Organization empowers and arms women with guns

DUNCAN, Okla._The smell of gunpowder filled the air as the Southwest Oklahoma chapter of The Well Armed Woman met for the first time Saturday.

Twenty-six women showed up for the meet and greet of the Chisholm Trail chapter at Firearms Solutions in Duncan. Their mission is to educate, equip and empower women in the world of firearms. The nonprofit organization has 233 chapters in 49 states, including Puerto Rico. This shooting chapter is the first of its kind, in this part of the state.

It is a dream come true for Chapter Leader Taryn Stewart to be able to empower and train women in the safe and effective use of firearms.

"It gives ladies confidence in themselves, and they are confident to know that if the need arises they can protect themselves and they will know how to do it," said Stewart.

Taryn Stewart has been looking to start a local chapter of The Well Armed Woman for about two years because she saw a need.

"It is amazing! I cannot believe how many women are in that room right now and it just shows me that we needed this in our community. The women needed this and wanted it," said Stewart.

Stewart is an NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor and a Range Safety Officer. She says she will be teaching new gun handling skills to the women of the chapter each week.

"We'll definitely start with the basics. What are firearms? The types of firearms. Safety stance, grip, side alignment, cleaning, storage and our rights as gun owners," said Stewart.

New member Nancy Cisneros has been shooting for just two years. She says she is looking forward to learning as much as she can.

"Just learning how to be a better shot how to better take care of myself. How to defend myself. I pray I never have to, but if I have to...I want to," said Cisneros.

Stewart says her hope is to see even more women at next month's chapter meeting.

"I want to get the word out to other women in our community, that we can come together and learn and train in a safe and comfortable environment," said Stewart.

In order to join you have to be over 21 and can be at any level of experience. The yearly membership fee is just $50, plus a $5 range fee at each shooting session. This Well Armed Woman Shooting chapter will meet the second Saturday of every month at 3:00 p.m. at Firearms Solutions.

Contact Information Twaw.duncanok@yahoo.com

On Facebook at: The Well Armed Woman, Chisholm Trail Chapter, Duncan OK

www.twawshootingchapters.org