by Redwisher » Fri Jan 14, 2011 8:29 pm
I think all of the ladies have offered some great advice.
If you are still thinking about getting a gun, visit some gun shops and talk with the staff. I took a "beginners" class and really became much more comfortable with using a gun. I had been gifted a used gun many years ago, and always thought that if the need arose, I could just pick it up, load it, and figure out what to do. Boy was I mistaken!
But the gun class was very educational and gave me confidence in handling the gun. Little things like being able to tell if it was loaded or not. Okay, that is obviously not so little.
I then furthered my training with practice sessions and then taking the class for my carry permit. Also very worthwhile. By then the staff got to know me, and were always offering tips and advice.
Many of the gun shops have "rental" guns where you can try different weapons to find something you like.
One thing I do not think I saw mentioned was having gun locks and/or a safe. I keep my guns in a small push button safe right next to my bed. I also keep them fully loaded. Easy access if I need a gun, yet safety when nieces/nephews or other children visit. Also prevents the gun being stolen if someone breaks into my house. I plan on mounting one of these safes on my new yet-to-be-found RV.
Finally, a gun I would recommend for a woman is a Keltec. They are very small and light guns so they work well for ladies. They come in different sizes depending on the ammo they use, so a lady can further refine what she feels comfortable with. I have a .32 with a small clip-on holster. I can comfortably fit it in the small of my back on the rare occasion I feel I need to carry a gun. The gun I was gifted is a Colt .380 which is too heavy as a carry gun, but would be the first gun out of my safe if I thought I had an intruder.
I know this does not answer your question about if you could really use the gun if needed. Only you can answer that. I wish you luck with your decision!
