Gun buying advice for a new gun owner

[Shygal]

Hi everyone

Since I have bought my house, I have been wanting to purchase a gun or two for a couple different reasons. Ive never owned one before though I have shot rifles. I don't have anyone that can go with me or help me out with anything, so I have a bunch of questions

1. What should I get first? Handgun? Rifle?

2. I want something for protection first, also something for predators, or if I had to put an animal out of its misery in case of any emergency, etc.

3. New or used?

4. How do I find a reputable gun shop/dealer

5. How do I find a range or get training?

I had a hunter safety course when I was a teenager, and I have shot rifles before but never a handgun. I dont want a handgun that will be too heavy, but I want something effective for personal protection. A rifle/shotgun the same, I dont want something thats going to be too heavy to keep still to aim.

6. How do I know what a reasonable price is for something?

Im sure that I will have more questions about it, thanks in advance

[badlander]

No gun, then get a 22LR hand gun like a Browning Buckmark. Get a brick of good ammo and practice. The Buckmark might be 300 dollars and are extremely easy to shoot and accurate. Don't worry about a larger caliber.

Get it at a local gun shop, not WallyWorld and ask them where you might find a place to practice.

[Bearfootfarm]

In your situation, I'd start with a rifle.
You're already somewhat experienced with one, and it will handle predators better than a handgun.

A 22 will handle most predators, and be affordable.
There's not one better than a Ruger 10/22, but there are some cheaper, such as the Marlin Model 60

For a personal protection handgun, I'd suggest a 357 revolver with a 4-6 inch barrel IF you're not going to carry it concealed.
If you ARE going to carry concealed, get a 2-3 inch barrel.

The 357 will shoot the less powerful 38 Special AND the full powered 357 loads, so it won't be hard to find good ammo that you feel comfortable with

Try handling a lot of different guns, and buy one that FEELS GOOD in your hand.
That will make a difference in how well you shoot it

And since 2 is never enough, keep an eye out for a Remington 870 pump 20 gauge shotgun for home defense and hunting/predator control.

They make a Youth Model for those of smaller stature.
A GOOD FIT is impoertant with a shotgun

Those 3 firearms will do most anything you want within 100 yds

Check your area for wildlife clubs or shooting ranges where you could try some guns and get some idea on prices
You can get good deals on used guns IF you know what to look for, but new ones are not unreasonable either.
A used gun in very good condition is generally worth about 75% of what a new one goes for

[whiterock]

Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 pump shotgun

.22 rifle

revolver in .38 /.357cal

for a start.

[gladetop]

you can go to galleryofguns.com and search for several differnt brands and types of guns to get a feel for current gun cost, and get a feeling of what different guns look like and what you might like to handle. That way you kinda have an idea at what you want to look at when you go in a gun shop.

[Cornhusker]

Get some training.
For personal protection, I'd recommend something better than a .22, but to start it'd be ok until you get used to shooting.
Look at http://www.corneredcat.com/ it has a lot good info for women shooters and is geared towards less experienced people.
Personally, for personal protection, I'd look towards at least a 9mm or a .38 special, depending on whether you want to go with a revolver or a semi auto.
If you decide on a semi auto, make sure you have the hand strength to rack the slide.
There are many many choices out there.
Visit http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php and look at what they have to get an idea what you might like.

[Shygal]

is a 357 as heavy as a 44? I tried lifting one of those and my wrist turned to jello LoL. Those would be good for me if I wanted to shoot myself in the foot

[texican]

I'd start with a .22lr pistol... ruger or buckmark.

Don't be afraid to spend some money on a quality gun... if you buy it used, and don't totally destroy it, you can get pretty much all of your money back, if you need to sell it and move on to something larger. You don't lose a lot of money on firearms, like you do cars.

I use my 22lr pistol regularly. Ammo is cheap... around 3c/round... so you can shoot till you get comfortable, and not break the bank. It will knock down most predators. It will humanely kill/stun any farm animal, if shot in the right spot. You're less likely to shoot your foot off with a 22lr compared to a shotgun. Most folks don't jump into an 18wheeler when they first learn to drive... they get in a nimble little car or pickup. Later they move up to bigger and better things.

Good luck. And happy shooting.

[Cornhusker]

Originally Posted by Shygal

is a 357 as heavy as a 44? I tried lifting one of those and my wrist turned to jello LoL. Those would be good for me if I wanted to shoot myself in the foot

Depends.
Different models are different sizes, but remember, the lighter the gun the more it'll kick.
What .44 did you try?
If it was something like a Blackhawk, Redhawk, or a Model 29, with a 7-10 inch barrel, they can get kind of heavy.
you can get a .357 in a fairly light package, but the recoil will be quite a bit more.
I have a Taurus Model 85 ultralight that shoots .38 special, and it's extremely light, and it'll handle +p ammo.
It's always a trade off as far as power, weight and recoil.

[Old Vet]

Originally Posted by Shygal

is a 357 as heavy as a 44? I tried lifting one of those and my wrist turned to jello LoL. Those would be good for me if I wanted to shoot myself in the foot

Tarus makes a titanium in a 357 that is real light so does Smith and Weston and several other manufacture. The feel is the way to pick a gun for you. Go to several gun shops and see what they have and try the ones that you lick and see which one you will have. Try one in many calibers to find the best for you.

[Mooselover]

i'm in agreement with everyone here. get a feel for a weapon and really find out what fits you hands and how much kick you're comfortable with.

i was taught with a 9mm (smooth) but i was having some problems so my BF bought me a 380 govt colt. seems like the colt has a harder recoil than the 9 AND when i fire my colt, my thumb ejects the clip about 1/2 the time. (trying to figure out what to do about that cause i like my colt.) i think i just didn't spend enough time with the 9 to get comfy with it. (still drooling for one)

get lots of practice with various weapons, know your shooting style, and go from there. if you're not comfortable with your weapon, you won't be very confident or proficient at using it.

moose-luck

[Big Dave]

I am wanting a new Tarus Judge. For home protection there is a 20 gauge mossberg riot gun. It can shoot thru the wall if I needed to. I like shot guns as I do not aim well any more.

[Mooselover]

oh, i forgot...contact the NRA in your area. also, call your local American Legion (bett'in you'll find some really nice folks that would be more than happy to help you.) better yet, join the Legion. you probably won't find a better group of people!!!!

and, check the gun laws in your state. in WA, if you have a concealed weapons permit, it's null and void UNLESS THE WEAPON IS ON THE BODY (ie..not under the seat or in the glove box). bizarre laws and each state is different.

[Joshie]

You want a rifle. I'm not exactly gun experienced. DH has had a pistol for a while. When we moved to the farm, he went to a small, local gun shop and purchased a used critter gun. It's a nice rifle. It's strong enough to get coyotes.

He also did some research and found a very good, smaller rifle. He went to one of the big, chain sports places and purchased it new. This one is for smaller critters.

The pistol is very loud and it's awfully difficult to hit anything. The rifle is not as hard on the ears and it's oh, so easy to use. Point and shoot is what it is! I can't remember what kind it is and DH is asleep. If you're interested PM me and I'll let you know what they are.

[Shrek]

Your choices depend on the primary intended use and the environment. For example if you want a shotgun for protection against home invasion and have children in the house , a 12 gauge pump with 20 inch barrel, loaded with birdshot followed by a final 00 load and safed with open breech gun lock is a good option for close quarter defense.

If needed the breech lock can be unlocked and stripped and a round chambered in about a second and a half.

in a 12 foot room an ounce and a half of birdshot will offer excellent meat ripping effect while not penetrating walls into other rooms as buckshot or slugs can.

While a second and a half seems like a long time to chamber a round and prepare to fire, with drill practice its only about 20% longer than the time required pick up and unsafe a weapon with a round already chambered.

Eventually you will find choices of various weapons to serve each of your needs and evironment variations.

Shooting classes in a range at a gunshop with a certified range instructor is a good way to explore the possibilities available and identify your requirements and capabilities as you can usually try out various weapons from the gun shop rental arsenal.

[watcher]

Originally Posted by Shygal

Hi everyone

Since I have bought my house, I have been wanting to purchase a gun or two for a couple different reasons. Ive never owned one before though I have shot rifles. I don't have anyone that can go with me or help me out with anything, so I have a bunch of questions

Before I answer your questions I want you to realize something: what you are asking is like asking someone what's the best vehicle to buy. The best fit for one person might be a bicycle, for another a minivan, for yet another a 4WD 4 door long bed pickup and you might just need a simple mid sized sedan. You have to look at what you want, what you need and how you might use it to decide the 'best' for you. We can only advise, not make the decision for you.

Originally Posted by Shygal

1. What should I get first? Handgun? Rifle?

I've answered this question many times for many people so here's my two coppers.

The number one, first firearm you or just about anyone else should buy is a shotgun. Unless you are tiny, under 5' and skinny, you should be able to handle a 12ga with a 18" bbl with a little practice. Just start with light loads, IIRC the lightest least kicking ones are "Trap & Skeet" rounds. If you pick one up and think its too heavy try a different brand or style. Semi-autos are heaviest and single shots are the lightest, but just remember the lighter the weapon the more you are going to feel the recoil. It ain't going to "break your shoulder" or "knock you down" so don't be scared of it, but you do have to respect it. If you can't find a 12ga you think you can deal with move down to the 20ga but no smaller. You'll pay a fortune for a 16ga and ammo for it and a .410 bore is an experts weapon, not a beginners one.

Why a shotgun first? Because it can do everything and do it reasonably well. Yes there are times when another weapon would do a job better or easier but no other firearm can handle as many problems.

If the pigeons are pooping all over everything you can get rid of them with a shotgun. If there is a fox in the hen house you can end that problem with a shotgun. If there's a pack of dogs chasing your horses you can put an end to it with a shotgun. If there's a bear chewing on your best friend's leg you can stop that with a shotgun. If a two legged predator decides to pick you as a victim you can prevent that with a shotgun.

All you have to do is be calm enough to pick the correct load for the target.

One other thing, you don't have to worry about a shotgun round hitting your neighbor's house if its more than a couple of hundred yards away.

Originally Posted by Shygal

2. I want something for protection first, also something for predators, or if I had to put an animal out of its misery in case of any emergency, etc.

See above.

Originally Posted by Shygal

3. New or used?

Depends. If you can afford it go new. After all you are thinking your life might just be depending on it. Would you buy a used parachute or used SCUBA gear if you knew very little about how either worked or should look?

Now with that said. . .if you can't afford new then go used. I suggest buying one at a large pawn shop not from an individual. Most pawn shops will not give money on a weapon which they don't think is in very good shape.

Originally Posted by Shygal

4. How do I find a reputable gun shop/dealer

Shop around and ask around. Any gun shop that has been business for several years is probably not going to sell you a piece of junk. That's a quick way to bankruptcy. Again if you can afford it you might be better off paying a little more at a store which offers "free" classes and the like. If your dollars are tight set a price you are willing to pay and take a friend with you who knows something about weapons and haggle. Pawn shops are usually flexable on their prices and you've got nothing to lose if they refuse to meet your price.

Originally Posted by Shygal

5. How do I find a range or get training?

Ask around, call around and contact the NRA. You'll find shooters are just looking for an excuse to go shooting. Taking a new shooter to a range is just about the best excuse to be found.

Originally Posted by Shygal

I had a hunter safety course when I was a teenager, and I have shot rifles before but never a handgun. I dont want a handgun that will be too heavy, but I want something effective for personal protection. A rifle/shotgun the same, I dont want something thats going to be too heavy to keep still to aim.

If the time comes you won't find anything too heavy. The odds are no matter what you have in your hands you'll be wishing you had something bigger.

A shotgun isn't light but if its reasonably balanced it won't feel that heavy. Especially if you have it to your shoulder. It also isn't that easy to carry around doing chores but it can be done at least until you can afford to buy a handgun.

One other thing, a shotgun has a very, very large intimidation factor. When being held by someone you think might shoot you the business end looks big enough to fly a 747 into. But don't think because its a shotgun you don't have to aim. You do have a little more leeway but you can't just point it in the general direction and hit something.

For now put any thoughts about buying a handgun away.

Originally Posted by Shygal

6. How do I know what a reasonable price is for something?

The same way you do for anything else. Shop around. I'm looking at buying a new handgun to carry. I know what I want and if I had the money to spare I'd buy it tomorrow. I've checked around and the price for this weapon varies from close to $600 down to $390. Why the difference? The $600 store offers "free" hands on training at their indoor range, a "free" case and a "free" box of ammo. At the $390 store you get what the manufacture includes in the box; the weapon and two mags. For me the $390 is the way to go because I've been shooting for years and have had enough training. For my daughter I also suggest the $390 (she's looking to get her CCW) because I can give her more training (she's mostly shot revolvers) and she can practice right here. For someone who had never been exposed to a weapon before and lived somewhere they couldn't practice in their backyard I'd suggest, just as I have you, spending a few more bucks and taking advantage of the "free" stuff the other stores offer.

Originally Posted by Shygal

Im sure that I will have more questions about it, thanks in advance

Ask away, just be ready to ignore the upcoming. . .hum. . .let's say debates that are sure to break out about X brand vs Y brand or W caliber vs Z caliber. For the most part any name brand firearm today will do the job. There is something to be said about the different calibers but well cross that bridge when we come to it. Just to give you fair warning, I'm in the big bullet, slow but heavy, I rather hit them with a bowling ball than a baseball camp.

[Shygal]

Originally Posted by Cornhusker

What .44 did you try?
If it was something like a Blackhawk, Redhawk, or a Model 29, with a 7-10 inch barrel, they can get kind of heavy.

Uh...... it looked just like the one Dirty Harry uses I really don't know what it was other than it weighed a ton and I couldnt hold it up lol

[Ross]

I agree get a shot gun (I personally prefer the 20 guage but 12 is more commmon yet) a Ruger 10/22 rifle and put off the pistol. Go buy an air pistol and blast away tin cans for a year or two. Fun and good for indoor rat hunting in the barn. Once you're proficient with the long guns then start looking for a pistol. There must be a local gun club near you that offers training if nothign else. Some offer a chance to try different handguns. Go slow, get trained and be comfortable with what you get.

[Cornhusker]

Originally Posted by Shygal

Uh...... it looked just like the one Dirty Harry uses I really don't know what it was other than it weighed a ton and I couldnt hold it up lol

Probably a S&W 29.
I'd say you don't want a .44 mag.
If you want a .357 that's light, as stated above, Taurus makes good light ones, S&W has their Airweight line, and Ruger has some nice ones too.
Are you thinking single action or double action?
The advantage of a 357 is that you can shoot softer .38 specials for practice and carry the stouter .357 for SP.
Lotsa choices out there.

[TJN66]

Oh...I have often wonder this also. Thanks for the great answers.