A women-only shooting league is helping local ladies let loose while learning how to defend themselves. "A Girl & A Gun" was started by a woman who wanted to give other ladies a way to learn more about guns in a comfortable environment.

There are 14 chapter across the state, including one in the Brazos Valley.

Twice a month, the ladies from the Snook chapter get together for a girl's night out. There are no glasses of wine or cucumber slices, but for the women, it can be just as effective as more traditional relaxation methods.

"Oh, trigger therapy is awesome," said Michelle Shulte.

"We had our official meet in the fall and we've been meeting since then. We meet every second and fourth Wednesday from six to eight at Gunsmoke Shooting Range," said Michelle.

Girl's night out is about more than just shooting away stress. It's about learning about your weapon, inside and out, and feeling comfortable with your gun, should you ever need to use it.

"I have a lot of ladies who say, 'I don't know how to shoot a gun, I don't feel comfortable.' But that's what this is all about," said Michelle.

Michelle is an NRA Pistol Certified instructor. As the leader of the Snook chapter of "A Girl & A Gun," she spends the first hour covering handgun basics.

"It's better to learn the right way then to unteach bad habits," she said.

Renee Medina learned a lot at her first girl's night out. The working mother of three has shot rifles before but never a handgun. She just bought a 9mm.

"Just the way the world is coming today. You never know what's going to happen," said Renee.

Renee's husband encouraged her to attend the girls night out.

"I didn't want someone talking down to me because I didn't know what I was doing," said Renee.

As the night progresses, the new shooters are visibly more comfortable with their handguns.

"I will definitely come out and shoot some more and probably teach my daughter how to shoot it. If anything ever happens, heaven forbid, we'll be able to protect ourselves," said Renee.

The hope is to never have to use a handgun for self-defense, but they're having fun preparing for the worst.

The number of women attending the girl's night out events can range from two to ten. You don't have to be a league member to attend. You can find more information about the league and different chapters by clicking on the link below.