Question of the Day: How Do We Get More Women Into Shooting?

This morning’s surfing uncovered a rogue wave. Writing for pittsburghlive.com, columnist Eric Heyl ranted about the lack of women at NRA conventions (this year’s confab is set to hit his hometown). Yada yada yada sexist NRA. And then Heyl ends his piece with the most sexist garbage I’ve read in many a moon. “The industry is unlikely to successfully tap that market until it conquers the pesky preconceived notions that likely turn off many females to the idea of gun ownership. Women likely won’t consider packing pistols if they are concerned that:

— Spending several hundred dollars on a serviceable handgun might leave them without enough money to get the full treatment at that next visit to the day spa.

— Carrying a gun in a small purse would leave less room for more important items, such as lipstick or compact.

— The baggy clothing required to successfully conceal most holsters would make them appear frumpy.

— Gunpowder residue might stain the new Karen Scott blouse they just bought at Macy’s.

— The gunpowder smell when the weapon is fired could totally overwhelm the Chanel they’re wearing.

— Most firearm accessories come only in one boring color: black.

— Target practice earplugs simply aren’t sexy.

Tell me he’s being ironic. And while you’re at it, tell me what’s stopping women from taking up the shooting arts in the same numbers as males of the species. Testosterone?And how we can get more women into shooting. My local range offers “ladies nights” with free admission. The various women-oriented firearms websites make me vaguely nauseous. Surely we can do better than that.