advice for someone just getting into the guns...

[Professor]

i figure there are some folks who might be able to use this as well, so any advice for a beginner would be appreciated...

i'm gonna be putting in my paperwork as soon as i get off my ass and fill it all out. this is all new to me and i want to be one of those responsible types. any advice on something to start out with? i'm looking for a range that rents so i can 'try before you buy', so to speak.

and please use plain english. these acronyms and such are baffling. i guess explain things like you would to a child, but i already know not to point at anything i don't want dead. hahaha....

[Clockwork]

Someone once told me that owning a gun would make my balls bigger, is that true?

[BillBrasky]

Someone once told me that owning a gun would make my balls bigger, is that true?

You would have to have balls to begin with. Don't act so fucking smug because your countrymen lost their ability to own guns, and pretend that you don't want/need them. I love how people who don't have guns, always say that people are somehow weaker because they do, laughable.


As per the question: Take a firearms basic course from someone near you, like a concealed handgun course instructor or someone similar. Get to the range as often as you can, and get comfortable with a variety of different kinds. Don't just try each type once and make a decision, many types are so different that they take a while to get used to; then, once you do, you like the new kind better. Once you get familiar at a range, find a buddy who had a real job in the military and knows tactical use of a firearm. After this, find a friends land, and set up a range to practice those tactics on safely.

[Clockwork]

You would have to have balls to begin with. Don't act so fucking smug because your countrymen lost their ability to own guns, and pretend that you don't want/need them. I love how people who don't have guns, always say that people are somehow weaker because they do, laughable.

That came across the wrong way, I wasn't trying to be smug or anti-gun. You're right, I do want a handgun and it's a real pain here.

Someone actually said that to me tho (the balls comment) cause they know I'm good natured and easy going and when I said I wanted to get into firearms they figured I'd change.

I would actually like to learn from this thread.

[DIYWMD]

If I had any advice it would be this: get 90 days Texas residency. We'll hook you up with all kind of heater toys!

[Branded]

i figure there are some folks who might be able to use this as well, so any advice for a beginner would be appreciated...

i'm gonna be putting in my paperwork as soon as i get off my ass and fill it all out. this is all new to me and i want to be one of those responsible types. any advice on something to start out with? i'm looking for a range that rents so i can 'try before you buy', so to speak.

and please use plain english. these acronyms and such are baffling. i guess explain things like you would to a child, but i already know not to point at anything i don't want dead. hahaha....

Speaking on the 'try before you buy' idea. There is a shop near me that has a section of firearms exclusively for rental usage in their indoor range. You just give em a $10 bill for the ammo, sign a waiver, and you're in the range shooting. Maybe you got something like this near you?

[aaronkicks]

I got a Taurus 9mm PT 24/7 for my first one. I'm still a beginner but for a handgun I think it's nice. Indiana has really relaxed gun laws so it was very easy.

[BillBrasky]

That came across the wrong way, I wasn't trying to be smug or anti-gun. You're right, I do want a handgun and it's a real pain here.

Someone actually said that to me tho (the balls comment) cause they know I'm good natured and easy going and when I said I wanted to get into firearms they figured I'd change.

I would actually like to learn from this thread.

Okay then, we'll start over on that aspect.

[hatedhooligan]

Someone once told me that owning a gun would make my balls bigger, is that true?

sure makes you feel like they are bigger.. thats why some knuckle heads have no business owning a gun.. think they are fuckin john wayne and wanna shoot everyone...

[Anon1]

To start with what is the purpose of the purchase?

My guns come in classes basically. Fun, tactical, competition.

A fun gun can be something cheep to shoot, maybe in a caliber that isn't going to knock down steel or do the level of ballistic trauma I expect from a self-defense weapon. I would classify my .22s here, not useful for much, but a ton of fun to shoot and cheap.

To start with I'd recommend Ruger .22s. Mark III pistols and 10/22 rifles are some of the best learning tools around.

Tactical is where I spend most of my time and effort. Anything from .38/.380 up can be considered in this classification.

I recommend that most people learn to use hi-capacity automatic pistols. Either chambered in 9mm or .45 acp. I'm not getting into a caliber fight here, I know people like .40 and 10m they just are too expensive for me to shoot, and will be hard to find if the zombies come. I like the Springfield XDM and the Glocks.

For rifles it's really goign to depend on your budget. You mainly can't go wrong with either a black rifle (AR-15 variant, M-4, M6 and so on) or a well made AK. Notice I said well made. There are good manufacturers and bad ones. Do your research. For those of you that are not looking to drop as much money an SKS can be had for a decent price and can be tricked out. Shit, if all you need is a rifle you can't go wrong with a .303 brit (enfield) I've seen some nice ones reworked into 7.62 that were cheap.

As for competition, well these are where the money is. Usually tricked out larger caliber weapons (9mm + for hand guns; prefer .45, 5.56+ for rifles; I like 5.56 and 7.62 for availability). These guns generally are what I shoot only when I'm at a range, with my gear and competing or training.

If and when the user gets to this level they should know what they like, have the basic safety and handling rules down, and understand range and competition protocols. I'm not going to make any reccomendations here. Shoot what works for you. Personally thats a Glock and an LWRC M6 A2 right now.

[Nutter]

i figure there are some folks who might be able to use this as well, so any advice for a beginner would be appreciated...

i'm gonna be putting in my paperwork as soon as i get off my ass and fill it all out. this is all new to me and i want to be one of those responsible types. any advice on something to start out with? i'm looking for a range that rents so i can 'try before you buy', so to speak.

and please use plain english. these acronyms and such are baffling. i guess explain things like you would to a child, but i already know not to point at anything i don't want dead. hahaha....

Here is my advice. Buy Three of everything. One to Shoot. One to Be a Safe Queen. Third as a Rainy Day fund.

Really, when it comes to handguns the over riding thing that most people miss is not getting a gun that suits themselves. Most modern Semi Auto Handguns are Reliable and will work when you need them to. IF you are want something for Defensive shooting/Carry gun/Home defense weapon/Plinker my advice is to stick with the big three as I like to call them. Glocks, Smith and Wesson M&P series or Springfield XD series of pistols. They all have their pluses and Minuses or Pros and Cons BUT they all will be completely reliable and will shoot in most cases better than you can when it comes to accuracy.

A few things to think about. Figure out what you are going to be doing with the weapon. Will it be your daily carry gun? Will it stay in your Car/Truck? In the house and only go to the range with you?

Daily Carry gun on your person? You should Look at the Compacts and Subcompact Models in the Three Brands I talked about. Smaller is always easier to carry but from a shooting stand point you should look at the 3.5/4 inch models (compacts) they will be easier to shoot than the subcompact models. Full Size models while easiest to shoot don't make the best Daily carry weapons.

Only carrying the weapon every so often and it will mostly stay in your Car/Truck 90% of the time you should look to a compact or full size model. They are easier to shoot that subcompacts and since concealed carry is not your overriding concern a full size model will fit in the glove box or center console just as easy as any subcompact. Again think about the compact or mid size guns in the three I have talked about if you will carry it from time to time on your person concealed. So you get the best of both worlds. Also the full size model can be concealed from time to time if need be but isn't the best option.

The gun staying in your home and only going to an from the range. Get yourself a full size Glock, XD or S&W M&P. They will shoot the easiest and by easiest they will have the best accuracy (they will out shoot you for a long time to come) and will be the easiest to control because of size and weight. Again, around the house size doesn't really matter because you can keep them any place with out space concerns.

Caliber? I will say this only one time (well maybe more in future posts). STAY AWAY FROM .40 Cal or 10mm. Both are high pressure rounds and have a torquing action to their recoil that throws off Novice and Experienced shooters. Also with modern bullets and loads other Calibers will work just as good. Remember the biggest reason someone doesn't fall down from being shot is you missed them Not that they are bullet absorbing machines who you have to shoot 5987598437532948 times to get them to die. Stick with 9mm with a good defensive load ( I like 124 +P+ Winchester Ranger Ammo myself). Stay away from .380 caliber weapons. They are fine for a back up gun not as a primary carry or defensive gun. .45 is a option but they tend to be a bit larger even in the compact models and subcompact models than 9mm. Ammo costs are a bit more also. My advice would be stick with 9mm and learn to shoot it well.

Lastly, when picking one of the three biggies make sure the gun fits you with proper finger to trigger matting and is conformable in your hand. If it doesn't fit your hand you won't be able to shoot it well. Proper Finger to Trigger Matting means that when you hold the weapon the Pad of your Index finger touches the trigger mid finger pad naturally or as close to naturally as it can with out over lap to the first knuckle (hooking the trigger at the joint) or having to stretch your finger into proper position. Both Hooking the Trigger with your First Knuckle or Having to stretch your finger out to get the center of your index fingers pad in the right spot can cause you to PULL your shots off target.

Find a indoor or out door range. Rent a few different brands/models and see what you like. Then buy. Then sign up for a basic shooting course as soon as you get your weapon.

Hope this helps.

[Professor]

thanks.

my main reason for wanting one is for the home/range. i've handled a couple of friends' .357s and they felt very comfortable in the hand, but i've never fired one so i'm not gonna go buy something i can't handle if it's got a serious recoil to it, although i did see a gorgeous Colt Trooper with a 6 in. barrel recently that i fell in love with. i've also handled a couple of 9mm, but they felt a little weird. i guess i just gotta go try some out and see what's what and go from there.

i figured i should get something with relatively inexpensive and common rounds so if i gotta hole up with someone for a while if the apocalypse comes i don't have to resort to beating something to death with the gun because i have no ammo instead of shooting it. hahaha...

[Anon1]

Here is my advice. Buy Three of everything. One to Shoot. One to Be a Safe Queen. Third as a Rainy Day fund.

Really, when it comes to handguns the over riding thing that most people miss is not getting a gun that suits themselves. Most modern Semi Auto Handguns are Reliable and will work when you need them to. IF you are want something for Defensive shooting/Carry gun/Home defense weapon/Plinker my advice is to stick with the big three as I like to call them. Glocks, Smith and Wesson M&P series or Springfield XD series of pistols. They all have their pluses and Minuses or Pros and Cons BUT they all will be completely reliable and will shoot in most cases better than you can when it comes to accuracy.

A few things to think about. Figure out what you are going to be doing with the weapon. Will it be your daily carry gun? Will it stay in your Car/Truck? In the house and only go to the range with you?

Daily Carry gun on your person? You should Look at the Compacts and Subcompact Models in the Three Brands I talked about. Smaller is always easier to carry but from a shooting stand point you should look at the 3.5/4 inch models (compacts) they will be easier to shoot than the subcompact models. Full Size models while easiest to shoot don't make the best Daily carry weapons.

Only carrying the weapon every so often and it will mostly stay in your Car/Truck 90% of the time you should look to a compact or full size model. They are easier to shoot that subcompacts and since concealed carry is not your overriding concern a full size model will fit in the glove box or center console just as easy as any subcompact. Again think about the compact or mid size guns in the three I have talked about if you will carry it from time to time on your person concealed. So you get the best of both worlds. Also the full size model can be concealed from time to time if need be but isn't the best option.

The gun staying in your home and only going to an from the range. Get yourself a full size Glock, XD or S&W M&P. They will shoot the easiest and by easiest they will have the best accuracy (they will out shoot you for a long time to come) and will be the easiest to control because of size and weight. Again, around the house size doesn't really matter because you can keep them any place with out space concerns.

Caliber? I will say this only one time (well maybe more in future posts). STAY AWAY FROM .40 Cal or 10mm. Both are high pressure rounds and have a torquing action to their recoil that throws off Novice and Experienced shooters. Also with modern bullets and loads other Calibers will work just as good. Remember the biggest reason someone doesn't fall down from being shot is you missed them Not that they are bullet absorbing machines who you have to shoot 5987598437532948 times to get them to die. Stick with 9mm with a good defensive load ( I like 124 +P+ Winchester Ranger Ammo myself). Stay away from .380 caliber weapons. They are fine for a back up gun not as a primary carry or defensive gun. .45 is a option but they tend to be a bit larger even in the compact models and subcompact models than 9mm. Ammo costs are a bit more also. My advice would be stick with 9mm and learn to shoot it well.

Lastly, when picking one of the three biggies make sure the gun fits you with proper finger to trigger matting and is conformable in your hand. If it doesn't fit your hand you won't be able to shoot it well. Proper Finger to Trigger Matting means that when you hold the weapon the Pad of your Index finger touches the trigger mid finger pad naturally or as close to naturally as it can with out over lap to the first knuckle (hooking the trigger at the joint) or having to stretch your finger into proper position. Both Hooking the Trigger with your First Knuckle or Having to stretch your finger out to get the center of your index fingers pad in the right spot can cause you to PULL your shots off target.

Find a indoor or out door range. Rent a few different brands/models and see what you like. Then buy. Then sign up for a basic shooting course as soon as you get your weapon.

Hope this helps.

Great advice.

I guess we haven't talked about shotguns in here too much.

Shotguns

I'm a mossberg man. In my personal opinion there is not a better multi-use 12 guage pump than the 590. No other shotgun has past the Marine Corps 50,000 round test, it did. It's easy to use, has a decent capacity, and many accessories are available.

Now that thats out of the way, what are you looking to a shotgun to do?

Hunting, home defense, and sporting clays I would say would be the biggest uses of shotguns.

Many states no longer allow the use of high-powered rifles to hunt game and require a shot gun, and you'll want it for bird. in a hunting shotgun I would look for something that is adjustable choke and does easy barrel swaps for a scoped slug barrel.

For home defense, especially if a non-shooting woman will be using it, I'd recommend a .20 guage. There are several made for this very purpose. Many different loads too.

I have shot clays, but not enough to really put out an opinion.

[Anon1]

thanks.

my main reason is for the home/range. i've handled a couple of friends' .357s and they felt very comfortable in the hand, but i've never fired one so i'm not gonna go buy something i can't handle if it's got a serious recoil to it. i've also handled a couple of 9mm, but they felt a little weird. i guess i just gotta go try some out and see what's what and go from there.

I would stay away from things like .357 and .44. They can be fun but aren't very practical.

I assume you're talking about different styles of pistol, revolver vs. automatic.

My take on this is simple. A revolver can be accurate, and way reliable, but their capacity will make it so that I always carry an auto.

I understand your complaint about the way it feels. This boils down to handgun ergonomics. The manufacturers that Nutter mentioned (S&W M&P, Glock or Sprigfield XD) have all been designed with this in purpose.

[Nutter]

thanks.

my main reason for wanting one is for the home/range. i've handled a couple of friends' .357s and they felt very comfortable in the hand, but i've never fired one so i'm not gonna go buy something i can't handle if it's got a serious recoil to it, although i did see a gorgeous Colt Trooper with a 6 in. barrel recently that i fell in love with. i've also handled a couple of 9mm, but they felt a little weird. i guess i just gotta go try some out and see what's what and go from there.

i figured i should get something with relatively inexpensive and common rounds so if i gotta hole up with someone for a while if the apocalypse comes i don't have to resort to beating something to death with the gun because i have no ammo instead of shooting it. hahaha...


If you are looking at a revolver You should only look at S&W, Ruger or Taurus Revolvers. My first choice being S&W. You should only think about .357 cal. You can load full magnum loads for defensive shooting and practice with .38spl. Again look at getting a 4" or 6 Inch Barrel Small or Medium Framed guns. The 4" and 6" guns will shoot best anything longer and carrying it becomes a pain. In the night stand and in the truck over 6 inches become a issue also just getting it in and out of the place it is being kept.

Capacity issues? Remember most gun fights happen under 21 feet and they are not running gun fights that require lots of reloading. There are models of revolvers that hold 7 and 8 rounds but again your getting into bigger framed and heavier guns that might not be a good thing. Learn to use it and hit your target 2 or 3 shots from a .357 will drop anyone walking trust me. Keep two or three speed loaders on hand and you will be covered.

Another advantage of a revolver include not having to rotate mags every month or two to prevent spring weakening. People also tend to shoot in a revolver better in single action over pistol.

[BillBrasky]

I agree with both of the other experienced shooters on here, that .40 is not for novices, but I freaking love it. It's got great stopping power, and you can load a ton. Once again, not for the beginner, but once you get well versed with your firearms, I would at least try one. .40 is my daily carry in a shoulder holster in the winter (a kel tec .32 in the summer), and I've taken one to the sandbox twice, it hasn't failed me yet. I love my 9mils, and my .45s, but I love no pistol as much as my Springfield XDM .40. I do understand what Nutter is saying about the snapping effect the high pow pows have, but I like it; in fact, after much (and I mean much, not a year, not a couple years, not even a few years, but much) training, I've grown more capable with the .40 as a sidearm transition weapon than any other pistol I own, or have ever been issued (and that's a bunch).

[rizsisindra]

remember to bring ear plugs when going to a range!!!

i don't know how it is there but down here you bring your own ear plugs/muffs. so after a session (2 boxes of 9mm) with the sig sauer without plugs, i had a ringing in my ear for 2-3 days...
don't bother calling me stupid, i already know!

[DIYWMD]

I would stay away from things like .357 and .44. They can be fun but aren't very practical.

I assume you're talking about different styles of pistol, revolver vs. automatic.

My take on this is simple. A revolver can be accurate, and way reliable, but their capacity will make it so that I always carry an auto.

I understand your complaint about the way it feels. This boils down to handgun ergonomics. The manufacturers that Nutter mentioned (S&W M&P, Glock or Sprigfield XD) have all been designed with this in purpose.


http://www.snubnose.info/images/sp101_2inch_350.jpg


I am so mad on you

[Nutter]

I agree with both of the other experienced shooters on here, that .40 is not for novices, but I freaking love it. It's got great stopping power, and you can load a ton. Once again, not for the beginner, but once you get well versed with your firearms, I would at least try one. .40 is my daily carry in a shoulder holster in the winter (a kel tec .32 in the summer), and I've taken one to the sandbox twice, it hasn't failed me yet. I love my 9mils, and my .45s, but I love no pistol as much as my Springfield XDM .40. I do understand what Nutter is saying about the snapping effect the high pow pows have, but I like it; in fact, after much (and I mean much, not a year, not a couple years, not even a few years, but much) training, I've grown more capable with the .40 as a sidearm transition weapon than any other pistol I own, or have ever been issued (and that's a bunch).

I carried my Glock 23 (40 cal Compact for those who don't know) for years and have over 23000 rounds though it. Yes you heard me right that's 23000 rounds. It is a shooter. I also have a Glock 19 (9mm Compact for those who don't know) that has around 15k though it now and I can say with out a second thought I shoot the G19 better just cause I can keep Doubles and Triples tighter on paper when shooting just because recoil is lighter and my time back on target is less. Keep in mind we are not talking much of a difference but there is a difference and the groups are tighter. My current carry gun is my XD 45 (45cal Spring Field XD Compact Model for those who don't know) and I shoot it as well or better than my G19 or my G23 and have only put 10k though it or so.

So what can novice shooters get out of what I just said? Shoot and Shoot a lot whatever you decide to carry and shoot.

[DIYWMD]

I carried my Glock 23 (40 cal Compact for those who don't know) for years and have over 23000 rounds though it. Yes you heard me right that's 23000 rounds. It is a shooter. I also have a Glock 19 (9mm Compact for those who don't know) that has around 15k though it now and I can say with out a second thought I shoot the G19 better just cause I can keep Doubles and Triples tighter on paper when shooting just because recoil is lighter and my time back on target is less. Keep in mind we are not talking much of a difference but there is a difference and the groups are tighter. My current carry gun is my XD 45 (45cal Spring Field XD Compact Model for those who don't know) and I shoot it as well or better than my G19 or my G23 and have only put 10k though it or so.

So what can novice shooters get out of what I just said? Shoot and Shoot a lot whatever you decide to carry and shoot.


How does that XD handle without the extended mag? Or did you get a finger extension for the other one? I don't like having my pinky floating like that, feels weird

[Nutter]

How does that XD handle without the extended mag? Or did you get a finger extension for the other one? I don't like having my pinky floating like that, feels weird

I carry the Compact XD45 That is the 4inch. Not the Subcompact that needs a pinky extension.

Here is a pic of what I carry daily.
http://sgcusa.com/images/large/SA_XD_4inch_A.JPG

[Anon1]

How does that XD handle without the extended mag? Or did you get a finger extension for the other one? I don't like having my pinky floating like that, feels weird

The compact isn't so bad, and you can get the extended mags for it. I use G17 mags in my G19 all the time.