psiems
New member
Yes! Renting before buying is very important!!! This should not be an "impulsive" purchase. Take your time and buy the gun that is best suited for your needs.
Info on buying your first gun
- Thread starter Gerdo
- Start date
Yes! Renting before buying is very important!!! This should not be an "impulsive" purchase. Take your time and buy the gun that is best suited for your needs.
mikebontoft
New member
Bigger than anything else is safety first. Take a Firearms Safety class before doing anything else PLEASE. You don't want to be the guy or girl that breaks more than one of the four simple rules.
It may even change how you hold the weapon when you find out James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) does it wrong. lol! (that always bugged me)
It may even change how you hold the weapon when you find out James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) does it wrong. lol! (that always bugged me)
vipergrhd
New member
Nice
I like this,i am shopping around for my first firearm and doing a lot of reading before diving in.i don't know if there is a place that rents out gun near my place to try out.my wife didn't want any type of firearm in the house while my kids were small now that they are sorta grown up i can get one and maybe teach them when it's time.
I like this,i am shopping around for my first firearm and doing a lot of reading before diving in.i don't know if there is a place that rents out gun near my place to try out.my wife didn't want any type of firearm in the house while my kids were small now that they are sorta grown up i can get one and maybe teach them when it's time.
Gerdo
New member
Another reason I started this thread is because there are a lot of salespersons that don't spend the time sharing information with new potential owners.
Again, everyone is going to have a different opinion about which gun/caliber is best. There is no one gun that is perfect for everyone.
Again, everyone is going to have a different opinion about which gun/caliber is best. There is no one gun that is perfect for everyone.
blackrifle01
New member
Commit the "Weapons Safety Rules" to memory. This is the first thing you do before you buy a gun.
Commit these rules to muscle memory. You should not only be able to recite them when asked, but you should be able to practice them without thinking.
Commit these rules to muscle memory. You should not only be able to recite them when asked, but you should be able to practice them without thinking.
Jeff Kleb
New member
Gun Choices
Assuming you are a novice shooter interested in a defensive handgun, I would recommend finding a "gun nut" friend and visit the shop/range where he or she goes. Talk to them about taking a gun safety class hosted by an "NRA CERTIFIED" instructor. They are very patient and give you the 'straight scoop' on gun safety, carry permit laws, use of force, etc., etc., and will teach you about the legal issues pertinent to carrying a firearm for protection. Obviously, the laws very signficantly from one state to another.
My personal favorite firearm is the tried-and-true .45 ACP semi-auto -- generally referred to as the "1911" by most people. I own one made by Colt (called the M1991), but other companies make them (Kimber, Taurus, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, H&k, etc, etc.) in different sizes. You can even buy a "1911" chambered in .40 caliber or even 9mm. It is rather large, though, and tough to carry concealed during warmer months. Mine holds seven in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Remember that a .45 is a very large cartridge, though, and its "fat" shape means that you don't stack 14 of them directly atop one another in a regular magazine.
A .45 semi-auto is a big pistol that sends a large slug (.230 gr) downrange with a lot of recoil, but it has excellent stopping power. The smaller 9mm (105 gr) has less recoil & is slightly more accurate than the .45 at greater range.....but it has less stopping power. Many 9mm semi-autos also offer larger magazine capacity (13 to 15 rounds in many versions).
A good compromise is the .40 S&W -- more stopping power than a 9mm, but less recoil than the .45 ACP.
My favorite revolver for concealed-carry or home defense is the Ruger LCR. It is chambered in .357 Magnum, holds just five rounds and has a very short barrel (two inches, I think). I can put it in my back pocket of a pair of jeans - but would not recommend doing so. That is just to show you its compact size. It is hammerless and thus is "double action only" - and the trigger pull is pretty hard. This is by design, though, because you do not want it to snag on something and end up with an accidental discharge! The .357 Magnum is a rare bird because it also fires .38 Special (but a .38 will not chamber a longer .357) if you want less recoil. The Ruger LCR (and other hammerless revolvers) are simple, have no "safety" switch to mess with and are point-and-shoot weapons. There is also no chance of leaving a round in the chamber because there is no chamber (as you find with a semi-auto) in a revolver. They're less likely to jam, either, and you don't have to fumble in the dark with it or worry about whether or not you remembered the magazine.
A bigger revolver might be a Taurus or a Colt Python - both in .357 Magnum. As with the Ruger, they both fire .38 Special rounds if so desired. A lot of women like the larger-frame .357 and then use .38 Special rounds for lighter recoil. A "big" gun with a big round will 'kick' a lot less than a small-frame pistol with a larger round. Think of a big V8 engine stuffed into a Mini Cooper versus a Lincoln.
To start things off, rent a .22 revolver (often nine shots) for familiarization. Ammo is cheap, the recoil is nil and you can get a good feeling for how firearms work without worrying much about the mechanics of everything. Just remember SAFETY and to always treat every gun (even a little .22) as though it is loaded.
:laser::eyebrows:
Assuming you are a novice shooter interested in a defensive handgun, I would recommend finding a "gun nut" friend and visit the shop/range where he or she goes. Talk to them about taking a gun safety class hosted by an "NRA CERTIFIED" instructor. They are very patient and give you the 'straight scoop' on gun safety, carry permit laws, use of force, etc., etc., and will teach you about the legal issues pertinent to carrying a firearm for protection. Obviously, the laws very signficantly from one state to another.
My personal favorite firearm is the tried-and-true .45 ACP semi-auto -- generally referred to as the "1911" by most people. I own one made by Colt (called the M1991), but other companies make them (Kimber, Taurus, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, H&k, etc, etc.) in different sizes. You can even buy a "1911" chambered in .40 caliber or even 9mm. It is rather large, though, and tough to carry concealed during warmer months. Mine holds seven in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Remember that a .45 is a very large cartridge, though, and its "fat" shape means that you don't stack 14 of them directly atop one another in a regular magazine.
A .45 semi-auto is a big pistol that sends a large slug (.230 gr) downrange with a lot of recoil, but it has excellent stopping power. The smaller 9mm (105 gr) has less recoil & is slightly more accurate than the .45 at greater range.....but it has less stopping power. Many 9mm semi-autos also offer larger magazine capacity (13 to 15 rounds in many versions).
A good compromise is the .40 S&W -- more stopping power than a 9mm, but less recoil than the .45 ACP.
My favorite revolver for concealed-carry or home defense is the Ruger LCR. It is chambered in .357 Magnum, holds just five rounds and has a very short barrel (two inches, I think). I can put it in my back pocket of a pair of jeans - but would not recommend doing so. That is just to show you its compact size. It is hammerless and thus is "double action only" - and the trigger pull is pretty hard. This is by design, though, because you do not want it to snag on something and end up with an accidental discharge! The .357 Magnum is a rare bird because it also fires .38 Special (but a .38 will not chamber a longer .357) if you want less recoil. The Ruger LCR (and other hammerless revolvers) are simple, have no "safety" switch to mess with and are point-and-shoot weapons. There is also no chance of leaving a round in the chamber because there is no chamber (as you find with a semi-auto) in a revolver. They're less likely to jam, either, and you don't have to fumble in the dark with it or worry about whether or not you remembered the magazine.
A bigger revolver might be a Taurus or a Colt Python - both in .357 Magnum. As with the Ruger, they both fire .38 Special rounds if so desired. A lot of women like the larger-frame .357 and then use .38 Special rounds for lighter recoil. A "big" gun with a big round will 'kick' a lot less than a small-frame pistol with a larger round. Think of a big V8 engine stuffed into a Mini Cooper versus a Lincoln.
To start things off, rent a .22 revolver (often nine shots) for familiarization. Ammo is cheap, the recoil is nil and you can get a good feeling for how firearms work without worrying much about the mechanics of everything. Just remember SAFETY and to always treat every gun (even a little .22) as though it is loaded.
:laser::eyebrows:
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JohnnyT
New member
I went to a gun place today and was advised by a worker there that my best bet as a first gun was a shotgun. I know nothing about guns and found this really odd.
His thinking was that a shotgun sprays buckshot (or if you don't want to kill anyone - rock salt, etc) and is far less dangerous to others because if you miss it is less likely to penetrate the attacker, walls, etc and hurt others. He said a handgun round would go through the attacker, walls, etc and is a much greater danger to others.
He also mentioned that the distinct cocking sound of a shotgun often scares away lesser attackers.
What say you?
His thinking was that a shotgun sprays buckshot (or if you don't want to kill anyone - rock salt, etc) and is far less dangerous to others because if you miss it is less likely to penetrate the attacker, walls, etc and hurt others. He said a handgun round would go through the attacker, walls, etc and is a much greater danger to others.
He also mentioned that the distinct cocking sound of a shotgun often scares away lesser attackers.
What say you?
mikebontoft
New member
This is true about the sound. A laser does quite nicely too from what I hear.
They are also generally cheaper. While I understand his reasoning, it's a little disappointing. I personally believe no matter who you are, you need to be proficient in both safety and handling of the firearm you choose. Pretty much what he says is that if you suck at shooting and have no idea what you're doing, just "blast in a general direction" and you'll be good to go. meh.
They do make "tactical/home defense" shotguns with a shorter barrel. That's about all I know (just started to become a little more interested in shotguns). Shorter barrel, wider spread (just my uneducated theoretical guess so I'd like someone to confirm that)
They are also generally cheaper. While I understand his reasoning, it's a little disappointing. I personally believe no matter who you are, you need to be proficient in both safety and handling of the firearm you choose. Pretty much what he says is that if you suck at shooting and have no idea what you're doing, just "blast in a general direction" and you'll be good to go. meh.
They do make "tactical/home defense" shotguns with a shorter barrel. That's about all I know (just started to become a little more interested in shotguns). Shorter barrel, wider spread (just my uneducated theoretical guess so I'd like someone to confirm that)
bofa
New member
Go big or go home imo... Desert Eagle 50AE
Just kidding. A shotgun is a good starter gun but not always practical. If you want something for home defense, a full sized Glock 9mm is a good place to start (or a S&W Sigma if you are on a budget). They are easy to use, easy to maintain and clean, parts and upgrades are plentiful, the ammo is cheap (well... under normal circumstances - all ammo is overpriced these days). Rent one or buy one, buy some instruction time at a local range, and you will not regret it.
What the guy told you about over-penetration (Beavis and Butthead laugh just went off in my head) is true, however if that's a serious concern you can buy ammo that mitigates that.
Just kidding. A shotgun is a good starter gun but not always practical. If you want something for home defense, a full sized Glock 9mm is a good place to start (or a S&W Sigma if you are on a budget). They are easy to use, easy to maintain and clean, parts and upgrades are plentiful, the ammo is cheap (well... under normal circumstances - all ammo is overpriced these days). Rent one or buy one, buy some instruction time at a local range, and you will not regret it.
What the guy told you about over-penetration (Beavis and Butthead laugh just went off in my head) is true, however if that's a serious concern you can buy ammo that mitigates that.
Jeff Kleb
New member
A Desert Eagle is basically a hand-held Howitzer - especially in the .50 caliber model. I have never fired one, but have held one in my hand. The darn thing was HEAVY. I guess it has to be to chamber that kind of round.
:wave::wave:
bofa
New member
Same here.. I've handled a few but didn't buy one yet. I missed out on what was a great deal at the time (found one for $900 a few years ago). I'm sure it's not for the faint at heart but I'm deeply amused by the watermelon videos.
I found one in Co Springs the other day that, if I was already in CO, I would have bought. I'm sure I'll come across one eventually at a decent price in the right place.
Kurtis
New member
Rock Salt - Rock salt is NOT a good idea in home defense situation. It does not penetrate like other rounds and it is NEVER recommend that you bootie fab shotgun shells. Rock salt, dimes, etc. If you rack the shotgun and the bad guy keeps coming, odds are, s/he is determined to do some damage and shooting at his general direction is going to do nothing but piss him off.
General Spray - It's a misconception that if you pull the trigger in the bad guys general direction you will hit him. A shotgun does spread but not as much as you think.
See here ---->The Box O' Truth #3 - The Shotgun Meets the Box O' Truth - Page 1
Also remember, though a shotgun is a great home defense weapon it should NEVER be kept in "Condition 1" (Round in Chamber). Even the military doesn't carry shotguns in condition 1. It also gives the attacker/burglar a chance to have an epiphany before s/he enters your bedroom and will give you a better idea of the persons intentions.
General Spray - It's a misconception that if you pull the trigger in the bad guys general direction you will hit him. A shotgun does spread but not as much as you think.
See here ---->The Box O' Truth #3 - The Shotgun Meets the Box O' Truth - Page 1
Also remember, though a shotgun is a great home defense weapon it should NEVER be kept in "Condition 1" (Round in Chamber). Even the military doesn't carry shotguns in condition 1. It also gives the attacker/burglar a chance to have an epiphany before s/he enters your bedroom and will give you a better idea of the persons intentions.
