Women in Shooting: Why We Founded the Coley Ladies Shooting Club

My Introduction to Clay Shooting

Looking back, it's hard to believe that shooting would become such a big part of my life.

I was 12 years old when I first pulled the trigger, having been introduced to the sport by my father. The reality is that shooting was a part of my life long before I ever picked up a shotgun myself. I grew up at shooting grounds, pressing buttons, carrying cartridges and accompanying my dad to his Police inter-service clay competitions. Yet despite being surrounded by shooting, I wasn’t exactly desperate to get involved.

In fact, I hated it.

At the time, I was completely horse mad and couldn’t understand my father’s endless attempts to convince me that guns were safer than horses. It wasn’t until years later – and one broken back after a riding accident – that I reluctantly admitted he may have had a point. What I remember most about those early days wasn’t the shooting itself. It was the nerves. I hated people watching me. I hated missing targets. Like many people, I wanted to be good immediately and I didn’t like the feeling of not getting something right first time. Looking back now, it’s a feeling I’ve seen in countless women who come to try shooting for the very first time.

The Reality of Being a Woman in Shooting

One question I'm often asked is whether I've ever felt intimidated as a woman in shooting.
The short answer is yes.

The longer answer is that I’ve never met a woman in shooting who hasn’t felt that way at some point.What’s interesting is that I don’t think it comes from the shooting community itself. Generally speaking, shooters are some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Yet many women still feel nervous walking onto a predominantly male shooting ground for the first time.

Why?

Because there’s a fear of getting it wrong. A fear of looking silly. A fear of being judged. And sometimes, a fear of asking questions. Many women arrive already feeling like they should know more than they do. Others worry they’ll be patronised or not taken seriously. Even buying a shotgun, which should be one of the most exciting aspects of taking up the sport, can feel overwhelming.

During my time working in the gunroom, I occasionally experienced being overlooked simply because I was female. Yet one thing I’m incredibly proud of here at Coleys is that everyone is treated as a shooter first. Nobody is pressured into making a purchase, and every customer is encouraged to try exactly what suits them best.

Being female doesn’t make you any less informed. Equally, it doesn’t mean you need special treatment.

What women often need is simply the confidence and opportunity to discover the sport in their own way.

Challenges Beyond Confidence

Confidence is only one part of the conversation.
Equipment is another.

Historically, much shooting equipment has been designed around male dimensions, which can make finding the right gun fit more difficult for women. Thankfully, that’s changing, but there’s still a common misconception that the only suitable options for women are lightweight guns with pretty engraving.

The reality is far more interesting than that.

There are countless fantastic gun options available for female shooters today, and finding the right one is about fit, balance and performance rather than just aesthetics. At Ian Coley Sporting, we spend a huge amount of time helping shooters find the right setup for them as individuals rather than forcing them into a category.

As I often say, if you’re unsure, just ask in the gunroom.

Why the Ladies 100 Sporting Competition Is So Important

If there is one event that perfectly demonstrates the power of women supporting women in shooting, it's the Ladies 100 Sporting Competition.

The Ladies 100 Sporting is unique because it is a genuine competition designed specifically for women.

There is significant prize money on offer, the targets are professionally set and the competition attracts some of the biggest names in women’s shooting. Yet at the same time, it’s also welcoming enough for someone entering their very first competition. That’s incredibly important.

Visibility matters.

The more women see other women competing, the more they realise they belong there too. The Ladies 100 creates an environment where experienced competitors and club shooters stand side-by-side. Everyone is willing each other on. Everyone wants each other to shoot well. Yes, it’s competitive. But it’s also one of the friendliest shooting events I’ve ever had the privilege of being involved with. For many women, it’s the first step into competitive shooting. Questions are welcomed. Advice is shared. Encouragement is everywhere.

If you’re considering entering, my advice is very simple:
Try it and then come and find me afterwards and tell me you didn’t love it.

The Future of Women in Shooting

The good news is that women in shooting are more visible than ever.

We’re seeing increasing numbers of female competitors regularly giving the men a run for their money in classes and competitions, and that’s brilliant for the sport. There is still work to do, particularly when it comes to equipment choices and ensuring women don’t feel boxed into outdated stereotypes, but the progress being made is encouraging.

As for the future of the Coley Ladies Shooting Club, success isn’t measured solely by numbers. Of course, we’d love the group to continue growing. But more importantly, I’d like us to become a community that women feel they can turn to. A place where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing frustrations, celebrating achievements and encouraging one another.

If we’ve given someone the confidence to enter the Ladies 100 Sporting, attend one of our registered shoots or simply enjoy their shooting more than they did before, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.

Taking the First Step

If a nervous woman walked through the gates of Ian Coley Sporting tomorrow, there is one thing I'd want her to know.

Just ask.

Whether you want to speak to a woman or one of the genuinely lovely men who work here, we have time to listen.

Confidence doesn’t come before you start. Confidence comes from taking that first step.

Whether you’ve never picked up a shotgun before, you’re returning to the sport after years away, or you’re looking for a welcoming ladies shooting group in the Cotswolds, there is a place for you here.

The Coley Ladies Shooting Club was built on a simple belief: every woman should feel welcome, supported and capable of enjoying this incredible sport.