Reader MBH writes:
As an innocent 16-year-old, I thought my senior boyfriend hung the moon. To hear him tell it, he did. I had no idea he would forcefully take something that could never be given back. This is a scenario that plays out in many high schools, colleges, within relationships and in many social settings across the country, involving both men and women as victims. Sometimes it happens out of the blue by a stranger and sometimes by someone the victim thought and hoped could be trusted. However, we have options that can help guard against such situations . . .
I’m no longer angry at what happened to me when I was in high school. I firmly believe it shaped who I am today. However, I can guarantee it will not happen again. Though I live in a rural area with low crime, I made the decision several years ago to ensure my family and I will not become easy targets for evil . . .
I was raised in Wyoming. I began hunting rabbits when I was a child, graduating to hunting elk in the Bighorns near Sheridan when I was twelve. My handgun experience was limited. So when I decided to buy a handgun for self-defense and defense of my family, I had to start from scratch,
I bought my first semi-automatic handgun in 2015 after months of research and visiting with my law enforcement friends. I purchased a GLOCK 19 Gen 4. I’d held several different brands and models; the GLOCK “felt right.” It’s light weight and easy maintenance appealed to my Western values. (Unfortunately, we don’t have any ranges in my area where you can rent and try out a gun before purchase.)
From the first time I took it to the range, I fell in love. The recoil was perfectly manageable. The handgun was very accurate and consistent; my ammunition fed beautifully. The GLOCK’s size offered a slight challenge for concealed carry on my small frame. Given the circumstances, I opted for cross-body purse carry. While I was extra vigilant when carrying my purse I knew that I’d need to purchase a smaller handgun for on-body carry.
A close friend, who is a former law enforcement officer, told me GLOCK was releasing the single-stack G42 in .380. I purchased one from Cabela’s and began the search for an ideal holster that would fit my body type. While that search continues, I have enjoyed becoming more accurate with the G42.
Initially, I had failure-to-feed issues with the G42. Research revealed that other shooters had similar issues due to ‘limp-wristing’ the gun. Initially, my ego wouldn’t let me admit the possibility. I’m a “strong ranch girl.” I eventually swallowed my pride and decided that I probably was shooting with a softer grip, more than likely from a subconscious, incorrect decision that “smaller gun meant smaller grip.” After following a GLOCK armorer recommendation to add a little bit of grease to the slide rails. I went back to the range.
There is a saying that “GLOCK likes it rough.” True! I tightened my grip. The G42 ate ammo like a champ. I fired both cheap full metal jacket ammo and my higher quality hollow-point ammo. No issues what-so-ever. Now I have a trustworthy weapon to carry daily, and hope I can find the right holster to make a great trio of security between myself, my G42 and holster.
There are many ways to ensure that we do not fall victim to someone who wants to inflict harm upon us or someone we care about. It is our duty as responsibly armed Americans to help others become educated about firearms and other forms of protection, so that we can prevent rape, sexual abuse and other forms of victimization.