"High-capacity" revolvers are new self-defense option for women - self-defense guns and clothing apparel for women - Arms and the Woman - Column

Shooting Industry, Feb, 1998 by Lisa Parsons

The firearm most commonly recommended to women looking for a self-defense gun is a revolver. Dealers across the country say, for the new shooter. a revolver is easier to operate and requires less maintenance, and they always recommend them as a first choice for women shooters. The only drawback has been that most self-defense revolvers only have a five- or six-shot capacity, leaving women with less ammunition during a crisis. Critics of lower-capacity revolvers have lost some of their steam since the Brady law limited all handguns to 10 rounds, however.

In order to continue to narrow the firepower gap between autos and revolvers, firearm designers have embarked on a mission to create a new style of revolver. This has sparked a trend in the firearm industry lightweight revolvers designed for self-defense with a capacity greater than six shots. This is a real bonus to dealers, as women who have settled for lower-capacity revolvers may choose to upgrade to a higher-capacity model.

The latest entry in the lightweight, high-capacity revolver game is Taurus with their seven-shot .357 Magnum Model 617. This gun comes in eight variations with features such as ported barrels, concealed hammers and stainless or blued finish. The 2-inch snubby features soft-rubber grips, serrated ramp front sights, fixed rear sights, a transfer bar safety and the option of a concealed hammer. The seven-shot weighs in at 28.3 ounces and has an overall length of 6 5/9 inches.

For those who are concerned about keeping small children from firing the gun, the Model 617 has the Taurus Security System. Hidden inside the hammer is a locking device that can only be operated by a special key. Insert the key, twist it on and the action of the hammer and trigger are locked. This renders the revolver totally inoperable. A simple reverse twist of the key and the gun is back in action.

This design has just come on-line and the Model 617, along with Smith & Wesson's AirLite eight-shot .22, could be indicative of the future of the self-defense revolver. The challenge for manufacturers is to keep the guns small and lightweight enough to be carried comfortably.

Women's Apparel

Many firearms dealers are firmly committed to seeing women become a bigger part of the shooting sports and recognize that without women, the industry could continue to experience a serious decline. The only problem is, until there are enough women shooting and hunting, it's difficult for some dealers to justify, the floor space and cost of carrying equipment designed exclusively for women. As one dealer said, "I'd like to carry items for women, but I just can't afford to."

This creates a definite Catch 22. Why should women come to your store if you don't have what they need and you don't carry women's products because they don't shop at your store. So what's a dealer to do? At least in the clothing department, there's a new catalog that could form a bridge between your bottom line and the needs of women customers.

The 32-page Outdoor Woman catalog is full of quality sporting apparel and accessories designed specifically for women. The creators of the catalog have pledged to search out new items designed for women, list the best unisex alternatives when no designs for women are available and, if necessary, create their own designs to fill in the gaps.

The clothing lines includes hunting and fishing clothing as well as accessories such as boots, hats and gear bags. Many of the products are from makers you've read about in this column such as Suzi Smith, Zanika, Shoot The Moon, La Crosse, Danner and Flint River. There are even a few pages of clothing for junior outdoors women, so little girls can be properly attired when they are introduced to the shooting sports. Nice idea.

There are two ways dealers can use this catalog. One is as a service to their customers. Dealers can explain that they are not currently carrying women's clothing, but that they know of a great catalog which is full of quality products for women. Then they can offer their customer either a copy of the catalog or The Outdoor Woman's toll-free number. A dealer may not make much of a profit this way, but when a female customer needs a gun, she'll remember the great service she received at your store and come back to you for a firearm purchase.

The second way dealers can use this catalog is as a resource. Look at what The Outdoor Woman carries and if you already have a relationship with these companies, see if they will allow you to special order items featured in the catalog. Most companies will accommodate you and provide product photos and information you can show your customers. Dealers can buy at wholesale and sell at retail, this turning a tidy profit.

You can reach The Outdoor Woman at (888) 565-0907; P.O. Box 7603, Boise, ID 83707.

More Women Hunting

A recent article from the New York Times News Service found its way into our local paper. The article, while not glowingly pro-hunting, is a lair reporting of the rise of women hunters. One interesting statement made in the article is that, according to the federal Fish and Wildlife Service, 100,000 more women have hunting licenses than in 1991 and that 200,000 men let theirs expire during that time. If there was ever any question that women are the future of the shooting sports, these numbers are the answer.