Crime, reduced funding for police, and the fear of chaos following natural disasters or another pandemic are driving both the increase in gun ownership and the interest in gun training schools.

“A lot of turmoil is happening, especially in large cities, and people don’t want to become victims anymore,” states Eric Stieber, who is participating in a week-long handgun course at Gunsite Academy, a large gun training facility near Prescott, Arizona.

“This part was enjoyable,” mentioned Arizona chef Eric Stieber. “However, you must consider real-life situations where the target won’t be made of steel. It’s going to be a human being behind it, and carrying that responsibility is significant.”

“This part was fun,” said Arizona chef Eric Stieber. “But there’s all the things you have to think about of real life situations, of it’s not going to be a steel target. It’s going to be a human being behind that. And that’s a lot of responsibility to take with you.”  (Fox News)

It’s not just handguns. Gunsite owner Buz Mills added combat tactics with AR-15 and bolt-action rifles. More than 10% of students are women. 

“I think there are a lot more, especially women who are interested in shooting and handguns and protecting themselves,” says retiree Cindy Hartin.

“I’m a little cautious when I mention it to friends and family, but most people are really excited to hear and ask me lots of questions.”

That’s different from 10 or even 20 years ago when Mills says there was more of a stigma attached with gun ownership. Today, that isn’t so much the case in most of America, where Supreme Court decisions and state laws are more friendly to gun rights.

“Are people in general, becoming more comfortable being associated with firearms than they had in the past?” says Mills. “Yes, and that is absolutely the truth. Because firearms are becoming more mainstream.