Ann Smith, a 25-year National Rifle Association employee who edits NRAWomen.com, discussed her work during the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting in a conversation sponsored by Beretta Holding. She first fired a Colt Python loaded with .38 Special after a boyfriend took her to the range; they married, and she now often outshoots him. Roughly a decade ago she launched the Ladies Pistol Project to collect women’s preferences after they test many pistols and complete surveys. This year’s edition used 18 participants and full-size nightstand home-defense guns instead of concealed-carry models, with results appearing on NRA Women, American Rifleman magazine, and American Rifleman TV. Smith directs women to NRA instructors, independent membership, ladies nights, women-only hunts, and NRAWomen.com for training and firearms topics.