Shooting Fundamentals
For Women
Grip. Sights. Trigger Press. Confidence.
Taught the way women actually learn — not the rushed, mansplained version you got at the range.
You Bought The Gun.
Then The Industry Failed You.
You did the responsible thing. You bought a handgun to protect yourself and the people you love.
And then somewhere between the gun counter and your nightstand drawer, something went wrong.
Maybe it was the guy at the range who grabbed your gun out of your hands to "show you real quick." Maybe it was the 90-second lecture full of jargon nobody bothered to explain. Maybe it was the feeling of every man in the building watching you struggle to rack the slide — and not one of them showing you the technique that makes it easy.
Here's what they never told you: firearms fundamentals are being taught like none of us have a brain capable of solving complex problems. Like you should just memorize and obey. But fundamentals education isn't law — it's theory. And you're allowed to learn it in a way that actually works for your hands, your strength, and your life.
"Women are not small men. So we don't teach you like one."
— Amara Barnes, Founder, WGOAA
There are two mistakes we see smart women make over and over:
Mistake #1: Outsourcing her safety — waiting until something terrible happens before getting serious about her own training.
Mistake #2: Believing "good enough" is good enough — owning the gun, but never building the fundamentals that make it useful in the three seconds that actually matter.
This live training fixes both. One Saturday afternoon, from your own home, with a woman who teaches women for a living.
From "Safe Around My Gun"
To Becoming The Safety Of Your Gun
Safe Start taught you how to handle your firearm safely. Shooting Fundamentals teaches you how to start running it with confidence. Here's exactly what you'll master:
The Armed Woman's Mindset
The psychology of threat processing, the female freeze response, and how to train through it so you can take critical action faster.
Rack & Lock The Slide — Finally
Learn the technique AND the best kept secret to locking back your slide. The single greatest hack for women who've struggled with a stiff slide.
The 3 Types of Firearm Readiness
Did you know that there is a third status of readiness between loaded & unloaded? Learn all about it — and what state it should be in — at all times.
Grip & Trigger Control
Learn hand placement, where to place pressure, and the most important fundamentals to stop your sights from dancing.
Sights, Stance & Presentation
How to align your sights, present your firearm, and where to look when aiming.
Follow-Through & Follow-Up Shots
Why one shot is a range fantasy, how to build toward rapid fire, and the shift from standard industry bullseye training to the armed woman's reality.
Clear A Malfunction Like A Pro
Failure to fire, stovepipes, failure to feed, squib loads, hangfires — identify them, clear them, and train through them.
The 5-Minute Dry-Fire Drill
The simple at-home prep that prepares you for the three seconds that matter most.
Your Path To Concealed Carry
Getting ready to concealed carry? This course delivers the fundamentals that will set you up for success in Concealed Carry 1 coming up later this year.
Arthritis, Hand Pain & Limited Grip Strength
If racking the slide hurts — or feels impossible — it is not because you're weak. It's because nobody taught you technique built for your hands.
In this dedicated segment, Amara walks through the adjustments that make running your firearm dramatically easier on your hands — including one simple technique most women have never been shown. Several attendees have told us this segment alone was worth the price of the training.
Built For The Woman Who Wants More
This Training IS For You If...
- You recently purchased a handgun and want real competence, not just ownership
- You've taken Safe Start (or similar beginner education) and you're ready for the next step
- You struggle with slide manipulation, grip pressure, or trigger control
- You want practical skills you can begin practicing the same day
- You're preparing for future concealed carry education
- You're done being talked down to and ready to be talked with
This Training Is NOT For You If...
- You're looking for advanced defensive shooting tactics
- You're an experienced shooter seeking competitive instruction
- You want legal or self-defense law education (that's a different AFA course)
- You're shopping for a new firearm or holster — this is about mastering the one you have
They Stopped Struggling.
So Will You.
"I loved that she taught me how to grip and lock the slide. I have struggled with that because my slide action is super hard and would take 3 or 4 tries. It is very embarrassing on the gun range — since I'm female, all the men want to watch you. Now I can lock the slide back every time. I can chamber a bullet with ease."
"This was a game changer for me. I can easily rack the slide now! Thank you!"
"Loved it. She talked to me like I'm a human — not a dummy."
"Loved the tips and practice of racking effectively and saving my hands while doing so!"
"I enjoyed getting the information from a female perspective. All of my instructors have been men. They don't communicate as well."
"I loved that it was relatable to me as a woman, spoken so I understood the information without feeling stupid, embarrassed, or spoken down to."
"I loved that this class didn't make me feel stupid. I have quite a number of male friends who assume I know everything because I bought a gun! But in reality, I don't!"
"I love the way this information is delivered. No egos... no arrogance... no overly confident or pushy sales pitch. Just honest help. It is great!"
"I love the education I am receiving. I love learning how I can practice and become confident."
"I always feel extremely self-conscious at a range or firearms store. This has helped me feel a little more at ease."
"I loved how Amara showed us things more than once and how encouraging she is."
"Great information that was presented in a way that was easy to understand. Love the all-women aspect! Not as intimidating."
We value our members' privacy, which is why we don't list images or last names.
Amara Barnes
Amara has heard the panic in a woman's voice when help was still minutes away. As a former 911 emergency dispatcher, she learned what most instructors never will: when seconds matter, your training is all you have.
She founded WGOAA and the Armed Female Academy on one conviction — women deserve firearms education built for how women learn, build confidence, and process pressure. No egos. No jargon walls. No being treated like you can't think.
- Founder, WGOAA & The Armed Female Academy
- Certified Firearms Instructor
- Former 911 Emergency Dispatcher
- Lead Instructor, Safe Start & Handgun Foundations
"Women building women up. You don't have to fit into the firearms world — we built one where you already belong."
"Owning a handgun is not the finish line. It's the starting point."
Everything You're Wondering
Is this live, or a pre-recorded video?
100% live. Amara teaches in real time on Saturday, June 20th at 1:00 PM Pacific, with live Q&A. You ask, she answers. And your registration includes lifetime replay access — so even if life happens, you never lose the training.
What if I can't attend live?
Register anyway. Lifetime replay access is included with every registration. But we strongly recommend attending live — the Q&A is where women get their personal sticking points solved on the spot.
I'm a complete beginner. Is this too advanced?
If you've never handled a firearm before, we recommend starting with Safe Start — you can add the on-demand version at checkout for $27 and watch it before the live event. If you've taken Safe Start or any beginner safety education, this is your perfect next step.
I have arthritis / weak hands. Will this actually help me?
Yes — there's a dedicated segment on arthritis, hand pain, and limited grip strength. You'll learn hand-saving adjustments and a technique most women have never been shown. Technique beats strength. Every time.
Do I need my firearm with me during the training?
It's helpful but not required. If you do have your handgun nearby, keep it unloaded with ammunition in a separate room — we'll walk through safe dry-handling practices together.
Is this really women-only?
Yes. Taught by a woman, attended by women, built around how women learn. That's not a marketing line — it's the entire reason WGOAA exists.
I'm a WGOAA member. Do I pay?
No — this training is free for WGOAA members. Enter your member discount code at checkout to register at no charge.
What happens after I register?
You'll receive a confirmation email with your access link and a short prep checklist. Show up Saturday, June 20th at 1:00 PM Pacific ready to learn — that's it.
What if it's not for me?
You're covered by our Sisterhood Confidence Promise. If this training doesn't deliver, reach out to [email protected] and we'll make it right.
Here's Everything You Get:
A full live training with Amara Barnes · Saturday, June 20th · 1:00 PM Pacific
Bring your sticking points — slide, grip, trigger — and get them solved on the spot
If racking the slide hurts — or feels impossible — this segment alone is worth the price
Grip, sights, trigger press, and follow-through — taught the way women actually learn
Recognize a malfunction the moment it happens and clear it with confidence
The at-home prep that prepares you for the three seconds that matter most
Rewatch every segment as many times as you need, forever
The Sisterhood Confidence Promise
If this training doesn't deliver for you, reach out to [email protected] and we'll make it right. You take zero gamble registering today.
"I got over the fear of handling a gun! I gained knowledge of how it works and also, the confidence to handle it!"
"Love the explanations of how to use the slide, and some of the issues we, as women, may run into; all the explanations were excellent."
"This was a great overview that made me feel like I could become a confident and competent gun owner."
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Your registration is backed by our Sisterhood Confidence Promise. If this training doesn't deliver for you, reach out to [email protected] and we'll make it right. You take zero gamble registering today.
WGOAA Members: This live training is FREE with your membership. Enter your member discount code at checkout to register at no charge.
P.S. — Let's be plain about what's on the table. For $49 — not the regular $199 — you get a full live training with Amara Barnes, live Q&A, the arthritis and hand-strength segment, detailed instruction on nailing the fundamentals, what a malfunction looks like and how to clear it, the 5-minute dry-fire drill, and lifetime replay access.
One range trip with a box of ammo costs more than that. The range won't teach you technique, it won't answer your questions without an audience of men, and won't let you rewatch the lesson at 10 PM in your living room.
P.P.S. — When we go live Saturday, June 20th at 1:00 PM Pacific, registration closes. There's no waitlist and no "next time" at this price. The smart woman's move is the one you make before the timer hits zero.