I recently posted one of our classes in a local town. A potential student commented they were going this week to purchase a gun. I think that's a fantastic idea! This person probably knows what type of gun they want. Many people don't though, and I hope what I'm about to put out will help those that don't, because, purchasing the wrong gun can make some people decide they don't want a gun after all.
A friend once told me this story of a lady in a gun store buying a handgun. He said he couldn't resist getting involved because of what the clerk was trying to do. My friend(let's call him K) watched as this 5'3" petite woman told the clerk she was looking for a pistol she could carry with her as well as use in a home defense situation. The clerk, who knew all about guns, told her he had the perfect gun for her. He pulled out a 45 caliber 1911 single action semi automatic pistol and showed it to her, having her put it into her hands and hold it.
The young lady was unable to bring the pistol level with her shoulders, let alone have the strength to aim it and fire it. She told him it was too heavy. The clerk, not to give up easily, informed her that all she had to do was point the gun at the bad guy and pull the trigger. If she didn't hit him it would scare him into running away. The lady, became somewhat upset that she couldn't hold the pistol correctly and was about to turn around and walk out when K stepped in and suggested that she tell HIM what she was looking for. He had already heard the conversation so he knew what was going on.
This young lady had never held a pistol in her hand! Can you imagine how intimidated she was trying to hold such a large frame pistol as a 45 semi automatic? Through asking the right questions K helped her figure what type pistol she wanted. She wanted one that was very simple to operate, that didn't require a lot of maintenance and that wouldn't get hung on her clothing when she tried to draw. She wanted a pistol that fit her hands and was light enough for her to aim without straining, yet that didn't have a huge kick and wouldn't jam when she fired it. Well, you can't get any more simple than that.
K asked for another clerk since that one was mad that he hadn't sold that .45, and the customer ended up with a air weight hammerless revolver. Yes, it is a very simple weapon and only had 5 shots in it. No it was not as cool looking as a semi automatic pistol that just flat out looks scary. But, with this young lady not knowing a thing about guns, more than likely not going to get lessons on using one, and wanting simplicity, this was the best choice for her.
My entire point is, when you look for a handgun to carry, don't decide by using the "cool factor". Find a sales person that will listen to what you say. Everyone is different. You may be able to work the slide on a standard semiautomatic, or the EZ slide may be the choice for you. You may be proficient with handguns and can handle any pistol out there. You may also be the person who has never held a pistol in their life and is scared of all the slides, buttons and latches on a semi automatic. Get the pistol that feels right and that you can operate with a minimum of training because 95% of the people who purchase a handgun don't train with their handguns, much less train properly with them.
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