By Carrin Welch

When I decided I wanted an AR-15 back in 2011, I started by doing what many people do when they want to make a big purchase, especially something that feels unfamiliar: I researched and I asked people that I trusted if I could try theirs.

While there were a lot of resources online, there was almost too much information. Luckily, I’d been training with instructors and going to range events where I had access to a variety of rifles. Getting hands-on experience was incredibly helpful to start to understand the rifle and understand just how different and customizable AR15s can be.

I asked a lot of questions and took notes on every buttstock, grip, and handguard that worked or didn’t work for me. I visited gun stores just to shoulder different models. I hovered over the stocks and grips like I was picking out produce, trying everything, comparing weights, textures, shapes.

I was also part of a women’s pistol league, and a few of us were curious—and maybe even a little intimidated—about getting into the AR world. Eventually, several of us wanted to build our own rifles, mostly because building felt like a way to understand the platform on a deeper level. I also didn’t want to spend a ton of money right away.

Our league even hosted classes: one on the basic fundamentals of the AR-15 (parts, function, mechanics), followed later by a “assemble your lower” class, and then an upper-building workshop. Between classes, we collected parts, shared recommendations, and asked each other questions. And it really helped that I wasn’t doing it alone.

Much like the community here at AWA, I had women beside me who were learning at the same pace. I also had friends who were upgrading their rifles and selling old parts, so I was able to buy a complete upper secondhand. It made my “build” cheaper, faster, and more approachable.

That experience of learning in a group showed me that there’s no single “right” path to your first AR. Over the years since that time, I’ve had the privilege of introducing a lot of women to the fun of shooting AR15s and how easy it is to customize. And you don’t need to know everything before you start.

Customization Makes a Big Difference for Women

Many women stop after buying a rifle because they feel it works “well enough,” aren’t sure which upgrades are worth the investment, feel intimidated by the technical side, or get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available. While practicality and thorough research are strengths, these factors often create barriers to customization.

Women’s bodies are different from men’s—different shoulder angles, different arm lengths, different grip sizes, different natural stances. That means customization often matters even more for women. Small adjustments can dramatically improve fit, comfort, and performance.

I’ve talked to a lot of women over the years, and here are the upgrades that make the biggest difference:

1. A stock that fits your body proportions
   Length of pull is huge. Women with shorter arms or smaller frames feel an immediate improvement here when they find a stock that fits them well.
2. A handguard that feels comfortable for your grip and strength
   Slimmer, lighter handguards are often more manageable and less fatiguing.
3. A grip that matches your hand size
   Many women benefit from grips with a smaller circumference or refined angle. Grips without fingers grooves offer more flexibility when shooting from different positions.
4. A sling that helps manage the weight comfortably
   A well-fitted sling can transform how you handle your rifle, as well as how the rifle handles during long classes or hunts.

If you want more inspiration, Aero Precision’s “AR Rifle Setup for Women Shooters” is a great read. It validates something important: women aren’t alone in wanting rifles that truly fit them.

Customizing an AR-15 Is Accessible—Especially for Women Who Want to Learn

The AR-15 looks complicated, but it was designed to be modular and user-friendly. Most upgrades can be done with a few inexpensive tools that you can buy at any hardware store. The bottom line is…

• You don’t need to be a gunsmith.
• You don’t need a shop full of tools.
• You don’t need experience tinkering with machines.
• You just need the right guidance and a willingness to try.

If you want to cut through the noise, the beginner-friendly video “Must Have AR-15 Accessories” is a solid starter.

Curious about assembling parts yourself? Brownells’ “How to Build an AR-15: Your AR Build Made Easy” is one of the clearest written guides for beginners.

Confidence Begins with Accessible Gear

Building confidence with the AR platform doesn’t require expertise—it only requires curiosity, community, and the willingness to explore what works for you. Companies like Magpul make intuitive, ergonomic AR accessories that are easy to install and accessible for shooters of all sizes and experience levels. Long before I worked for Magpul, I was using Magpul products. I remember picking up a Magpul CTR in a local gun shop and immediately noticed that it was light and easy to adjust. And while none of our products are made specifically for women, Magpul makes products that can work for everyone.

Whether you decide to buy your first AR, customize the one you already own, or take the plunge into building one from scratch, the best thing you can do is lean on your community and get as much hands-on experience as possible. The more you try, the more you’ll learn what fits your body, your style, and your confidence level. No matter which path you choose, remember this: your AR should work for you—because you absolutely deserve a setup that feels like it was made with you in mind.

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About the Author

Carrin Welch is a Digital Marketing Manager at Magpul with more than twelve years of experience in firearms media and over a decade of coaching women in safe, responsible firearms use. An advocate for open conversations around gun safety and responsible gun ownership, she has watched the women’s shooting community grow and evolve and is proud to be part of that movement.

Carrin is also an artist and co-founder of Gun Cult Magazine, where she brings together her passions for art, culture, and personal protection. Outside of work, she enjoys shooting sports like PRS and Steel Challenge and encouraging more women to explore the firearms world with confidence.

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Thank you to AWA 9mm Sponsor Magpul!