It's a trend that's surprising to some, more women are purchasing pistols than ever before. Our Amanda Kelley tells looks into how companies are reacting to the trend and what all women should know before getting a gun.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- Gun counters usually crowded with men, are now seeing a new trend across the country. More women are purchasing pistols, but it's not surprising many firearms departments.

Gander Mountain Firearms Sales Associate Nigel Lopez said, "I've seen more women interested in obtaining a pistol permit to carry concealed for personal protection. That's been the number one thing."

Nancy Weal has worked in the Firearms Department at Gander Mountain for several years and also teaches gun safety courses. She said any first time women buyers need to first have some paperwork done.

Weal said, "To handle a pistol in New York State you need to have a pistol permit. The process takes months. You have background checks, all the different things the county has to do."

But even with strict regulations, 43% of women now own guns according to a recent Gallup Poll. An all time high across the United States.

Many companies are seeing womens' increased interest in firearms and are marketing everything from pink pistols to pink cameo gear.

Weal said, "It's something over the last few years that you've seen. The companies are aware that the females are coming onto shooting sports. And they do make adjustments."

But firearms salesmen said even more important than color, women should purchase a gun that will work for them.

Lopez said, "Women generally have smaller hands, so you want to look at hand gun that will fit their hand because if the grip on the handgun doesn't fit your hand, you won't be able to control it and you won't be able to shoot it accurately."

First time shooters should consider a .22 caliber gun and then work their way up.

"They're fairly quiet compared to a lot of them. Not a lot of recoil, but it gives them to practice and learn, and practice what they learned in their classes," said Weal.

Helping build confidence for first time firearm owners.