I’m enjoying meeting with each manager over the firearms for sale at Buchheit as I pursue the idea of becoming a licensed conceal and carry gun owner. I drove over 3 hours to arrive at the Jacksonville, Il Buchheit Store where I met David. He had a completely different take on gun ownership for the potential shooter who has no knowledge of firearms. He said that he had been mugged three times in Houston, Texas where he had lived for many years and he survived all that without firing a weapon. He was adamant that most novices should be dissuaded from making any handgun purchases. This is an interesting point of view for a gun salesman, but stay with me, he had some very valid points.
Most women and men, David says, really would not be able to hit the side of a barn in a pressured situation when the predator is upon them. It’s not like what you see in the movies. So staying unarmed would prevent the villain from taking away their weapon. He talked about your liability when you become a gun owner. David made an excellent point that you want to make every possible effort to not fire that gun as once you pull that trigger you cannot bring that bullet back.
I was unaware that if you lose your gun and it is used in a crime, you may be held responsible. That alone is making me rethink if I really want to carry a gun on my person. David told me that recently an older gentleman came shuffling up to his gun counter and sheepishly asked if any guns had been turned in. He had gone to the bathroom, forgot his gun and couldn’t remember where he had left it. David’s admonition was that if an 11-year-old boy would find that handgun and use it to hurt himself or if someone would use it in a robbery, in Illinois, that owner would be held responsible. It was a sobering conversation.
David spent years managing a gun store and enjoys working at Buchheit. He did give me his recommendation for a good starter gun for an older lady. He warned against a gun with lots of extras, the more bells and whistles, the more problems you will have. He recommended a Charter Arms 38 Hammerless revolver. He stated that even the shooter who might not have a lot of “pull strength” could pull the Charter Arms firearm. For hunting 4 legged predators, he suggested an 870 Express pump shotgun.
What I really liked about David was his willingness to express his honest opinion in such a kind way that I didn’t get offended, but rather could reflect on the wisdom of his experiences. He helped me realize that gun ownership is not to be taken lightly. David, as all the staff at the Buchheit store strives to meet the customer’s needs while giving them the best advice available. I am so glad I got a chance to discuss guns with another expert who is employed by the Buchheit family. If you are in the area, stop by and have a discussion on your next firearms purchase with David at the Jacksonville, Il Buchheit.
Sincerely, Anne May
