How Men And Women Learn Shooting Differently


It shouldn’t be controversial, even in the current day and age, to say that men and women are different. They are physically different. They often have different priorities in life in many areas. And they tend to approach learning skills differently, too.

Now, we can go into the differences in the male and female brain, but that’s not the focus of this site. What you need to understand is that men and women are different, and if we want the different biological sexes to learn how to handle a gun in the way that most effectively works for them, then we need to pay attention and cater to those differences.

Tatiana Whitlock has some thoughts on these differences. Whitlock writes,

From an instructor’s perspective, new male shooters tend to learn better when introduced to a concept or technique by presenting the mechanics of the skill first and then putting that activity into context. Women tend to learn the same skill best when introduced to the context of when and why that particular skill is important and then taught the mechanics of putting it to use. The result is the same: the student learns both the action and the application, though from opposite perspectives. Both are fully capable of executing the skill set with precise fine and gross motor skills, regardless of gender, and put it to use when and where appropriate in the real world.

In addition to how the information is presented (as noted above), Whitlock notes that new shooters who are male more often need to be taught to slow down to evaluate all threats before taking action while women will more likely evaluate all threats but have less tendency to take decisive action quickly. A smart shooter will want to evaluate and, then, take decisive action.

Also, Whitlock notes that new women shooters tend to prefer to learn in groups with other women due to women’s greater tendency towards social interaction and to avoid the male tendency towards aggression in the class while first learning about gun usage.

So, whether you are a trainer or someone wanting to train, knowing the difference in how your brain works while learning may be useful in helping the student to get the most out of their firearms training.


  1. I have noticed that if you suggest something to a woman and give an reasonable explanation as to why it may help, they will give it an honest try. They seem to have a desire to learn and are more open to a friendly suggestion. And when it works, they are thankful. However, over half the males will not listen to almost any instruction or information. Some will, but it seems that many do not. If a man does try it and it works, they will ask for more tips and are usually a bit thankful. I separated out the ‘males’ and the ‘man’ on purpose.

    However, I have run across over a dozen or more new gun owners recently. The biggest thing they need to learn is the four basic rules to gun safety. It is the job of every responsible gun owner to help them along. If not, eventually, they will make us all look bad.


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