How This Lady Picked Her Concealed Carry Weapon

by Hope R
(Canfield, OH)

I am a 59 year old lady, nurse, grandmother. In 2008, my brother convinced me to attend a CCW class. I had had some experience owning a 410 shotgun, and a few 22 rifles, but none with a handgun. A week before the class I asked a neighbor guy to prep me for the class so I would not feel so inept. He spent one day with me, and let me shoot every handgun he owned. He stressed safety above all, and was kindly corrective.

I did very well with a S&W 45 semi-automatic, so that is what I borrowed to qualify at the end of my CCW class. Also, the instructor at our CCW class had quite a large array of handguns, and let us all handle them, and later try out anything we wanted.

After the class was over I began my search for my "favorite CCW" gun. I visited every gun store in a 30 mile radius. I handled them, getting the feel of them in my hand, and seeing if I could pull the slide back easily enough. Some I could not.

I kept a notebook, took notes, and interviewed each salesperson On their opinion and knowledge. I then went online and read reviews and blogs on the guns that I had liked.

At one gun shop, I had commented that I could only afford one gun, so it had to be all things to me. The man wisely retorted, "Oh, you'll get addicted and you'll buy more!"

Finally I attended a large gun show with a girlfriend who had her CCW. Her brother is a top gunsmith in Wyoming. As we shopped, she kept calling him for advice. My final choice was a Springfield XD .40. I first picked a .45, but then found the .40 for $100 less, with all accessories in a case. I love it. It handles well, and I do not notice a kick.

But the salesman was right. I bought 2 more guns that year. Next I got a Walther P22, just for fun and plinking, and later in the year another friend convinced me that I needed a smaller pocket gun like his, so I bought a Ruger 380LCP.

I loved the feel of the Walther, but had lots of trouble with the ammo not ejecting. (Two years later my new husband informed me that I was using the wrong 22 ammo) Now it works fine. It's a fun gun.

The Ruger 380 is a real nice size for concealment. You can stick it anywhere, but it has a nasty little kick, and hurts the web of my thumb. It makes me flinch and I do not enjoy it. Of course you cannot try out new guns before you buy.

I'm sure there are nicer ones out there. My niece bought a Sig Sauer, then the next fall signed up for Law Enforcement classes at the local college.

So my advice to men who want to buy their honey a gun is.... let her handle some, shoot some, try them out. Suggest she take the CCW class. It is invaluable.