More women turning to firearms for protection

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - What would you do? On New Year's Eve an Oklahoma woman shot and killed a man trying to break into her house. She feared it was either her and her baby's life, or the intruder's.

Stories like that are now compelling others to exercise their second amendment rights.

No one wants to be in that situation, but if you are and you're armed do you know your rights?

A growing number of women are asking that question.

Shooters Gun Shop, Inc. in Cape Girardeau opened 15 years ago as a shop for mainly for hunters. That has all since changed.

"We mostly sell concealed carry handguns," said manager Rowdy Enderle.

Enderle says more women are coming through the doors than ever.

"Everybody wants to protect themselves," said Enderle.

That's exactly what three women from the Cape Girardeau County/Bollinger County told Heartland News they want.

Lynn Ware, Ashley Koehler, and Sara Nenninger all took a concealed carry class.

"I live alone and need to know how to protect myself," said Lynn Ware.

"My husband is out of town quite often," said Ashley Koehler. "It's to protect ourselves in the home. We have a child now."

"I am a single mom of two," said Sara Nenninger. "I wanted to be able to protect myself and kids if something were to happen."

They all took their class through Crooked Creek Home Safety in Perryville, MO. It's a class that is typically full with a growing number of female participants.

"It's pretty well 50/50 to 60/40 men to women," said NRA Certified Instructor Darren Estes. "We're seeing more ladies coming in with their husbands, and boyfriends. Also fathers coming in with their daughters."

Instructor Darren Estes says most of the time in the classroom is spent on teaching the law, making sure the students know their rights.

"If you can legitimately and legally justify that your life or someone else's life was in danger then under Missouri law, you're covered," said Estes.

That pertains not only in a conceal and carry situation, but at home too where the Castle Doctrine comes in to play. There a person can use deadly force against someone committing a forcible felony.

It does not apply on things like... "Someone stealing your car stereo at night," said Estes. "Doesn't give you the right to confront them with a weapon."

After seeing the story out of Oklahoma where the young mother shot and killed an intruder, it's made many women think more about their own safety.

It made the three women we spoke with very thankful they took the concealed carry class.

"I think it validates that," said Sara Nenninger.