Gun Owners of America’s Empowered 2A National Women’s Range Day 2026

Empowered 2A, an initiative by Gun Owners of America, is breaking new ground by actively encouraging greater female participation in the firearms community. Founded on the principle that Gun Rights are Women’s Rights®, the program launched National Women’s Range Day to inspire, train, and connect women in the Second Amendment space.

As the 2026 event approaches on June 6th at the Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, New Hampshire, I spokewith Empowered 2A director Suk Finnell about the event’s origins, the evolving role of women in the 2A space, and why such gatherings matter now more than ever.

Suk, what inspired GOA to create a national event specifically focused on women in the firearms community, and how has the response evolved over the years?

“Firearms have traditionally been viewed as a “male” pursuit, and we knew that needed to change. Empowered 2A was founded to inspire women to stand strong, protect their freedoms, and shape a future where every woman’s voice in the fight for the Second Amendment is heard loud and clear. Empowered 2A is a movement built on the belief that Gun Rights are Women’s Rights® and National Women’s Range Day was the natural expression of that mission, a dedicated space where women could train, connect, and be celebrated.”

What do you think is the biggest misconception people still have about women who choose to train with and carry firearms?

“The biggest misconception is that women who carry do so out of fear. The reality is the opposite. The women who come to our events are mothers, professionals, survivors, and community leaders who have made a thoughtful, empowered decision to take responsibility for their own safety. Our vision is an America where women lead with courage in defense of the Second Amendment, standing confident in their rights and committed to their responsibilities. That’s not fear. That’s leadership. Women are actually one of the fastest-growing demographics of gun owners in this country.”

For women attending National Women’s Range Day for the first time, what do you hope they walk away with beyond just firearms training?

“We want them to walk away knowing they belong here. Attendees have the opportunity to meet with female advocates and leaders in the Second Amendment community and seek advice on best practices in their firearm journey. But beyond the range skills, we want every woman to leave with a sense of sisterhood and the confidence that she has a community standing with her. The 2026 event delivers a full-spectrum empowerment experience, all designed to build confidence, skills, and a stronger voice for freedom.”

How important is mentorship and community in bringing more women into the Second Amendment space safely and confidently?

“It’s everything. Empowered 2A is a coalition of women united by a shared commitment to the rights and responsibilities of the Second Amendment. Through education, advocacy, and leadership, we equip women to confidently stand for freedom today and secure liberty for the next generation. That generational piece is critical — when an experienced woman takes a first timer under her wing at the range, the effect ripples outward. She goes home, she tells her sister, her neighbor, her coworker. Community isn’t just a nice addition; it’s the engine of it.”

At a time when conversations around self-defense and constitutional rights are becoming more polarized, why do you think events like this matter now more than ever?

“Because polarization thrives on abstraction, and we deal in reality. When a woman holds a firearm for the first time and realizes she is capable of defending herself and her family, no political talking point can undo that. Gun rights are women’s rights, and events like National Women’s Range Day make that visceral and personal, not theoretical. Empowered 2A does women’s events all over the country, from range days to seminars; to get women involved in the fight for the Second Amendment. The more women who step into this space, the harder it becomes for anyone to misrepresent who we are and what we stand for.”

As you can tell, National Women’s Range Day stands for far more than a day at the range. It is a tangible expression of empowerment, where skills are honed, misconceptions are dismantled, and lasting community bonds are created. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and unapologetic advocacy, Empowered 2A continues to prove that women are not just taking partin the firearms community; they are helping lead it.

As women increasingly recognize their right and responsibility to protect themselves and their families, events like this play a crucial role in building capable, confident voices in the defense of liberty. Whether you’re a first-time shooter or a seasoned carrier, the message is clear: you belong here, and your voice matters in the fight for the Second Amendment. 

For more information and to register for the 2026 National Women’s Range Day, visit gunowners.org/nwrd.

Editor’s Note: Groups like Gun Owners of America and Empowered 2A  are doing everything they can to protect our Second Amendment rights and promote responsible gun ownership

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