I bought one to put on my SKS because I didn't want to spend a lot of money n a gun I paid $70 bucks for in the mid 90's. The glass fell out after 30 rounds worst $50 bucks I ever spent.
The biggest problem in gun stores is that women are more likely to be shown smaller caliber handguns and revolvers not defensive caliber firearms. I would agree that a 22 is a good starter gun, but most people buying handguns for self defense are not going to shoot more than a few boxes of ammo...