Well, I did something to be proud of today.
I decided to spend some time at the local sporting goods/gun shop today, so I could drool over the goodies therein. I had spent about half an hour playing with various guns (mainly the Ruger GP100 that I've got my eye on) when I realized that I'd better be getting home for dinner soon. On my way out I strolled past the knife section and noticed a lady holding a large bowie knife towards her husband asking "Do you think this would be good for protection?" SMACK goes my hand to my forehead.
Realizing that some intervention is needed here, I walk up to them and ask, "Excuse me, I don't mean to intrude, but are you talking about personal or home protection?" They reply that they want something for protection while they're at home. I cautiously ask if they have ever thought about a firearm for the job. They had, but they know nothing about them. Oh good, a chance for me to lecture!
I walk them over to the gun display cases, and start telling them about the differences between calibers, revolvers vs pistols, rifles vs shotguns, etc. All of a sudden, the 17 year old behind the counter says, "I SURELY think that a .22 rifle would suffice for these folks." I stare at him for a second or two, and then politely tell him why he is incorrect. After a good half hour of lecture (now directed to both the couple and the sales-boy), the husband seems really warmed up to the idea. I ask him what he'd prefer to have. He replies that he'd like something that he could carry on occasion. Oh boy, here comes the dissappointment. "Well, I'm sorry to tell you this, but here in Ohio there is no such thing as legal concealed carry." Down falls his face. This point made, he thinks that he'd like a "versatile 12 gauge." I point him in the direction of the used pump 12's. He can't choose one, and asks me to decide for him. I pick a police style (short stock and barrel) S&W, although the model escapes me currently. The asking price was a very reasonable, IMO, $160. I warned him about the recoil, but he remains undaunted.
While the background check was being taken, I tell him that he REALLY should take some safety courses at a local range along with his wife. I then picked out some good defense loads for him, as well as some practice loads. After he paid for everything, the couple thanked me profusely and attempted to pay me for services rendered. I refused the money, but instead asked that they both sign the petition for concealed carry in Ohio.
In any case, I feel a little bit better for guiding a couple more people down the path to firearms enlightenment, so I just thought I'd share.
-Parke1
---"Um, that's a muzzle loader. Only use that for protection if you're being attacked by geriatrics in wheelchairs."
[This message has been edited by Parke1 (edited September 12, 2000).]
I decided to spend some time at the local sporting goods/gun shop today, so I could drool over the goodies therein. I had spent about half an hour playing with various guns (mainly the Ruger GP100 that I've got my eye on) when I realized that I'd better be getting home for dinner soon. On my way out I strolled past the knife section and noticed a lady holding a large bowie knife towards her husband asking "Do you think this would be good for protection?" SMACK goes my hand to my forehead.
Realizing that some intervention is needed here, I walk up to them and ask, "Excuse me, I don't mean to intrude, but are you talking about personal or home protection?" They reply that they want something for protection while they're at home. I cautiously ask if they have ever thought about a firearm for the job. They had, but they know nothing about them. Oh good, a chance for me to lecture!
I walk them over to the gun display cases, and start telling them about the differences between calibers, revolvers vs pistols, rifles vs shotguns, etc. All of a sudden, the 17 year old behind the counter says, "I SURELY think that a .22 rifle would suffice for these folks." I stare at him for a second or two, and then politely tell him why he is incorrect. After a good half hour of lecture (now directed to both the couple and the sales-boy), the husband seems really warmed up to the idea. I ask him what he'd prefer to have. He replies that he'd like something that he could carry on occasion. Oh boy, here comes the dissappointment. "Well, I'm sorry to tell you this, but here in Ohio there is no such thing as legal concealed carry." Down falls his face. This point made, he thinks that he'd like a "versatile 12 gauge." I point him in the direction of the used pump 12's. He can't choose one, and asks me to decide for him. I pick a police style (short stock and barrel) S&W, although the model escapes me currently. The asking price was a very reasonable, IMO, $160. I warned him about the recoil, but he remains undaunted.
While the background check was being taken, I tell him that he REALLY should take some safety courses at a local range along with his wife. I then picked out some good defense loads for him, as well as some practice loads. After he paid for everything, the couple thanked me profusely and attempted to pay me for services rendered. I refused the money, but instead asked that they both sign the petition for concealed carry in Ohio.
In any case, I feel a little bit better for guiding a couple more people down the path to firearms enlightenment, so I just thought I'd share.
-Parke1
---"Um, that's a muzzle loader. Only use that for protection if you're being attacked by geriatrics in wheelchairs."
[This message has been edited by Parke1 (edited September 12, 2000).]
Two thumbs up