One of the many educational courses the NRA offers is the introductory handgun course, which is the first step in obtaining a concealed carry permit. Although I don't feel like I'm quite ready to carry concealed just yet, I did want to take the course to have the option of getting it and to learn more about handguns. The five-hour class sped by, and the knowledge-although basic-was still plentiful. Besides learning about the parts of a gun, basic safety measures, and the rules and responsibilities of owning and shooting a gun, there was so much more that I walked away with.
What I found most important was that becoming a gun owner, or getting your concealed carry permit is nothing to take lightly. I want to be sure when I buy a handgun that it is the right gun for me. It needs to fit my hand comfortably, and since I'm more interested in a semi-automatic over a revolver, I need to be able to pull back the slide easily. That may require a few push-ups on my part, because I'm a bit of a weakling when it comes to arm strength. I'm considering either a 9 mm or a .45. I've been told that the 9 mm has more kick than the .45, but I'll be testing that out just to be sure, as I am sure there is a lot more behind those claims than meets the eye.
Stay tuned as I continue my journey into the world of hunting and shooting!
