S&W model 39..I was 27, 1978. First USN squadron had a box of these acquired for a combat, VietNam cruise in 1968..hauled them around for 10 years and CO said, let's distribute these to the most senior 32 aircrew, plus ordnance officer and warrant officer. I was number 32...About a year later, BUWEPS found out, wanted them back, had to give it back. Shot it a couple of times.
Next was a CharterArms 38 snub nose for a 'combat' cruise north of the Libyan Gulf of Sidra in 1986. CAG(airwing Commander) allowed aircrew to buy and carry their own guns for any potential operations 'over the beach'..(there were none). NO USN supplied handguns since this really wasn't a 'war zone', no 'green ink'(USN aviators would know what that means). Bought it in Norfolk..walked in, looked at it, showed my military ID card, walked out with it.
Also bought a 12G shotgun for wife while I was deployed. $125 from the guy across the street. Still didn't have gun fever tho until oldest son became part of code enforcement in Denver in 2017 and bought his first Glock, since he had to go to really crappy areas with minors to buy tobacco. He took me to an uncontrolled range down by Deckers(Harris Shooting Park)..and the rest is history..got gun fever..still have it.