EDITOR’s NOTE: The following was written by Danielle Thompson, Press Secretary for the National Association for Gun Rights.  You can read some of her other work at HumanEvents.com.  

Danielle Thompson, the press secretary for the National Association for Gun Rights. (Photo: Human Events)

Men, you can get a little creative on this one. Let’s pick out the perfect firearm for the lady in your life, one she can use to protect her and her loved ones, take on her next hunting trip, or bring to the range for a day. Here are some tips to nail the perfect gift:

1. What is her need?

You need to think about what her use will be for this firearm. Does she want to conceal or open carry, have a firearm in the home for self-defense, or use it for sporting purposes like hunting?

2. Pre-Shop

Don’t assume you know what she will like best, she might not even know. Consider taking her to a gun shop or show to see what she picks. She may want a small .380 or 9mm to conceal carry or she may be a badass and want an AR-15.

3. Recoil

I am not going to speak for all women on this topic, but recoil is something to consider, especially if the woman in your life is new to firearms. This can be an issue if the weapon kicks back in that person’s hand and can create a safety hazard for themselves and others. A smaller caliber tends to cut down on the amount of recoil experienced when firing the weapon.

My preferred caliber for a handgun is a 9mm, which has very little recoil and comes in many easily manageable weights and sizes. The AR-15 is also a great option with little recoil if you are looking to purchase her a rifle.

4. Customizing

Women, like men, love the look of their guns, whether it’s a personalized engraving, custom-color or a unique wrap.

You can custom engrave any firearm with a special message or symbol for your girlfriend that will leave her awed with your thoughtfulness. A more cost-effective customization could also be a custom color to show off her personality or a unique wrap in a variety of designs. My favorites are the patriotic wraps many places offer.

5. Buy for her, not for you.

Remember, you are buying a firearm that will best fit her and her needs. Don’t have the expectation that the gun will morph into yours in the future. Also, buy her a reliable piece that she can count on for many years.