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A Woman’s Guide for Choosing a Handgun
Even if you were able to dredge up the courage to walk into a store and ask the dealer about what type of handgun might be best suited for you, chances are you will get the wrong answer. Stereotypes do exist and it is prevalent when it comes to guns, which is considered a man’s domain by most people. This article therefore will try to help you in your quest to find the handgun that will suit you best.
Semi-automatic pistols and revolvers are the top choices when it comes to handguns. Revolvers are easier to operate and are considered more reliable. It has no slide making it easier to shoot when you are in a life threatening situation and your hands are unsteady. Revolvers generally cost less; this is an important factor to consider if you have a restricted budget and they are also easier to clean and maintain.
However, revolvers are quite heavy and bulky and are not suitable for on the body carry. But if you are more comfortable putting your gun in your purse or bag or even in the pockets of your coat or jacket, this might not concern you much. You could also have a hard time pulling the trigger and the recoil generated by revolvers is generally greater when compared to other guns. Most revolver models also do not have a safety catch thus making them more prone to accidental discharge. And single action revolvers need you to cock each round when you fire, making it harder to launch multiple shots.
Semi-automatic pistols are more compact and lighter making them the best choice for concealed on the body carry. They contain more ammunition and could be loaded with less effort. Semi-automatic pistols can launch multiple shots faster with less recoil and their triggers could be pulled with more ease. One of the biggest drawbacks of pistols is that they are harder to maintain and more difficult to clean. Pistols are also more likely to get jammed, making firing a shot impossible if you don’t know how to resolve this problem. And when compared with revolvers, pistols are more expensive.
Both guns have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to review each detail then decide what gun you like. To further help you in making your decision, before you buy your handgun, try asking for assistance from women’s gun clubs, they might be able to provide you with a used handgun similar to the one you want to buy and you can test fire it. Furthermore they can also help you with the training you need to be able to use your gun safely and properly.
Image: www.smith-wesson.com
Tips for Women to Stay Safe in Parking Lots
Parking lots are crime prone areas, and women have higher risks of getting attacked in these places especially at night, or if they are alone, are preoccupied texting and fiddling with their phones, are carrying a lot of baggage and when they are holding children. Since you really can’t avoid driving in and out of parking lots, keep in mind the following tips to avoid becoming a victim in these places.
First, be careful where you park, choose parking lots that are well-lighted and if possible have attendants. Park in a spot near the entrance of a building or mall you will be entering and avoid parking spots located at the farthest part of a parking lot and spots that are hidden from view by trucks or vans.
When you park, keep your doors locked, make sure you don’t have valuable items strewn inside your car that might attract unwanted attention. Remove your key from the ignition, put it in your pocket or purse but never leave it inside even if you won’t be gone long. Before coming out, do a quick scan of your surroundings, and if possible have a canister of pepper spray at hand. When you leave your car, make sure it is locked.
Remember the location of your car and take note of the cars parked beside yours. Do not linger around your car calling, texting or checking your make-up, do these inside the building or place you are headed. When walking away from your car and to it, be alert and walk with confidence and purpose.
Do not hesitate, looking around as if you are unsure of where you are or where you are headed. These can attract the attention of an assailant and can mark you as a potential victim. Even if you are unsure, do not show it; make it look like you know what you are doing.
When going back to your car and you have a lot of baggage with you, do not be shy or too proud to ask the help of an employee to carry your bags for you. Once you reached your car, do not take it from him, let him deposit the items in your trunk or on the backseat of your car. It will be safer this way since you won’t have to fumble all the way to your car, putting yourself at risk.
Once you locate your car, quickly scan the surrounding area again, and have your car key in your hand and ready before heading towards it. If you feel ill at ease and you see suspicious people loitering near your car or idling in theirs, back off and ask for assistance from a police officer, remaining calm and collected while doing so. Also, do not approach people asking for help, if you think they really need assistance call a police officer or 911 instead. Once you are inside your car, lock the doors immediately and drive away. Do not linger inside, checking lists or making them or doing other things.
Image: wikimedia.org