I was able to purchase at 2:00AM (yes, I made a past midnight run for ammo) 6 boxes of 50 count 230 gr. .45acp ball, with discount for near last summer prices. I went to the range today and was giddy that I was able to finally use my last box of 100 count Federal, and got back in the groove again.
The RO there let my wife borrow a .38 special snub airweight, put 5 rounds of ammo in her hand and said here, try this...for nothing! This is the sidearm she was interested in, she shot it all, took it back inside the sales area, and by the time I finished she was pumped to purchase a 9mm semi. The RO spent enough time with her, she was able to rack the slide on several models of 9s. I couldn't be happier. I took her home, and after a few lessons more, she was racking my XD-S, which has some of the stiffest slide springs on the market.
I couldn't be happier. Got to shoot paper, my wife had an epiphany, and is now wanting a semi-auto after banning herself from anything but a wheel gun. I like revolvers, but I like semis for SD. I'll teach about clearing stoppages and other things, but it was like a light at the end of the tunnel, and she could finally handle, and see the semi-auto advantage of capacity.
I thanked the RO for taking the time with her to try-out a half dozen or so semis, while I was scaring the young shooters either side of me with muzzle blast from the XD-S. That thing shakes your organs-up. Even my wife behind me commented she could feel the blast. Must have had a few mags with +P in my ammo bag. Was just so happy to shoot, I just shot what I grabbed. Had a strange ejection; one of the casings went straight-up, hit the ceiling, came straight down and popped me on top of the head. That was a first.
My wife will not fire my .45 with +P or standard pressure ammo in it. I'm hoping with the 9 she picks, that will change, as I want her to be able to use it, just in case. She went from being absolutely terrified of firearms to making a commitment to buy (and I'll help) her. The indoor range scared her as well from blast, but she put on a brave face and finally relaxed enough to enjoy what she was doing. Mission accomplished. This also taught me to just step away from her buying experience, and let a pro handle the sales pitch and recommendations.
Sorry for the tome, but the ammo grab and range experience today was one of the best I've (and wifey) had! It's always a good thing to add a new shooter to the ranks, especially if she is your wife.