From Fear to Confidence: Tips for Women to Overcome Their Fear of Guns
By Ashley Malfitano
From Fear to Confidence: Tips for Women to Overcome Their Fear of Guns
Let’s be real—if you’re a woman who feels nervous, hesitant, or even afraid of guns, you are not alone.
Maybe you didn’t grow up around firearms, or you had a negative experience, or simply don’t feel confident handling such a heavy and powerful device. Those feelings are valid, but they don’t have to define your relationship with personal safety.
At Kinsey Rhea, we’re all about educating and empowering women to step into their strength and feel confident in every situation. Part of that journey, for many of us, is facing our fear of firearms and replacing it with knowledge, respect, and confidence.
A Quick Story That Inspired This Post…
At a recent trade show, I hosted an educational session on our concealed carry purses. As people walked by, a man stopped to chat with me about what we do and why we do it. He said something that really stuck with me:
“It’s all about education. If more people understood guns—how they work and when they’re dangerous—it would take away so much of the fear.”
I couldn’t agree more. Since fear comes from the unknown, something powerful happens when we learn: fear begins to fade, and confidence takes its place.
So, real talk–and zero pressure–here's how to move past fear and into confidence at your own pace.
Tip #1: Start with Education
You don’t have to hold a gun—or even be near one—to start learning. Grab a book, listen to a podcast, or follow reputable instructors online. Learn the basic parts of a handgun, how it functions, and the golden rule of firearm safety: treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
Knowledge is the first step to taking back control of your fear.
Tip #2: Get Comfortable at Your Own Pace
Your journey is yours alone. There’s no timeline for feeling confident. Start by visiting a local range or gun shop and simply observe. Ask questions. Hold an unloaded firearm (with a professional’s help) to get used to the feel. You’re allowed to take your time.
Pro tip: Bring a girlfriend or join a women-only firearm class. There’s power in learning alongside other women who get it.
Tip #3: Talk About It
It’s okay to say, “I’m nervous,” or “I’m not sure I’m ready.” Having honest conversations—whether with your partner, a trusted friend, or a certified instructor—can help normalize your feelings. And you’ll often find out that you’re not the only one who feels that way.
Founder Ashley Malfitano speaks on this often when talking at concealed carry classes for women, it is normal to have fear when learning to carry a firearm. Acknowledge the fear and you can start to work through it.
Fear loses power when you speak it out loud.
Tip #4: Take a Basic Firearm Safety Course
You'll only understand what a game-changer this is once you experience it. A beginner-friendly course will walk you through firearm safety, handling, and storage—in a hands-on, judgment-free environment. By the end, you’ll feel less like a spectator and more like an owner of your personal safety.
You might even surprise yourself and start having fun.
Tip #5: Choose Gear That Feels Like You
Let’s be honest—so much of the firearm world can feel cold, intimidating, or not made with women in mind. That’s one reason I created Kinsey Rhea. There's a reason Kinsey Rhea is built on the values of owning your safety while expressing your style—giving you a safe and feminine way to carry with confidence.
When your gear feels like you, confidence comes naturally.
Final Words of Encouragement
Fear is nothing to be ashamed of—it’s often what leads us to strength. If you feel unsure or intimidated by firearms, that doesn't make you weak. It just means you're at the beginning of a journey. Many women have taken before you. And you can do it too!
So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and remember: you are capable. You are smart, strong, and brave enough to learn something new—especially when it’s about protecting yourself and your loved ones.
