Welcome to the Memphis Chapter of the Pink Pistols

Founded July 2003 in the Memphis and Mid-South area, the Memphis chapter of the Pink Pistols is one of more than 34 Chapters in 25 States, One Province and Two Countries so far with more starting up every day.

We are dedicated to the legal, safe, and responsible use of firearms for self-defense of the sexual-minority community. People who hate and fear gay, lesbian, bi, trans or polyamorous persons have no right to use us as targets for their rage. Self-defense is our RIGHT.

The Memphis Chapter of THE PINK PISTOLS is just getting started. Some of us are new to using a gun, some shoot competitively, some are men, some are women, some are single, some are partnered, some are gay, some are straight (but not narrow).

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

No. The Memphis chapter is open to all who are interested.

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. For the Memphis chapter e-mail list and calendar of events, visit our Yahoo group here >>

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.

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 will try to answer any questions you might have about the firearm you've chosen and how it works, or help you find information and resources to help you. 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 look 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. Or see the page on starting a group in your area. 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.

FAQ modified from the Pink Pistols FAQ