Recently, we went to “our” gun shop. Mrs. Castle was looking to buy her first handgun that she would use for both carry and home defense. She had been to the range many times and has shot all different types of guns. I happened to be going to the store to pick up a transfer firearm, so we decided to go together. She told me before we went to the store she was going to get a Sig P365 and a Smith and Wesson M&P EZ compact. What is more interesting is what happened in the store.
First we go to this store often, and know the staff and the owners. It’s a great store with various staff from diverse backgrounds. A good gun shop makes all the difference! As Mrs. Castle talked to the clerk a woman who has worked there for many years and the owner who was also a woman. It was great for Mrs Castle to get perspective from women. There has always been a stigma about gun shops and men behind the counter with female customers. She was able to look at several different firearms. She had shot both the Sig P-365 and the M&P EZ and liked both. After Mrs. Castle chatted for a bit and discussed the needs she had, the clerk showed her several guns in addition to the two she came to look at.
The helpful clerk showed her a Glock 43X, a Sig P365, an M&P EZ and then an M&P Shield Plus. Mrs. Castle handled the each gun to get a feel for it. She would put them down and pick them up to see what she got the best grip on. From there they chatted and the owner recommend she think about it and come back. My transfer wasn’t ready so we left and Mrs Castle wanted to weigh her options. A few hours later Mrs Castle decided to go back and make her purchase. In the end, neither gun she intended to buy was the right one for her. She ended up buying one she had not even thought of before which was the M&P Shield Plus. Mrs. Castle found this fit her hands best, felt the best overall and the action was easy for her to open and close.
So in a nutshell, you must decide what firearm is best for you, and what fits you. Preconceived notions need to be evaluated and be open to the possibility of other firearms. No one can tell you what is right for you and having a wide variety of options is important, even if overwhelming. Take your time, ask questions. If the shop is dismissive or tells you what to buy, go somewhere else.
–Castle
