May 11 2012
THE PINK GUN DEBATE
My Sprinfield XD .40 subcompact with the extended magaizne, and my 4.5 in XDM 9mm in PINK!
There has been a lot of dispute on the internet lately concerning pink guns. Some people think that pink guns are a sexist approach by the manufactueres to sell to women; some people think pink guns are just a desperate attempt to make women interested in shooting to begin with; some think they look too much like a toy; and then there are those who actually like pink guns.
I usually don’t jump into these petty disputes (honestly, why are we even taking the time to write about this), but I haven’t seen anybody make the obvious arguments yet, and I’m sick of waiting.
So here are a few points I’d like to discuss on pink guns.
Pink guns are flying off the shelves at gun stores. Whether it is because men are buying them for women, or women are buying them themselves; it makes no difference. Pink guns sell. This is why the manufacturers keep producing them. It makes business sense.
Guns come in a variety of colors. It’s not like pink is the only “off” color that manufacturers are producing. There are guns available in tan, OD green, or in camouflage as well. Now if someone is going to try to tell me that there is tactical reason that manufacturers are producing these colors and selling them to civilians; I’m sorry, but just I can’t jump on board with that. Unless someone is going to go play weekend warrior in the woods or at the sand dunes, I don’t think any of those colors meet the “tactical” criteria for civilian use. The same can be said for the stainless steel, chrome, or any other gun that isn’t black.
Everyone has their own idea of what pretty is. Some people like black guns, some people like stainless with rosewood grips, some people like pink. Should the manufacturers stop producing pink guns because some men and women don’t like them? I don’t personally like OD green guns, but I wouldn’t raise hell about them on the internet. I simply don’t buy guns in OD green. If someone doesn’t like a pink gun, there is almost always the option of buying it in black instead.
For those who think they look too much like a toy, let me remind you, the tip of the pink gun isn’t painted orange. If a woman ever has to pull a pink gun on someone, it should be because the threat is doing something so heinous that they need to stop NOW. It should also be morally and legally justifiable. If the threat on the other end of the gun has confusion as whether or not the gun is real, that’s his problem. He shouldn’t have attempting to commit a felony against the woman to begin with.
The “toy” argument could be made for any off color gun. And let’s be honest, pink guns have been around for years, it’s no news flash.
Here’s an argument: many women consider pink to be fun. If pink guns make shooting more fun for even just a few women, then that just helps what should be everybody’s cause: to bring more women into the shooting sports and industry.
On a final note, I would like to point out that almost every woman who has seen my pink gun has asked where she can get one just like it. Every time I post a picture of it, my inbox gets flooded with emails asking me the same.
Everyone is different, everyone has different tastes. I always tell my students that guns are a very personal decision. Infact, gun collections are like bra and underwear collections. Everybody wants and needs something different, and it’s really nobody else’s business. Let’s all just play nice and stop worrying about the colors of other people’s guns.
SOME ADVICE FOR LADIES CONSIDERING A PINK GUN
Ladies (and gents), if you are considering buying a pink gun (or turning one pink), please don’t be afraid to because of what other’s might think. It does not make you any less of shooter or any less of a person. Look at me, I carry a pink gun everyday and compete with a pink gun. People still come from all over WA and OR to take my classes, and people from all over the world read this blog. Everyone who shoots with me respects both me and the pink gun: just ask the soldiers in the Oregon National Guard.
On a cautionary note: please don’t buy a gun just because it is pink. Most guns can be “pinked” after market via duracoat or cerakote for a fair price. Choose the gun you love and that works for you, then worry about the color.
© Packing Pretty, Grace McKee 2012
May 11, 2012 @ 08:34:39
Thank you! I was going to stay out of the debate, but I just want to pass along a virtual high five. Most people that complain about pink guns don’t even understand the history of the color pink. It hasn’t always been considered a feminine color, for example.
At the end of the day, why does it matter if someone likes their gun to be color X or color Y? You rock your gun how you want, I’ll do the same, and the world will be a better place because of it.
May 11, 2012 @ 09:09:11
Thank you Monderno! Your virtual high-five has got me beaming
Agree with you completely.
-Gracie
President & Editor-in-chief of Packing Pretty
May 11, 2012 @ 08:42:29
The only thing I would say in response is that when people say off-color guns look too much like toys (any off-color gun, not just pink ones) it is not with regards to the criminal it’s being pointed at…it is in regards to those gun owners who have children at home. It is just an added area of teaching to children the difference between Mommy’s off-color GUN and Jr.’s off-color TOY. Not a reason to *absolutely* never buy a gun in an off-color, but a consideration for those that have young ones.
May 11, 2012 @ 08:57:25
I agree Joanne, I have some kitchen knives that have a coating on them and they are red, blue and green. My son(7) asked me one day is that a real knife, I told him yes and its very sharp…..end of story, he knows that they are real just as much as if we were to have a gun in an off “toy” color.
May 11, 2012 @ 08:42:51
My 0.2 is that too much concern about a weapons appearance detracts from the focus on the manipulation and the impending violence that may be necessary. In “The Book of the 5 Rings” there is a quote that says “every time you pick up a sword, do so as though you are about to cleave a man in half”. This applies equally to the handling of firearms. I think that too much emphasis on the weapon’s appearance (whether it’s pink, brushed stainless, gold accents, pretty wood grips or what have you) detracts from the proper mindset that the shooter should have.
I’m not saying that shooting can’t or shouldn’t be fun. There should, however, be an ever present air of somber respect for the tool you’re handling. Especially if it’s the one (or one of the ones) you plan on entrusting with your well being.
May 11, 2012 @ 10:52:31
Alex,
I’m with you all the way on this. Appearance shouldn’t be the leading factor in buying a firearm, and a somber respect is crucial. Which is why I mentioned that one should choose the gun first, and worry about getting it coated the right color later.
Love the quote by the way!
Thanks!
May 11, 2012 @ 08:47:48
I own a “raspberry” Ruger LCP. It’s the gun I carry every single day and I love it. Thanks for this article and if a “pink” gun means that more women will choose to protect themselves…so be it.
May 11, 2012 @ 08:53:23
I personally hate the color pink, so I bought a black gun (a Springfield much like the one pictured). If other people like pink, good for them, buy a pink gun. But really, is it too much to ask for the same thing to come in bright purple? Lime green perhaps? Just saying, if we are complaining about color, why not the lack of variety rather than one particular hue?
May 11, 2012 @ 10:50:05
Sam, I’m so glad you bought the gun that worked for you and didn’t base it on color. I agree, more colors would be awesome! The great thing about duracoat is that it comes in all the colors you mentioned. If manufacturers started selling guns in those colors as well, they might see an increase in sales.
This article is about the pink gun because that is what everyone seems to be hating on lately. The point of my arguement is that it doesn’t matter WHAT color the gun is. It’s a personal preferance. Same goes for purple, green etc.
If you decide to get your gun coated bright purple or lime green, please send pics! I’d be really excited to see
-Gracie
President & Editor-in-Chief of Packing Pretty.
May 11, 2012 @ 11:23:14
I should really look into that. A bright purple XD would be pretty awesome. Why is pink always the default color they think all girls will like?
May 11, 2012 @ 11:34:02
XD didn’t make my gun pink, I did. So they didnt’ make any assumptions. I think the other manufacturers tried pink, it sold, so that’s why they’re sticking with it.
May 12, 2012 @ 18:57:21
I agree. Purple=passionate. Passionate about our guns!!!! Anyone else a purple lover?
Feb 02, 2013 @ 17:29:48
Sig makes a purple .22
May 11, 2012 @ 09:43:55
I actually want the pink and white “hello kitty” AR-15
May 11, 2012 @ 09:50:28
I totally agree with what you are saying here, Gracie. I think women should choose whatever gun they feel most comfortable with and not pay any attention to what other people think about it. For me, the trouble with the pink gun is more about the assumption that some people make that I am automatically going to want pink things just because I am female. It seems a little condescending to think that we are all going to like the same thing simply because of our shared gender. After all, you don’t see every woman walking down the street dressed in all pink. The gun community is made up a very diverse group of women and we should be treated as such. Pick your gun based on its features first and foremost. And then, by all means, duracoat it pink, if you like.
May 11, 2012 @ 09:56:11
I agree 100% Rebecca. The cool thing about duracoat is that it comes in all colors. So ladies, pink isn’t the only option for a fun color
May 11, 2012 @ 13:09:21
Oops! I just accidentally clicked Like on my own comment. <—-Dork.
What's with the pink guns? - Page 15 - INGunOwners
May 11, 2012 @ 10:49:13
[...] THE PINK GUN DEBATE | Packing Pretty just read this about the topic too __________________ Quote: [...]
May 11, 2012 @ 11:14:23
Gracie,
I am a fan of making guns better for the customer. The reason I cut, grind and burn Glocks , XDs and every other polymer gun I can, people pay me to do it! I pay my bills making guns better. I will disagree on one point, I don’t like duracoat, I like CeraKote. It just better in my opinion.
Now, the fun part, I was lucky enough to shoot your cool Pink XD, it’s great gun! I think if someone wants their firearms different than the plane old boring one everyone has, then do it! If it brings in new shooter, great I hope they sell tons of them!,
Guns and food are similar in one way, not everyone like the same thing. Some people like steak, some like chicken,some don’t eat meat! If you like what you like, then like it! If you want a pink , red, purple or one with a flame job, it’s fine with me as long as you shoot it! Guns are meant to be shot, not sitting in a safe getting rusty from non use!
Gracie, keep up the great work! Your blogs are wonderful and always have great info! I am starting to really like your readers feed back, you have a ton of smart readers following your blog!
Thank you,
Greg
May 11, 2012 @ 13:26:03
Getting a gun Cerakoted really needs to move up higher on my to-do list…any companies you want to recommend?
May 11, 2012 @ 13:29:42
I use http://www.sur-tacgear.com/ he is my friend Greg Anderson, Great job, good prices. I have had him do lots of work for my store and some of my personal guns. Duracote comes off really easy compared to CeraKote.
May 11, 2012 @ 14:22:38
Thanks man.
May 11, 2012 @ 14:36:45
Love it! We like pretty. We can’t help it. We just do. Guns, jewelry, whatever, Pretty. If it helps encourage a woman to take up shooting, so be it. Maybe the pink makes it feel less like “a man’s sport” and helps her feel more welcome. Whatever the reason, just go with it. I’m like you, the OD green just doesn’t do it for me. Pink’s not my favorite either, but purple…that’s a different story.
Great post!
May 11, 2012 @ 15:03:54
I think the holster wear on the pink is hot. I don’t care what color a woman’s gun is, as long as she knows how to use it.
May 11, 2012 @ 15:09:35
Tim, I consider the holster wear on my pink XDm endearing
Glad you like it too.
May 11, 2012 @ 18:42:34
The wife doesn’t really care what color her gun is as long as it’s reliable… and possibly purple… what she DOES care about is where you got your black shooting vest…
Dann in Ohio
May 12, 2012 @ 07:42:31
Its actually body armor. I wear it when working the line. My pops got it for me.
May 12, 2012 @ 10:57:08
Yep I’m in for a Purple grip but not gun.! HE ALL MANUFACTURERS OF GUN GRIPS LISTEN UP….We need PURPLE GRIPS!!!!! lol SERIOUSLY
ANNETTE IN OHIO
May 12, 2012 @ 01:40:00
Aren’t you forgetting about the Pink Pistols gay organization? They like pink guns too, don’t they.
May 12, 2012 @ 07:41:13
Yup! That’s why I said ladies and gents!
May 13, 2012 @ 11:44:18
Gracie as usual good work!
I’ve seen a few of the other posts on this subject and not all of them are this well reasoned. Frankly if we throw out the gimmicky cries for attention (like the “unicorn-zombie AR-15 with a chainsaw”) and focus on weapons with a practical purpose, then I have to say:
why is this even an issue?
IF a shooter likes an “off-color” gun enough to buy it, maybe even take it out and shoot/carry it, than well that SHOULD BE a good thing right? Isn’t the whole goal to get more people to go to the range/get carry permits?
IF a shooter does NOT like an “off-color” gun, then don’t buy it!
I’m sorry but to me this whole issue sounds a lot like we as a community are listening to the gun world’s version of the “comic-book-store guys”.
thanks for listening to me rant,
Isaac
May 16, 2012 @ 01:00:48
My carry guns stay concealed, until and unless they’re in use. Finding out what color they are isn’t a good idea, except at the practice range. Given your job and performance, I’ll say that it’s a good idea for people not to enquire too deeply into what color you’re carrying, either.
That being said, if I ever have a few hundred bucks lying about with no bills to pay, a set of legal ivory grips for my 1911 would look good.
May 16, 2012 @ 11:47:46
Very Nicely put! Having been in business most of my life – it is frustrating when people don’t see that there are a lot of different personalities and likes out there. A manufacture must try to appeal to everyone. I personally want to add some white to my gun. Not into owning the whole pink thing – but do think it is cool that women have a large enough place in the market to be considered, not just in color but in grip size, weight and the ability to conceal! Thanks again Gracie!
May 16, 2012 @ 15:33:06
I also have a pink xd 9mm sub compact that we used VHT engine paint to do ourselves. I LOVE it!!! My question, do you carry either of these guns? I’m having a hard time finding a holster for cc for this gun. Any help?
May 17, 2012 @ 00:07:14
I don’t care if someone wants to buy a pink gun. I do care that gun manufacturers think that by virtue of being female, I want one, and I want it to be pink more than I want it to have other features that could be of more use to me as a female shooter (different grips, etc).
It’s not the color that’s the issue. It’s the assumption that making something pink is all it takes to make it relevant to women consumers, which is certainly not an assumption limited to the firearms industry.
May 18, 2012 @ 09:17:46
I think that the manufacturers have greatly improved in this area over the past years. Springfield, Sig, and Smith & Wesson have all introduced models that have replaceable grips or back straps to tailor the fit to most hands. On the practical side, they are limited by the size of the magazine for a semi-auto.
I also don’t think that MOST manufacturers assume that all women want a pink gun either. This is why the same model is marketed in different colors. I have not come across any model that comes exclusively in pink. As Gracie pointed out, not all men want desert tan, so many models come in other colors as well.
May 18, 2012 @ 10:17:28
I don’t care what color your gun is as long as you know how to handle it. Personally, my color is purple but I own a desert camo. I am, however, fed up with men rolling their eyes when I want to Cearkote my Sig in purple. So much so I’m going to learn to do it myself and when I do I’ll be helping others that want unusual colors and patterns. So much for this debate, it’s personal preference.
May 18, 2012 @ 14:02:23
When you need a firearm, a berry-colored gun in hand is worth a million guns at home.
Jun 23, 2012 @ 08:47:37
Manufacturers are answering a demand by a legitimate segment of the market. A lot of women like “girlie” things, a pink finish on their gun being one of them. So what if a woman thinks her sidearm is “cute”? There is no good reason why their preferences should be dismissed.
Jul 16, 2012 @ 16:36:01
the gents at my local gun shop give me a fair ration of crap for not wanting a pink gun, it’s not because i think guns shouldn’t be fun colors, i just don’t like pink. I’m planning on investing in a new glock, and fully intend to trick it out with the custom bad kitty back plate from glockstore.com and neon purple grip-tape on the grip, knowing me, i’ll likely cut out little stars. That being said, if I were going to get a pink gun, it would be the awesome atomic magenta shade you picked
Jul 28, 2012 @ 04:49:57
I believe the pink on a firearm was started by a gun shop on the east coast as a fund raiser for a woman with breast cancer. Needless to say the idea took off like a prairie fire.
Jul 30, 2012 @ 21:12:07
This article isn’t addressing the ACTUAL reason why some people are miffed by pink guns. It’s not that we don’t think guns should come in “off-colors”. The problem is that when manufacturers of guns, grips, holsters, etc decide that they want to market their product to women their minds automatically go to “We should make it pink, then women will like it!”. Did you know the term “Shrink it and pink it” is an actual marketing phrase? As others have said, it’s insulting.
Guns and other self defense products should come in a VARIETY of colors, but instead companies market to men with black, tan, OD green and camo, and they market to women with pink. And yes, we all know that a gun can be personalized after purchase, but that’s not the point. I would appreciate if people didn’t assume that just because I have a uterus, I must like the color pink.
Sep 10, 2012 @ 13:45:18
I love the Idea of pink guns! I am an avid shooter and do some league shooting as well. With this being a male dominate sport it is nice to have something that makes it seem like I should be there. I am by no means going to by a gun because of color but I will change the color to pink if I want. I mean come on guys just hate getting beat by a girl with a pink gun
Sep 17, 2012 @ 07:56:26
My reason for buying a pink gun would be for the effect. At 6’4″, 300 lbs, beard, and a naturally dispeptic expressin most people wouldn’t bother me. But if they did, someone my size pulling a pink gun might just cause a double take… and that could give me precious time to defend myself…
Oct 08, 2012 @ 05:41:50
I’m actually with Ken on this one, and was considering what effect it would have in a trial when the prosecutor holds up a pink gun and tries the “This evil defendant used this military weapon on the victim and claims it was self defense… blah blah” Be hard not to crack up laughing if I was on that jury.
Oct 08, 2012 @ 16:57:21
Hoorah!! To you, I am, and was before the corps, an AR/M-16 armorer. And have built many pink “black” rifles for various people. Not to mention the service pistols.. My girlfriend loves shooting, no matter the color of the firearm, but she likes pink.. Same as all these Tommy Tactical idiots like their tan, green, camo, etc.. Anyway, just a thumbs up from a grunt
Oct 31, 2012 @ 06:26:23
Also having a pink gun will ensure that your husband will not try to play with it
Nov 19, 2012 @ 04:58:43
I so agree. My husband said if I get an M&P 15-22, he would have fun shooting it. I told him I was going to get a pink one so he will stay away from my gun, haha…
Nov 19, 2012 @ 04:55:57
Just had this discussion with my husband last nite. I don’t need my AR 15, or 22 LR, or my pistols to “look bad”. I just want high quality guns that I love. As with all things, everyone has their preference in gun choice and asthetics. Buy what YOU like and practice with it!
Jan 02, 2013 @ 10:37:03
I have to say I am a pink obsessed person (currently shopping for new pink hearing protection and pink safety glasses to go with my Ruger SR40C that is black). I had never once considered a pink gun. I own anything and everything I can that is pink. I have a german shepherd, cane corso, pit bull…I think you get the point and the girls they all have pink collars too. That doesn’t ever mean I would look down at someone with a pink gun but I do always hope they like you said picked that gun for them first because of the fit and not the color. Great post!
Jan 09, 2013 @ 05:35:27
I think your gun is cute, I love it!!! Everything doesn’t have to be boyish looking.
Jan 20, 2013 @ 11:59:57
“THE PINK GUN DEBATE” was in fact entertaining and informative!
Within modern universe that is challenging to execute.
Thank you, Osvaldo
Jan 23, 2013 @ 04:26:25
A handgun is a tool not a fashion accessory . As a firearms owner I do realize that there is an element of inharent beauty to firearms. While black OD green and even flat dark earth in some circles could be dervived as turning your gun into a fashion accessory they do serve a practical use depending on the enviroment . When I am in a gun store and see a women I do my best to steer them away from the cute little pink guns and explain why . I explain to them about sight picture and alighment.The longer the sight radius the more accurate the weapon . Weight vs stability and I also recomend going to a range to seek quality instruction before buying a gun . I will never understand the whole notion that a woman would want to be empowered with a firearm only to do it with outdated and sexist notion of a pink gun.
Jan 23, 2013 @ 04:58:24
Black and OD Green may serve a purpose for a soldier or a Navy Seal, but not everyone who buys a gun is military. I like the fact that most gun enthusiasts like yourself are helpful whenever you see a woman purchasing a gun. However not every woman who buys a gun is a novice shooter. Have you been to a local range lately? Rhetorical question, as I am sure you have, there are more and more women shooting than ever. She may already know about sight and picture alignment. In fact she may even be a better shot than you! It’s quite possible the next time you see a woman in a gun store looking at a ‘cute little pink gun’, she may know what she wants. Sometimes girls like girl things.
Jan 23, 2013 @ 05:35:34
I’m wondering if Steve also feels women should wear black? I know all women don’t like pink; but, some of us do. I’m one of the women who just might be looking at pink guns in a gun shop. That being said, I certainly wouldn’t choose a gun just because it was pink. Some of the guns I like come in different colors and some do not. I have both…. I don’t mind when men try to help; but, I’m laughing inside because I almost always know more about guns than they do and I just might be a better shot. Don’t forget Julie G from Ruger and her model M&P 9mm model with pink grips. That girl can shoot! I’ve heard the new color is purple…….. Color choice is just that…….a choice:) And, as I said before, pink keeps my husband away from my guns, haha…….
Feb 07, 2013 @ 10:07:44
Really, the color of a weapon is a personal choice. We call the guys who paint their weapons (against regs) “Gear Queers” and other names. No, I am not homophobic, it is just military slang and humor. Having served in the military for over 18 years now, I can say there is NO tactical reason for a Dark Earth, OD Green, or camo weapon/handgun. We have them “idiot corded” to our gear half the time. So, the coloring of a weapon is purely personal, and I don’t care what color it is. The Dark Earth, OD Green and Camo weapons are just as much for style (or folks who “think” they are tactical) as a pink, purple, green or polka dotted weapon. So, for the guys who don’t like the “pink gun” thing, I hope you all have the standard color of black that comes on most weapons. If not, shut your face and quite being judgemental knuckleheads.
Mar 27, 2013 @ 03:35:10
A few years ago, I bought my wife a pink Taurus .380. She actually wanted it because of the color, and she carried it on occasion, but I actually carried it more. Now, aside from the stainless 1911, purple laminate stocked 10/22, and blue Walther P22, she owns a basic black Maverick 88 and a Charter Arms Lavender Lady. I’ve found myself using that purple wheel gun as a handy winter coat carry piece, because hell, why can’t I carry a fabulous gun too?
Apr 04, 2013 @ 21:24:29
I absolutely adore my concealed carry weapon. I bought a Ruger LC9 and had it hydrodipped Muddy Girl Pink Camo. As far as I know, I am the only one with an LC9 in that color. Sometimes however I wish I didn’t have a pink gun only because a black gun would be much easier to conceal, yet my pretty pink one is fun! I justify my purchase by saying that it would be a shame for a would be carjacker or robber to encounter a female who is a great shot with a pink gun. If having a pink gun makes a woman want to carry every single day then I am all for it. Every person who is responsible and conscious enough to make the right decisions should carry.
By the way, I get many, many compliments for my weapon every single time I show pictures or the gun itself.
Apr 13, 2013 @ 20:02:40
I’m way late on this reply but I just read it and would like to reply. My husband just purchased my first handgun for me. I chose the S&W 38 snub model 642. Mostly because here lately finding any 38 revolver was very difficult, the stores couldn’t keep them in stock!! The 642 was on on my want list so I grabbed the first 38 I could find! BUT while we were shopping for a handgun I always gravitated to pink. Finally he talked me out of it, he said that anyone who sees me with a pink gun would laugh and if someone was threatening me he would laugh if I pulled out a pink gun. My response was “Yes, until I pulled the trigger!” and I think that is whats important. Heck, he could laugh all he wanted while the bullet was racing toward him, maybe a pink gun would distract him just enough to give me even a better “upper hand”. Still I didn’t get a pink gun, THIS TIME. It won’t be my last gun purchase! I loved your article!
Apr 14, 2013 @ 03:59:06
I honestly don’t think anyone would laugh at any gun these days. Just like cloths, cars, cell phones, skis, speed boats, bass boats, you name it, the color has nothing to do with the performance. It’s all personal choice. I just bought a new ccw gun in light pink. I wear light weight and light colored clothing in the summer and I believe it will conceal easier for me than my black LCP. With my beige belly band, it will be perfect! Having to draw a gun would be any one’s worse nightmare; but, I don’t think the bad guy would have a chance to evaluate the color of the gun, just saying……….. That being said, pick out your own gun based on your needs; and, if you have a color choice, choose the color you want:)