HOUSTON – Tens of thousands of people packed inside the George R. Brown Convention Center for the 142nd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits event. There are more than nine acres of guns and accessories on hand and this year more and more women are taking an interest.
"There's something powerful about knowing how to handle a firearm," said Stacy Koffel. "It makes you feel sexy."
Koffel and her friend Marilou Robbins try to meet once a week to shoot skeet and target practice.
"It's our golf," Koffel said.
"It's shooting and then lunch," said Robbins. But for Robbins, owning a gun isn't just for fun.
"A couple of years ago I had a home invasion and was held at gunpoint," she said. "I was lucky enough to get away. I don't know why I didn't get shot, because he had death in his eyes."
That frightening experience forced Robbins to get proficient with a handgun. Now, she can protect herself. It's the same reason why other women carry, too. Â
"Protection, totally," said Lisa Wise. "I've actually had my concealed handgun license for a year."
Wise bought a purse at the NRA convention that allows her to hide her handgun. There was also an exhibit that sold holsters you can hide in your bra.
"I carry a handgun and I have my license to do so," said Koffel. "It makes me feel safe when I'm in my home and out in public."