Greetings from northern Oklahoma

[Novel idea]

Hello, I'm sixteen and currently unable to obtain a CC permit. But, I might as well start practicing with pocket pistols early.

I've heard some scary stories lately. I'm always told this is a safe town, but it seems even we have a darkside. One of my classmates, a tall girl, related to us a story. She was walking home one night when someone attempted to attack her in a back alley. Wether it was a mugging or attempted rape I'm not sure. She was carrying an ice pick at the time for just such an occasion and used it to devestating effect.
I have been considering buying (rather handing over the money to my mother so she can buy) a hand gun for self defense. This story, and others like it, have sealed the deal.

I'm ready to consider any advice you may offer. I'm considering buying a Kel-Tec P32. After several years of practice at the pistol range, I should be more than ready to carry when the time comes. Has anyone heard anything bad about the P32? Any other pistols someone could suggest?

[Bill of Rights]

Welcome to CarryConcealed, Novel Idea!http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd198/St-Michael/wave.gif

I'm saddened to hear about your classmate's experience, but glad that she was able to protect herself. As for your P32 thought, two answers come to mind.

1) Don't sell yourself short. Go to a range (with parent, if need be) and rent several different guns after you try out more. Those that fit your hand well and feel right, try firing. If you've not shot before or not shot much, start with a .22. Trust me (at least as much as you trust anyone on the 'net!) A .22 has minimal to no recoil and will let you get used to the body mechanics of shooting, hopefully without developing a flinch. There are men who flinch at a .38 and there are women who don't at a .45. The important thing is finding what works for you and lets you put lead on target accurately and quickly, for that's the most important thing-and leads me into
2) Some will tell you that the lowest caliber to carry for self defense is a .38. Others say not to begin with anything that doesn't start with at least a 4. (.40, .41, .44, .45, .454, or .50)
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd198/St-Michael/flyflag.gif :!: :!: :!:
Carry what you can carry easily and shoot well. If you own a .45 but you leave it at home because it's too heavy or you don't shoot with it enough to be accurate, the gun is not going to do you any good. You can't miss fast enough to win a gunfight, and if the gun's not with you when you need it, you may as well not even own it.

One other thing occurs to me to say (despite my having said there were two above.), and that is that you are considering an enormous responsibility and rather a frightening concept; the idea that you will have on your person the tool necessary to take another human life. There have been trained soldiers unwilling to do this when the time came and it's not something to underestimate. Get your own mind where it needs to be to be able to do this if you have to, before you decide to carry a firearm, or the anti-gunner's favorite "It'll just be taken away and used against you!" has a possibility of being true.

The people on this board will be happy to help you as needed. If it sounds above like I'm trying to discourage you, it's because I am, a little bit. I want you to question your decision just enough to decide if it's the right one for you. Once you're sure of that, the rest comes easier.

Good luck, good shooting, and as always,

Blessings,
B

[Stubob]

Welcome to the forum and it is always good to get a teenage look at things.

Please be careful as carrying a concealed handgun is more than a fun idea.

One suggestion I have for teenagers is to try and find some Martial Arts training. It is not always the best defense, but it helps to have in your back pocket. My Kids have had the training, and it has helped several times.

Please let us know if we can help.

[Novel idea]

:?: It's not a fun idea at all.