Let me get this out there first: I am, politically speaking, a pretty liberal guy, although I was born, raised and live in Texas. I was raised around guns. My dad hunted every deer season, while my brothers and I would explore the deer lease (when the hunters were not in their stands) and practice shooting at cans. We were taught how to handle guns with respect, from a fairly young age (around 10 years old, I think?).
The last time I held a gun was probably about 25 years ago. When my wife and I divorced, I gave her my handgun for protection and did not replace it. I have been split on the idea of gun control. I do believe some weapons are not appropriate for average citizens but also believe guns should NOT be banned entirely. Like the Jewish Defense League used to say, "For every Jew, a .22." I think we have to have some form of defense against crime or a government run amok.
I've been in the large sporting goods stores, like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops and, although their architecture and displays are pretty amazing, I've never felt comfortable there. Recently, all the Donald Trump t-shirts in those stores just make me cringe.
Nevertheless, I decided I needed a handgun for personal defense, and began searching for suggestions online. I asked for recommendations from my Facebook friends, which resulted in two responses: 1) recommendations of guns and places to buy them, and 2) friends asking why the hell I needed a gun!
One of my former Apple coworkers, and for whose opinion on guns (if not politics) I have a great deal of respect, suggested I try Defender Outdoors. He and I like to debate politics, as he is at least as conservative as I am liberal. However, we never let our differences interfere with our friendship, so I followed his advice.
One Sunday, I headed out to check out the guns at Defender Outdoors (D.O.), thinking I wanted to get a 9mm handgun that I had read was one of the ten best ever made. The Retail Manager, Dax, walked me through D.O.'s VERY impressive inventory, where a shopper can pick up and examine any of at least 80 to 120 different models. He was very well versed in the pros and cons of each and guided me to a handgun I really enjoy and with which I've had pretty good accuracy, even though I've been away from guns for a long time.
The shopping experience was VERY reminiscent of the Apple Store. There was no pressure to buy, no looking down on a newbie, (well oldie-newbie) and no rush. Once I thought I had made my choice, Dax took me to the shooting range counter, where I rented the model, in which I was interested, and proceeded to the gun range to try it out. It was great! I filled out the necessary paperwork (on a computer) and put the gun on layaway, while awaiting approval for my purchase, from the feds. This was completed fairly quickly. The price of the gun was not the cheapest in town, but I didn't feel gouged either. I felt that it was fairly priced, when coupled with the amazing customer service experience I received.
A few days later, I came back and bought the gun and a few supplies (carrying case, ammo, cleaning kit) and signed up for the "License To Carry" class, required by the State of Texas, to be able to carry my gun (concealed) in public.
I had also asked friends to recommend an indoor gun range, closer to my home, for my practice sessions. I visited a couple of these suggested gun stores and gun ranges and was shocked by the inferiority to Defender Outdoors! They were tacky, by comparison. There were old, stuffed animals that were not aging well. There were mismatched display cases that made these other places have a pawn shop feel. In short, other stores did not have the professional appearance OR staff I had so thoroughly enjoyed at D.O. Also, the clientele at D.O. just seemed to be more like me: not obsessed with guns, but definitely enthusiasts, in the sport of shooting. The huge lounge area had TVs with Fox News AND MSNBC showing! PERFECT!
The following Sunday morning, I attended the LTC class, held in a nice classroom, and passed the written and shooting tests an am awaiting my license from the State. Although D.O. is not the most conveniently located gun range, in relation to my home, I will continue to go there for shooting practice, because of the facility and staff. The gun range looks like an FBI gun range in the movies: well-lit, mechanized target carriages, so shooting doesn't have to stop for target changes, attentive and helpful Range Safety Officers who are always happy to patiently give advice and answer questions. I have been so impressed with their gun range, that I have invited friends to go shooting with me and their feedback, about D.O., is always enthusiastic. They love the place as much as I do!
Definitely check out Defender Outdoors, especially if you're new to guns and don't want to feel denigrated, in any way. GREAT store! read more