More Women In Valley Packing Heat

Kathy Klenow’s husband gave her a gun for her birthday and she’s learning how to use it safety.

Klenow just signed up for the Coachella Valley Security Academy’s firearm safety class.

“There are a lot of single women out there and I think any women should always be prepared,” said Klenow.

Klenow’s hoping it will help her become more confident with her gun.

Instructors have noticed more and more women like Klenow are registering for concealed weapons permits, buying guns and learning how to use them.

“Just to educate themselves. I think they’re wanting to be less of a victim and more empowered and they want to feel more like they’re taking responsibility being proactive about their safety,” said Cheri Michel, an instructor with Coachella Valley Security Academy.

Instructors go over the basics: when it’s safe to use a gun, how to hold a gun when firing, and how to safely put it away. There’s also a program to let you try a gun before you buy.

Gun safety tips are the same for both men and women. But instructors say if they’re both put in a firing range, women are more accurate than men.

“No offense to you guys out there but women are really good listeners, so they apply what they learn very well, so they’re really good students. Men kind of sometimes have the mentality that they should know it all already so they don’t listen to the instruction,” said Michel.

Klenow, for one, is listening.

She’s excited to learn safety tips and plans to encourage her friends to learn them as well.

“Always be prepared and just be comfortable with it too. You got to really be comfortable with your weapon and be safe. No. 1 … safety,” said Klenow.