In 2001, I made the move to the USA. I actually found myself on my honeymoon during the events of 9/11, a time that—despite the tragedy—only made me fall deeper in love with my new home. I eventually became a proud US citizen in 2014, and by 2017, my American wife, Anna, decided it was finally time I got myself a gun!
She offered to buy me one for Christmas, though I handled the research and picked out exactly what I wanted.
I headed down to our local gun store and asked the lady behind the counter what the process looked like, fully intending just to gather info and not actually buy anything that day. She explained I’d need a Firearm Safety Certificate, which required passing a written test.
“What’s involved in the questions?” I asked.
She asked if I knew anything about handling guns. I told her “some.” Then she asked if I had any common sense. I told her that probably depends on who you ask!
I paid my $25 and took the test right then and there, figuring I had two chances—if I failed the first time, I’d actually go home and study. A few minutes later, she came back with a smile: 100%.
I spent some time handling a few different models before settling on one I’d test-fired at the range a few weeks prior: a Springfield XD 9, 4″ Compact. Of course, living in California, I then had to endure the 10-day waiting period before I could collect it, pending a background check (Spoiler alert: I passed!).
I chose the XD because it had solid reviews and just fit my hand better than the Glock 19 I’d also been considering—plus, it didn’t break the bank. 9mm was the obvious choice for caliber; back then, the ammo was plentiful and reasonably priced, and you could even pick it up at the local Walmart.
-EnglishBob