I recently helped a co-worker buy his first gun. He never thought he would feel the need to own a handgun, but has become increasingly concerned about his and his daughter's safety. I advised him to do a lot of window shopping and research. Go to gun shops, hold the different pistols, find one that fits your hand and points naturally for you.
Part of the shopping was a day at the range to try the different options and see which one he liked best. The local range requires that a second person be with you when renting a hand gun. I got to be that second person.
One of the choices he was considering was a small .38 J-frame 5 shot revolver with some Crimson Trace grips. I tried it and fell in love. I don't know if it was the mechanics of loading the cylinder or the feeling of the un-burned powder hitting me in the face, but something about shooting it put a smile on my face.
He decided on buying a sub-compact 9mm from me. I now had an empty spot in the gun safe and burning desire to fill it with some type of revolver.
Up till now, every gun purchase has had some serious reason behind it. Either as a hunting rifle, a teaching tool, or defensive purpose. Now I was shopping for a revolver for purely recreational use.
I decided on a S&W Performance Center 627-5. An N frame, 8 shot, .357 mag revolver. I can not defend this purchase as a practical one. Two big and heavy for a conceal carry gun, and while .357 could be used as a hunting pistol, a .44 mag would be a better choice.
Brought it home two weeks ago, and was able to get to the range with it for the first time today.
I am still smiling.
