First guns for Christmas
“Are you Marj?” asks a woman lining up her buggy next to mine in Publix.
“Yes,” I respond. Since I don’t know her, she’s probably going to ask something about guns.
“Will you help me?” she asks.
“Sure. What do you want to know?”
“You keep writing about ‘doing my homework’ by looking up information on the internet. The problem is, where do I look? Are there any sites that you’ve found that talk honestly about handguns and that identify guns for those of us who are new or fairly new to the sport? I don’t need to hear about some huge man shooting a bear with a super-dooper powerful gun. I need something that fits my small hand and bone structure. Something that doesn’t have a lot of recoil. Something easy to load. One with a slide I can rack. One with a trigger I can manage without pulling and pulling. One I can take apart and clean myself. I need to find a site or several sites that will talk honestly about handguns like these.
“Have you tried out any guns? Asked your friends? Do you have some idea of what you might want?”
“I’ve decided to stay with .380 and 9mm handguns because the ammunition is cheaper than the .25 and .32s. I plan to be at the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office range practicing a lot, so I don’t want the more expensive ammunition.
“Right now, I’m interested in about six semi-automatic guns and would like someone to talk as objectively as possible about them. I’ve been to a couple local shops. I’ve even managed to shoot some of them at a range that rents guns. It’s kind of hard to remember how each shoots, though, when I leave the range. That’s why I’d like to find sites that discuss each gun. Do you know where to start looking?”
Of course, I do have my favorite sites.
“Try The Truth About Guns, Palmetto and Pew Pew for a start. Scooch, Hickock 45 and Honest Outlaw review guns and are on YouTube. You’re off to a great start: asking friends, shooting the guns you think you’ll like, and going to stores. Visiting these sites and places may help you narrow down your search.”
“OK. Once I make my selection, what do I do next? What else do I need? What do you put in this range bag thing you often talk about? And why do you suggest a separate bag for your gun?”
“Since you’ve already priced ammunition, you know you’ll need a lot of that. Let’s talk about what goes in the big range bag.
You can put in lots of things that you personally want, but “eyes” and “ears” are a must. You have to have eye and ear protection.
Find inexpensive ANSI-rated eyeglasses at your local gun, hardware, and department stores. These can be clear or tinted yellow or gray. These glasses will protect your eyes if a hot metal casing flies towards your face. You always want “eyes.”
The other “must” is “ears.” You must have ear protection. Since a lot of the old folks in my family go deaf early, I’m particularly protective of my hearing. Electronic ear muffs are great. They muffle sudden loud noises like gun shots, but still allow you to hear people talking. Electronic muffs are more expensive than plain muffs, but you’ll have them a long time, so it’s worth the extra cost if you can swing it.
I also use the squish-in-your-ear cushions, along with the electronic muffs. I can still hear talking, but loud noises are greatly reduced. You don’t have to use both kinds, but this is my preference.”
“What are the best targets?” she wants to know.
“Since you’re new to shooting, I’d choose a big 10-inch Shoot-n-See type target.”
“I saw those in a shop, but they seem sort of expensive.”
“They are, and if you’re cutting down costs, you can even use paper plates. Just staple the plate to the backboard and shoot that. However, I really like Shoot-n-See type targets which are black, but once your bullet hits, a splatter of color shows you exactly where you hit. It’s a great way to see where your shots land so you can either adjust your grip or your sights; whichever is needed.”
“Hmm.” She’s frowning.
“Shooting isn’t cheap. Now you’re letting me know I have to have gun, ammunition, hearing and sight protection and targets. Am I going to have to buy anything else?”
“I’d spring for an UpLula. Semi-automatic handguns have magazines. You press each round into the magazine. A spring in the magazine pushes the rounds into the chamber. When you load your magazine, you’re pushing against this spring. As the spring is compressed, it takes more strength to put in each round. The UpLula makes loading easy.”
“Are we done yet?” She seems overwhelmed.
“Just about. You can probably find these other items in your home.”
“Like what?”
“I’m sure you keep bandages and antibiotic cream. Find a small plastic box and make a mini first aid kit. Some wipes are good, too.”
“Yes, I can do that. What else?”
“A couple microfiber cloths. If you fold one and sew up a long and short side, you can make an eyeglass case so your new glasses won’t get scratched too easily.”
“Okay, but why do you need two of them?”
“Use the second one to wipe off the seating bench or the shooting bench. Or, if it’s really hot and muggy, you can use the other to wipe the sweat off your forehead or off your slick hands. Microfiber cloths are handy, and you probably have several in your linen closet.”
“Yes, I’ve got a bunch of them. Is there anything else you put in your range bag?”
“Oh, sure. Always put in things that you like to have handy. I keep tissues, chap stick, a nailfile, a comb, a $5 bill, a screwdriver, and a pen and paper.”
“Good!” she exclaims. “I’ve got those things at the house. When do you usually go to the range?
Oh, and before I forget, I also wanted to ask: Why do you have a separate bag for your handgun?”
“You need a bag to move the gun to the shooting bench because you don’t bring a naked gun to the range. Guns must be cased or holstered. These smaller bags also allow room for your magazines and any tools you might need.”
Several of us are there at 10 on Wednesdays. You’re welcome to join us. However, during November and December, the (WCSO) range has times it will be closed for holidays, training, and remodeling. Check the range web site or call the range office to be sure they’re open.”
“Thanks!” she smiles. “Now, we’d better move or the ice cream will melt!”
Marj Law is the former director of Keep Wakulla County Beautiful who has become an avid shooter in retirement.
