Gun buying advice for a new gun owner

If you want just one gun, and you want it for home protection, predators, etc, get a shotgun. 16 gauge would be my recommendation, though ammo can at times be difficult to find. The 20 gauge and 12 gauge are viable options as well. A shotgun is arguably the most versatile of the firearms. With the variety of ammo available, it is very capable of doing all the things you are asking of it, and then some. From bears to pigeons, a shotun can effectively dispatch them all. The mere sound a shotgun round chambering has stopped many a wannabe bad guy.

If you are thinking about two guns, I'd suggest a .22. Rifle or pistol, it's your choice. The .22 is a plinking gun. It's for fun, and it's a whole lot of fun. Sure, you can dispatch animals with it, but it's not particularly good at it. The bullet is just too small and doesn't expand worth a shucks. You tend to poke holes in critters brains with a .22, not cleanly kill them. Not that it can't be done, it can, but it's not as easy as people would lead you to believe. None the less, a .22 and a box of cheap ammo, and you can have a whole lot of fun shooting tin cans.

Shygal, In NY, you need a NYS pistol permit to 'posess' a handgun, so, if you don't have one, that option is ruled out (unless you choose to break the law ).

I generally recommend single shot, break action shotguns and single shot, bolt action 22s to new gun owners. They're cheap (< $150, used), light, and simple to use and care for. For general farm use, a .410 shot gun is fine, and will met all of the needs you listed above.

Going to a gun show and looking at the prices there will give you an idea of what different models are selling for.

Where in NY are you located? One of the local gun clubs here offers 'women and gun' type courses occasionally.

The first thing to get is some training. Take the NRA basic pistol safety course - the general safety information is universal (handgun, rifle, shotgun). Guns are tools - there is no one tool suitable for all tasks. For general homestead duty I'd recommend a pump action, 20 gauge, youth model shotgun - get a Mossburg 500 or Remington 870. Both are excellent shotguns, have been proven dependable, and can be found at big box stores (especially in the Fall) in the form of combo kits - you'll get a shot barrel, rifled barrel for slugs, and often a cheap scope. Lots of utility. The youth model is scaled-down in size, is easier to manage around corners in a home, and the 20 gauge will give you 70% of the power of the 12 with half the recoil. For a pistola, I'd recommend a compact .38 or .357 revolver (you can shoot .38 out of the .357, but not the reverse). Nice size for conceal/carry and you won't have to deal with potential jamming issues as you might with a semi-auto.

Before you get anything though, get some training and find a range close to you where you'll most likely be able to rent a variety of firearms. Try them out before you purchase and like Texican said, spend the money up front on a quality firearm.

Another avenue for research......here is a website that sells guns of all types. www.gunbroker.com. I've sold two antique guns for my Dad on here and currently have a Michigan Lawman Commemorative rifle listed. Obviously, I don't think you are interested in the commemorative, but I though anyone wandering down this thread would like to see this pretty piece!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=169577055

As Steve said, in NY you need a permit for a handgun. Depending on which county you live in that process can involve $100-200.00 and a short wait to many thousands of dollars and no permit at all in the end. Just what county do you live in?

Were it me, I'd suggest something simple, inexpensive and easy to use like a Ruger 10-22 22lr semi auto rifle. Better you learn to shoot before sinking a bunch of money in something. A bolt or lever action 22 might even be a better choice. A simple 20 pump shotgun (a Mossberg 500 for example) will also serve, although the recoil may be too much for a noobie. I wouldn't even worry about a handgun at this point.

I grew up with guns, I spent over 20 years as a Trooper, I'm a former Marine, a gunsmiths kid. Guns are second nature to me. OTH, teaching my wife to shoot was a whole new world. Beyond recommending something light and easy to shoot I have no solid recommendation for a beginner woman. Try and find a range or club to test fire a mes of different stuff. FWIW- my wife ended up with a full size EAA Witness 40 S+W, stainless- it matches her jewelry!

DITTO to what other NYers are saying - you need a pistol permit to legally own a handgun!
Not sure about other counties but the one I live in a dealer will not let you take ownership without the serial number being entered on your permit.
The last pistol I got, after showing the dealer my permit I paid for the gun, took the paperwork (receipt) to the sheriff's dept, registered the gun and then went back to pick the gun up, showing the dealer that it was registered on my permit
Pain yep but that's what's required....
As for firearms classes, inquire at the local; fish & game club, gun club, local conservation office, gun dealer, even try outdoor shops like Bass Pro Shop or Gander Mountain.

Darn if I could only spell....

My recommendations:

Shotgun: http://www.mossberg.com/products/def...2&display=feat The Bantam, Super Bantam, and Youth

Rifle: http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...ding/70PSS.asp The Papoose in stainless

Prices are around $300--$350 at at the dealers here. I have the Marlin with a red dot sight for critter control in my garden. Use CCI Mini Mag shells(hollow point, copper coated for fragmenting/expanding after entry to ensure the kill) The red dot sight can be installed by your gun dealer. It is not a scope, but the red dot moves with your eye, making it easier to keep on target. The advantage of the ammunition magazine is that you can keep a couple of magazines handy for insertion into the gun when you need them, but separate from the rifle, as opposed to the tube loading type which are either loaded or unloaded all the time. Nice, too, to be able to break down the rifle for transport. In Michigan, makes it legal for travel, inside the case, provided the ammo is carried separately out of reach.

I have eyed the 20 guage shotgun several times at my dealer's with the intent of keeping it as a bedroom gun. Should also be sufficient for a rabbit or other bigger animals.

Each website has s dealer locator feature.

geo

I agree with Watcher and the others who say shotgun first. It provides a lot of flexibility (hunting and defense) although you give up range. My 2 cents would be to go with a pump shotgun (although I'm personally partial to semi-autos).

If you are looking at a .22LR I would recommend a semi-auto over a bolt action. Marlins and Mossbergs are worth taking a look at. You might also consider a scope. Tasco is a reasonably priced brand that should do for you.

Mike

I kinda disagree with some of the others. Bolt action 22 to start. Learn to shoot then get the shotgun. If you have problems holding a heavy handgun you are going to have recoil problems with almost any serious handgun caliber and frame. Again, learn on a 22 revolver, the heaviest you can find that you can handle. Practice, practice, practice, while you are learning you will also be building wrist strength. Then maybe a 357 but only light 38 loads while you practice more. Gradually move up in load strength. The key is learning the skills without picking up the bad habits that come from using too much gun for your capabilities.

The reason you learn to shoot with the 22 bolt action is that there is no recoil to speak of and you will learn to aim. Shotguns are great but they don't magically point themselves at the target and they are intimidating to the newcomer. Start with the shotgun and you will almost certainly pick up flinching and it's a really bad habit to break.

i'm not real gun savvy myself. but this is what i do. i keep a 12 gauge and keep stocked with various kinds of shells for different purposes- everything from birdshot to double ought. so far, it has covered about every need from shooting neighbors livestock-killing dogs, to scaring off unruly teens with bad intent, to putting down sick animals. with the buckshot you don't have to aim very accurately- just point it in the right direction. it's hard to get good aim in an emergency.


i do keep gun and shells stored separately because i have children in the home regularly. it has never been a problem getting to it quick enough. a dog killing a goat isn't going anywhere right away.

Hello,
I was in a similar situation as you when I moved my mother to the country so we could survive while I cared for her. I can tell you what I did in such a situation: I decided, if I were going to have to "learn" to use a gun other than the little 22 I had been use to, I might as well learn to use a gun I "knew" would do what I might need done, i.e. kill snakes (crawly & walking ones). I also knew I would need food for the table; so this influenced my decision as well.

I decided on a Mossburg 12 gauge Model 9200 made in North Haven, CT and purchased different kinds of shot (some for smaller creatures & slugs for larger creatures we could eat). I also purchased a Glock 37 (a 45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with octagonal rifling) & purchased both practice shots for it as well as "hollow points". (I figured I might only get one shot off at any 2-legged snake & I wanted something that would do the job if I actually hit the target.)

Both guns have triggers easy to pull, though I still have not mastered shooting the Mossburg from my shoulder. The "practice" with both guns is what gives me confidence in using them.

__________________
I am what I am! Acknowledging this is the beginning; and my growth is yet to end. http://motdaugrnds.com/farmsales ~~~~~ http://motdaugrnds.com

My bonafides:

1. I had my own business selling firearms and reloading supplies for over 20 years. I know a smidgen about guns and proper fit.
2. I've slowed down as I get older, but I've been an avid hunter, knocking around most of North America, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Circle.
3. I've participated in many autopsies, both medical and forensic. I know what a bullet or shotgun pellet will do.

Having said that, firearms are a very personal extension of one's self. No gun is ubiqitous, but some are much more common than others.

I think every farmhouse needs a 4-gun battery. Those four guns should be:
1) .22LR rifle
2) shotgun
3) centerfire rifle
4) handgun

Now, one can spend whatever they wish. For example, you can buy anything from a $100 single shot shotgun to a $35,000 bespoke double barrel shotgun. My recommendations will consider effectiveness, value and parts availability.

1. 22LR - if you like semi-autos - Ruger 10/22. If you prefer a bolt action - higher grade Marlin. Both are well-made, function well and there's ton of them out there.

2. Shotgun - Remington Express 20 gauge Youth model. Short, handy, but with a 3" chamber that allows you to command 12 gauge power in a smaller, lighter package. Great firearm for a lady, as it doesn't kick much with regular 20 gauge loads and has a nice recoil pad.

3. Centerfire rifle - Either a Remington 700 ADL or a Savage 110 series. 308 would be my choice of calibers, as it is current U.S. military issue, ensuring the ammo will be around forever. If a .308 is a bit much recoil, consider a smaller caliber, but most folks can handle the round in a medium-weight rifle without much problem.

4. Handgun - I've seen hundreds of people shoot, some good, some bad, most mediocre. One thing I can say without equivocation, is that the vast majority of people, unless they practice with their handgun every month, do not shoot the larger calibers well. It does no good to have a .500 loudenboomer if you can't hit the broad side of a barn with it.

The biggest round most people handle well, without much practice, is the
9mm (9x19) and the .38spl. Many think either caliber a bit on the wimpy side, but that's because they are thinking of FMJ or round nose lead bullets and their terminal performance. Stoke either caliber with good bullets, and they become manstoppers.

A handgun must fit your hand well. Look at the revolvers in the S&W line, particularly the K-frames. Very reliable, very simple to use. If you do not wish to spend that much, consider Taurus. You will probably like a 4" barrel as the best compromise between acuracy and carrying ability. You can always load .38 spl rounds in a .357 magnum, so that is something to consider, as it seems the magnums are a bit more plentiful, nowadays.

In 9mm pistols, few people beat the Glock for simplicity of use, capacity and recoil reduction. If you wish a cheaper alternative, Ruger builds some good quality autos for a bit less money.


My thoughts, YMMV...

I just noticed I missed part of your msg. The part where you said "or two". The second weapon you should buy is much more of a conundrum (I just like that word) and much more depends on what YOU need, your physical size and other things.

Normally I'd suggest a medium caliber handgun for the second weapon to buy. But someone said getting a handgun in NY is a problem let's put that on hold for a while.

So because of that I'll move on to the number 3 weapon. A 22LR rifle. Why? Because it will handle 85% of your shooting needs, its light weight and the ammo is cheap so you you can learn to shoot well before moving up to weapon #4, a center-fire rifle. As with the shotgun there is a variety of ammo so you can tailor a 22 to different targets.

BTW, after you have learned to shoot you'll want to pick up a scope for it (3-9 variable power) but ONLY after you have taught yourself how to hit targets with open sites.

__________________
Remember, when seconds count. . .
the police are just MINUTES away!

Congress has no power to appropriate this money as an act of charity. Every member upon this floor knows it. . .Davy Crockett

I am 63, got my first handgun a Ruger hunter Mark III...yeah it's a 22LR but REALLY sweet. I have arthritis so a gun that would be easy on the bones was a must. Easy for me to shoot, limp-wristed as I am, and was just good to go out of the box. Pretty easy to hit the RIGHT spots on the target, too. My Mark III is picky about ammo...it absolutely LOVES the cheap Federal ammo from Walmart...makes it so very easy to run through a brick, and easy for me to be a good shot. Also likes Winchester ammo. Practice is cheap! Whatever you get, check the price of ammo for that gun!

Neat thing about a gun store and classes is, the ones I've gone to allow you to try out orther guns and other calibers....you can see what you like and what feels good for you. HIGHLY recommend this!!!

Mon

I would suggest a bolt action Marlin 17 HMR instead of a 22LR. Slightly more expensive to shoot but has more knockdown power and a lot longer range. It will take out a coyote at 100 yards. No recoil. Then get a matching pistol. Shoot one at a range and you be become a believer.

For a small framed person I'd go with the 20 gauge pump also.

Don't let anyone sell you a Remington 17 semi auto. There is a recall on them.

You've received some great advice so far. I think a rifle in 22 LR is a great starter firearm. Inexpensive practice, no recoil, etc. A very versatile item. My personal favorite is a Ruger 77-22, but that is a fairly expensive one. Lots of other options at lower price ranges.

If home protection is your first priority, I will second the advice of a shotgun. A good pump action in 12 or 20 gauge is ideal in my opinion, but a semi auto would be fine as well.

Check out your local firearms laws. I don't know how "gun friendly" NY state is to their residents. I know that NYC is certainly not, but I don't know about the rest of the state. Check here for a good starting point - http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/NYSL.pdf

One thing that you might want to check on is the local hunting regulations before you buy one. For instance, here in PA, you can't use a semi-auto to hunt with. I love my Ruger 10-22, but I can't take it small game hunting. Bolt and lever action rifles are allowed. You didn't say whether you have the intention of ever using any of the guns for hunting purposes, but I thought at least give you some food for thought.

A good training course is a great idea. A good course will introduce you to the basics of the various types of actions and safe handling of each. Try here http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx for an NRA course.

I really agree about trying some different guns out first before you buy. You may want to look for a local sportsman's club. Most will have a range that you can use and likely will have members that would be willing to let you try out some of their firearms to help you make your selections. Different clubs may have different focuses, so look around. For example, there is one club near me that shoots trap only. That wouldn't be the best place to go to get advice. Not that there wouldn't be some knowledgeable folks, but they are going to be more focused on high end target shotguns than anything else.

Good luck!

__________________
Stush

IMO a Remington 870 in either 20 gauge or preferably 12 gauge will suffice. Ideal for personal protection, good for varmints. You can shoot slugs with one to take deer. Good luck.

__________________
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow the fields of those who don't."-Thomas Jefferson

One thing I didn't notice mentioned is that self-loading shotguns use (bleed off) some of the recoil to load the next round. This means that, even if all else were equal (cartridge, firearm weight) a self-loading shotgun will deliver less recoil to the shooter than any other type of shotgun.

Another thing which was mentioned, but can't be stressed enough, is that the most important thing in shotgun recoil management is that the shotgun fit you. It definitely shouldn't be too big, and the shape should be right for you to hold naturally. Ask someone who knows what they're talking about, on the spot. For most women, it's worth buying a youth-sized (shorter stock) firearm, then fitting a recoil-absorbing butt-pad, then checking the size and if necessary having a specialist shotgun gunsmith adjust the stock. A gun that fits will come to the shoulder and have you naturally looking down (along) the barrel without having to think about aiming - in your hands it will just naturally point. Note also that you should hold the firearm firmly to your shoulder. If you don't, recoil will get the firearm moving back, then it will HIT your shoulder. OUCH! Bruises. Hold it firmly so you and the gun are a single entity, and the recoil will try to move gun and you together - much harder to do, and the gun pushes you rather than hitting you - altogether different.

Massad Ayoob, a well-known expert on the use of firearms, particularly in self-defence, has stated that in his opinion the best self-defence firearm is a self-loading 20-gauge shotgun. 20-gauge is surprisingly close in performance to 12-gauge, but with less recoil. Less recoil means the gun doesn't lift as much, and you can get back on target quicker for the next shot. Self-loading is also less recoil, and also less complicated. You don't have to co-ordinate anything under pressure - just squeeze the trigger as many times as it takes. This is important. Simple is not only better, sometimes it's essential. It's even been known for someone with a pump-action shotgun, under the pressure of events and adrenaline, to keep pumping and forget to shoot. They ended up with a magazine-load of unfired shells around their feet, and would have been in trouble if they hadn't had an armed companion.

I'd suggest that a .22 rim-fire rifle and a shotgun are essential; and that a centre-fire rifle, probably .243 Winchester; and a handgun are next in importance. There's much more to be said about handguns and .243 rifles, but most of it's already been said more than once on these forums, and you can use the search function to find it first before you ask more questions.

My hubby thinks you can never have enough guns.

He's taught me how to shoot, and I've enjoyed it. My favorite rifle is either a 22/250 or a .223. That's what we use for varmit shooting, ie groundhogs, racoons, coyotes, etc. Very, very easy to shoot. Our .223 has a shorter barrel that is perfect for me (only 5'1") and recoil is very minimal. It could also be used for deer hunting.

For deer hunting I use either a .270 or 30.06.

One thing no one has mentioned is scopes. A good rifle needs a good scope. And sometimes you have to adjust them. I'm too impatient, so hubby adjusts for me.

Look up hunter safety courses in your area. Usually they are at Rod & Gun clubs and they will welcome your questions!

Well, here comes a city PD officer of 13 years opinion.....

Listen to Jolly and Watcher. You do need a bettery of guns. IMO, if you can only get one, start with a Remington 870. Second, get a defensive handgun, then 22 rifle, then centerfire rifle. Though this depends on what you want the guns for. If your a hunter first, obviously the centerfire might be bumped up in your order.

For me, I CC every day. I wont carry anything under 9mm. With the right defensive amo, 9mm is all you should ever need. A Glock 19 is something light, reliable and easy to use. Though I will say this.....if possible go to a gun range and rent a various number of handguns, try a bunch out. Glocks are not for everyone, find something you like and something you can hit the target with. Shooting with a handgun isnt that hard with a few pointers from an experienced shooter. Try both a wheel gun and a pistol. Decide what you want based on like, feel, accuracy, capacity, reliability etc.....

I have a pistol (2 actually) on my nightstand in a small safe, I can open it in my sleep if needed in two seconds. Shotguns are also good for home defense, but they dont really fit into a small gunsafe you can keep on your nightstand. So if there are no kids in the house, by all means, prop one up in the corner next to your bed. One guy recommended a break action shotgun. If home defense is part of the reason you want a gun, DO NOT GET THIS. Get a rem. 870. If someone breaks into your house, you want more than 1-2 rounds.

For defensive weapons and handgun advice, I recommend you take a two hour stroll through this forum......

http://concealedcarryforum.com/forum...asp?FORUM_ID=7

And if you do get a handgun.....practice a few times a year.....it really does help, particularly with your confidence.

Sooooo.....for a homestead....listen to the two guys I mentioned....If you are particularly interested in guns for personal defense, I can get as deep as you like.