Continuing our series on Modern Women, we are proud to present Alyssa aka "TheGunnyGal".
Alyssa is a firearms instructor, gun advocate and competitor. Her first introduction to firearms was on her and her husbands first date, after he had recently purchased his first AR-15. Soon after, he had began working in the firearms industry. Because of this, Alyssa was surrounded by many knowledgable people and had the opportunity to shoot a lot of different guns. She was able to gain a lot of experience very quickly.
Later, she began attending different training events that her husband was filming at and participated in them as well. This offered her even more hands-on training. One of her favorite things she has learned is “shooting is shooting”. Although she was often the only girl shooting in these events, she never felt uncomfortable or out of place. Everyone she’s worked with has been so welcoming and she was quickly brought into the heart of the tactical community.
After having a few strange and uncomfortable instances in an apartment complex she was living in, she realized just how important it is to have a firearm-especially as a woman. This began her journey into personal protection and situational awareness. For Alyssa, being able to protect herself is a huge priority in her life. For women in general, and smaller women like Alyssa, you are at a natural disadvantage when in a dangerous situation with a possible offender. She’s grateful to feel safe and capable enough to protect herself.
Alyssa has began posting her journey and experience with firearms on social media. Her goal is to spread awareness and show others that it is possible to carry responsibly and still be stylish/comfortable. “I know many women are afraid or scared, or just nervous, to get into firearms. I carry everyday, and let me tell you-I feel so much comfortable when I am carrying versus when I’m not.”
She’s honest about her experience with firearms, noting that it took some time to get comfortable. She says that it can take a while to figure out what setup is the most comfortable, and what works best for yourself. Alyssa likes to emphasize the fact that you don’t have to change your wardrobe to carry as a woman. Many of her social media posts highlight new and creative ways to adjust your outfits in order to concealed carry safely.
Alyssa is proud to teach beginners as a firearm instructor. “This has been such a rewarding thing that I have done”. Her focus is to help other women take that first step to get into firearms. She shares how important it is that she can be a woman instructor where other women feel comfortable coming to her for instruction and advice.
After teaching, she has since gotten into firearm shooting competitions. This year she competed in her first tactical games, which is a combination of fitness and shooting. She’s proud to share that she took 3rd place in her division! “There’s something about combining fitness and firearms that is awesome.”
When shooting for the first time, Alyssa shares that it took probably 15 minutes before she pulled the trigger for the first time. She understands that it can be overwhelming to get into this industry as a woman, but she is very happy that she has! She has turned something she originally thought was fun, into a way to protect herself and compete with others.
Her mission is to empower women, and to show them that they can be strong and independent, and that they can protect themselves. “What I’ve realized is that you don’t need a military or LEO background in order to be included and accepted into the firearms community and culture. I love that more women are getting into concealed carry and into the firearms industry. Even just from a couple years ago, I feel like it’s grown so much more-and it’s so exciting to see that!”
Check out her instagram page @thegunnygal for more awesome content and helpful information.
Modern Warriors
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26 сен 2024
