2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Today, I'm embracing the second amendment. [View all]sweetapogee
(1,175 posts)if there is a local private gun club that is not too expensive join and hit the range at least once a month. In a panic even the simple to operate Glock will become difficult if your not handling/shooting it on a regular basis.
A good inexpensive electronic hearing protection device is made by Howard Leight, the model is called impact sports and Amazon sells them for about $35.00 They are nice because you can hear regular sounds but it cancels out the muzzle noise.
Midway USA sells inexpensive but high quality range bags and other shooting stuff at good prices. For plinking and practice inexpensive 9mm ammo (115g Winchester white box from walmart) is good but personal defense ammo is expensive be warned.
It is total fun sport to bash the NRA here but it is the best source for gun handling safety instruction. Safety handling firearms is not something to take lightly, once the bullet leaves the barrel there is no recalling it. Have no fear, you have the help of an experienced mentor, your friend, and your going to find that shooting is actually an enjoyable pastime and hobby. You might not want to become addicted to gunpowder but you can still have a nice afternoon at a range and be prepared if you need the protection a firearm can provide.