It was a big day in gun world this week, on March 7, when Julie Golob appeared on Top Guns. Julie, always poised under whatever pressure is thrown at her at the time, explained three competition guns made by the company she represents (Smith & Wesson), talked about the guns’ histories and capabilities and then, shot them to demonstrate the firepower and attributes. I just want to know, what is her choice for antiperspirant? Seriously, it must be good.
Julie Golob. Photo courtesy of Yamil Sued
And then, came the announcement that Jessie Duff will be the captain of Taurus’s new shooting team. And I’m just going to write it. A lot of us are wondering if Taurus will modify its trigger for her on their guns, or if this means it will improve all its triggers on all its guns — which we hope will be the case. (And remember, this is a blog.)
Jessie Duff.
Of course, at SHOT Show, I not only spent some time with Julie at her booth as she signed autograph after autograph, I also talked with GLOCK’s team leader Randi Rogers. She is very much in command of the reputation of the gun and works very closely with teammate Tori Nonaka, and mentors her.
Randi Rogers and Tori Nonaka. Photo courtesy of Jason Baird
A Smith & Wesson representative told me that choosing Julie Golob as team captain for its shooting team was one of the best business moves ever made on behalf of the company. We can see that GLOCK is all about women in the shooting sports, too. And we bet that Jessie is going to lead from the front when it comes to this new team.
And so, I’m wondering . . . are we seeing a paradigm here? Women tried to play football and no one attended the games. Women’s sports, even at collegiate levels, do not command the gate revenue that men’s sports do. But, in the shooting sports, where women shoot during the same tournament or match, yet compete against other women (and themselves, really), are we seeing the rise of women in leadership levels because they are allowed to compete alongside the men, and compete in other areas then, as well?
Vera Koo, Jessie Duff and Julie Golob at Bianchi Tournament 2011. Photo courtesy of Chip Lohman, NRA Shooting Sports
These companies would never sacrifice their teams by putting token women as leaders. It’s business before anything else.
And these ladies are just good business. We say kudos to all of you. Keep up the great job of representing women and especially, shooting sports competitors.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
Thanks for another terrific article! Julie, Jessie, Randi, Tori and Vera are all outstanding role models (for ALL shooters, not just women) and excellent representatives of their sponsor companies.
Shooting is going mainstream, firearms sales are up, and women (the fastest-growing segment of the market) are leading the way. Brava, ladies!
Thanks, Bill. You’re right — picking up the pace, never looking over our shoulders. Onward.
Wow this is truly great! It’s always nice to see women taking such strong positive steps in the shooting world!
Congratulations ladies for being recognized for your talents and thank you for being fantastic roll models and leaders. Can’t wait to see what amazing things you accomplish next. !