huge jury award involving $89 pistol

[Greybeard]

What a mess! http://www.guns.com/2014/11/20/jury-iss ... tal-death/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Annoyed Man]

Some would say that the defining moment in trial is when the pawnshop owner says in court that he would have never recommended this pistol for a member of his own family.

I maintain that the defining moment was back when he agreed to take a Bryco/Jennings .380 into pawn.

[n5wd]

Seems like a basic lack of customer service (along with a not-so-great choice of products to sell) was the problem, here. I imagine they'll negotiate it down to something that his insurance will pay, else he files bankruptcy and the family winds up with a pawnshop.

[n5wd]

I maintain that the defining moment was back when he agreed to take a Bryco/Jennings .380 into pawn.

From the story, it was a new gun. That makes it seem, to me, that it wasn't a pawned (i.e. Previously owned) item. I get the picture of a combo pawn/gun store (like 2-K Pawn/Gun in Decatur, if you've ever been there).

But, whatever the status, that's not a gun I'd want anyone in my family using, either.

[KD5NRH]

I get the picture of a combo pawn/gun store (like 2-K Pawn/Gun in Decatur, if you've ever been there).

The pawn shop I used to work at also sells new Kel-Tec and S&W pistols to keep the display case full when used ones aren't coming through fast enough.

[Jumping Frog]

One news story said she was 20 years old the other news story said she was 21. If an FFL sold a handgun to someone under 21 that's an entirely additional problem.

[MechAg94]

Some would say that the defining moment in trial is when the pawnshop owner says in court that he would have never recommended this pistol for a member of his own family.

I maintain that the defining moment was back when he agreed to take a Bryco/Jennings .380 into pawn.

I wouldn't recomend a Bryco/Jennings pistol for my family either, but that is because I can afford a better gun. They are supposed to be reasonably safe and functional. I wouldn't recommend a HiPoint to anyone I know, but not because it is unsafe, but because there are betting guns available for just a little more money.

Somewhere in the bottom of my closent, I have a Jennings 380 that I bought years ago looking for a pocket gun. It worked and functions, but the beavertail is undersized and it will cut the web of your hand if you hold it too low in the hand. I have thought about selling it, but it is almost not worth selling and I don't know if I want to inflict that poor design on someone else.

(I guess I retract some of this. Seeing some links I found, Bryco/Jenning has lost a number of lawsuits from defective guns. Not sure if they are still making guns or not. )

[MoJo]

One news story said she was 20 years old the other news story said she was 21. If an FFL sold a handgun to someone under 21 that's an entirely additional problem.

I would not place much credence in anything published in mass media they aren't known for checking their sources these days.

[MechAg94]

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/1 ... one-wrong/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Found this link that I can open. Sounds like this model of pistol was recalled due to drop safe issues and pawn shop owner got a big lot of them for cheap and was selling them off. I think that is why the pawn shop owner lost.

[patterson]

I wouldn't recommend a .380 to a family member

[MechAg94]

Yeah, I don't disagree that 380 is not a great round, but they aren't useless with modern self defense ammo.

I generally wouldn't recommend a cheap semi-auto to a new gun owner, but there are exceptions to everything. If they were planning to practice with it that is a plus. Also, there are a some cheap brands/models that I do have respect for.

[The Annoyed Man]

I get the picture of a combo pawn/gun store (like 2-K Pawn/Gun in Decatur, if you've ever been there).

The pawn shop I used to work at also sells new Kel-Tec and S&W pistols to keep the display case full when used ones aren't coming through fast enough.

That was n5wd, not me, you're quoting.

[suthdj]

I Had a bryco. 380 back in 1990's had no issues at all loved the gun. That being said I was not a heavy shooter but never had a single jam or any other issue except for slide bite even dropped it a time or 2.

[MoJo]

One news story said she was 20 years old the other news story said she was 21. If an FFL sold a handgun to someone under 21 that's an entirely additional problem.

I would not place much credence in anything published in mass media they aren't known for checking their sources these days.