New to the hobby
- Thread starter Rookie21
- Start date
- Status
Well I have a lot to think about. I know it's imperative to take the class, it will just postpone getting the gear. Very informative answers and I will probably re-read this thread many times before I make any decisions. I also highly doubt any ranges would let me rent and try out guns without having any experience.
I will let you all know how this goes.
Thanks again!
I will let you all know how this goes.
Thanks again!
ccjcc81
Member
Very good advice on this thread. What a resource.
Safety, Safety, Safety. Watch some youtube videos on safety. If you live in an apartment, or anywhere else really, read up on ballistics and penetration.
Safety, Safety, Safety. Watch some youtube videos on safety. If you live in an apartment, or anywhere else really, read up on ballistics and penetration.
Training is probably the least expensive and most important aspect of owning firearms.
I recently attended an NRA Basic Handgun course with my girlfriend. It was a fun 'date,' ran about 4 hours, and cost $100 total for both of us. I would highly recommend that you schedule a course, find a babysitter, and take your wife with you.
R
gun guy
Member
A basic practical pistol course is a good idea. They start all students out with a .22 revolver. Not a 9mm or .357 magnum, or belt fed m60. Since you mentioned money is an issue,it often is. Quite often, for about the same price, you can pick up a good quality revolver, it is far better, than a cheap automatic. Used guns are a consideration, provided it is checked out by a gunsmith first. The most important aspect of responsible gun ownership, is safety. An automatic weapon is more complex than a revolver, and inexperience, coupled with a more complex weapon, increases the likelyhood of an accident. Here is one spot check on ammo prices, from Cheaper than Dirt.com as an example. Aquila target 22lr, 500 rounds, $30.19. Armscor 22lr, 500 rounds, $24.49. several brands of 9mm target are in the $10 for 50 rounds. Fair, to good carry ammo (hollow points) costs more, from $15.00 for 50, to top grade carry ammo, $20 for 20. Simple math shows you can eaisly get 3 or 4 times or more the practice in with 22lr for the same price as a 9mm. At this point, as a beginner, the more range time the better. You can always trade in your 22, down the line, for different weapon, as your experience grows. Make sure above all, that is a weapon that you, and your wife are comfortable with, not something, someone talked you into. Trying several types of weapons before buying is always a good idea. best of luck to you.
Last edited:
CoRoMo
Member
Excellent choice. If I were to recommend a first handgun to a person new to the game, that'd always be the one. The ammo is readily available and inexpensive. There are plenty of guns to choose from, and they will all basically operate the same way.
However, since you mentioned hunting, a shotgun would do well to double its role as a defense weapon for the house and a hunting tool. Something to think about anyway. A shotgun has no equal, when it comes to home defense.
For a brand new .38 special handgun, you're going to pay $300-$400 at the very least.
Here's an example: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/362/products_id/38052
For a brand new 12 gauge shotgun, you're going to start out around $200 for a decent pump action shotgun.
Here's and example: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/42628
I also highly recommend taking a class or two. The NRA basic pistol is good, but so is a basic hunter's safety course. I'm not going to tell you that you must take the class before getting your gun. Do it in the order you feel is best for you, but it is obvious that you have realized that training is very important.
Last edited:
doc2rn
Member
You dont have to take the class, I never did, and I compete regularly. The manual that comes with the weapon system should give you all the information you need on the weapon. I recommend starting off with a used Ruger MKII or a Buckmark both are .22lr rounds. Do NOT underestimate the rimfires! They are as lethal as any centerfire round! Obey the 4 Rules, read the manual and ask a gunnie if you have questions we love to give you our $.02 and info. We will usually get together and teach the Rookies if they ask nice and are close to us.
Officers'Wife
Member
Different bullet weights and type are for the use you mean to make of the weapon.
For example, in my little carbine I like flat nose bullets. Since most of my shooting is paper targets the flat nose tends to make a neater hole than round nose. When I decide to shoot rabbits with it, I use the lightest weight I can find. Should I decide to shoot deer with it, I would use the heaviest.
Item last; every weapon has a species of ammunition it 'likes'. Finding that breed is a matter of experimentation.
For example, in my little carbine I like flat nose bullets. Since most of my shooting is paper targets the flat nose tends to make a neater hole than round nose. When I decide to shoot rabbits with it, I use the lightest weight I can find. Should I decide to shoot deer with it, I would use the heaviest.
Item last; every weapon has a species of ammunition it 'likes'. Finding that breed is a matter of experimentation.
stonecutter2
Member
Since you have a 3 year old around, I would highly recommend working into the budget some means of a quick-access safe/lockbox - that way you can get to the weapon should you need to, but curious little hands won't get near it otherwise. Skip the class, buy a good lockbox and more ammo. Youtube is an excellent source for a variety of information about shooting. Also, I really, really recommend http://www.corneredcat.com. Although the website is geared towards ladies, the entire site is FILLED with useful firearm newbie stuff!Wow thank you for all the replies!
A lot was said and asked, so I'll try to address as much as I can.
I am 26, live in Chicago, married, have a 3 year old son. I'm just starting to do my research into my first self defense gun due to my neighborhood changing and some incidents in my alley.
XcGates said "this isn't a hobby its a disease"...I know. I have been thinking about this for all of 3 weeks and have already lined up my next years worth of paychecks towards self defense, Hunting, and clayshooting "materials"
I'm currently considering the .38 special, although I'm not sold on it yet. I am a member of the NRA (gift from a friend, and I will most likely renew)
I would love to attend the class, but my current financial situation doesn't allow me to both take the class AND buy the pistol, bullets, case... I guess it comes down to priorities which is why I'm doing as much research as possible so as to at least postpone the class for a bit until I can afford it.
I will certainly go to the range and try out the gun I choose before I buy, although I haven't figured out yet what I need in order to be allowed in the range.
Thanks everyone for your help!
Also, most guns will include a manual - if they don't, find the manufacturer's website and download it for free, or they'll ship one to you (usually free). It will tell you how to load/unload/disassemble the firearm.
Last edited:
stickhauler
Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2009
- Messages
- 538
Most ranges are affiliated with the National Shooting Sports Association as well, and offer the NSSA's "First Shots" program at least once a year, most more often than that. I'm not sure the same applies at every range, but where I shoot, our "First Shot" programs are offered free, with classes sizes limited of course, but we never have people on a waiting list that I know of. That program teaches basic firearm and range safety, and offers those taking part the chance to try out pistols, rifles and shotguns.
Given you live up near Chicago, I'd wager lots of ranges in the area would be offering this program as often as possible since the city offers a huge demand for firearms and training in the wake of the McDonald decision. Check it out!
Given you live up near Chicago, I'd wager lots of ranges in the area would be offering this program as often as possible since the city offers a huge demand for firearms and training in the wake of the McDonald decision. Check it out!
Rookie21 -- Go to Maxon's in Des Plaines and rent pistols before you buy. If you don't have a FOID card, you can still try out different guns, but it will have to be supervised and that costs more.
You can also apply for your FOID while you're there. You'll need to have it in your hands before any purchase can take place.
Say you want to get a 9mm... you can try a 9mm Glock or a 9mm Springfield XD. Both are striker-fired as opposed to traditional single action/double action. Each one will fit your hand different. You can also try a more traditional single action/double action auto with an external hammer, like a 9mm Beretta 92.
You can't go wrong with a .38 Special. Get a 4" or 6" barrel, not a snub nose. It will last about a century longer than you, and ammo is cheap and available everywhere. Easy to operate, easy to care for.
Go to Cabela's or Dick's Sporting Goods and get a pistol safe, or save money and buy one online.
Caution: One gun always leads to another. A .22 target pistol and a model 1911 .45 auto are two other handguns that should be in every collection.
You can also apply for your FOID while you're there. You'll need to have it in your hands before any purchase can take place.
Say you want to get a 9mm... you can try a 9mm Glock or a 9mm Springfield XD. Both are striker-fired as opposed to traditional single action/double action. Each one will fit your hand different. You can also try a more traditional single action/double action auto with an external hammer, like a 9mm Beretta 92.
You can't go wrong with a .38 Special. Get a 4" or 6" barrel, not a snub nose. It will last about a century longer than you, and ammo is cheap and available everywhere. Easy to operate, easy to care for.
Go to Cabela's or Dick's Sporting Goods and get a pistol safe, or save money and buy one online.
Caution: One gun always leads to another. A .22 target pistol and a model 1911 .45 auto are two other handguns that should be in every collection.
- Status
