Give Us Two Hours Live And Walk Away With The Calm, Confidence & Clarity To Finally Handle Your Handgun Safely.
One live two-hour session, taught by women, for women — where you can actually ask your questions and get them answered. Pick the session time that fits your week; we run new ones every week. The same foundation 32,321 women have used to go from intimidated to capable.
Mornings, afternoons and evenings. You choose your session after you register — and your replay is yours to keep, forever.
🔒 Secure 256-bit encrypted checkout · Replay + lifetime access included
★★★★★ 4.8 out of 5 average rating from women who've taken this training
Pay Now. Then Choose The Session That Fits Your Schedule.
Your seat is reserved when you pay. Your session time is picked on your thank-you page — from the live sessions we have running that week.
Pay for your registration
$27, one time. Takes under two minutes. This is what holds your place.
Follow the checkout screens all the way through
A few short screens after your payment. Keep clicking through — don't close the tab yet.
Land on your thank-you page
This is the page that matters. It's where your session picker lives — so read it before you go anywhere.
Choose your session
Right there on the thank-you page you'll see the upcoming live sessions and pick the one that works for you. We run 2–3 new sessions every week — mornings, afternoons and evenings — so there's a time that fits around work, grandkids, and everything else. Takes about fifteen seconds.
Attend live — and keep the replay forever
Two full hours, live and online, with your questions answered as you go. And if life happens and you miss your session, you still get the full replay — and you keep it for as long as you want it.
These are real, live sessions — not a recording playing on a loop. That's why you choose your time after checkout instead of before: so you can look at the actual sessions on the schedule and pick the one that fits your week. Just don't close your browser before you reach the thank-you page.
You Get To Ask Your Question. Out Loud.
A recording can't answer you. That's the whole difference. When your hand doesn't fit the grip, when the slide won't budge, when you're not sure whether what you're doing is safe — you can say so, right then, and get an answer from a woman who's been asked it a hundred times before.
Amara answers live, on camera
She stops and takes questions throughout the training and again at the end — explaining it a second way, or picking up her handgun and showing you again.
A second instructor works the chat
The whole time. So the question you're embarrassed to ask out loud can be typed quietly into the chat and answered there instead. Nobody has to raise a hand.
This is the part women tell us they didn't expect. You are not watching a video. You're in a room full of women exactly like you — and when you get stuck, somebody actually answers.
From Women Who Were Exactly Where You Are
🔒 Secure checkout · 2–3 live sessions weekly · Replay yours forever
There are two types of women who will see this page…
Those who keep avoiding the handgun in the closet — hoping they'll "figure it out someday"…
And those who block out two hours this week and walk away knowing exactly how to handle it safely.
We bet you already know which one sleeps better at night.
You know that "having it in the house" is not the same as knowing how to use it.
You know avoiding it is not a plan.
You know that hoping you'll "figure it out later" is exactly how women stay stuck for months… or years.
Meanwhile, you're probably thinking:
"I have a gun, but I'm scared to even touch it."
"I want to learn, but I don't know where to start."
"I'm overwhelmed by all the information out there."
"I don't want to do this wrong."
"I'd sign up, but I don't know if I can make the time work."
"I want to protect myself and my family, but I need someone to walk me through this clearly."
And the worst part?
Every single day that goes by, someone less prepared, less trained, less aware than you is walking into a situation they're not ready for.
While you sit on a firearm you don't know how to use. While you tell yourself "someday."
There's a session this week with your name on it.
The real problem isn't that you're unprepared…
It's that the firearms industry was never built for you.
Every class taught by a prior-military male who doesn't remember a time he didn't own a gun.
Every range where the merchant looks at your husband and asks "So you got this?" — as if you're invisible.
Every "beginner" course scheduled on a Saturday morning three towns over, whether that works for your life or not.
Every instructor who spends the first hour bragging about himself, then hands you a cheap plastic toy that doesn't resemble a real handgun in the slightest.
That's exactly why Amara Barnes founded WGOAA.
For women. By women. Clear. Patient. Real. And taught live online, on a schedule built around your life — not the range's.
Every week she teaches the foundation 32,321 women have used to stop avoiding — and start becoming capable.
What Women Say After A Live Session
“My husband owns over 50 guns and is always trying to get me interested in going to the range. I never felt comfortable handling a semi-automatic pistol and learned more during this session than I have in multiple conversations with my husband.”
Finally Clicked“I have always felt uncomfortable or invisible in gun stores. This class has given me the confidence to know that this is something I can learn and be proficient at with enough practice. Thank you!”
Confidence“You assumed we knew nothing, but you didn't talk down to us.”
No Judgment“It was taught by a woman, and no attitude or ego was involved… as in a gun store :) I would definitely recommend this training to others. I have been a USCCA member for many years but never knew about WGOAA.”
Left USCCA“It knocked everything down to size and made it seem more manageable and not as intimidating. I am 72 years old. But I can still level the playing field and feel confident when I go out alone.”
It's Not Too Late“I loved everything, but especially the demonstration on racking and locking the slide.”
BreakthroughThe Two-Hour Live Training
Everything a beginner needs to stop feeling intimidated and start feeling capable — taught live over two full hours, with real Q&A.
How Your Handgun Actually Works
Mechanics in plain language — no jargon, no condescension. Just clarity.
The Parts You Actually Need To Know
Not every technical detail — just the essentials for safe, confident handling.
The Core Safety Rules
The non-negotiable foundation every gun owner must internalize before anything else.
How To Safely Handle Your Handgun
Proper handling taught by women who remember what it felt like the first time.
How To Load & Unload
Step by step. Magazine loading, racking, clearing. Never feel lost or panicked again.
What To Practice First At Home
Dry-fire drills and muscle-memory exercises to build confidence fast.
Live Q&A With Amara — Plus A Second Instructor In The Chat
Ask the question you've been too embarrassed to ask — out loud, or typed quietly into the chat where a second WGOAA instructor is working through questions the entire session. No ego. No judgment. Real answers, in real time.
Who Safe Start Live Is — And Isn't — For
✓ This IS for you if…
You own a handgun but rarely (or never) handle it
You're intimidated and don't know where to begin
You want to learn from women, not be lectured by men
You need training that fits your schedule, not the range's
You want clear, simple instruction — not tactical overload
You have questions you actually want answered, by a person
You're done pretending you'll "get around to it someday"
You want to protect yourself and your family with confidence
✗ This is NOT for you if…
You're already comfortable handling and shooting
You're looking for advanced tactical training
You want a range-day course (this is foundational)
You want to argue about gun politics (not what we do)
Taught Live By Amara Barnes
Amara founded the Women Gun Owners Association of America after being talked down to at every gun counter she walked into. Her years as a 911 emergency dispatcher put her on the receiving end of the worst calls a woman can make — and she built WGOAA so fewer women would ever have to make them.
She's taught 32,321 women to handle their firearms with calm, capability, and zero shame — and she teaches this beginner foundation live, several times every week, so no woman has to wait for a schedule to line up.
32,321 Women Have Trained With WGOAA
Every review below is from a woman who sat in a live Safe Start session.
“I'm a 61-year-old woman, living alone. I never wanted to be anywhere near a gun. But I decided I would be safer trained than scared. WGOAA made me feel welcome from the very first session.”
Living Alone“The simplicity of all the details. Being able to see it as opposed to reading about it in my handbook. The tips, especially for those of us that don't have all the strength in the world. Taught by a female, who can understand what might ail us. I was a USCCA member, but it seemed so geared towards men, that I canceled.”
Left USCCA“A lot of great information. I attend the live webinar when my schedule allows it. Otherwise I watch them after. Thank you for these education sessions!”
Fits My Schedule“Loved that it is a woman trainer. It touched on all my reasons for keeping my gun locked in a safe and useless, and began to address what I need to know to change that. Taught me how to properly open the slide so I can actually do it.”
Breakthrough“I normally never lock the slide open because it is so hard. All of a sudden during this training I can do it. Game changer.”
Breakthrough“I can now pull my slide back — the push-pull technique changed everything for me. Informative even with prior knowledge.”
Breakthrough“Training for women by women, no talking down, no stupid questions!”
No Judgment“I loved that it was for women only, which allowed me to ask my questions without feeling stupid, or that I might be judged for asking 'simplistic' questions.”
Women Only“This was absolutely the best training I have received. I've taken two different classes that were geared towards men and it was no help at all.”
By Women, For Women“It spoke to me as a woman — not a generic training that, even though it's supposed to be for men and women, is really designed with only men in mind.”
“I loved EVERYTHING about the training. I am not intimidated by his gun now — and I will go purchase my own!!”
Finally Clicked“I loved that you show exactly how to rack and load the gun. That was really intimidating to me.”
Breakthrough“This was an excellent seminar. Not just for the firearm part, but it really made me think about how at 60 I am not living the life I could be. I've been divorced 15 years and moved states on my own. I really need to figure out how to be more confident.”
More Than Guns“Great information presented in a way that was easy to understand. Love the all-women aspect. Not as intimidating.”
“I loved the information and I definitely feel less nervous about being around and owning a gun.”
Overcoming Fear“I loved that you are professional AND personal. Zero intimidation with a high level of knowledge.”
“I'm a solo parent… if something happens to me, my son has no one. That's my reason. This training gave me the clarity to stop avoiding and start preparing.”
Protecting Family“Honest, unpolished, straight forward.”
“I hesitated for a year and I regret waiting. The training is different from anyone else out there because it's all given by women, for women.”
Wish I'd Started Sooner“My late husband always had guns and I was never comfortable using one. This was my first real step toward feeling safe with what's already in my home.”
First Step“Love being taught by a woman. I don't feel intimidated and would not worry about asking any question no matter how simple it may seem.”
No Judgment“Clear, concise and non-judgmental communication. I liked how you followed the objectives and took time to answer questions periodically.”
“I loved the whole thing and getting to meet other women! I have taken lessons from two males and I always felt judged. I want to be with other women because they understand!”
The Sisterhood“The breathing techniques to help reduce nervousness seem very helpful, especially for women. Women-focused training can be invaluable — and that is what this training emphasized.”
“A lot of great information. I feel more comfortable now than before this. Definitely going to rewatch it again.”
Replay Access“It was excellent but it went so fast — I'm glad I can rewatch!”
Replay Access“I loved the repeated demonstrations. I wanted to see what WGOAA and the Armed Female Academy felt like — to see if it looked like a supportive place. I'm a retired high school teacher. This training was spot on.”
“Clear speaker, absolutely loved the real training, things were shown several times. And 100 percent so happy to find something like this by and for women!!!”
“Forthright information. Helped me learn the basics about how a gun operates. The instruction was calm and confident, which instills confidence in the audience. GREAT JOB!!”
“I learned things men and a class I took didn't teach. Because of that I am more comfortable around guns.”
“What I loved is that it is girl training taught by a girl. Female trainers are difficult to find, especially in a firearm-unfriendly state.”
By Women, For Women“It was well explained. Good visuals. Amara did a great job of staying on track and her voice was easy to hear and understand. Her body language was confident and easy to follow.”
“Love the discussion of what frightens us about gun handling — women-specific fears, our vulnerability.”
“I thought I knew more than I did. I've been shooting most of my life, but discovered how limited my knowledge really was.”
Experienced & Still Learning“I love that it was relevant to women specifically, instead of general advice made with men in mind.”
“I have been a hunter all my life and always carried a handgun then. But never carried for protection. So I have lots of experience with guns and this was still very valuable.”
“Even as a black belt in martial arts, I still wanted to be trained with a firearm. This was exactly what I needed — clear, patient, no ego.”
“It was wonderful to be shown these basics by someone with such knowledge, commitment and compassion. Yes — we do have our differences in ages and abilities; but we can be fearless.”
“My boyfriend always says I don't listen to him about guns but I'll listen to anyone else. WGOAA is that 'anyone else' — and I actually retained everything.”
“Simple to understand and not condescending. My husband is a great instructor and I'm a good shot but could not rack a semi-auto pistol to save my life. This helped a great deal.”
Breakthrough“I love that it is taught by a woman because she understands the challenges being a woman brings to firearms training.”
“Loved the whole thing! Excellent info and expertly presented! Love the actual demos since I am a visual learner.”
“She talked 'women talk' so it was very understandable. She gave great demonstrations especially for women.”
“Precise. Repeated what needed to be seen or heard more than once. Was not overly wordy. Great information.”
“I loved that it started at the very beginning — buying a gun.”
“Loved it all. I feel so much more confident now.”
Confidence“It was specifically for women. And it was online.”
Online From Home“Logical and beautifully delivered!”
“It was very thorough! Loved it!”
We value our members' privacy, which is why we don't list images or last names.
Trained Before Panic.
Prepared Before Pressure.
Clear Before Chaos.
Because women wait too long.
They wait until something rattles them.
They wait until fear forces the issue.
They wait until they're already under emotional pressure.
That is not what we want for you.
You do not need to know everything today.
You do not need to become someone else.
You do not need to lose your softness to become stronger.
You simply need a safe, clear first step.
There's a session this week. Take it.
Get It All For Only $27
This training normally runs $199.
But the hardest part for most women is not the training itself — it's starting.
Getting over that first hump of fear, confusion, and hesitation is the whole battle. So we made this a no-brainer.
Let's put $27 in perspective:
- A one-hour private lesson at your local range$85–$150
- A single box of quality defensive ammunition$35–$50
- Average women's "beginner" group class (taught by men)$125+
- A self-defense legal consultation$350 min
- The cost of not being ready when it mattersIncalculable
- Safe Start Live · 2 full hours + live Q&A + replay forever$27
Your $27 covers all two hours, your questions answered live, and the replay — which stays yours for as long as you want it. Miss your session? The replay is still there.
The Sisterhood Confidence Promise
32,321 women have trained with WGOAA. This live session was built by women who have been exactly where you are.
Here's our promise: Show up live, or watch the replay on your own time. If you don't walk away feeling more confident and more capable with your handgun, email us at [email protected] and we will personally work with you 1-on-1 until you do.
We don't leave our women behind.
Quick Answers Before You Register
When are the live sessions?
We run 2–3 brand-new live sessions every week — mornings, afternoons and evenings, so there's something that fits almost any schedule. You'll see the full list of upcoming sessions right after you check out, and you pick the one you want.
Why do I pay before I pick my time?
Because these are real live sessions with limited seats, and paying is what holds your place. The session picker is right on your thank-you page after checkout — it takes about fifteen seconds. Just make sure you click all the way through and land on that page.
Is this actually live, or a recording?
Live. A real instructor, teaching in real time, taking real questions. That's exactly why we run several sessions a week instead of one recording on a loop.
Can I really ask questions?
Yes — that's the point of doing this live. Amara takes questions out loud during the training and again at the end. And a second WGOAA instructor is in the chat the entire session working through the questions that come in there, so you don't have to speak up if you'd rather not. No question is too basic. Women ask us things they've been sitting on for years.
What if I sign up and then something comes up?
You still get the replay — and you keep it. No penalty, no lost money, no "you had your chance." Life happens. Watch it when you can, as many times as you want.
How long do I keep the replay?
Indefinitely. It's yours. Many women watch the live session, then rewatch the replay a week later while holding their own handgun.
How do I join on the day?
After you pick your session on the thank-you page, you'll get an email with your private join link and a calendar invite. Show up five minutes early. It runs in your browser — no special software.
Do I need to already own a handgun?
Ideally, yes. This is designed for women who have a handgun but haven't gotten comfortable with it yet. If you're still deciding on a purchase, you'll still gain valuable foundational knowledge.
Is this only for beginners?
It's built for beginners — by design. But even women who've owned firearms for decades tell us they picked up fundamentals they'd quietly been missing for years.
Will this count toward concealed carry requirements?
Safe Start is educational, not a state-certified CCW class. But it builds the foundation most CCW courses assume you already have.
Is this going to be a two-hour sales pitch?
No. You'll get two full hours of real instruction plus Q&A. We mention WGOAA membership once at the end for women who want to continue — and that's it.
What if I want more training after this?
WGOAA membership gives you the Armed Female Academy's eight flagship courses, Safe Start on demand, virtual Tactical Talks, and the Armed Sisterhood. We'll share details for women who are interested.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. Checkout is processed over a 256-bit encrypted connection. We never see or store your card details.
Safe Start LIVE: Beginner Handgun Training For Women
You Choose Your Session On The Thank-You Page
- Your pick of session — 2–3 new live sessions every week
- Two full hours taught live by Amara Barnes
- How your handgun works — explained clearly
- The core safety rules every owner must know
- Loading, unloading, racking & clearing
- The push-pull technique, demonstrated on camera
- At-home dry-fire drills to build confidence
- Live Q&A — ask out loud or in the chat, no judgment
- A second instructor answering chat questions all session
- Replay + lifetime access — yours even if you miss it
- Taught by women, for women
You save $172 today
The Sisterhood Confidence Promise
32,321 women have trained with WGOAA. This session was built by women who have been exactly where you are. If you complete the training and don't walk away feeling more confident and more capable with your handgun, email [email protected] and we'll work with you until you do. We don't leave our women behind.
“My husband owns over 50 guns and is always trying to get me interested in going to the range. I learned more during this session than I have in multiple conversations with my husband.”
★★★★★— Donna M., Enfield, Connecticut
Click through the screens that follow and you'll land on your thank-you page — that's where you choose which of this week's live sessions you want to attend. Please don't close your browser before you get there. Your join link and calendar invite arrive by email right after you pick.
🔒 Your payment is processed over a 256-bit encrypted connection. We never see or store your card details.
“A lot of great information. I attend the live webinar when my schedule allows it. Otherwise I watch them after. Thank you for these education sessions!”
— Renia W., Illinois“The simplicity of all the details. Being able to see it as opposed to reading about it in my handbook. The tips, especially for those of us that don't have all the strength in the world. Taught by a female, who can understand what might ail us. I was a USCCA member, but it seemed so geared towards men, that I canceled.”
— Pearly B., La Mirada, California“Loved that it is a woman trainer. It touched on all my reasons for keeping my gun locked in a safe and useless, and began to address what I need to know to change that. Taught me how to properly open the slide so I can actually do it.”
— Jacqueline H., Clayville, New YorkMost women who buy guns never learn to use them. Not because they lack courage — because no one ever built the system for them. The classes were on the wrong day, in the wrong town, taught by the wrong person, at the wrong pace.
We built a different one. Live, online, several times a week, taught by women. Pick the session that fits your life and come inside.
Women Gun Owners Association of America
The Gold Standard For The Modern Armed Woman
1309 Coffeen Ave, Ste 1200 · Sheridan, WY 82801
(629) 529-4622 • [email protected]
© 2026 Women Gun Owners Association of America. All rights reserved.
DISCLAIMER: The Women Gun Owners Association of America (WGOAA) and the Armed Female Academy (AFA) provide firearms education and training content for informational and educational purposes only. Our courses, webinars, and training materials are not a substitute for professional in-person firearms instruction, and do not constitute legal advice.
LIVE SESSIONS & SCHEDULING: Safe Start LIVE is delivered as a live online session. Session times are selected by the registrant after checkout from the sessions currently on the schedule. Available session days and times vary from week to week. All registrants receive replay access regardless of whether they attend a live session.
ALL SALES FINAL: Due to the digital nature of our products and instant access delivery, all sales are final. If you are not satisfied with your training, email [email protected] and we will work with you personally until you are confident with the material.
TRAINING DISCLAIMER: Firearms training involves inherent risks. WGOAA and AFA are not responsible for any injury, damage, or legal consequences resulting from the application of information presented in our courses. Always follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm ownership, possession, storage, and use. Consult a licensed attorney for legal questions related to self-defense and concealed carry in your jurisdiction.
RESULTS DISCLAIMER: Testimonials and statements on this page reflect real experiences from WGOAA training attendees, lightly edited for length and clarity. Individual results and experiences will vary based on personal skill level, practice frequency, prior experience, and other factors. Completion of any WGOAA or AFA course does not guarantee proficiency with a firearm.
This site is not a part of the Facebook™ website or Facebook Inc. Additionally, this site is NOT endorsed by Facebook™ in any way. FACEBOOK™ is a trademark of FACEBOOK, INC.