The following is a transcript of a report by anchor Kelly Frey that first aired Feb. 13, 2008, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

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The National Sporting Goods Association reports almost 4.7 million women shoot guns at the range, and more than 2.5 million women hunt.

While there aren't statistics kept on the number of women who buy handguns every year, if you ask just about any arms dealer, licensed instructor or law enforcement official, they'll tell you handguns aren't just for men anymore.

Instead of shopping or having lunch, some women take a shooting class at Anthony Arms in West Mifflin.

"There are so many acts of violence against women," said Maureen LaBella, who is a nurse. "I think it's not a bad idea to own a gun and know how to use it."

"I'm glad my daughter is with me now to share this," said Kathi Beattie, who wants to buy a gun. "I think it will be fun to keep it up. Every Tuesday is Ladies Day, so we'll be here."

The women taking the class are part of a fast-growing group. More women are buying, learning about or getting their license to carry handguns.

"My son enlisted in the Army, and I know nothing about weaponry, so I wanted to be more aware of what was happening," said mother Darlene Scalese.

"I'm a single woman, and I feel safer having a gun in the house," said Cheryl Penrod, who owns a 9 mm.

One female real estate agent, who asked to remain unidentified because she doesn't want her clients to know that she carries a gun, said it's the only way she feels safe.

"You go into vacant homes, and I just want to protect myself, because you never know who is there," she said.

"The ladies usually do better than the guys," said National Rifle Association instructor John Bertoty. "Two reasons. One is biological. They have better eye-hand coordination. The second, which is probably more important, is that the ladies follow instruction. They do it consistently."

A few miles away in downtown Pittsburgh's Federal Building, a law enforcement officer's wife is taking a refresher course during the week. WTAE Channel 4 Action News' cameras were allowed inside the U.S. Marshal's firing range, which is usually a prohibited area for the media.

"We have weapons in the house and because they are in the house and available, I want to make sure that I know how to use them, that I'm aware of the safety," said wife Pat Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald said she learned to shoot a gun as a teen and got her license to carry more than 20 years ago.

Now, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office estimates one in five people licensed to carry are women.

Jim Ellis, an NRA instructor since 1991 and federal firearms instructor, said he has witnessed firsthand the growing female shooter trend.

"If you go to the gun shows, it used to be all men," he said. "The last time we went, there was a lot more women, and women are interested."

Ellis also trains law enforcement officials. He showed WTAE's cameras a demonstration with two real guns.

"Now, I'll cock it and just put the sight in the center of the target, and press the trigger," he said.

Along with employee Danielle Pindel, Ellis tested WTAE Channel 4 Action News anchor Kelly Frey on different scenarios.

But preparing for real life scenarios is exactly what Chris Casella, manager of Federal Firearms in South Fayette, said his female gun buyers want.

"Women are coming in strictly for handguns for self-defense, because they want something to keep in the house," he said. "Ninety-nine percent of it is the fear of a crime happening. Especially while a spouse is out of town, or they are going through a separation."

Casella estimates when he first started Federal Firearms 10 years ago, he'd see roughly 15 females all year. Now, he said, about 65 come in wanting a handgun. He said women are different than men, and they do their research.

They want certain features, like an internal lock, lifetime warranty, smaller guns and grips, he said.

The Keltec is a big seller, along with the Lady Smith. Casella said gun manufacturers are trying to tap into the female market, too, by making guns prettier, with gold triggers and rosewood grips.

Casella said he's even sold guns that are pink.

"You want it pink, I'll make it pink," he said. "The sky is the limit. It's like nail polish."

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