New convert

[gregr]

There is a young female at work that wants to get her carry permit, and buy a handgun for carry. She`s new to firearms, so when she came to me asking for advice, I suggested:

Go somewhere that will allow her to handle as many handguns as possible, both wheel guns and semi-autos so she can see what "feels right" for her. I suggested she also needs to determine whether she has the hand strength to even rack the slide of a semi-auto. I recommended that she ideally visit a place that will let her fire several different makes and calibers, and advise her about gun handling safety. I suggested that if she can make it fit her budget, she ought to get basic firearms training which would hopefully include class time as well as range time.

She lives in Hamilton County. What places can she choose from in Hamilton Co., as far as being able to both just browse and handle handguns, as well as shoot, and even set up training?

 

[DanVoils]

I very highly suggest Indy Arms. They have a great selection and range. Plus the employees are knowledgeable and not pretentious. TFT does their training there so she can sign up for classes with no problems.
Dan

 

[jndturner]

I've had pretty good experiences with Tims in Westfield. They offer classes some women only if I remember correctly.

 

[DanVoils]

On a side note have you offered to accompany her? Doing so may make her more comfortable.
Dan

 

[Bfish]

On a side note have you offered to accompany her? Doing so may make her more comfortable.
Dan

I agree with Dan here for sure. If you are married take your wife with you too!

 

[jd4320t]

I'll admit that I don't get to all the shops around here but from what I have seen I wouldn't send a woman to any of them alone. Good, honest advice is hard to find.

 

[venenoindy]

Definitely Tim's is a great place, I took my niece with me there and she was treated very well and she looked at many handguns with no pressure to buy. She actually took one of their basic classes and her mom purchase her first handgun there.

 

[wtburnette]

Point Blank in Carmel is a great place to shoot and has a decent collection of firearms for rent.

 

[canterbc]

Indy Arms is a little far depending on where she is in Hamilton County, but they have a good rental selection and seem to be pretty stand up guys. Tim's in Westfield is closer, has a pretty decent rental selection and pretty good prices. Point blank will have the biggest selection of firearms to buy, but will probably be the most expensive.

 

[Areoflyer09]

Indy Arms is a great choice if the drive is acceptable. It's the only shop my fiancé felt comfortable buying her handgun at, if that says anything about the store. I would feel comfortable with her going there on her own.

They also offer "Ladies Only" TFT basic handgun classes. Some may find that more comfortable.

Granted, it isn't in Hamilton county so it doesn't really answer your question.

 

[Blindside]

I second Point Blank if the drive is decent. Their rental is ten bucks and you can switch it out as many times as you want. I have only been to the one in Greenwood but it has been great every time I went. Last time was the first I rented and I went through seven or eight different guns just to try them out. Two legions were must tries as well as a few others.

 

[gregr]

Thanks for all the great suggestions and input, it`s greatly appreciated. I will get this information to her so she can begin to plan out her new adventure!

 

[numbaonecoltsfan]

I have heard great things about Tim's. Point blank if I'm not mistaken frequently offers free five shot test fires. And also frequently runs deals on bodyguard 380s and m&p shields.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

The gun is meaningless. Have her go to school and work on the software. The hardware will come with training.

 

[Sling10mm]

I would have to agree with Kirk. If she isn't familiar with firearms, a class, or several, where she could get good classroom time as well as range time may go a long way. The training classes I have taken always had rental guns available, so if she takes 2-3 classes, and gets a chance to try 2-3 different firearms, then she can make a more informed decision when she goes to test fire and buy one. Just getting more comfortable handling and shooting one will allow her to concentrate more on picking the right firearm instead of worrying about just handling it correctly.

 

[gregr]

The gun is meaningless. Have her go to school and work on the software. The hardware will come with training.

I can make that suggestion, and it`s a fair idea. Don`t know whether she`ll go that route, but I`ll suggest that.

 

[nakinate]

I've had pretty good experiences with Tims in Westfield. They offer classes some women only if I remember correctly.

I agree. Tim's is the place to go. They have all female classes and at least one female staff member.