It's a Smith & Wesson Model 31-1, circa 1971, in .32 S&W Long. With its mild cartridge, easy-to-hold small frame, 4-inch barrel, Barney Fife appearance, and innocuous "Regulation Police" moniker, I've used it to introduce a good half-dozen people to the joys of handgun shooting.
At the risk of sounding hopelessly politically correct, new (read: Non-Traditional) shooters are how we are going to keep guns around for the next generation. Whether your interest lies in sport shooting, collecting, or keeping the King of England out of your face, it's important to recognize that we already pwn the Middle-Age White Dude market. If we, the ballistically-enlightened, wish to grow as a demographic in the future, we need to actively cultivate people outside the traditional hunting grounds. We have Bubba: We need Bubbette, Bubbalito, and Bubba: The Next Generation. It's important to have a fun, non-threatening gun to let new shooters use when you invite them for their first range trip.
You are inviting new shooters for their first range trip, right?
You're right Tam, but we also need George, Georgio, and Georgette as well.
ReplyDeleteI believe shall issue laws really help advance gun owner demographics. I know Derrick Todd Lee helped to advance gun ownership in Baton Rouge, and hurricane Katrina introduced many, many new people to gun ownership across my state.
Training and teaching novice shooters, no matter what their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religious preference, and no matter what their reason (assuming legality), to shoot effectively is the best thing any of us can do to preserve the 2nd ammendment.
Yes, I am, in fact this New Year's day. However they both want to shoot the AK. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteYou betcha! I love taking a new shooter out.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait till the grandkids get old enough.
Love it. Love your site, too. In fact, I found this site on a Google-search for info on the 31-1 because I found one at a local shop and I had been wanting a good .32 for several years. I've considered a Single-Six in .32 H&R, but I really wanted something like a double-action Kit Gun. This is it.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I have a Sportster 1200 and am also a fan of Rand and Heinlein, not to mention Claire Wolfe. I'll be back.
Tracy in Alabama
ku4fl@yahoo.com