Whenever teaching a CPL class one of the first things I do is check out what people are shooting. Which gun people brought to class is very informative and provides insight into the students motivation and experience level.
If someone asks we often tell students not to purchase their carry gun until after they have taken the class so they will have some idea of the configurations and features they may find helpful. Some of the guns I see are brand new, picked up in the past few weeks and may not have even been shot yet. The selection may have been based on an article or on-line forum that states the latest opinion in combat techniques.
Sometimes the gun is wholly unsuited to the person and /or to the purpose. If the gun is too large or too small, I know the person did not go to a range to shoot it before they bought it. The proper fit in the hand will make a huge difference in developing a natural consistent point of aim that will be helpful in an emergency / self-defense situation.
Likewise showing up with a single action revolver (think Cowboy gun) with a loading gate and six inch barrel, my first reaction is that someone lent this person a gun they are likely unfamiliar with and may even be attending at someone else’s suggestion or insistence.
A Spouse, Parent or Grandparent may be well intentioned and hope they are assisting their loved one to learn to defend themselves, but starting them out with the wrong tools can slow or stop the process.
There is nothing wrong with using a well broken in firearm that has seen decades of use and proper maintenance. Many firearms available from a family member or from the used market are still as effective, easy to shoot and carry as the day they were made. If the gun you plan to use for your class and carry fall into that category, Great!
Many of today’s guns have features and designs that were not available in years past. Even some relatively new guns have newer versions that make upgrading the right thing to do.
A newer model may add features that turn a good gun into a great one. In 2008 the Ruger LCP set the world on fire with it’s new .380acp Pocket Pistol. Setting a new trend it is likely responsible for the immediate shortage of .380 ammo. I own one and although I carry it often, it is not an easy to shoot gun. In particular it had a very long trigger pull, poor sights, and is pretty darn “Snappy” (technical term) in your hand. Ruger just announced the LCP II which is a remarkable improvement over its predecessor.
The new LCP II is the same size and weighs 1 oz. more (10.6) The grip is widened almost ¼ inch with a deep stipple pattern that spreads out felt recoil making it more comfortable to hold and shoot. The sights are taller and more useful but still rounded to prevent snagging on your clothes and a last shot hold open feature has been added to the mag. The best change is a vastly improved trigger that feels like striker fired gun. When compared to the very long trigger pull of the prior model this trigger makes the gun far easier to shoot.
Sometimes subsequent versions of a gun merely build on an already good foundation, a good reason to buy a new gun!