If you understand the “heartless woman’s .38” reference you are either a.) at least as old as I am, b.) a pretty intense Journey fan, or c.) both.  It comes from the song “Dead or Alive” from the Escape album.  I think only Steve Perry could make a song about a contract killer sound sexy.

I’ve never been what anyone would call a gun enthusiast.  Dad and Grandpa did their share of hunting, and Grandpa was an expert marksman when he was in the Army, but I never really got into the whole firearms thing.  I don’t know much about guns and rifles, which I freely admit.  I was never really compelled to learn either.  Now I’ve been talked into taking a concealed-carry class (Dad’s idea, which Jerry chimed right along in on) so I figured if I’m going to do that I might as well do it right.

I actually bought a handgun, something I never thought I would ever have any possible reason for doing.

I had planned on buying a .38 special derringer, but ended up with a 5 shot .357 magnum revolver.  It’s a Taurus 605, not the most expensive small frame revolver one can buy, but not cheap either.  It has a built-in safety lock- and the trigger is relatively easy.   The upside of the .357 magnum is you can use the .38 special ammo (cheaper and easier to find) at least for practice.  Apparently you can use .38 special ammo with the .357 magnum but not the other way around.  I’ve learned many new and interesting things about firearms and self-defense, not just in the gun class but also about my own mentality and sense of detachment.

Shooting my new gun is an experience, and for a beginner, I don’t aim too bad.  It’s sort of like horseshoes and hand grenades- even using the .38s, close counts.  If I have to use it I can, and I don’t see me hesitating should the situation arise.  I do need much more practice on the firing range and with using the speed loader.  With the speed loader I get five more rounds.

I still have to go get my concealed-carry permit, and I need to get an appropriate holster before I can actually carry a loaded gun.

I’m glad to have bought a decent gun and to have taken the class.  I don’t want to shoot anyone but I also don’t want to be a victim.

I’ve been so busy that I don’t get to do much besides work which is a shame.

I don’t have a semi-automatic (at least not yet) but I agree with the above sentiment.