OK...sort of "click bait" on the thread title, but the question is a real one. As much as I'm a fan of handguns, there are no ranges close to me that I can afford where I could use one..so..they're not really "on my radar" at all. I watch from a distance, shoot pistols when the opportunity presents itself, but I'm certainly no authority on the subject. That aside..
My brother lives/works in the southern US in a state where he can apply for concealed carry. Other than handling (not firing) some handguns in a few shops down there, he has no experience shooting them. However, he has himself convinced that he needs one, and is looking into training courses to make sure he'll be able to use the thing safely. I personally think the whole idea is a bad one, but I'm taking him at his word that he has every intention of getting trained to use it, and range time/practice are both HUGE parts of the equation. He is a very smart guy, and makes a very good living down there. He never cuts corners on anything. The "why?"~he tells me he's concerned for his safety at times, and that of his family. He tells me he's interested in possibly two guns, something like a Sig P226 and something smaller..sort of a "pocket pistol". The Sig was recommended by a guy he knows down there, and by at least one of the area shops he visited.
Now, before anyone comments on the good/bad idea aspect of all of this~I've already sort of drilled him on the importance of really knowing a gun before you can trust yourself with it, and, told him it's a TERRIBLE idea to get a handgun(s) in the absence of proper training. I don't think I can say much more than that, but also know that his thinking is very much an "American" one when it comes to guns at this point. I urged him to get a 22 pistol and after at least a dozen or so hours of range time, THEN go shopping.
So, with all that said~I'm looking for ideas on what to suggest for him. (he asked) I know I've enjoyed shooting CZ75s most....but he's a smaller-stature guy than I am with smaller hands. In other words, I don't think something like a 1911 would be a great choice! Leaving anything custom out of the equation, knowing his lack of experience but willingness to get trained... what makes/models should he be looking at if 9mm is his choice? Budget is not a concern, but ease of use...easy to control....are. One feature he saw that intrigued him was pistol grips with the laser built-in. I've seen those, just not sure if they're any good...more gimmicky than not, etc.
Thanks for taking a moment to reply.
My brother lives/works in the southern US in a state where he can apply for concealed carry. Other than handling (not firing) some handguns in a few shops down there, he has no experience shooting them. However, he has himself convinced that he needs one, and is looking into training courses to make sure he'll be able to use the thing safely. I personally think the whole idea is a bad one, but I'm taking him at his word that he has every intention of getting trained to use it, and range time/practice are both HUGE parts of the equation. He is a very smart guy, and makes a very good living down there. He never cuts corners on anything. The "why?"~he tells me he's concerned for his safety at times, and that of his family. He tells me he's interested in possibly two guns, something like a Sig P226 and something smaller..sort of a "pocket pistol". The Sig was recommended by a guy he knows down there, and by at least one of the area shops he visited.
Now, before anyone comments on the good/bad idea aspect of all of this~I've already sort of drilled him on the importance of really knowing a gun before you can trust yourself with it, and, told him it's a TERRIBLE idea to get a handgun(s) in the absence of proper training. I don't think I can say much more than that, but also know that his thinking is very much an "American" one when it comes to guns at this point. I urged him to get a 22 pistol and after at least a dozen or so hours of range time, THEN go shopping.
So, with all that said~I'm looking for ideas on what to suggest for him. (he asked) I know I've enjoyed shooting CZ75s most....but he's a smaller-stature guy than I am with smaller hands. In other words, I don't think something like a 1911 would be a great choice! Leaving anything custom out of the equation, knowing his lack of experience but willingness to get trained... what makes/models should he be looking at if 9mm is his choice? Budget is not a concern, but ease of use...easy to control....are. One feature he saw that intrigued him was pistol grips with the laser built-in. I've seen those, just not sure if they're any good...more gimmicky than not, etc.
Thanks for taking a moment to reply.
