frustrating.

[captain awesome]

A quick little story:
3 days ago my cousin text messaged me(instead of calling which was irritating because he knows I don't like to text message to have a conversation) wondering if I had any suggestions for a defensive handgun for 300$ or less. First I told him it would be a good idea to spend more than 300, because finding a reliable and effective enough handgun for that price range could prove difficlt. I told him the best I could think of would be a used ruger six series in 357. I know there are other options but that would be my choice given the circumstances. He then started talking about the possibility of a 22lr. I corrected him and told him this was NOT his best choice , not even a good one and explained why. (He should already know this, he has been shooting and in to guns longer than I have, he just pawns them away on a regular basis).
So skipping ahead he texts me a picture of his new purchase: a taurus tracker chambered in 17hmr. Its difficult not to be angry with him for ignoring what I said after he specificly sought out my advice. Claims it was his only option for in the price range aside from a "cappy little 38" he also did this against the advice of the shop owner.

 

[HankB]

He wasn't really looking for advice, he was looking for validation of his own choice.

No reason to be angry - his choice doesn't affect you or cost you any $$$.

 

[btg3]

+1 ^^^

 

[Rocketmedic]

I'd rather be missed by a 38 than hit by a .17.

 

[Onward Allusion]

captain awesome
frustrating.

Like the other guys said - He was looking for validation. Don't be pissed 'cause it ain't about you. Your cousin made a bad decision. Period.

 

[yeahbuddy]

It's hard to believe that was his only option for $300. I stopped worrying about my family taking my advice. They ask, I tell, they do something different. Especially when it comes to exercise and nutrition. Sometimes they end up doing what I told them only after they read the same advice elsewhere or a stranger tells them the same thing. You are just too close to the person. If you have ever tried to teach a skill to someone, working with a stranger is much easier than working with a family member or close friend.

 

[captain awesome]

To clarify it wasn't a problem with taurus, it was a problem with caliber choice. Like another poster said, it hard to believe that for 300 that was his only option. Especially considering the shop he went to has well over 100 handguns, and is notorious for giving "deals" I highly doubt he would be any more likely to miss with a 38special. He just has a skewed vision as to what's effective. He has no love for the 38special because of when we shot some dead logs with a 38 and then with a 450marlin. Obviously compared to the 450 marlin the 38 looked wimpy. He like the 17 hmr because of the fantastic job killing squirrels a savage rifle in the 17hmr caliber did. thanks guys you all are right, glad to be among friends as usual.

 

[youngda9]

You can quite easily get a Smith 442 J-frame that will punch .38 caliber +p holes through people. Much better choice, reliability, quality, and resale value.

Be glad your cousin has the genes from the other side of the fork in the family tree

 

[yeahbuddy]

Look at it this way- at least he isn't an anti! My sister thinks the 2nd amendment should be repealed.

 

[JHenry]

id of taken my chances with a pf9

 

[Flopsweat]

...he just pawns them away on a regular basis...

Probably be a moot point in a little while.

 

[Bubba613]

.17hmr is a great defense round. If you're attacked by a badger.

 

[Dr Dave]

Badger Defense! I'd still rather have the .38...

 

[303tom]

Sorry captain awesome, That your cousin did not take your advise, but what can I say, I carry a .22 mag.........

 

[hso]

Just refuse to play his game and save yourself the annoyance. As said already, he doesn't care what you think.

 

[armoredman]

Better a .17 than nothing...I think.

 

[Onward Allusion]

.17hmr is a great defense round. If you're attacked by a badger.

We don't need no stinkin' badgers! <badathump>

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

My dad convinced me that a .22 magnum mini revolver would be a good carry gun. Too bad I listened to him. That was a huge waist of money. Lesson learned. Maybe your cousin will figure it out.