a Crossbreed SuperTuck on a female writer.

And in place of strong side, pushing women to small of back and purse carry? Not only ill-informed but potentially dangerous advice.

The further I read, the more aggravated I felt.

With so many women in this industry, why are gun publications still asking men to write about women and our bodies?

Allison Goodwin
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"Nothing about us, without us."

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It's a phrase used in the early 1990s during the disabled rights movement. At that time, it imparted the message that policy or legislation should not be enacted without direct participation from members of the affected group.

That idea applies here, today, with women.

It's okay to write about women but include us in the groundwork. Let us be a part of that conversation.

Womens Brands AA and AIS
Sometimes my job entails wistfully looking into the distance while wearing women's gear.

Source information properly. Seek out women invested in the gun community. At the very least, ask the demographic what works for them and use that as a starting point.

It might seem like I'm picking on TFB. Though this article is a perfect example of the challenges women still face in male-dominated industries, it's not the only one out there.

In fact, TFB isn't alone in having men write about women. Other notable pubs that have done it at least once include The Truth About Guns, Outdoor Hub, and Wide Open Spaces.

Given enough time, I could probably dig up at least one women's article from most of the industry's online venues (and even some print mags as well) written by a man.

So, what's the answer? Where do we go from here? Are we canceling TFB now?

No, we're not canceling TFB or anyone.

Sometimes as a publication, you swing and miss. This was a clear miss.

Mistakes were made

I'm a firm believer in second chances. I hope that editors, writers, and gun publications grow and shape content to reflect a more modern and diverse readership moving forward.

To the TFB editorial team and other male-led gun publications, learn from this experience.

Give women a voice on your platform. Allow women to share their advice and experiences with your readers. Actively seek out female authors, female stories, and female industry leaders.

Elk Hunting 5.11 Backpack
One of our awesome writers, Alice, testing some Sitka gear out!

Trust me. There are plenty of intelligent women hungry to share their expertise with others. All you have to do is ask.

Reach out. We're here. We're ready. We want to help. So, let us.

Should men be writing articles about women? Let us know below. For more women's related content (written by women) check out The Best Way to Conceal Carry for Women and Best Hunting Gear for Women. Also, read up on some truly cool ladies in our list of 6 Badass Lady Shooters.

Written By

Jacki Billings

Jacki Billings

Editor-in-Chief

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Jacki Billings delved into the world of guns while earning her black belt in Yongmudo. Armed with a degree in journalism, she’s penned thousands of articles for the gun industry. She’s passionate about self-defense and first aid and sharing what works (and what doesn’t) with readers. Jacki currently serves as Pew Pew Tactical's Editor-in-Chief directing coverage and managing the content and video teams as well as fact checking all articles.

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Conversation

27 Comments

Join the discussion

  • This went on for a long time on forums - "What gun do I get for a woman?" Finally some of us started suggesting, "put down the keyboard, take her to a compatible gun shop, and go sit in the car." By compatible, one who has demonstrated a lack of exploitation selling women a cheap .38 snub nose for $800.

    That's a whole nuther problem.

    Women do just fine picking out a preferred firearm and for the most part seem to stick to one longer than the fashionistas clogging the internet influencer market - gun forums and blogs. More women in the media certainly won't hurt and will likely ask those questions that make marketers realize their attempts at churning new sales are more than cringe, they are suspect.

    Case in point, a new article on a flat trigger for the FN pistol release that tells us all about how much better it is - incrementally - yet most of the improvement has no direct connection to it actually being flat. Like most of them, it's a distinct feature that cannot be tested to show it's the actual cause - all the other improvements are the real contributors. Note these articles are written by males - almost Every. Single. Time. and it's noticeable.

    In that regard, women have at least not contributed to the chaff. It's the MEN who gush over different colored frames, a new stippling pattern, adorning their firearm with accessories, coordinating the finishes, ad infinitum, as if they were taking them to the prom. Women writers seem to avoid testing those "Women's Specials" in pink - it's usually the men pushing the agenda. Women writers are smart enough to avoid being minstrels to preconceived notions online.

    Maybe we should require male writers to wear and appear on photos in appropriate female dress while testing feminine firearms? No, really, a scientific examination of speed drawing from a CC purse in heels would be a lot more appropriate than using some old belt holster from the box in the closet. I'm not sure I'd care to see that very often online but we are already stuck with gun videos that lock up scrolling the page to force attention. Thots?
    ...
  • Historically, I think, most men weren't developed enough to support the idea of an independent woman. (or at least one he'd be attracted to) Today, we run into so many examples of women who want to cancel men, shout about injustice, and demand statistical representation in various categories. That sort of political feminism has beaten us all down.

    That's why It is so special and totally awesome to see the fairer sex excel in the 2A/tactical/firearms community. More important than numbers and abstract equality claims is the ability of the average woman to take care of herself and her loved ones. Whether it's survival, mechanical, or self defense skills (traditionally masculine areas), we owe it to our women to offer smart support, advice and training.

    That said, a good man should know what he doesn't know! I'm so glad there is such a large, educated community of females out there doing some VERY important work: passing along what they've learned. Thanks for what you do....You've got this guy's support. Keep it up. (And thanks to all of you at PPT!)
    ...
  • Right on, Jacki. Great to have your voice here. And even as a guy, I've rolled my eyes at the very same articles about "what kind of guns women should buy", "how women should carry," and the reviews of "women's guns" that come in pink, etc...almost always written by guys.
    ...
  • Good article, although I agree that information can be passed regardless of gender, I believe your point that when speaking or writing about a topic when one does not have first hand experience, and then they presume to be an authority and still share false information, that writer has a duty to make sure that they are not indeed ignorant on the issue, and at least consult those who will most likely know better. If you'r going to talk about what women should want or like, then you better know what women like or what works for them. Like a vegetarian telling a meat eater how a steak should taste. Better know your stuff!
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  • Anybody should be able to write about anything. The standard of “nothing about us, without us” isn’t reasonable. Do we need the input of kids to write an article about best guns for teaching your child to shoot? It is more important for readers to seek out good information instead of caring who it comes from. If a woman had written the same TFB article it wouldn’t somehow become better advice.

    Women can and should continue to make their mark on the gun community without insisting on a monopoly of anything that is about them.
    ...

    • Alice Jones Webb

      I think the biggest issue is when men think they know best about women's experiences, but they are really just filtering the information through their masculine lens. Every. Single. Time. A women will have insight about their bodies, physical capabilities, life experiences, etc. that a man just doesn't have. Sure, a smart man can write about women and guns, but if he doesn't use women shooters as a source, he's missing a key component.

      I have a background in martial arts as well as shooting, and I remember listening to a male martial artist (speaking about everyday self-defense) say that he couldn't think of a single situation where an attacker would grab you by the wrist. He was thinking inside his own paradigm of male-on-male violence. I raised my hand and said, "As a woman, I can think of several." It's kind of the same thing. Like I said, women have different bodies, capabilities, and experiences. Men aren't always very good at looking at things the same way women do. That's okay. And it doesn't mean they don't have plenty of value to bring to the table. But when we're talking about women, there had better be a woman at that table, too.
      ...

      • Jacki Billings

        Beautifully said, Alice!
        ...

    • David, PPT Editor

      I would maintain that the opinion even of children when talking about a topic that directly impacts them has value. We also have several articles about firearms and children covering safety, choosing a firearm for them, and keeping them safe. Those articles were written by parents who talked to their kids about their opinions, firearm experts who have spent years teaching and helping youth learn about firearms, and a multi-time world and national shooting champion... who has kids.

      I didn't personally edit all of those articles, but I edited most of them. I don't have kids, but I have an extensive background in the Boy Scouts of America and teaching youth everything from firearms safety to first aid to fly fishing.

      Finally -- I can absolutely guarantee that everyone involved in all of those articles has personal experience being children at one point in their lives.

      All of that aside, I absolutely agree that good information is far more important than the source. However, when the information gave is clearly wrong -- it stands to reason to look at the source and question why they were chosen for the assignment. Women in shooting are not unicorns and there is no reason for them to be ignored.

      The topic being raised isn't about a monopoly or even about directly equal representation, it's about giving people the best and most accurate information possible. And to do that "nothing about us, without us" is reasonable. And applies to far more than just gender, race, or class. It's a standard that we do our best to apply to every topic to ensure that the information provided is of the best quality we can make it.
      ...
  • Ideas and opinions are not good or bad based on who professes them, but on their own merit.

    If you didn't like the article, write a better one on the topic, instead of complaining about what genitals another writer has. Or maybe point to something you disagree with about the opinions in the article.

    The only "problem" you're pointing out is that an article covering issues with how guns are recommended to women, is written by a man; and you're making the assumption that "women weren't consulted", and claiming that's bad.
    ...

    • Allison Goodwin, PPT Editor

      We have! :)

      Benefits of Strong Side Carry by Jacki

      Benefits of Apendix/AIWB Carry by Jacki

      Best Concealed Carry Gear for Women by Megan

      Best Ways to Conceal Carry for Women by Jacki

      We guessed that the writer didn't talk to women about concealed carry because he wrote some pretty silly things about our bodies that our lived experiences don't really line up with, like our womanly hips making strong side carry difficult. Or, if he did consult them... maybe he should have cited them and the work they did teaching him about women's concealed carry. After all, it was International Women's Day, and when could possibly be a better time to elevate the voices of gun gals, who are a rapidly growing group of gun owners but often overlooked? :)
      ...
  • dont evven get me started on tfb...

    i used to go there all the time

    now i havent been there in months since they permanently banned me for my thoughts on:

    1 pistol caliber carbines

    2 keymod rails

    yeah...thats why they permanently banned me

    so im done with them
    ...
  • Good article. I think it's disappointing that PPT felt the need to put a disclaimer stating that they don't fully stand behind the opinion of their writer, who they published, unlike with any other article on this site. Don't be so mealy mouthed in the future. Support her fully.
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    • Jacki Billings

      Thanks for reading! I want to be clear that I placed the disclaimer myself. It's standard operating procedure for most publications to place on opinion pieces. Every member of our editorial team has been supportive of my work in general but especially this piece. The team has been with me on this topic from the moment I pitched it and, as David mentioned, they even read it before anyone else did. I'm very fortunate to work with a fully supportive team!
      ...

    • David, PPT Editor

      Jacki, the managing editor, placed that disclaimer on her own article. An op-ed is by definition to be presented as the opinion of the writer. That said, if you take a look at the comments you will see that I and at least one other PPT writer both openly supported her. More than that, Jacki discussed the article topic and had the other members of the team preview the completed article before publication. We support her.
      ...

      • Derek

        If an op-ed is by definition their opinion, seems like the disclaimer is superfluous, no?

        I understand the desire to pre-empt a subject that you anticipate might be controversial. And it's good that your coworkers in fact do support you on this. I just found it discordant considering opinion sections don't run disclaimers like that. If indeed the editorial staff does fully support these views, it could've been a great opportunity to say so, yanno?
        ...
  • From my perspective, you nailed it: why wouldn't TFB use a more interview-type style where they poll experienced female gun aficionados - i.e., the ones who are most apt to know of what they speak? Heck, even I read gun-related articles by women (yours, of course, Armed and Feminine, The Well Armed Woman, pretty much any article by Karen Hunter, and more. I don't want to be "that" guy and try to steer my wife down the wrong path when it comes to guns, holsters, etc. - she needs to know how other women have made those decisions before her, even if she often asks my opinion. Hopefully your article highlights what is only a mis-step and TFB (and others) apply the appropriate course correction going forward. Nice job.
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    • Jacki Billings

      Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to read it! My goal in writing this was to encourage other publications to grow and learn. Hopefully, that's what happens. :)
      ...
  • More women in the gun world that like to share their experiences please.
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    • Jacki Billings

      Women are trying! Sometimes we don't get a seat at the table, so to speak, but hopefully, more women speaking out will change that over time. In the meantime, I'm proud that at least here at PPT we have a fantastic team of writers, including women!
      ...
  • This seems like a weird place to vent about written material about and for women in shooting sports. You, Megan, and Alice (and probably a few more that I'm not thinking of -- sorry!) write for Pew Pew on a wide variety of topics, and your articles are all very well done, and as far as I can tell are very well received.

    There are plenty of publications who "disseminate questionable information" on every facet of shooting sports, and not just on subjects of special interest or application to women. I assume they have their reasons. Pew Pew stands head and shoulders above the other guys as you can count on Pew Pew to be reliable, sensible, and sometimes irreverent. I'd expect Pew Pew to give the ladies an honest forum for their views and experiences, I'd be disappointed if it wasn't the case.

    I especially appreciate that the ladies here write quite well. Maybe you could use your influence to get some of your male colleagues to do a bit of proofreading on their own articles :)
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