Pretty new here and new returnee to handguns..lots has changed since 1978, when I sold my S&W model 39.
BUT, day before yesterday went to range..shot my Glock 42 and LCP..about 300 rounds, great fun. Snowy day, pretty crowded. Couple next to me..average size lady and pretty big, beefy, strong guy..Handgun seemed loud so I stepped behind yellow line and watched her. She was trying to shoot a Glock 30 one handed. Holding it up, her hand was shaking, a LOT and the resulting shots weren't even close to center of target, which was 5 yards away..She wasn't having any fun..I heard her say(electronic ear protection is really keen), "how am I going to carry this thing?"..Guy with her, 'ya gotta carry a .45, just in case ya need it'..
My discussion..'seems' for more than few, size, caliber(meaning BIG) is the number one priority, 'just in case' but find a large, hi capacity handgun is either tough to carry comfortably or not much fun to shoot. The 'chances' of needing a handgun for protection are not zero but are pretty low, VERY low. I even know a local LEO who has never pulled his handgun out. Seems, in the journey to find a carry handgun..'effectiveness' should certainly be on the list but the other priorities that impact the person almost everyday should be perhaps, 'more important'. Like ease of carry and concealment, shootability, cuz almost 100% of the gun's life is going to be spent putting holes in paper targets, melons and water jugs.
Just muzing on this cold winter's day. When I started down this path toward CCW about a year ago..
As time passed, I came to realize I had 3 'number ones'..shootability, reliability and concealability...effectiveness, number 2..
For the lady next to me..I don't think she was thrilled about shooting and then carrying, that gun..IMHO, of course.
BUT, day before yesterday went to range..shot my Glock 42 and LCP..about 300 rounds, great fun. Snowy day, pretty crowded. Couple next to me..average size lady and pretty big, beefy, strong guy..Handgun seemed loud so I stepped behind yellow line and watched her. She was trying to shoot a Glock 30 one handed. Holding it up, her hand was shaking, a LOT and the resulting shots weren't even close to center of target, which was 5 yards away..She wasn't having any fun..I heard her say(electronic ear protection is really keen), "how am I going to carry this thing?"..Guy with her, 'ya gotta carry a .45, just in case ya need it'..
My discussion..'seems' for more than few, size, caliber(meaning BIG) is the number one priority, 'just in case' but find a large, hi capacity handgun is either tough to carry comfortably or not much fun to shoot. The 'chances' of needing a handgun for protection are not zero but are pretty low, VERY low. I even know a local LEO who has never pulled his handgun out. Seems, in the journey to find a carry handgun..'effectiveness' should certainly be on the list but the other priorities that impact the person almost everyday should be perhaps, 'more important'. Like ease of carry and concealment, shootability, cuz almost 100% of the gun's life is going to be spent putting holes in paper targets, melons and water jugs.
Just muzing on this cold winter's day. When I started down this path toward CCW about a year ago..
As time passed, I came to realize I had 3 'number ones'..shootability, reliability and concealability...effectiveness, number 2..
For the lady next to me..I don't think she was thrilled about shooting and then carrying, that gun..IMHO, of course.
Last edited: