Choosing a handgun, especially for a first time shooter can be a tricky process, especially if you deal with arthritis or loss of hand strength. Add to this that a handgun is a very personal item.
Each person has their own likes and dislikes. Handsize and shape affects how the grip feels in the hand. Is it heavy, or light? What is the recoil like? How easy is it to manipulate the controls? What about price? Is the round effective? What purpose do I want the gun to serve? Is it for Self-defense in the home or for concealed carry.You can see all the variables involved. It is a very personal choice.
If you have never handled a gun before, let me recommend that you get some form of training BEFORE you purchase any handgun. Training will teach you to handle the weapon safely and give you an opportunity to try different guns to see what feels comfortable to you. If you have a local gunrange, many of them have guns for rent that will let you try several different models.
One of the first choices you will need to make is the purpose your weapon will serve. Is it for self defense in the home only, or are you planning to carry concealed? If you are planning to use it as a nightstand gun, a full sized weapon might be just fine if it fits your hand. But if you are a 100 pounds soaking wet, like to wear tight clothes and want to conceal carry, that might be a problem.
Do you want a revolver or a semi-automatic? If choosing a semi-automatic pistol, take into account if you are left or right handed. Most guns have the controls designed for right handed shooters.
If you have arthritis, "racking the slide" on a semi-automatic may prove difficult. You need to practice with the weapon before making a purchase. There are techniques, like the "push/pull" that make racking the slide easier. It is difficult in print to describe this, but basically it is this. For a right handed shooter, with the grip in your right hand, put your left hand on the slide, thumb pointing toward the rear of the gun. Then quickly push forward with your right hand while pulling the slide toward you with your left. This takes some practice, especially if you have arthritis. Ask me how I know. But it does work.
One option that eliminates this problem is choosing a revolver. Because the cartridges are in a cylinder that revolves as fired, there is no slide to rack. This makes them easier in some respects. However, most revolvers have heavy trigger pulls and this too can be a problem for arthritics. And when you think about it, which will you be doing more, pulling the trigger or racking the slide? This is why it is so important to try different weapons before making a purchase.
If finances are an issue, it is, in my opinion, preferable to purchase a slightly less expensive gun, and use other available money to get training and ammo. Training, especially for a new gun owner, is critical. Knowing how to safely operate your weapon makes all the difference and a good instructor can help you learn to compensate for any physical limitations.
Well, that's it for now. In part two we will go over a few more solutions to purchasing your first handgun.
Until then, keep prepping because what you do matters, and remember, "Just 'cause there's snow on the rooftop, doesn't mean there ain't a fire in the fireplace."
Candy
