What are the "Pink Pistols"?
We are a shooting group that honors diversity and is
open to all shooters. We help bring new shooters into the sport and provide
a fun social environment for all our members. We work to build bridges
between the shooting community and other communities, such as those based
on alternative sexualities.
Do I need to be gay to join?
You don't have to be gay to join us, any more than you
have to be Black to support civil rights, or be Jewish to support the JPFO
(Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership). We include members from
the GLBT, Polyamarous, and BDSM communities, but you don't need to be gay
or have an alternative sexuality to join and shoot with us.
Do I need to know how to shoot, or have my own equipment?
No, want to make the sport accessible and we are friendly
to new shooters. We can give you basic instruction, and on all our range
trips you can either rent guns and ammunition or club members will bring
extra for you.
Do I need a Permit to participate?
This will depend on which Pink Pistols chapter you are
shooting with. Check the FAQ for the chapter you are interested in.
How do I know what's going on with the "Pink Pistols"?
Simple, not only can you to access this website for updates,
but we also have a mailing list. The mailing list is pinkpistols-request@egroups.com.
Can I purchase a pistol or other firearm?
Sure you can. However, depending on the state you live
in, there are steps to be taken to make this legal. Check the FAQ
for the local chapter for more information on your local laws.
What kind of gun is right for me?
Only you can say for sure, but anyone who has any clue
about firearms will tell you to start by renting. Rent several and try
different makes and models of firearm with varying calibers. Most important,
start with a light caliber. For a first time shooter, the muzzle flip and
recoil can be a bit of a surprise. There is no shame in building up to
something you're sure you can tolerate. Besides, the primary concern here
is safety. Biting off more than you can chew with a firearm can be very
dangerous. If you need help in finding what's right for you there will
be people there to help.
I've never touched a gun before. How will I know
how to shoot it?
Simple. Ask. We any questions you might have about the
firearm you've chosen and how it works. If you've never fired a weapon
before, please let us know in advance. It's better to learn the right way
to load, unload, and fire a weapon, than to learn the hard way.
Why is your group an "Activists Association"?
We want to be able to endorse candidates that will support
the Second Amendment as well as the rights of consenting adults to love
each other how they wish however they wish. We also chose to go this
route, rather than filing as a PAC because it means we are free of the
legal paperwork PAC's are required to file.
Are you part of the NRA?
No. Although we do work with the NRA.
For example, in California the NRA-ILA contacted us and asked us to take
a look at some legislation before the State Assembly and submit written
testimony with our take on the bills. On the other hand, many of
our members dislike the NRA due to the positions they have taken, such
as helping push through "Instant Background Checks" on a federal level.
Are you associated with a political party?
No. We are strictly non-partisan. If the
responses to our questionnaires looks slanted, it is because only some
people who receive the questionnaire respond. For example, each time
when copies were emailed to everyone elected to the Massachusetts State
House and Senate, only 1 politician responded.
I like this idea, but I'm not in the area.
How do I start a local group?
Contact Doug Krick at dkrick@pinkpistols.org for more
information. Also, see the page on starting a group in your area.
(Link is on the main page.)
Also, please note: You do not have to be a citizen
or resident of the United States to start a chapter. If you live
elsewhere, you are still welcome to form a chapter. We just require
that you follow all applicable laws in your jurisdiction.