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For Self Defense, Arm Yourself with Knowledge

Michelle O'Neill
/
WVIK News
Jeanelle Westrom, owner of Davenport Guns & Shooting Club on Mississippi Avenue, Davenport, IA

A business owner in the Quad Cities wants to teach people how to defend themselves with or without a gun. Jeanelle Westrom opened Davenport Guns and Shooting Club about three years ago.

Michelle O'Neill reports Westrom's store and employees offer a lot more than guns and a place to practice shooting.

Credit submitted / Davenport Guns and Shooting Club
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Davenport Guns and Shooting Club
Davenport Guns and Shooting Club on Mississippi Avenue, Davenport, IA

Davenport Guns and Shooting Club teaches courses that include hours and hours of safety education and training. That comes before anyone fires a shot. 

And whether you love or hate guns, owner Jeanelle Westrom wants women and men to learn what to expect from criminals and be prepared.

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News
One of twelve shooting lanes at Davenport Guns

She says criminals want easy targets, not people who are ready and willing to defend themselves. So, the goal of her shop's "Don't Be A Victim" course is to teach people to be alert and develop a proactive,  self-defense plan.

Another course is called, "A Girl and a Gun," which includes self defense tactics for protecting yourself with, and without, a firearm.

Of course, Davenport Guns offers classes to gunowners and those who are new to gun ownership. Safety takes top priority in all of them. And Westrom says one of every seven women in Scott County has a concealed carry permit, so criminals should beware.

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
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