Lessons Learned

A number of years ago I was approached by a friend who wanted help in selecting a personal defense gun. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to share what I considered to be my vast knowledge on the subject. As I recall, I was somewhere between discussing the advent of the Smith & Wesson American and how Curly Bill devised the Road Agent Spin when I happened to glance up and notice that this young lady’s eyes were glazed over. It suddenly occurred to me that what she wanted to learn was just how to defend herself instead of learning all I could tell her about the history and uses of defensive firearms. As strange as that seemed to me at the time, I decided to take a different direction.

Our next stop was at the gun range where I allowed her to handle and shoot a number of my guns. She seemed to do best and was most comfortable with a medium-frame .38 Spl. revolver. At the local gun shop, we got her outfitted with a very nice, 4-inch-barreled Smith & Wesson Model 15. And since these were the days before concealed carry was legal in our home state, this particular gun would do quite well for home defense and carry in her vehicle when she was traveling. Following that, I wrote down the particular kind of practice and carry ammunition I recommended so she would be able to buy the ammo that she was used to when she needed to restock.

Upon reflection, I think we often do a disservice to new gun owners by trying to share all of our knowledge, however vast, with them when what they are wanting is just a good gun to protect themselves. We can truly help them by steering them toward good quality pieces from which to make their selection. And, we can help them get the proper defensive ammunition within their chosen caliber. Once we’ve done that, it’s a good thing to impress them with the importance of getting good, professional training in how to properly and safely use their chosen defense gun.

It is sometimes difficult for we shooting enthusiasts to realize, but there are people who are really not all that interested in the shooting sports. Their goal is simply to better protect themselves. In that case, we don’t serve as a teacher as much as we function as a guide; guiding them in finding a gun they can handle and are comfortable with. They actually don’t have to know everything about guns, just how to properly and safely operate the one we have helped them choose. As a side note, however, it is interesting to see how many of these people go on to enjoy the shooting sports and continue their education.

As a further note, the young lady in question went on to find that she enjoyed shooting, joined the local gun club and became quite a pistol shot. But I am still not sure which one of us learned the most from our time together while getting her geared up for personal defense.