re: Concealed carry permit

Don't listen to these fools. Carrying a gun is simple and easy...stick it in your waistline, fully loaded with a chambered round.

Point gun in general direction of bad guy. Pull trigger. Boom...dead.

Hold the gun sideways rather than upright, it is more accurate that way.

I am a firm proponent of gun dealers heavily pushing instruction and training on first time buyers

If you "throw" the bullets it helps give them more power

Papa,
Welcome to the world of concealed carry. I know you're not there yet, but you're starting the process. You're to be commended for taking seriously the personal safety of you and your loved ones. Try to get all the information you can. Yeah, the aspect of carrying a gun concealed is technically not that difficult, but it's a VERY serious responsibility not to be taken lightly.

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I've been recommended to check out a Glock 17.

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The 17 is a fine defensive handgun, but no one handgun suits everyone. As mentioned by others, I'd suggest you shoot a number of different guns so you can get a feel for what's best for you at this point in time. Full size guns are easier to learn to handle and shoot, but harder to carry concealed. Your first priority should be to learn to safely handle and shoot a handgun. A gun the size of the Glock 19 is a good compromise that's sized well to learn with yet can be carried concealed…….by some…… I say some because many find guns w/ a wide magazine (to roughly double mag capacity) less comfortable to cc due to the extra thickness. Understand that a "compact" version of gun only means the barrel and grip are slightly shorter than the full size version; the thickness is unchanged. And, remember that revolvers are always a good option. After you've handled/shot different guns, you'll figure out what you like and don't like.

Spend your time looking at guns from the major gun makers w/ a good record for reliability, i.e. S&W, Glock, Springfield Armory, Beretta, Sig, Ruger, etc. You don't have to spend many thousands of $$, but don't scrimp, either.

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I don't know anything about firearms. Where do I start? Where in BR should I go about shopping for a handgun.

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Get some formal training. Not living near BR, I don't know who to suggest.

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New/used?

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Used guns are fine, but you may want to start w/ a new one until you know more about handguns.

Don't forget

Swinging your arm and twisting your wrist while shooting allows you to curve the bullet around objects.

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TigerOnThe Hill

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On the money!

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In this day and age, my belief is everyone should look into concealed carry.

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How can you possibly support this?

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theenemy:In this day and age, my belief is everyone should look into concealed carry.

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AlxTgr: How can you possibly support this?

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At the risk of reversing the earth's rotation (and assuming I'm correctly interpreting his post), I agree 100% with AlxTgr.

There are plenty of people who have no business carrying in public. The majority are technically incompetent, and more than a few lack a modicum of common sense --- and unfortunately, the state-mandated concealed handgun permit classes test for neither.

I'm fine with those who disagree with me. But please spare me the "Don't you believe in the 2nd Amendment?" argument. I'm a life member of the NRA -- but I don't think those who are mentally incompetent, and//or those who haven't demonstrated competency with a handgun, should be allowed to carry in public.

I don't want my kids or grandkids getting capped by some mall ninja who barely passed (in a completely stress-free environment) the state-mandated shooting "test." However, if you accidentally shoot my wife, we can work something out.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, depending on your viewpoint), the legislature didn't allow me to write the CCW statutes and rules.

And unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, depending on your viewpoint), the legislature has now essentially abdicated their authority to the court system.

It's gonna be interesting.

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At the risk of reversing the earth's rotation (and assuming I'm correctly interpreting his post), I agree 100% with AlxTgr.

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WOW!! That was unexpected!!

OTOH, After reading your logic, I don't have a problem w/ it. I would encourage those who are concerned for their personal safety, understand and accept the responsibility of cc and are willing to undergo appropriate training to consider cc. I agree that there is much to be desired w/ the depth of the state mandated training; I view it as a very small base upon which one should build on by independent study and additional formal training. I think the key is that more people should develop the mindset that THEY are responsible for their personal safety. Of that, cc is a VERY small part.