subject: How to Buy Your First Handgun- A Series of Articles For Your Safety Part Four [print this page] How to Buy Your First Handgun- A Series of Articles For Your Safety Part Four
If you read my three articles then we can save the time and space of my credentials. If not then go read "How to Buy Your First Handgun Part One." A small disclaimer here for you is one thing I am not is an attorney. Anything I am suggesting or giving my opinion about how to purchase your first handgun is just that, my opinion based on years of experience of practical use and not to be construed as legal advise.
Here we will wrap up our series of articles with choices of finishes. Choices of holstering systems and professional training that you will need in order to be safe and secure with your first handgun.
There are several finish choices to choose from. Nickel plated. Stainless steel, blued and mat finishes. Look at where you live as to choice of finish. In order of price blued is lesser expensive and stainless is usually the most expensive. Blued finishes do better in dryer non humid climates. Stainless steel do better in wet, humid and salt air environments. Nickel plated is ok if you can not afford stainless steel.
Holstering systems range from the very simple for small derringers that slide into your front pocket commonly made of nylon such as Uncle Mikes Holsters to fine leather holsters that are designed for in the waist band location and shoulder holstering systems.
Prices can range anywhere from $10.00 to $159.00 for more elaborate shoulder holster systems with extra magazine pouches. Since were talking about revolvers here some of the name brands that I have put to the test over the years in my personal uses are Uncle Mikes. They make great nylon holsters which are better in hot weather. Waist band holsters by Bianchi are a good quality piece to have. Galco Holsters are probably my favorite. They are a little more pricey but worth the money in the long run.
There are many other holster companies to choose from including custom made. It really depends on your budget at the time and again, how are you going to wear the handgun based on your wardrobe. There are purse holstering systems as a second choice to wardrobe however this again requires additional training because if you become disconnected from your purse then you are basically disarmed.
Lastly I would like to talk about training with you new handgun. You need to enroll in some shooting classes. The instructors should be people who carry a handgun for a living and have had years of experience and practical application of handgun tactics and defense. They should also be certified to grant you a certificate that you can take to your local or state level of government so you can apply for your firearms carry license. You will need to check with the state laws where you live for the list of qualifications for such a permit. A basic training class usually runs around $150- $175 and you will be required to purchase your own ammunition. It's very important to understand after the training and licensing for your carry permit that you go to the shooting range at least once a month to stay sharp on your new learned skills. If you are going to be traveling. Check with the destination state as there are several states that offer reciprocity for your firearms carry permit. This meaning that some states recognize the qualifications of your home state as good enough to carry your handgun in their state.
I hope you have enjoyed this series on how to buy your first handgun.
