Okay, you’ve got your permit. You walk into a gun shop. The guy behind the counter looks like he could bench-press a tractor. Don’t panic. Just tell him you want a handgun for “home defense and occasional target practice.” He’ll nod, hand you a few options, and you’ll feel like you’re in a John Wayne movie.
Pick the one that feels good in your hand. Size matters—a tiny “pocket pistol” is easy to carry but hard to shoot accurately. A full-size gun is accurate but heavy. Compromise is the art of gun buying. Hold it. Does the grip fit your hand? Can you reach the trigger comfortably? If it feels like a toy, put it down. If it feels like a tool, you’re on the right track.
