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Since 1852 we’ve been an industry leading manufacturer of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shooting accessories. We continue to bring innovative firearms to market that meet the needs of every shooter and deliver on exceptional quality with a brand you’ve learned to trust.

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Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson (Consumer)

Smith &amp; Wesson's M&amp;P handgun series has achieved remarkable success since its release in 2005. With an eighteen-year history, the collection has boasted an extensive array of variants and options across a diverse range of nearly a dozen calibers. The M&amp;P line has not only evolved but has given rise to specialized versions like the Shield and Shield EZ, each designed to meet specific user needs. The recent addition of the Spec Series model further demonstrates our commitment to innovation.The iconic M&amp;P line has earned the trust and adoption by hundreds of law enforcement agencies domestically with its reliability and performance making it a preferred choice for professionals in the field. The M&amp;P line has also become a staple in the commercial market, with millions sold to discerning consumers seeking quality and dependability.As the M&amp;P legacy continues to grow, we would like to announce the 2023 Performance Center® M&amp;P®9 Spec Series, catering to the diverse needs of both professionals and enthusiasts alike looking for a flat-shooting and fast pistol.<img asset_uid="blt7c08d3991225a745" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt7c08d3991225a745/6564af19ca38f085a8d2fd41/blog_post_1.png" alt="blog_post_1.png" height="auto"/>The 2023 Spec Series by Smith &amp; Wesson marks the fourth installment of the annual iconic special releases. However, what sets this year's edition apart is that it stands as the inaugural iteration from Smith &amp; Wesson's esteemed Performance Center®.This milestone represents a significant step forward in precision and craftsmanship, as the Performance Center is renowned for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of firearm excellence. By introducing the Spec Series under the banner of the Performance Center, Smith &amp; Wesson emphasizes a dedication to delivering cutting-edge and meticulously crafted firearms, showcasing the culmination of expertise and innovation that defines this esteemed line.Let’s get into some of the details of this new pistol:<ul><li>Full-size pistol built on the M&amp;P® Metal aluminum alloy frame.</li><li>4.8” threaded barrel with specially designed Faxon® compensator to reduce muzzle-flip and recoil.</li><li>Aggressive slide serrations and lightning cuts to cut down on weight and improve reliability.</li><li>Olive drab Cerakote® finish with black accents.</li><li>Suppressor-height white-dot sights with tritium inserts.</li><li>Ships with two 17-round magazines and two 23-round magazines.</li></ul>Like with every iteration of the Spec Series line, this year’s version comes with a collectible challenge coin and custom fixed full-tang curved-style knife.<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt403c4165a3a92442/6564afc194a247ad8e34bbb3/blog_post_2.png" alt="blog_post_2.png" height="auto"/>Enthusiasts and collectors can anticipate a unique blend of tradition and innovation in the 2023 Spec Series, as it not only upholds the legacy of the annual special releases but also introduces a new era of performance and quality with the backing of Smith &amp; Wesson's prestigious Performance Center.Check it out here: <a href="https://sw-inc.co/2023SpecSeries">https://sw-inc.co/2023SpecSeries</a>CERAKOTE is a registered trademark of NIC Industries, Inc. FAXON is a trademark of Faxon Machining, LLC.

As the M&P legacy continues to grow, we would like to announce the 2023 Performance Center® M&P®9 Spec Series, catering to the diverse needs of both professionals and enthusiasts alike looking for a flat-shooting and fast pistol.

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Introducing the first ever Spec Series pistol designed from the Smith &amp; Wesson&reg; Performance Center. This limited-edition handgun is designed to be fast and flat shooting. Features like the attached compensator, Performance Center trigger, aggressive grip texture, and 180 grip angle allow the shooter to enhance their accuracy and elevate their performance.
<ul>
<li>Threaded Barrel with Compensator Attached - With strategic ports, the new compensator designed by Faxon&reg; in partnership with Smith &amp; Wesson&reg;, gives you noticeably less felt recoil, as well as muzzle flip meaning faster follow-up shots and good target acquisition.</li>
<li>Aggressive Slide Design - Lightening cuts in the slide help aid in cycling while being compensated, giving you more reliability.</li>
<li>Optimized for Accessories and Performance - Included on the Spec Series is our C.O.R.E.&trade; system for mounting red dots, and suppressor height sights that are great for co-witnessing or keeping a sight picture with the use of a suppressor.</li>
</ul>

2023 SPEC SERIES M&P® 9 METAL M2.0

The NEW 2023 Spec Series

Adaptability is the Advantage: The NEW Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ Carbine<img asset_uid="bltc82219616fe25ab8" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltc82219616fe25ab8/653132d78fc8136a7d6c3a76/image_1.png" height="auto"/>The Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ Carbine is a game-changer in the pistol caliber carbine market. Designed to offer versatility and familiarity to users, it boasts our new innovative FLEXMAG™ System, interchangeable magazine well adapters, and compatibility with a range of MSR-style accessories. Let’s explore the key features and specifications of this new product from Smith &amp; Wesson®.FLEXMAG™ System, Embracing Versatility:<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltdc839ddbeabe4639/6531338ef92b9eb9acaa2dcb/image_2.png" height="auto"/>At the heart of the Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ Carbine is our new innovative FLEXMAG™ System, which allows users to utilize a wide range of double-stack 9MM pistol magazines from Smith &amp; Wesson® as well as other manufacturers. The RESPONSE™ will ship with an M&amp;P® magwell and a second magwell capable of receiving Glock® G17® and G19® magazines. This flexibility in magazine compatibility ensures that you have access to a variety of options, making it easy to match the RESPONSE™ magazine with your pistol’s magazine.Familiar Controls for Ease of Use:The Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ Carbine is designed with a user-friendly approach in mind. It leverages standard MSR-style controls, making it easy for those familiar with that platform to transition to this firearm. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the world of carbines, the familiarity of the controls ensures a smooth and intuitive shooting experience.Customization to Your Needs:<img asset_uid="blt05dd54aa653d4ceb" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt05dd54aa653d4ceb/6531338e53da3f24815a8441/image_3.png" height="auto"/>The Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ Carbine doesn't stop at magazine compatibility and familiar controls. It also offers compatibility with various MSR-style accessories, including stocks, trigger groups, grips, and charging handles. This means you can customize your firearm to suit your unique preferences and requirements, turning the Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ into a personalized tool for your needs as a shooter.Specifications:Let's take a closer look at the key specs of the Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™.<ul><li>Optics-ready, offering customization options for your choice of sights.</li><li>Polymer construction making it lightweight at 5.9 lbs. (without a magazine) or 6.2 lbs. with an empty 23-round M&amp;P® magazine.</li><li>32 1/8” length (collapsed)</li><li>M&amp;P® grip featuring four interchangeable palmswells.</li><li>3, 6, and 9 o’clock M-LOK® positions on the handguard.</li><li>1:10” twist 16.5" barrel with a 1/2x28 thread.</li><li>Adjustable length of pull for user comfort.</li><li>Simple &amp; reliable blowback action.</li></ul><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qFTmuFTdJiQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>The Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ Carbine is a game-changing addition to the pistol caliber carbine market. With its FLEXMAG™ System, familiar MSR controls, and extensive customization options, it offers a versatile and personalized shooting experience. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to carbines, the Smith &amp; Wesson® Response™ empowers you to break barriers and take control of your shooting endeavors.Learn more: <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/response" target="_self">https://www.smith-wesson.com/response</a>

Our first MSR-style carbine with interchangeable magwell system. Experience unmatched flexibility, compatibility, and performance.

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The Smith &amp; Wesson Response breaks barriers for those looking to enter the pistol caliber carbine market. With its innovative FLEXMAG&trade; System, you can use a wide range of double stack 9MM pistol magazines from Smith &amp; Wesson&reg; and other manufacturers. The familiar MSR controls make it an easy transition for those looking to use on the range, and with the ability to change parts with existing MSR accessories, it makes optimizing to your needs easy. Take control with the new Smith &amp; Wesson Response!
<ul>
<li>16.5" 1:10&rdquo; twist barrel</li>
<li>FLEXMAG&trade; magazine well adapters. (Interchangeable magazine well adapters that let you use a variety of magazines from Smith &amp; Wesson and other manufacturers.)</li>
<li>32 1/8" collapsed length, 35 3/8" extended length.</li>
<li>1/2-28 threaded muzzle with thread protector.</li>
<li>Flat-face trigger with crisp break.</li>
<li>M-LOK&reg; slots on handguard with Picatinny-style rail on top.</li>
<li>(2) FLEXMAG&trade; magazine well adapters (1-M&amp;P Double stack - installed, 1-G17/G19).</li>
<li>Compatible with M&amp;P&reg; Pistol double stack magazines and G17/G19 magazines.</li>
<li>2 x 23-round magazines.</li>
</ul>

S&W RESPONSE™ 9MM WITH M&P AND G17/G19 FLEXMAG KITS

S&W RESPONSE™ 9MM

NEW: Smith & Wesson® RESPONSE™ 9MM Carbine

The Metal and Competitor models of the M&amp;P®9 M2.0™ offer different features and cater to different preferences and use cases. Let's summarize the key points to help you decide which one is right for you:<img asset_uid="blt293053e052fd733d" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt293053e052fd733d/64f7423c0433c0b7fd251998/header.png" height="auto"/>Metal:<ul><li>Standard production model.</li><li>Aluminum framed pistol with a weight of 30 ounces.</li><li>4.25-inch barrel length.</li><li>Comes with two 17-round magazines.</li><li>No extended magazine release or magwell, making it easier to conceal.</li><li>Suitable for practical use, home or self-defense, target shooting, and casual competitive shooting.</li><li>Can be customized with aftermarket accessories for specific needs.</li></ul>Competitor:<ul><li>Performance Center model.</li><li>Aluminum frame with a weight of 29 ounces.</li><li>Long-slide pistol with a 5-inch barrel for a longer sight radius.</li><li>Comes with 4 17-round magazines.</li><li>Extended magazine release button and magwell for faster reloads.</li><li>Slide cuts and fiber optic front sight with blacked out rear.</li><li>Enhanced sear for a lighter and crisp trigger.</li><li>Designed for fast-paced competition shooting.</li><li>Offers common upgrades out of the box.</li><li>Can be customized for specific competition or shooting sports divisions.</li></ul><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt3c44494242622e0a/64f742c71c72d8c3c18ae48a/metal_1.png" height="auto"/>Consider the following factors when making your decision between the Metal and Competitor:<ol><li>Intended Use: If you prioritize practical use, home or self-defense, or casual competitive shooting, the Metal's all-around versatility makes it a better option. If you're primarily focused on competition shooting and want a purpose-built race-ready pistol, the Competitor is designed for that purpose.</li><li>Barrel Length and Sight Radius: The Metal's 4.25-inch barrel is suitable for various shooting scenarios, while the Competitor's longer 5-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius, enhancing accuracy when shooting with iron sights.</li><li>Weight and Balance: The weights of the Metal and Competitor are similar, making them similar out of the holster. However, the Competitor's longer and lightened slide, along with slide cuts, may affect the balance and perceived recoil, potentially allowing for faster shot-to-shot splits.</li><li>Magazine Release and Magwell: The Competitor has an extended magazine release and flared magwell, facilitating faster reloads but making the grip less concealable. The Metal has a standard magazine release and no flared magwell, making it a better option for concealed carry.</li><li>Customization: While the Competitor offers common upgrades out of the box, the Metal can be customized with aftermarket accessories to suit your specific shooting game or preferences.</li></ol>Ultimately, it's important to consider the features that matter most to you based on your intended use of the handgun. Whether you value versatility, concealability, competition performance, or customization options, carefully evaluate these factors to determine which model, the Metal or Competitor, aligns better with your needs and preferences.

The Metal and Competitor models of the M&P®9 M2.0™ offer different features and cater to different preferences and use cases. Let's summarize the key points to help you decide which one is right for you.

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Metal Vs. Competitor: Which is Right for You?

Not your average .22…When you think of 22 caliber cartridges, you’re sure to think of the one you’re most familiar with; for most firearm enthusiasts, it’s the 22 Long Rifle (22 LR). What you may not realize is that 22 LR, while the most common, is far from the only 22 caliber cartridge. Invented 70+ years after 22 LR, Winchester® introduced the higher powered, flatter shooting big brother, the 22 Winchester Magnum (22 WMR), more commonly known as 22 Mag.Though they share similar grain weights, the 22&nbsp;Mag offers greater&nbsp;performance in speed, power, and&nbsp;trajectory thanks to&nbsp;its longer case length. The longer case length affords the Magnum loads to pack more powder into the case making this small cartridge more powerful than its 22 LR counterpart.&nbsp;You can also expect better performance at a distance with less bullet drop.&nbsp;The bullet velocity is much faster in 22&nbsp;Magnum over the 22 LR making it&nbsp;preferred&nbsp;for heavier varieties of small game and, for some individuals, a low recoil option for self-defense.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb555d72b635602b2/64ac2f07ce1ee55dbb8fcc73/Blog_3.png"/>Smith &amp; Wesson’s history with 22 WMR dates back to the cartridge’s introduction in 1959. The Model 48 came out of the factory just months after 22 WMR’s introduction from Winchester. That history continues today with the new auto-loading M&amp;P®22 MAGNUM, our first semi-automatic chambered for the 22 WMR cartridge.Building off the M&amp;P®5.7 system, this slim frame, full-sized M&amp;P is tailor-made for your new favorite caliber. The<del> </del>proprietary Tempo™ barrel system plays a key role in the operation of the M&amp;P 22 Mag. The gas-operated and locked breach design allows for the high powered 22 Mag rimfire cartridge bullet to leave the muzzle of the pistol before feeding another round into the chamber, meaning uninterrupted and repeatable cycling.<img asset_uid="bltbe3ba70335100717" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltbe3ba70335100717/64ac2f08bd5d8af30b7220e9/Blog_1.png"/>When it comes to controls, the M&amp;P 22 Magnum features many of the favorites from the M&amp;P line. With the left-handed shooter in mind, the M&amp;P 22 Magnum is fully ambidextrous. It hosts integrated thumb safeties and slide stops on both sides of the frame and a reversible magazine release. The flat-face trigger is light and crisp, with an audible break and reset. The 4.35” barrel balances the recoil of the cartridge for manageable recoil and minimizes muzzle rise for easy follow-up shots. Speaking of follow-up shots… How’s a 30 + 1 capacity sound? Sounds like music to our ears!Keeping up with M&amp;P best practices, the slide comes Optics Ready with a footprint cut for direct mount RMSc optics. If you prefer to run iron sights on your pistols, the M&amp;P 22 Magnum comes with a blacked-out rear serrated sight and a front fiber optic sight post for ultra-fast front sight acquisition. And when it comes to equipping this pistol with your favorite accessories, the frame’s integrated Picatinny-style rail is set to accommodate your go-tos.<img asset_uid="blta15551e3cc844d0f" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta15551e3cc844d0f/64ac2f07873fa3cbc102fb99/Blog_2.png"/>Learn more about the new M&amp;P®22 MAGNUM: <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-22-mag" target="_self">https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-22-mag</a>

Our newest addition to the M&P® lineup, the semi-automatic M&P®22 MAGNUM

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The New M&amp;P 22 MAGNUM will light up the range and quicken your pulse.
Get a staggering 30+1 capacity. This means less time reloading and more time shooting. A front gas port keeps everything locked up until the round exits the barrel. This gives you a more consistent, more reliable, and more accurate platform. Direct mount most of the popular micro red dots on the market for an easier-to-see sight picture.
<ul>
<li>Internal hammer-fired, gas-operated, locked-breech TEMPO&trade; barrel system (barrel doesn&rsquo;t cam open until bullet passes gas port).</li>
<li>Fiber optic (green) front sight with black notched rear sight</li>
<li>Slim, textured grip.</li>
<li>Ambidextrous Slide Stop and Manual Thumb Safety</li>
<li>Flat-face trigger for consistent finger placement allows for more accurate and repeatable shooting.</li>
<li>Picatinny-style rails</li>
<li>Made in U.S.A</li>
</ul>

M&P® 22 MAGNUM WITH THUMB SAFETY

NEW: M&P®22 MAGNUM

5.7 is having a moment,&nbsp;and I'm here for it. Looking back on the 90s, I think of the Matrix, hair scrunchies, plaid flannels, and the launch of a new cartridge - the 5.7x28mm. This era is enjoying a&nbsp;comeback and as with the case of fashion, interest in the 5.7 cartridge is growing too. This year, Smith &amp; Wesson added a pistol into the mix with the M&amp;P&nbsp;5.7 and I’m excited about it.<figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt242c5d010d34a262/648880ab0b7fca1ae262ce4a/Blog_3.png" alt="First photo is a M&P 5.7 outside on a wooden fence. Second photo is of a M&P lying on a plaid shirt with a VCR tape, clip and scrunchy beside it." /></figure>Originally designed as a cartridge for a specific personal defense weapon (PDW), offerings for the 5.7x28mm have expanded into the pistol realm.&nbsp;Where it&nbsp;used to be limited to a few models, the increased interest, lower cost of ammo, and better availability make guns like the M&amp;P 5.7 a nice addition to the&nbsp;collection. Before I received my 5.7 I bought a few boxes of ammo at my local dealer. Federal’s American Eagle uses a 40-grain bullet, traveling over 1500 fps at 25&nbsp;yards. It’s a slim cartridge with a necked-down case and pointed projectile. When turned over, the centerfire primer looks proportionally enormous when&nbsp;comparing it to a .223 rifle or 9mm handgun round. Even in a handgun, the cartridge is designed to shoot fast and flat with less trajectory drop than other&nbsp;handgun calibers. According to Federal, even at 100 yards, the velocity is still well over 1100 fps. These kinds of stats impress me, especially as someone&nbsp;who enjoys testing handgun accuracy beyond 25 yards.<figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta9f52d48b1021d07/648881428b23a5f289052e12/Blog_2.png" alt="First photo is a man's hand holding ammunition. Second photo is a M&P 5.7 lying on wood with two clips and a box of ammunition." /></figure>With a capacity of 22+1, and as a lightweight, full-size pistol, it’s easy to see the appeal of the M&amp;P 5.7 for concealed carry, field use, and most of all fun. With&nbsp;the capability to add a suppressor and optic, it’s a firearm that can fit many interests. For me, it’s the perfect pistol to shoot after 4 months of recovery from&nbsp;rotator cuff repair surgery.&nbsp; Coming in at 26.7 ounces, the pistol is light, even when loaded to capacity, and adding a Trijicon RMRcc with a mounting plate. Despite having a bigger grip&nbsp;from the front strap to the back strap due to the length of the 5.7x28mm round, the grip is slim enough for me to reach the trigger easily with my small hands.&nbsp;The weight and thin grip are features I especially appreciate right now. The real joy happens when you shoot M&amp;P 5.7. With the smartly-designed&nbsp;TEMPO™ barrel&nbsp;system and lightning cuts on the slide, the slide movement and&nbsp;barrel rotation are extremely fast. Even in the smaller window of the RMRcc, the dot barely moves. The combination of slide speed and the reliability afforded&nbsp;by the gas-operated system make it a really fun gun to shoot. It’s also the kind of pistol you can put to the test for accuracy at greater ranges. As someone who competes in Action Pistol competitions, shooting targets at&nbsp;50 yards with a handgun, I had to see how it would shoot beyond typical handgun range. Using a full-size IPSC target, I shot offhand at 25, 50, 75, and 100&nbsp;yards with no issues. When I’m fully recovered, shooting groups at these distances is on the to do list.&nbsp;<figure style = "float: none;width: 740px;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt4ef86d72a9da9a40/648881761fb2d33511495238/Blog_1.png" alt="First photo is of Julie Golob holding a firearm next to a target. Second photo is Julie shooting the firearm" height="370" style="height: 370;" /></figure>Whether you’re interested in the M&amp;P 5.7 for concealed carry, a handgun you take with you in the field for varmints, or if you are interested in owning a pistol&nbsp;in this small but mighty cartridge, the 5.7 moment is far from over.

5.7 is having a moment, and I'm here for it. This year, Smith & Wesson added a pistol into the mix with the M&P 5.7 and I’m excited about it.

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5.7 is Having a Moment

It’s no small feat being a woman breaking into the world of professional shooting. In recognition of International Women’s Day, we asked two of our favorite women in the firearms industry to share a bit about how they got here, how the industry has changed, and what they hope for the future generation of female shooters. Julie Golob, Pro Shooter & Captain of Team Smith & Wesson®I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for shooting sports and this industry. Growing up around competitive shooting, there weren’t many women on the range and certainly very few teenage girls like me. The women I encountered, inspired me. Whether it was a kind word of encouragement and fun atmosphere from female shooters at the local level or watching the incredible skills from the top women in the sport, there was so much to learn and appreciate. Champions like Kay Miculek, Kippi Leatham, and Sheila Brey proved how to take shooting even further. <figure style = "float: none;width: 718px;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt19fd32368e034948/63728a4562965b10fea09079/womenshooting-julie-001.jpg" alt="women shooters" /></figure>(left) A young Julie Golob shooting one of her first competitions as a teenager.&nbsp; (right) Julie begins building her esteemed career of professional shooting on the US Army Shooting Team. Thanks to shooting, I’ve learned so much about goal setting and leadership, as well as useful life skills. As a young competitor, I put countless hours and over a million rounds down range. As a wife and mother, I have learned to make the most of less time and resources. Being a part of the industry and connecting with fellow gun owners as well as those who are looking to purchase their first firearm, has helped me better address their concerns and needs as shooters. The different roles I’ve played throughout my career have helped me develop empathy and an understanding I am grateful for.When I think of all the newcomers to shooting, women and girls of all ages, I can’t help but smile. It’s no longer rare to see a teenage girl pushing the envelope in competition. Women feel confident that they can learn about firearms and concealed carry methods, so much so that they aren’t intimidated to hit the range or visit a gun shop. It has taken some time to get here, but I feel honored that I play a part in it. Helping motivate, guide, and teach others useful skills on and off the range is one of the best parts of what I do. <figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt27b1b8c8e0fcdd45/63728a6acca9f010a904a9bf/womenshooting-julie-002.jpg" alt="women shooters" /></figure>(left) Ladies of the US National Team represented at the 2011 IPSC World Shoot.&nbsp; (right) The captain of Team Smith& Wesson, Julie competes regularly in a variety of disciplines. Ava Flanell, Firearms Instructor & Host of Gun Funny Podcast : Even though I only shot my first gun in 2012, I was raised around guns. My mom was a firearms instructor and assisted me when I shot my first gun. Thinking back, my mom was somewhat of a pioneer because even when I became an instructor in 2013, I was the only female in all the instructor credential courses that I took. As I started teaching my own classes, females made up for about twenty percent of the class. With each year, female attendance continues to grow. Now I have women coming up to me saying that my path has encouraged them to become an instructor. <figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltfa39dfc901779651/63728a930f2f8f10dd0e164b/womenshooting-ava-001.jpg" alt="women shooters" /></figure>(left) Owning and operating a gun shop with her husband, Ava’s mother Terry Flanell was an advocate for women in the shooting sports. (right) While living in NYC, Ava worked for the New York Yankees, she later shifted gears and began her career in the firearms industry. Before I chose my current career path, I spent the first eight years of adulthood living in New York City. Owning a firearm was never a consideration. I lived in Manhattan with over twelve million people living on top of each other. I thought surely if anything ever happened there were plenty of people to help. What a small-minded thought. As I’ve grown older, wiser and have seen the reality of the world, I realize that not even law enforcement is required to protect you. Self-protection is our responsibility and right. <figure style = "float: none;width: 723px;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf37801510b059513/63728ac9d4802c10f7f4a696/womenshooting-ava-002.jpg" alt="women shooters" /></figure>(left) In addition to firearms training, Ava is a YouTuber and hosts the Gun Funny podcast. (right) Teaching the next generation of female shooters the importance of firearms safety and handling. Learning how to protect myself has been one of the most empowering things I’ve done. I can live alone, go hiking, and go about my day freely knowing that if I’m ever in danger I’m equipped to have a fighting chance. When obtained lawfully, guns are a tool that level the playing field of surviving someone or something that you wouldn’t otherwise. Training the next generation of female shooters, it’s important to emphasize that gun ownership doesn’t have an image. You don’t have to be a man or look like the next Laura Croft. Race, gender, politics, and religion shouldn’t deny or dissuade someone the right to protect themselves and loved ones. &nbsp;