Decision To Own A Handgun
Our students begin in a classroom environment (no real guns or ammo allowed) for 2 hours using high end airsoft ($150 a pop for a good airsoft gun).
Once they demonstrate safety and proficiency in the classroom, we move to the live fire range.
IF THEY CHOOSE to shoot a real gun (no pressure or demands really helps them relax), we begin with a S&W model 17-3 revolver, 4" in 22LR. That's the first real gun most people shoot. I've added an extra large Pachmyr rubber grip so they get a confident grip on it and had a trigger job done on it. Due to light hammers and rimfire, most rimfire revolver actions are atrocious.
Next is a Ruger SR22, semiauto in .22LR so they can learn to operate a semi using the slide lock/release and an external safety. Everyone loves the way it feels in their hands and how it shoots.
Next is a step up to centerfire using a 4" S&W Model 19 with a big, rubber Hogue grip. Even though the ammo is low powered target loads, it's a big step up for most people from a .22LR. I've had the action smoothed, and it's a dreamboat to shoot.
Fourth, is a S&W Model 642 lightweight .38 snubnose from the Performance Center (cheaper than a custom trigger job locally). Also added a big Pachmyr rubber grip because it is, indeed, snappy. This is the gun I recommend for most of my "first time self defense gun" owners. A snub is not difficult to master at close ranges if it has a good trigger action. With a stiff trigger - not so much.
Fifth is a discontinued Taurus 809 semiauto in 9mm. It's a full size frame with ambidextrous controls for my lefty shooters. Trigger isn't smooth like a Glock, but for less than $300 NIB, it's a great training gun.
Finally, as a graduation treat they get to shoot my custom 1978 Colt's Combat Commander in 9mm. I've spent a ton on it over the years, and it's the sweetest of the sweet. Everyone wants one until they find out how much it would cost to duplicate it. 1911's are intuitive and timeless designs.
Here's a pic of the training guns (the M&P on the end has been replaced with the cheap, full-size Taurus 809. Guess what I used the extra money from the M&P on? Yep, the Lancer. :eek: )
Her daddy wanted me to give her an orientation lesson with a snappy, little Ruger LC9. Accuracy isn't our primary focus, but if they learn the fundamentals, they end up shooting accurately. If you look closely you can see her last few shots grouped in the center of that pie plate at about 12-15 feet with a micro 9mm. :)
Our students begin in a classroom environment (no real guns or ammo allowed) for 2 hours using high end airsoft ($150 a pop for a good airsoft gun).
Once they demonstrate safety and proficiency in the classroom, we move to the live fire range.
IF THEY CHOOSE to shoot a real gun (no pressure or demands really helps them relax), we begin with a S&W model 17-3 revolver, 4" in 22LR. That's the first real gun most people shoot. I've added an extra large Pachmyr rubber grip so they get a confident grip on it and had a trigger job done on it. Due to light hammers and rimfire, most rimfire revolver actions are atrocious.
Next is a Ruger SR22, semiauto in .22LR so they can learn to operate a semi using the slide lock/release and an external safety. Everyone loves the way it feels in their hands and how it shoots.
Next is a step up to centerfire using a 4" S&W Model 19 with a big, rubber Hogue grip. Even though the ammo is low powered target loads, it's a big step up for most people from a .22LR. I've had the action smoothed, and it's a dreamboat to shoot.
Fourth, is a S&W Model 642 lightweight .38 snubnose from the Performance Center (cheaper than a custom trigger job locally). Also added a big Pachmyr rubber grip because it is, indeed, snappy. This is the gun I recommend for most of my "first time self defense gun" owners. A snub is not difficult to master at close ranges if it has a good trigger action. With a stiff trigger - not so much.
Fifth is a discontinued Taurus 809 semiauto in 9mm. It's a full size frame with ambidextrous controls for my lefty shooters. Trigger isn't smooth like a Glock, but for less than $300 NIB, it's a great training gun.
Finally, as a graduation treat they get to shoot my custom 1978 Colt's Combat Commander in 9mm. I've spent a ton on it over the years, and it's the sweetest of the sweet. Everyone wants one until they find out how much it would cost to duplicate it. 1911's are intuitive and timeless designs.
Here's a pic of the training guns (the M&P on the end has been replaced with the cheap, full-size Taurus 809. Guess what I used the extra money from the M&P on? Yep, the Lancer. :eek: )
Her daddy wanted me to give her an orientation lesson with a snappy, little Ruger LC9. Accuracy isn't our primary focus, but if they learn the fundamentals, they end up shooting accurately. If you look closely you can see her last few shots grouped in the center of that pie plate at about 12-15 feet with a micro 9mm. :)
