A gun for a first time user?

[Kaboomba]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Okay, I know I now have to get one...as this area is starting to get rough. (For protection of myself and family).


I need something that is easy to use, and that would be a good gun to learn on. I'm going to go "shooting" with a few friends (who already have them), and plan on signing up for a few classes too.


I'm kinda a small guy, so something that won't knock me over would be a good start...Thanks!


"Area is starting to get rough" and "For protection of myself and family" does NOT necessarily mean that OP should purchase a handgun as the first gun!!

In fact, purchasing a 38 snubbie to meet the above needs could very well be a very irresponsible move.

For their safety, if one person in a prevously-gun-free family gets a gun, everyone in the family needs to be educated and acclimated.

I think we need daves87rs (OP) to clarify the EXACT purpose of this first gun.

Can we have some clarififaction as to what duty this first family gun will have to perform?

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: Kaboomba
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Okay, I know I now have to get one...as this area is starting to get rough. (For protection of myself and family).


I need something that is easy to use, and that would be a good gun to learn on. I'm going to go "shooting" with a few friends (who already have them), and plan on signing up for a few classes too.


I'm kinda a small guy, so something that won't knock me over would be a good start...Thanks!


"Area is starting to get rough" and "For protection of myself and family" does NOT necessarily mean that OP should purchase a handgun as the first gun!!

In fact, purchasing a 38 snubbie to meet the above needs could very well be a very irresponsible move.

For their safety, if one person in a prevously-gun-free family gets a gun, everyone in the family needs to be educated and acclimated.

I think we need daves87rs (OP) to clarify the EXACT purpose of this first gun.

Can we have some clarififaction as to what duty this first family gun will have to perform?



Who is suggesting a .38 snub nose for his first gun? In fact, most of the revolver suggestions have been a 4 inch. And one post said to stay away from a snub. Another said 4 inch minimum.

I think most of the postings have been very responsible.

JMO... Bill

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Kaboomba


There are so many fun shotgun sports, out there and accessible, that the barriers to becoming safe, comfortable, and proficient with the 20ga pump gun are about as low as you'll find.

A 20ga youth shotgun can be used at all sorts of trap ranges, gun clubs, etc., usually cheaply and easily, unlike a handgun.
A great point practice makes perfect and when it is fun you will practice. Buying a surfboard doesn't make you a surfer!!!

 

[Kaboomba]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Kaboomba
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Okay, I know I now have to get one...as this area is starting to get rough. (For protection of myself and family).


I need something that is easy to use, and that would be a good gun to learn on. I'm going to go "shooting" with a few friends (who already have them), and plan on signing up for a few classes too.


I'm kinda a small guy, so something that won't knock me over would be a good start...Thanks!


"Area is starting to get rough" and "For protection of myself and family" does NOT necessarily mean that OP should purchase a handgun as the first gun!!

In fact, purchasing a 38 snubbie to meet the above needs could very well be a very irresponsible move.

For their safety, if one person in a prevously-gun-free family gets a gun, everyone in the family needs to be educated and acclimated.

I think we need daves87rs (OP) to clarify the EXACT purpose of this first gun.

Can we have some clarififaction as to what duty this first family gun will have to perform?



Who is suggesting a .38 snub nose for his first gun? In fact, most of the revolver suggestions have been a 4 inch. And one post said to stay away from a snub. Another said 4 inch minimum.

I think most of the postings have been very responsible.

JMO... Bill


My main point is that the reasons stated by daves87rs (OP) do not point to a handgun as the first purchase. They actually point to a small shotgun.

In fact, depending on circumstances, purchasing a 357 or other revolver or even any handgun at all could be downright irresponsible for the OP.

Don't you agree that the basic, common sense approach to defending a family that has not had a gun in the house (to this point, normally), is to obtain and use a small shotgun to acclimate everyone in the household?

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: Kaboomba

My main point is that the reasons stated by daves87rs (OP) do not point to a handgun as the first purchase. They actually point to a small shotgun.

In fact, depending on circumstances, purchasing a 357 or other revolver or even any handgun at all could be downright irresponsible for the OP.

Don't you agree that the basic, common sense approach to defending a family that has not had a gun in the house (to this point, normally), is to obtain and use a small shotgun to acclimate everyone in the household?


No I think any approach to self defense requires training and practice no matter what method/weapon you choose.

He did indicate the training so I did not touch on that when I replied.

Since he already has a shotgun I doubt that another one is wanted over something more compact.

I agree that a snub nose would not be my first choice (though that is what I carry quite a bit) and it would not be my ONLY weapon or first one to obtain.

And no I would not go directly to the shotgun (even in a 20 gauge) for home defense. While it is a VERY effective weapon in that mission its not for everyone. My sister wanted one for her home in Montana I took her out with my 12 gauge and had her shoot light #8 shells. After 3-4 shots she knew what she did not want. She carries an .357 3" for CCW so she has experience with weapons.

Remember he did say "easy to use" and "something that won't knock me over". A revolver covers that. Shotguns do have quite a bit of recoil.

For me, basic common sense approach is to get training and shoot different weapons BEFORE buying anything.

Take care and thanks for YOUR viewpoint, bill

 

[yaris0128]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Kaboomba

My main point is that the reasons stated by daves87rs (OP) do not point to a handgun as the first purchase. They actually point to a small shotgun.

In fact, depending on circumstances, purchasing a 357 or other revolver or even any handgun at all could be downright irresponsible for the OP.

Don't you agree that the basic, common sense approach to defending a family that has not had a gun in the house (to this point, normally), is to obtain and use a small shotgun to acclimate everyone in the household?


No I think any approach to self defense requires training and practice no matter what method/weapon you choose.

He did indicate the training so I did not touch on that when I replied.

Since he already has a shotgun I doubt that another one is wanted over something more compact.

I agree that a snub nose would not be my first choice (though that is what I carry quite a bit) and it would not be my ONLY weapon or first one to obtain.

And no I would not go directly to the shotgun (even in a 20 gauge) for home defense. While it is a VERY effective weapon in that mission its not for everyone. My sister wanted one for her home in Montana I took her out with my 12 gauge and had her shoot light #8 shells. After 3-4 shots she knew what she did not want. She carries an .357 3" for CCW so she has experience with weapons.

Remember he did say "easy to use" and "something that won't knock me over". A revolver covers that. Shotguns do have quite a bit of recoil.

For me, basic common sense approach is to get training and shoot different weapons BEFORE buying anything.

Take care and thanks for YOUR viewpoint, bill



+1 If you dont know much about gun safety and maintenance get training.

 

[Steve S]

Guns are easy and the safty rules are simple . They must be learned and headed.

 

[ryland]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
I have a BURSA Firestorm 380. Very nice gun at a good price ~ $240


What he said. Its inexpensive, accurate, not too powerfull but still enough to takeout a bad guy, also has a safty which even though thats not ideal tacticly since your a beginner I would advise one with a safty. I would find a range where you can tryout guns before buying and I would also take a class there. Your just creating more danger in a break in situation if you dont know how to use your weapon. I hope you take up shooting and enjoy! New shooters are always welocome and I think if you find a range and tell them that you are new to shooting they will be more than happy to help you out. There are some really nice people you meet in shooting sports so dont be shy!

 

[Kaboomba]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah


No I think any approach to self defense requires training and practice no matter what method/weapon you choose.

He did indicate the training so I did not touch on that when I replied.

Since he already has a shotgun I doubt that another one is wanted over something more compact.

I agree that a snub nose would not be my first choice (though that is what I carry quite a bit) and it would not be my ONLY weapon or first one to obtain.

And no I would not go directly to the shotgun (even in a 20 gauge) for home defense. While it is a VERY effective weapon in that mission its not for everyone. My sister wanted one for her home in Montana I took her out with my 12 gauge and had her shoot light #8 shells. After 3-4 shots she knew what she did not want. She carries an .357 3" for CCW so she has experience with weapons.

Remember he did say "easy to use" and "something that won't knock me over". A revolver covers that. Shotguns do have quite a bit of recoil.

For me, basic common sense approach is to get training and shoot different weapons BEFORE buying anything.

Take care and thanks for YOUR viewpoint, bill



Don't cop-out on me so quickly, Bill!

With LOTS of reading, observation, and conversation with lifelong gun-users (and their spouses!), and having recently introduced guns and the concept of home/self defense to my household and helping friends with same, I can tell you:

SHOTGUNS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO BRING BEGINNERS UP TO A SAFE, EFFECTIVE DEFENSE CONDITION

And a big reason for that is because you can take your beginners to the local gun club, where they can have a lot of fun busting clays while learning valuable real-life self-defense skills.

But I'm nobody's mother, so I'll shut up now.