Gun sales on the rise among women

TULSA - Gun sales among women are on the rise.

The number of criminal background checks for gun purchases hit an all-time high in December, according to the FBI.

Experts said there are many reasons why Americans, especially women, are choosing to arm themselves.

For some it's a new hobby.  Others are concerned about gun rights this election year.  Some just no longer feel safe in their neighborhoods.

Here in Oklahoma, interest in guns has also spiked, especially among women.

Enrollment in the "women's only" conceal-carry class at the Red Castle Gun Club is up 400 percent.

"That's remarkable and we don't really know why," said Don Roberts, conceal-carry instructor. "It may be due in part to the Blanchard incident."

The incident he is talking about took place New Year's Eve when a single teen mother shot and killed an intruder in her home.

Each woman in the conceal-carry class had a different reason for being there, but a consistent theme many mentioned were that they wanted to be able to protect themselves and their loved ones.

"I can't see myself actually carrying a gun or shooting anyone, but I would like to understand how to use it and be able to if I needed to," said one woman.

The women not only learn how to safely handle and operate a gun, they also learn about gun laws.

"The first part of the class we talk about Oklahoma law, the use of deadly force, the provisions relating to the Oklahoma self-defense act," said Roberts. "This is their one chance to get exposed to the deadly force law."

If they pass the class, the women will become eligible to apply for a gun license.

The Red Castle Gun Club holds several classes a year for both men and women.

For more information, visit their website, tulsaredcastlegunclub.com