Gun industry: Let’s rethink how we sell to women

I walk into a sporting goods store, my hand on the door handle. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for what I’m about to experience. Walking into these stores is all the same. I have employees stare me down, trying to figure out why I’m near a gun counter. I’m a woman, after all, and I have no man with me. Their faces are all the same. They’re eager to sell me guns I have no interest in. They assume I don’t know the difference between a .9mm and a .38 special. Because I’m a woman, there is an assumption that I will shoot whatever my fiancé tells me to shoot and that I want all of my gear in hot pink.

I slowly pace down the gun counter, looking at the various firearms: Smith & Wesson, Glock, Browning and even a few (very gorgeous) Colts.

“Can I help you with something, ma’am?” the man behind the counter asks.

“No, I’m just looking,” I reply.

“Just let me know if you need anything,” he responds.