Info on buying your first gun

Gerdo

Gerdo

New member
There are lots of people buying their first gun.

I figured that it would be a good thing to compile a list and info on what a new gun owner should look for in their first gun.

Getting a first gun is a huge step. You have to mentally want one and know you WILL use it IF the time ever comes. You can't just point a gun and hope they go away. If you do point a gun at a perp, you can't just threat without true intentions.
 
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A few things that I had to consider when I bought my first handgun.

*Price: What did I have/want to spend? Don't go cheap if you are using this for protection. Low cost (under $300) does mean low quality. Guns have a quality class (A, B, C). The A class will shoot almost all ammo no matter the quality.

*Revolver or Semi-Auto: Revolvers are more simple and have less chance of failure. A good Semi-Auto can be extremely reliable too. Semi-Autos will not fire if shoved into the body of an intruder (taken out of of battery). A revolver will fire. Semi-autos will usually hold more rounds and will absorb the recoil better. Revolvers are low capacity and the recoil will be higher.

*Caliber: ALL guns can be deadly no matter what caliber (bullet size). Some have more "stopping power". There are a few things that must be considered. Is this to be your first learner gun? Then a .22LR is great due to the low recoil and sound. Do you need something that would stop an intruder? Something bigger like a 9mm or .40 . If you want protection from animals too, think more to the .40 or .45 .

*Recoil: If you go with too large of a caliber, you may not be able to control the recoil. This means that you may not get back on target quickly for following shots.

*Handgun size: The longer the barrel, the better the accuracy. This is due to the bullet going thru a longer barrel and the sights are further apart. The distance between sights allows you to hold the gun straighter.

*Conceal Carry: You will want a small profile gun.

*Mounts: Tactical rails (picatinny rail) will allow the mounting of lights and/or lasers. Lights are great for home protection at night.

*Safety: People are 50/50 about these.

*Pull: Handguns come in double pull only, single pull only and double/single pull. Some feel that the long heavy pull of a double pull makes for a safer gun (the pull of the trigger pulls back the hammer and then releases it to fire the gun). The DPO can slow down rapid fire compared to a single action.
 
Good topic!

My Advice: Find a good local gun shop/range and ask to handle some of the kind you are interested in. If any place you are looking makes you feel uncomfortable then vote with your feet and leave.

When you find one that feels pretty good in your hand rent it and get some range time. If you don't have any gun-owning friends to accompany then don't be shy about telling the shop/range employees that you are new to this and ask for guidance.
 
Lots of good advice up there. I'd add, go to a range and rent a selection of pieces, go shooting with your friends and shoot theirs, find what you like before you drop cash.
 
Gerdo said:
There are lots of people buying their first gun.

I figured that it would be a good thing to compile a list and info on what a new gun owner should look for in their first gun.

Getting a first gun is a huge step. You have to mentally want one and know you WILL use it IF the time ever comes. You can't just point a gun and hope they go away. If you do point a gun at a perp, you can't just threat without true intentions.
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so you are also a Firearms expert now :shrug:
This is a GOOD topic, but I would think those that want information about firearms, would either go and actually talk, to an expert or, go to a firearms forum, not a 4x4 forum, but what do I know.
And why do you assume, that someone wanting to buy a firearm, point it at a "perp" they may just want to go fire it at a range.
 
04rnr said:
so you are also a Firearms expert now :shrug:
This is a GOOD topic, but I would think those that want information about firearms, would either go and actually talk, to an expert or, go to a firearms forum, not a 4x4 forum, but what do I know.
And why do you assume, that someone wanting to buy a firearm, point it at a "perp" they may just want to go fire it at a range.
Click to expand...

In the same logic, people should be going to an FJ Cruiser forums and yet we have a section on here for them. Look, I've never heard Gerdo say anything except helpfulness; please don't bash people for trying to be helpful. Over the past few days there has been multiple post about 1st time gun buyers ask for recommendations and we are just trying to help. If you are not going to be helpful then please don't reply next time and hit the back button instead. Thanks.
 
As has been said before, rent rent rent rent and find what is comfortable for you. Don't go on what people on the internet say about a specific gun because I bet my opinion on a certain gun is 100% different than someone else.

Unless it's a 1911. Everyone should have at least 3.
 
Also just like buying a 4runner there are lots of mods you can do to a rifle or pistol. Trigger jobs, sights, and adjusting grip to feel. But unlike vehicles if you dont have the means and knowhow to do it yourself let a gunsmith do any changes. Don't just limeit yourself to a stock rifle/pistol. You can make it an extension of yourself.
 
Has anyone from NJ ever gone to this place for training, practice, etc.??

Gun For Hire

If not, any other suggestions in this area??

Also, when you guys say "rent", do you rent at the range or from a gun shop??
 
Ric
Am I an expert, no way.

Have I gone thru buying a first gun? Yes.
Before I bought my first gun, I did years of research.

There are tons of first gun buyers right now and I thought it would be good if everyone could help inform these people.

Would there be tons more info on a gun forum? yes.
Just like a newbe posting here a thread on "what tire should I run", a "what gun should I buy" thread on a gun forum will get the same information and attitude.

Most people here that want to buy a gun are going to be 4runner owners and just need some information on a first handgun.

I included the word "perp" to add a little levity to a serious subject.
I'm sure some buy guns for target but I'm also sure that even those are thinking home protection.

Ric
Feel to contribute with your knowledge.
 
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my .02...

"a hamburger wrapped in gold is still just a hamburger..."

reason for the quote...once overheard in a California gun store...no kidding..."won't the more expensive gun make me a better shooter?"...OMFG!

Be safe out there...and yes...practice, practice, practice and don't be afraid to ask questions or for help.

Another advice...when buying a gun...same advice when buying a car...leave your emotions at home...be sensible and logical...or at least try to be.
 
Don't go cheap if you are using this for protection. Low cost (under $300) does mean low quality.
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I would disagree here. There are MANY inexpensive firearms that will do the job. They may not be sexy or "cool" looking, but they still function reliably. This would include a lot of the 'used' guns you can find at a gun store where someone bought it, didn't like it, and sold it after minimal use.

I think it's better to have an inexpensive gun at home for protection than to have no gun at all because you don't think you can afford one.

As far as caliber, I wouldn't get too wrapped up in what caliber is best for X or Y. For example, a .22 or other small-caliber weapon certainly has it's place for people who can't tolerate recoil like some women, people with wrist/hand problems, etc.
 
Every American's FIRST gun should be a 12 gauge shotgun.

When you're ready to buy your SECOND gun, read this thread. :thumb3:
 
Reino said:
Every American's FIRST gun should be a 12 gauge shotgun.

When you're ready to buy your SECOND gun, read this thread. :thumb3:
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haha, actually that's pretty good advice.....can't really miss, with the right loads your not going to hurt someone in the next room, almost no maintenance , jam issues are basically nil, very cheap to buy and operate....
 
Let's try not to argue and keep it informative in this thread PLEASE?? I just don't want to see it go there and these threads have that tendency to do so.

Gerdo, I believe you need to add one more point of "Specific Use" IE is it just a range toy or home defense only?

Also, wishing I would have taken the trade for my junker motorcycle for a 12g shotgun. lol
 
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