CHALK ONE UP FOR THE BITTER CLINGERS: Dramatic shift in U.S. attitudes behind gun acquisition.

Natanel is a Buddhist, a self-avowed “spiritual person,” a 53-year-old divorcee who lives alone in a liberal-leaning suburb near Boston. She is 5-foot-1 and has a ready smile and a soothing voice. She’s a tai chi instructor who in classes invokes the benefits of meditation. And at least twice a month, she takes her German-made Walther PK380 to a shooting range and blazes away.

Two years ago, an ex-boyfriend broke into her house when she wasn’t home. The police advised a restraining order.

Ultimately, she got the Walther.

Read the whole thing. All is proceeding as I have foreseen. The next step is to widen the discussion. Related item here.

UPDATE: Advice from reader Todd Gross:

My wife, son, and I spent yesterday at a local indoor pistol range. Wide selection of rental guns to ‘try on’. We settled on a Glock model 22 (.40 S&W, full size) for the stocking. Except for youth hunting experience we are first time buyers.

Earlier this year myself, wife, and 2 kids (early 20s) took a Florida concealed carry course. Figured we’d commit while we still can.

For folks looking to take the first step, a friendly local dealer (preferably a small business willing to spend time listening), a local range, and trying before you buy are invaluable.

Indeed. And reader Jack Moody writes:

I’ll note that Eric Holder was mentioned in your article. Over ten years ago.

And back then he was working hand in glove with gun control organizations to restrict gun rights by using the fears of foreign terrorists buying arms from american gun dealers.

Well at least Holder wasn’t overseeing a plan to send arms to said terrorists back then.

At least.