"The AR-15 is becoming extremely popular among women," said Crowder. "Some women are very gadgety or want to be personalized, they're painting them, getting these different grips and colors, and stylizing it. It's very popular because they can build it to their own specifications-- use it for fun, and feel pride of ownership in it."
Crowder's own AR-15 is purple—the same color as her former dance studio. An ex-dance teacher, Crowder now focuses her time on her all-female shooting league. In just two years it's grown to 28 chapters in eleven states. (Read more: New York's Assault Weapon Registration Begins)
"[It's] a friendly, supportive environment—making everybody feel welcome when they walk in the door," said Crowder. "Like they've got a whole new set of friends and sisters that they can depend on."
Club members attend a variety of events, which include the League's National Conference and even a "Girls Night Out," to socialize over dinner after a long day at the range.
Crowder says she trains women on the AR-15 because there is a longer frame to work with and more things to hold on to. This makes it easy for people with smaller frames—like their Youth Members, ages 10 to 17—to wield the gun.
"My favorite thing about my AR-15 rifle is the confidence I feel when I shoot it at the range," said Girl and a Gun member Jennifer Galle. "It gives me a sense that I can defend myself, that I can do this, and it brings me peace of mind knowing that this is a weapon that I can use for my own personal protection." (Read More: Newtown Mom Makes Heart-Wrenching Plea on U.S. Gun Laws)
"We know we can be safe," Crowder agrees. "We can be efficient. We can be effective to defend ourselves with that particular tool as our husbands and our fathers can."
