Editor’s Note:  The following article is from OutdoorHub Author Morgan Rogue.  Morgan is a homesteader with a good deal of firearms experience.  Morgan writes for OutdoorHub while also being the founder of Rogue Preparedness where she helps people get prepared for emergencies and disasters, as well as thrive in any circumstances.

I used to be vehemently opposed to firearms because of the way my mom’s negative view of them influenced me as I grew up. It wasn’t until around 19 years old that my boyfriend at the time gave me my first introduction to firearms. He was very patient and taught me the basics of how to shoot. I loved it. I no longer felt negatively towards firearms, but I never really got into them, either. I honestly didn’t see a reason to. I didn’t feel I needed one for protection and didn’t have a desire to go shooting for fun or to hunt. It just wasn’t who I was at the time. It wasn’t until I met my now-husband that I got heavily into firearms. It was as if I had discovered a part of my true calling.

However, at the time, well over 10 years ago, women still made up a minority group within the firearm industry. Generally, whenever you saw a woman holding a gun, she was also scantily clad and had no idea how to manage the weapon she was holding.

Today, I’m thrilled to see the firearm business booming with more women who are serious about firearms and firearm safety and defense. Though even with the boom in female consumers, we still make up the minority and it can be extremely intimidating.

Are you ready to begin your journey into the firearm industry but not sure where to start?

Here’s gun-buying advice from a woman, for women:

The smallest gun may not be the best option 

While I loved my Ruger .380, I also bought it just because it was small. Smaller guns can actually have more of a kickback, so it may not actually be the best option for you. The grip can be awfully small as well, and that’s coming from someone with small hands.

You don’t need a full size, but I encourage you to get the gun that fits you and your needs. If you indeed just want a small gun to start off with and get a feel for carrying and shooting in general, go for it. But you don’t absolutely have to have a small gun just because you’re a female. There are so many ways to conceal even a full size.

You don’t need a revolver

Women are commonly told they need a revolver because it has very few working parts, so the chances of failure are minimal. While this is true, if you don’t want a revolver, then don’t get one. I like revolvers to play around with at the range, but I’ve never wanted one as a carry. That’s just me, personally. If you want a revolver, then get one. But don’t be bullied into one just because you’re a girl.

Get the gun YOU want

If you’re going to be putting cold hard cash on the line to buy a gun, then it needs to be a gun that you are comfortable with. It’s fine if your brother, cousin, or gun store clerk wants to suggest guns to you, but in the end, you have to feel comfortable with it.

Hold it. Shoot it. Research it. Don’t go for the cheapest, don’t go for the smallest, don’t go for something just because of hype or brand name. You need to feel 100% comfortable with it. If you don’t like it, then you’ll never shoot it.

Color is fine

Look, you want a pink gun, then get a pink gun. It’s nobody’s business but your own to get the gun that you want. I encourage you not to get a gun simply because of its color, but if you found a gun and it happens to come in a nice color, then by all means, go for it. My husband buys guns solely based on the fact that it’s coyote tan. So truly, get the blue or pink or whatever color your heart desires.

Train with it

Speaking of shooting it, one of the most important parts of this whole conversation is to train with it. I encourage you to get into a class and learn from a reputable instructor. This way you’ll be creating positive habits right from the get-go. Training with it will also give you a chance to make sure if it really is right for you.

Be sure to ask the dealer if they’ll trade or exchange the firearm later if you’re unhappy with it. If they won’t, ask if you can shoot it first before trying. Many places also have a shooting range and may let you try it before buying. If you’re not able to shoot it, really hold it in your hand and make sure you’re making a good decision about it before buying it.

Buying a firearm is kind of a big deal, especially for your first time. I want you to be comfortable with your purchase and also realize that you’ll most definitely be purchasing many more firearms in the future.

Get the gun that’s right for you and continue to advance your skills, abilities, and comfort level with firearms.