Son of a Gun
J and I went gun shopping today. We've known for quite a while now that we want to get me a handgun and concealed carry permit. With the way his plans are going, he wants me to have it and be comfortable shooting it by next winter.
We went to a gun show this morning and looked at quite a few guns. We didn't buy anything, because our buddies said the prices were too high. They were right. After lunch, we went to a local gun store and the prices were much better. J found a handgun he likes, and we will definitely get it for him.
As for me, I'm deciding between 4 different guns. The one I want most (right now) is the most expensive and I don't even know if I can get it in Texas. The Kahr PM40 with external safety was made specifically to meet Maryland requirements for handguns. The Kahr 40 was the most comfortable gun I held today, but it has no external safety (except for the MD model). For those who may not know, the safety is a little switch that won't let the trigger pull, i.e. it won't fire. We think and external safety is a good idea if I want to carry the gun in my purse. I would probably have to special order the version with a safety, if I could even do that.
So anyway, I also liked a Springfield Armory, Bersa Thunder, and Beretta. All .40 caliber, all sub-compact, all with external safety. All seem to be reputable. If it really just comes down to reputation, I would probably go with the Beretta.
We won't be able to go back to the store together until Tuesday. I may go back by myself on Monday to look at the guns more closely and ask about the Kahr. I need to handle the Springfield and Kahr to see if I can handle them easily. I tried the Bersa and Beretta today and they were easier than I thought.
Of all these, the Kahr is most expensive, and I think Springfield is the least. *sigh* I kinda wish my dad was here to go with me on Monday. He wasn't much help on the phone today, except to say go with the one that is most comfortable. So I hope the guy who helped us today is there on Monday. I liked him.
Why is choosing a gun so hard for me? Whatever I decide to get, we will probably take it to the range next weekend. I also have to take it apart and learn to clean it. I'll let y'all know what I decide!
We went to a gun show this morning and looked at quite a few guns. We didn't buy anything, because our buddies said the prices were too high. They were right. After lunch, we went to a local gun store and the prices were much better. J found a handgun he likes, and we will definitely get it for him.
As for me, I'm deciding between 4 different guns. The one I want most (right now) is the most expensive and I don't even know if I can get it in Texas. The Kahr PM40 with external safety was made specifically to meet Maryland requirements for handguns. The Kahr 40 was the most comfortable gun I held today, but it has no external safety (except for the MD model). For those who may not know, the safety is a little switch that won't let the trigger pull, i.e. it won't fire. We think and external safety is a good idea if I want to carry the gun in my purse. I would probably have to special order the version with a safety, if I could even do that.
So anyway, I also liked a Springfield Armory, Bersa Thunder, and Beretta. All .40 caliber, all sub-compact, all with external safety. All seem to be reputable. If it really just comes down to reputation, I would probably go with the Beretta.
We won't be able to go back to the store together until Tuesday. I may go back by myself on Monday to look at the guns more closely and ask about the Kahr. I need to handle the Springfield and Kahr to see if I can handle them easily. I tried the Bersa and Beretta today and they were easier than I thought.
Of all these, the Kahr is most expensive, and I think Springfield is the least. *sigh* I kinda wish my dad was here to go with me on Monday. He wasn't much help on the phone today, except to say go with the one that is most comfortable. So I hope the guy who helped us today is there on Monday. I liked him.
Why is choosing a gun so hard for me? Whatever I decide to get, we will probably take it to the range next weekend. I also have to take it apart and learn to clean it. I'll let y'all know what I decide!
Another thought to put into your head, think about weight, too. It's not as important as having one you're comfortable with, but it's just a suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI'd go with the Springfield, or the Beretta, depending on which ones they are. If you're stuck, I can ask my dad. He owns a gun store. :)
My hubby recommends a .38 special. It's a revolver, so no external safety or you can look into a .380. Both guns have very little recoil, very subcompact models & some offer safeties such as a Walther brand (aka James Bond gun). This is what he recommends for an inexperienced female shooter. An experienced female shooter will want a .40/9mil (he suggests Springfield & Berretta). He also says if you're worried about external safeties carry without chamboring first round. Racking the slide will deter majority of criminals without firing a shot. Good luck finding your weapon of choice! :)
ReplyDeleteI grew up with guns, so experienced. We decided a .40 would be best for me, after shooting everything I could get my hands on. That, and we want stopping power, should I actually have to shoot it. J keeps talking about shooting the druggies coming after me :)
DeleteI liked this chick's video. There's some good info on how it should fit in your hand that I didn't know. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B68ILSzggTc&feature=relmfu
ReplyDeleteActually which Springfield were you looking at? I have a subcompact XD if you want to go to the range one day and try it out. I haven't even fired it yet but Ken said it was nice (if a bit snappy). I plan on getting a Ruger SR22 for my CC.
ReplyDeleteWhat caliber is your springfield? I would love to shoot it :). I'm looking at the XD sub-compact in a .40.
DeleteMy dad has a Beretta. Likes it. Have you been able to fire them all? From what I have been told by my dad and Harry, you should go to a gun range and shoot them before deciding, since like your dad said, you should be fully comfortable if you'll be carrying it around. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteI really wish I could! There aren't any stores in El Paso that let me test fire or rent or anything like that. Though I might try out Kim's springfield!
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