Americans who own firearms for target shooting, hunting and self-defense are becoming more diverse, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

The NSSF represents the firearms and ammunition industries, and collects broad information on consumer trends in the firearms industry. According to NSSF retailer surveys, personal firearm ownership is highest among white Americans at 45 percent, compared to 34 percent of African-Americans and 36 percent of Hispanic Americans.

According to the National Rifle Association, women are the fastest-growing owners of firearms. To embrace the growing female demographic, the NRA sponsors programs such as “Refuse to be a Victim” and “Women’s Wilderness Escape.”

beaurrr wrote:That certainly is consistent with my own observations at the ranges and gun stores. And it's about dammed time.

PiratePenguin wrote:But the antis keep telling me it is just a handful of old white guys hoarding more and more guns…

Dozens of women are signing up for concealed handgun class after a woman in Dallas scared off a burglar by shooting at him

Stiff wrote:I've seen a steady stream of black people frequenting my local range. My only issue is that a lot of them are so new that they're not familiar with safety rules. I got muzzled several times by folks excited about hitting the target. They really need to take the time and expense for fundamental safety training.