Avery Skipalis brings you an exclusive interview with Mr. Scotty Banks, Training Manager of GLOCK Professional. Scotty has built a reputation as an excellent trainer, and understands how to empower women through firearms education.
When it comes to firearms education and training, few names are as widely respected as the one of Mr. Scotty Banks. With 17 years of dedicated service to GLOCK, and as a United States Marine Corps veteran and former law enforcement officer, Scotty has built a reputation grounded in integrity, knowledge and authenticity. For the past eight years, he has led GLOCK Professional’s training division, helping shape the next generation of safe, skilled and confident gun owners – especially women.
Meeting Mr. Banks
I met Scotty 12 years ago during my first GLOCK Armorer course. His encouragement and belief in my potential as a female firearms instructor helped propel my journey forward in this industry. He’s not just a leader; Scotty is a mentor and an advocate for women in the firearms community.
In this exclusive interview, we talk about the increasing number of women entering the world of firearms training, how GLOCK is supporting that growth and what advice he has for women stepping into this space for the first time.
Q1: Have you seen an increase in women participating in firearms training? If so, what do you think is driving that trend?
Scotty: Absolutely. I believe women want to be their own first responders. They no longer want to rely on others to protect them. When it comes to preserving your life, there’s nothing more empowering than having the ability and confidence to protect yourself.
Q2: What are some of the biggest challenges women face in firearms training, and how does GLOCK help address them?
Scotty: One of the biggest challenges is finding the right instructor. While I love teaching women, I often recommend they find a strong female instructor. Representation matters. When a woman sees another woman confidently handling a firearm – someone who looks like her and speaks like her – it sends a powerful message: “If she can do it, so can I.”
Female instructors understand the physical and emotional nuances that male instructors might overlook, which makes for a stronger and more relatable learning experience. GLOCK now has their first female instructor.
Q3: Do you see any differences in how a women and men approach firearms training?
Scotty: Definitely. Women come in humble, ready to learn and with a laser-focused approach. Women’s willingness to absorb information and ask questions makes them extremely coachable. Men, on the other hand, often show up thinking they already know it all.
Q4: What advice would you give to women who feel intimidated about starting firearms training?
Scotty: Start with a beginner class like our GLOCK Fundamentals Course. We provide everything, including the pistol, ammo and holster, and we use the G44, our .22 caliber pistol, which allows students to focus on technique without being distracted by recoil. It’s a safe, encouraging way to build your skills from the ground up.
Q5: What’s the most essential safety principle every woman should know when handling a firearm?
Scotty: Know your firearm and understand how it works. And always follow the four basic safety rules. But most importantly, remember that safety starts in your mind, not just in your hands.
Q6: How can women build confidence in their shooting skills, especially when starting out?
Scotty: Like anything else, confidence comes from practice. And not just repetition, but correct repetition. Get educated properly and train with intention. That’s how skill and confidence grow.
Q7: Does GLOCK offer specific training or resources tailored for women?
Scotty: Yes. We offer the GLOCK Fundamentals Course, which is great for all beginners. We also collaborate with organizations like A Girl and A Gun, offering training events a few times a year specifically designed to support and empower women.
Skip’s Takeaways
It was truly an honor to reconnect with Mr. Scotty Banks and share his insights with our community. His dedication to excellence and his authentic support for women in the firearms world continue to leave a lasting mark. As a female instructor who once sat in his classroom feeling nervous and hopeful, I’m proud to stand among the growing number of women shaping the future of firearms education. The message is clear: There is room for all of us at the table, and GLOCK is helping make that possible. Let this be your sign if you’ve ever considered starting your journey. Your voice matters, your safety matters, and your growth begins today.
Avery Skipalis is the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, an organization that focuses on empowering women, men and children to make sure that no one else becomes a victim. She gained her firearms experience from the military where she’s been a military firearms instructor for 10.5 years. She’s also a certified NRA rifle and pistol instructor and Glock Advanced Armorer since 2015. She’s attended Sig Sauer Academy, FNH, Special Operations Command Armorers courses as well as multiple Advanced Shooting Schools across the United States. She resides in Florida with her husband and 2 kids. She’s currently serving in the United States Air Force and loves sharing her passion with others. She thinks it’s important that women also feel like they’re in control of their own safety. View all posts by Avery Skipalis
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