My Sister's Keeper Defense

My Sister's Keeper Defense exists because Marchelle Davis saw a gap in the gun community. She watched women at the range uncomfortable with their partners trying to teach them about firearms—and realized how vital it is for women to see themselves represented in these roles. "Sometimes you can't believe in your own potential until you see someone who looks like you doing it," she says.

Founded in 2016 (originally as Trigger Happy Firearm Instruction), MSKD is now based in Marietta, Georgia at 2727 Canton Road. After a two-year hiatus, the operation is back and running full-time instruction.

Marchelle served seven years in the Army National Guard before becoming a certified firearms instructor. She's also a survivor of domestic abuse and sexual assault—which drives her mission: ensuring no one else becomes a victim. Her certifications include:

• •USCCA Concealed Carry Home Defense Fundamentals Certified Instructor
• •USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Certified Instructor
• •Glock Operator Level II
• •Glock Armorer

She's also the founder of Iron Sharpens Iron, National Range Day, and the MSKD Women's Self-Defense Retreats.

• •Women's Intro to Pistol - The foundation class. Offered monthly for beginners and those wanting to learn shooting fundamentals. One hour classroom instruction using training pistols, then approximately 40 minutes of live-fire range time. All training materials included.

Private instruction is available and you can add up to 3 people to one appointment. Children ages 12+ can attend with a registered parent present. Private class options:

• •Pistol Fundamentals - The one-on-one version of the group intro class. Recommended for all new shooters to learn safe operation and shooting basics.

• •Pistol Fundamentals + Cleaning - For those who own their own firearm. Covers operation, cleaning, and maintenance of your personal weapon.

• •Firearm Selection - For those shopping for a first gun. You'll shoot different types to find what works best, then wrap up at the counter ready to purchase. Must be 21+.

• •Pistol Fundamentals 2 - Intermediate level. Builds on fundamentals with dominant/support hand shooting, malfunction clearing, and maintaining accuracy at speed. Includes range time, targets, protective gear, 9mm ammo, and firearm rental.

• •Firearm rental (9mm provided)
• •9mm ammunition
• •Protective gear (hearing/eye protection)
• •Range time and targets
• •Professional instruction

• •Note: If you bring your own firearm and ammunition, class cost remains the same. MSKD only allows semi-automatic handguns in .380, 9mm, .40, or .45 caliber manufactured in 2010 or later. No antique firearms, relics, or revolvers. No firearms with multiple safety recalls, including SCCY brand firearms.

• •Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

• •No carry permit required to attend classes—just a valid state-issued ID. Classes don't count toward Georgia's concealed carry permit (Georgia eliminated the requirement for permit-to-carry as of April 2022, though MSKD recommends getting one for reciprocity when traveling).

• •Dress code matters: Avoid low-cut shirts and open-toed shoes to protect from hot brass ejection. Wear your hair down or low for hearing protection fit. Skip earrings. Consider a hat for face protection. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty since all classes run at an indoor range.

Marchelle publishes detailed blog content covering:

• •How to get a Georgia Weapons Carry License (with county-by-county links)
• •Top 3 concealed carry firearms for new gun owners
• •Why she doesn't recommend revolvers for self-defense
• •How to vet your firearms instructor
• •Situational awareness in five categories (home, personal, dating, vehicle, internet)
• •Go-bag and first aid kit essentials
• •Common shooting mistakes (slide bite, grip errors, speed issues)
• •Firearm selection and FFL transfer process

Her Goal: "Empower one million women with the skills to defend themselves with firearms." She also dreams of launching a nonprofit creating a safe, welcoming space for women to learn and grow.