The Arizona Women's Shooting Association was formed with the purpose of introducing women to this wonderful sport.

We strive to encourage, educate and mentor women from the beginner to the advanced in the many different disciplines of the shooting sports.

Above all, we stress safety, variety and fun.

Carol Ruh, President and Treasurer
NRA Certified Instructor

I cried the first time I shot until the salesman explained that "it's not the gun that kills, it's the person behind it"…and that is what changed my perspective on guns.

In 1997 my family moved to Arizona, where I practiced every week. The following year I began working at Shooter's World/Arizona Tactical, where I saw the need for women to become educated.

Upon obtaining my NRA certification, I worked in a women's program at Ben Avery Shooting Facility by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. From there, I founded the Arizona Women's Shooting Association.

For fun, I shoot competitively in cowboy action shooting events, and defensive pistol events.

Debbie is a NRA Certified Instructor, DPS Certified Instructor for Concealed Carry Permit classes and Certified for “Refuse to be a Victim”.

It is her skills at tracking Legislation and organization that makes her such an asset to the Arizona Women’s Shooting Association. She owns her own business as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, and gives her the knowledge to help keep day-to-day business matters tracked.

Debbie started shooting 12 years ago. After getting her CCW permit, she really became active in shooting.

Her biggest enjoyment of the group is women supporting women in a non-threatening environment. When talking to other women about AWSA, she says, “ It is a great way to learn how to protect yourself in an unintimidating manner. After a hard day of work it really relieves the tension.”