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Advice for first gun purchase

12K views 86 replies 59 participants last post by  elsapo 
#1 ·
Hi everyone! I am a 48 year old single woman who is about to purchase her first gun. I don't have a ton of money to spend, I just need something for home protection. I live in a small apartment alone. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
 
#4 ·
What SLED said. When I was a firearms instructor, the rule of thumb was if you are going to go to the range at least once a month and practice your drills, it's OK to get a semi-automatic. If you don't plan on practicing that much, then it was suggested to get a revolver. Revolvers don't hold as much as a semi, but the reliability of the revolver is higher. That being said - there is going to be comments about the new semi's being very reliable, etc., but it boils down to one thing; semi's have many more moving parts, so the chances of something going wrong are higher. Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps.
 
#5 ·
First go to a gun shop and put some guns in your hands, find one that fits your hand that you can pull the trigger on as well as one you'll be able to pull the slide back on, if you do not have enough strength to pull the slide back you can eliminate semi-auto guns off the rip and go straight to revolvers, find a revolver that fits in your hand that you can pull the trigger. Once you narrow the guns that work for you, go to a range that rent the guns you tried in the shop...

Doing the above will save you money on renting and ammo...

Many females do not posses enough strength in their hands to manipulate the slide on a semi-auto and therefore wind-up buying a revolver...you need to make sure you can also handle the recoil of the gun as well...
 
#48 ·
Many females do not posses enough strength in their hands to manipulate the slide on a semi-auto and therefore wind-up buying a revolver...you need to make sure you can also handle the recoil of the gun as well...
I find this to be more technique than strength. I have taught women to do a push/pull technique for racking the slide. Strong hand push forward with pistol in you hand while pulling back on the slide with the weak hand.
 
#6 ·
Also contact the local NRA instructor near you. Most NRA instructors will assist you in choosing a basic defensive pistol. You can also get help from nearby ranges too before you make a final decision.

A couple of ideas for you to consider:

There is a reason why for many, many years the revolver was issued to or used by police rookie officers. Revolvers are pretty much fool proof, extremely reliable and are easier to maintain than most other handguns. If you put an anvil in a room full of rookies, lock the door and come back 10 minutes later, the anvil will be broken and nobody will know anything. For a pistol to survive being in the hands of guys who can break an anvil, that says quite a lot. In addition, if you have a malfunction, most of the time your drill to correct the malfunction is simply pull the trigger again. So everything about the revolver is simpler, easier and puts it right up there as a gun you should consider. I would suggest you think about getting a 4 inch revolver in .357 magnum but using .38 special hollow point ammo in it for personal defense.

Next for you to try out would be a good polymer pistol with a striker system of some kind. That means a Glock, S&W Shield or Springfield Armory XD pistol of some kind. All of these pistols are good in their own way and have design advantages which make each one comfortable to shoot, use and carry. I bounce back forth between all 3 makes depending on where I am going and what I plan to do that day. Each pistol has a different feel to me but each feel means something too.

My Glocks are for duty use or possible extreme danger/trouble. My Springfield XDS 9 mm is for when I want to carry something light but very, very accurate. My S&W 9 mm Shield is for carrying something that fits my hand better than the other 2 pistols. So each pistol has its advantages. You'll learn or feel this as you test the different pistols too.

Good luck in your quest. Again, seek professional help, take your time and make the decision that is right for you and your specific needs.
 
#7 ·
Time to find a gun shop and get YOUR hands on some grips. You need to find a weapon that fits you comfortably and one that you will be able to comfortably shoot / afford to shoot often.

My wife and I (she is small frame... I am not) both carry Smith & Wesson M&P Shields in 9mm. Cheap ammo... very compact/concealable (if you decide to carry)... can be had new for under $350... used around 250.

There are many options... will solely depend on your price point and what is comfortable for you.

The best gun for you is the one you will shoot and shoot often.
 
#9 ·
Where you start isn't necessarily where you will finish up. Most of the advice here is spot on insofar as how to go about the business. The tactical end of things would suggest your getting a concealed carry permit if you can do so in your locale. Home defense guns aren't of much use if you walk in on an intruder and the gun's locked in a lockbox with him between you and it....
 
#87 ·
You want some kind of early detection to alert on possible intruder. ie dogs,alarms etc..

Otherwise they will have the element of surprise. Just having a gun is just one part of the solution, you need to be alerted when the perimeter of your property has been breached by someone up to no good. For my home I have Hurricane Impact windows and doors with high quality locks in addition to a few dogs and cameras.
 
#12 ·
in general if you're the kind of person who wants a pistol for home defense that you can put in a drawer somewhere and have there just for that special occasion, .38 Revolver of some sort is probably what you're looking for. they generally cannot jam and aren't liable for the kind of issues you need to sometimes deal with on a semi-auto. if a round is a dud just pull the trigger again. if it is staying in the house all the time and not going to be carried, don't get a snubnose - get one with a least a few inches of barrel length. that will help the gun have less recoil and muzzle flip, and the longer sights will make you more accurate.
 
#13 ·
"Many females do not posses enough strength in their hands to manipulate the slide on a semi-auto and therefore wind-up buying a revolver...you need to make sure you can also handle the recoil of the gun as well..."

Don't forget loading magazines. I worked with many competant female L.E.O.'s who could handle 9mm,.40 S&W, or .45 ACP with no problem, yet they all struggled when loading their mags.
 
#14 ·
I'm going to say a little bit about what I've seen in cases like yours.

Pistols are hard to shoot accurately if you don't practice regularly. Let that idea resonate in your head. I've seen pistol owners repeatedly miss a man-sized target at 15 feet away. That is under perfect low-stress conditions with a stationary target. In a high-stress situation with a moving target in the dark, you're going to miss your target unless you're well-practiced. That is a problem, because of what is beyond your target in your small apartment. Pistol rounds have momentum that will allow them to travel through your walls if you miss. That is dangerous to those on the other side. It also means that you missed the bad guy and he is still there being a threat to you.

My advice is to get a small carbine. They're much easier to be accurate with than a handgun is. They're more fun to shoot than pistols or revolvers (opinion). They're cheaper than pistols or revolvers. They're also easier to be safe with. Its very hard to accidently shoot yourself with a carbine! Accidents with pistols are extremely rare, but still happen more than with rifles (ppm stats).

The carbines that I recommend to you are going to be low recoil, which means you won't have anything to be afraid of when you shoot one to try it out. The ammunition for them is inexpensive, which means you can practice a lot if you find it to be fun (and you probably will).

http://www.cabelas.com/product/HI-POINT-SEMI-AUTO-RIFLES/2066767.uts

I think that a carbine similar to (or exactly like) the one in the link is going to fit your need very well. You will be able to be effective and safe with that weapon without much experience. Its inexpensive, and it is semi-automatic, which means that you can shoot about 10 times in a row without reloading if you have a big problem to take care of.

More information about your background would help. Have you shot guns before? Would you conceal and carry it? Would you target shoot recreationally? How often do you see yourself shooting? What kind of guns do your friends shoot? We can make better suggestions if you give us more information.
 
#16 ·
If you have someone who you can talk to in person and visit stores with, I think that would be a big help. Brother, father, uncle, cousin, church friend or what have you.

But to give a quick answer so you have ideas to consider ... 20 gauge shotgun (load it with buckshot), or .357 revolver made by Ruger or Smith & Wesson (load it with .38 Special for less recoil, a .357 Magnum can shoot either .357 or .38 no problem) ... both are very effective and very simple.

The heavier the gun, the less recoil you will feel shooting the same round. In other words, a small revolver will kick more than a big revolver if you shoot .38 Special in both.
 
#17 ·
Take a class for defensive shooting and or ask a friend that shoots or hunts to take you to the range to gains some experience and try some different firearms and calibers.

You will get far more for your money if you buy a good used firearm rather than a new one.

Personally self defense requires at least the power level in the neighborhood of a 38 Special in a revolver. That said if you can't handle that then I would take like a 10-22 Ruger, perhaps with an extended magazine. A short barreled pistol gripped pump shotgun is worth considering.

My sister and I both carry a stainless steel j-frame 5 shot S&W.
I have a combat 870 Rem Express for the INCH cart, 31" in total length. 20" barrel with screw in chokes and a mid bead in the rib (used for rear sight shooting slugs), extended magazine, pistol gripped, 10 rounds in the sling. I shoot trap/skeet/sporting clays plus I hunt with it. I have taught several ladies on the small size to use it effectively. I start them out with mild target loads which are very manageable before working them up to full power stuff.
 
#21 ·
My wife has her own rifles and 38 pistol. She also has access to my weapons. Her go to firearm is a savage .22 bolt action rifle. On rare occasions she grabs a bolt action savage 410. She has cute "pink" 7mm mauser which she has not shot in years. the key was that she made her choice and enjoys her rifle. Try out several and buy the one that feels best. What is good for you may not be good for someone else or their choice of caliber. Just remember firearms are like potato chips, one will not do.
 
#22 ·
Do you have ANY friends with handgun experience that can teach you a little? That would be a huge help.

If not, sit down in front of Youtube and find some videos about learning how to use a handgun. Make sure you start with the rules for safe use.

4 rules of gun safety
1. Always treat the gun with respect, like it’s loaded.
NEVER “test fire” a gun unless you tripled check the chamber is empty. Be extremely careful where you point it, and keep your finger off the trigger, and never swing it around or point it in an unsafe manner.
*Negligent and accidental discharges injure and kill people every year.
http://www.newswest9.com/story/3124...le-accidental-discharge-killed-5-year-old-son

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/12/pa_dad_accidentally_shoots_kil.html

2. Always point it in a safe direction.
If you are practicing drawing or carrying or anything else, it is critical to only point the gun in a safe direction.
* People firing guns in an unsafe direction injure or kill others every year.
http://content.usatoday.com/communi...-death-ruled-a-homcide-in-ohio/1#.WAHM-PkrLIU

3. Be 100% sure of a safe backstop of your target and a safe target
Bullets can travel a long distance and go through walls. Be careful to point the gun in safe directions and when shooting, always have a safe backdrop.
*People firing guns at unsafe objects or backdrops injure or kill others every year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6V0S1m5a7U

4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you want to fire.
Most guns will not fire if you don’t pull the trigger. All guns will fire if the trigger is pulled and a bullet in the chamber. These redundant safety checks (empty chamber, pointing in safe direction, and finger off the trigger) will eliminate an unintended injury or death.
*Finger on the trigger can cause accidental or negligent firing, resulting in death or injury.
http://wonkette.com/603696/florida-...-but-just-cant-stay-mad-at-his-beautiful-guns

99.9% of any accidental or negligent injury can be avoided by following these rules. If one of the rules is missed, the others should prevent injury or death. For instance if it’s pointed in a safe direction, an oversight on the other rules will still result in no injury.

Guns are not toys. They are dangerous tools. Unmatched for self defense but also require a significant amount of attention to detail and responsibility. Use extreme care when handling!


The topic is far too big for an instant recommendation. But this will point you in the right direction, and for someone on a real tight budget you can get a quality handgun for $250-300, and with some practice can feel comfortable with the handgun for a total expendature of probably $500 with a few hundred rounds of ammo through it, and the eye protection, ear protection, range costs, extra magazines, etc. I'd recommend buying 1000 rounds in bulk, and after initially going and shooting a few hundred through, then going on a regular basis to fire 50 rounds every week to get very comfortable with it. Try several varieties of ammo too, since you'll want to make sure self defense designated hollow points work.

Continue reading for a good education on the topic - I put this together recently for a female friend in need of a handgun for home and carry self defense. She shot several of my pistols and she ended up buying a $300 EAA SAR B6P, which she loves. It was my recommended pistol for her since she's also on a tight budget. You can find it here:
It comes in full size, a few dollars cheaper than a compact.
https://grabagun.com/european-american-armory-sar-b6-9mm-4-5-17rd-poly-bl.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbB4aEfshYY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyboePX1r9Q

For a person new to guns for defense, I recommend two main tools (hardware) for self/home defense, a handgun (for home and portability) and a shotgun (for dedicated home defense). We’ll focus on a handgun for now, since this is the immediate need/want and can easily fill rolls of both. But some terminology and education so we know the differences: These videos take 10 minutes total to watch and understand, and it’s important to understand the basic functions of how the equipment actually works.

How bullets work: This video seems to be done by a Brit  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCmpBvmoZog

This the general idea of what bullets do when they strike. They generally stop people based on #1 shot placement (vitals), #2 kinetic energy (weight and speed), #3 blood loss, and #4 shock. Therefore, training for accuracy is really the most important, followed by the bullet choice generally speaking. You don’t have to watch the entire videos, just the first few moments to see the differences in how these impact so you understand that a handgun is lethal, but much less effective than a shotgun or rifle.

Here’s an example of a 9mm pistol bullet hitting ballistic gelatin for representation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jexyDDA3TBU

Shotgun in gelatin:
Slug (one piece of lead): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftrCtOyLrmU
Buckshot (many lead pellets): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDjNaTeUt2Y

Rifle in gelatin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCrognf6wFg

Single Action and Double Action explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSUohSx4PIg

1. Handgun for a more easily portable short range defense tool on the go and at home – less firepower but more versatile.
a. Semi automatic. Watch this 1 min video schematic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT_B1HoaR_E
b. Revolver. Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXliIJ_66FQ
2. Shotgun for an easy home defense tool. Very powerful, effective, short and medium range weapon. Extremely versatile tool for defense, hunting large game and even small game.
a. Pump shotgun video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkOd3zWabxk
b. Double barrel shotgun video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQpKTOhRh40
3. Rifle: A rifle will nicely round out any home/self defense/hunting collection. These come in hunting rifle, bolt action, pump action, semi-automatic. Usually magazine fed (a box in the receiver, with a spring that presses bullets upward into the bolt area and barrel).
a. Bolt action rifle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKa4OQBejKQ
b. Semi-auto rifle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsa_C-gSYAQ
c. Lever action rifle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5q93mLa8sk


Plus lots of training (software) to implement them and develop a strong will for self defense in a dangerous and unpredictable world that can change in a heartbeat and literally mean life and death. It can be a light-hearted topic, but is genuinely a serious topic because you are talking about lethal force. If you remind me, I’ll copy and give you some excellent DVDs on the topic of situational awareness, and lethal force use; an understanding (software) are integral to the topic of guns (hardware).

The laws of lethal force and even of possession or ownership of guns can vary greatly from one state to the next, and the consequences of breaking these laws can be life changing. So it’s very important to know these well. [For instance, “High Capacity” is really just standard capacity and really just means a magazine that holds 11 or more bullets. They are legal in most states, but not in a few (like California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii…). High capacity magazines (handguns, shotguns, and rifles) serve a valid lawful purpose - VERY valuable for self defense because it means that you can defend yourself more effectively taking into account perhaps you miss, or against a mob or several attackers without stopping to reload. It’s a critical advantage of a gun. Neutering these by artificially lowering the capacity is just making you less effective at defending yourself.]

So, let’s move on to the equipment.

First. If you want a concealed carry permit go get one if you're able. It is imperative to have this license so you can legally carry. http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/faconcealreq.html
It involves a background check, finger prints, and it’s about $50 total, and takes about a month or so to have it mailed to you. The clear advantages are that you can legally carry it in most places in this state, many other states (I was mistaken, there’s about 10 states), and omits the 1-2 week waiting period for buying a handgun (there is no wait period to buy a shotgun or rifle).

Second. Remember with guns, you’re constantly battling the physics. All things equal, smaller and lighter guns will recoil harder than larger and heavier guns. Steel and wood guns will feel heavier, but absorb more recoil than plastic and aluminum guns. This isn’t a concern for most people or guns, but something to keep in mind. Do some research and watch some Youtube videos on the following handguns:

Handgun. The portable equalizer.
The three main decisions for a handgun.
1. Size/weight
2. type (semi-automatic vs. revolver), (semi-automatic guns use magazines) and
3. caliber.

A. Size/weight will largely be determined for you based on purpose.
i. If it's a strictly home defense gun, then it should be larger framed because it will inherently have larger capacity, longer sight radius, and weight for better inherent accuracy and follow up shots. These are generally 4”-6” barrel and full size frame.
ii. If it’s a gun intended for carry, however, then it will necessarily be smaller and lighter with inherently less bullet capacity and accuracy. These are generally 2.5”-4” barrel and smaller polymer frame for lighter weight.
Frankly, if you’re just buying one gun, get a gun that is a good compromise between the two; one you can carry and still be effective with. If you intend on buying two guns, you may opt to dedicate one for home defense, and one for carry (in which case you could opt for a much lighter and smaller model).

B. Type:

Understand Double Action and Single Action. See the video again. Basically double action is 1 pull of the trigger will do 2 things – **** the hammer/striker, AND fire the weapon. Whereas Single Action requires the gun to be cocked, and the trigger ONLY fires the weapon when it’s in the cocked position.

i. Semi-auto is appropriate for someone who is more mechanically inclined. It requires above average hand strength and dexterity to rack the slide to load it or clear malfunctions or unload it. Guns are machines, and semi-autos are more complex with more moving pieces so in reality more chances for a failure or jam. Rare for a high quality gun, but it does occur. Also, some have external safeties which are a double edged sword. It may be ‘safe’ but in a stressful situation you forget to disengage the safety and fail to fire the gun. It’s possible to fail to disengage the safety when you need it most because these are fine motor skills which can be lost. This is precisely the reason that many companies DO NOT put manual safeties on their guns, such as Glock, Sig Sauer, Springfield, and others. But understand modern guns generally have internal mechanical safeties that are arguably more safe than a gun with an external manual safety.

Common pistol calibers: .380 ACP, 9mm x18 Makarov, 9mm Luger (9x19), .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

Pros: The advantages of a semi-auto are typically a thinner profile for carry, a higher ammo capacity in the magazine (typically in a carry gun about 9-12 rounds, and magazines up to 20, 30 or even 50 rounds), and faster reloads for most people by using a magazine. Tactical rails for lights and lasers. And often lighter weight polymer frames. And by design they absorb recoil better with the use of recoil springs.

Cons: Requires more hand strength and dexterity to some degree. While insignificant, pistols are inherently less reliable of a design although jams are very rare. More springs, more moving parts, more feeding and ejecting issues can occur, although very uncommon.

ii. A revolver is a very simple machine and nearly dummy proof to use it. You load it and when you need it you have 5 or 6 shots. No external safety to worry about, and it is incredibly rare for a quality revolver to jam due to their design. The only real drawbacks are that they are slower for reloads for most people and carry less shots (typically 5-6 for a carry gun), the recoil is more stout, and they are a little heavier and thicker in general. Reloads can be carried in speed strip or speedloader for easy access. They generally come in 4 common calibers: .38 special, .357 magnum, .44 special, and .44 magnum.

Third
C. Caliber: It’s registered in European millimeters or Universal calibers (representing 1/10ths of an inch – eg. .45 caliber is almost a ½ inch and .50 caliber is ½ an inch). Ah the age old debate. Frankly it goes back to software versus hardware. If the shooter does her/his part, the handgun bullet choice will rarely make a difference. There will always be arguments on which caliber is better. Frankly, your shot placement of your bullet is the most important factor. This is why I wanted you to watch the above educational videos to understand.

My suggested calibers include from smallest to largest .380 ACP, 9x18mm Makarov, 9x19mm Luger, .38 special, .40 SW, and .45ACP and .357 magnum. Keep in mind ammo cost. To be effective you MUST be able to use the gun in an emergency and hit your target. That only comes with training. 9x19mm is half the price as .357 magnum, which means that you can train twice as much with 9x19mm. However, 9x19 is about the same price, maybe a little cheaper, than .38 special to train with. Note, if you buy a .357 magnum, you can shoot less expensive training .38 special bullets in it. .357 in a carry sized revolver is going to have a lot of kick and power. My top recommendation for power and versatility is no surprise – a .357 magnum. It’s an excellent choice.

So, at last, here are my recommendations:
1. Work on getting your carry permit if that's something you want.
2. Handle a lot of guns. Here’s what I would hold, examine and buy, all within the $300-600 range. These are in no particular order.
a. Revolvers: .38 or .357 magnum – versatility to train with .38 special but shoot .357. The .357 will have a lot of kick, but an excellent round, and among the best handgun round ever invented. The .38 is sufficient and more affordable. A .357 revolver will allow you to use both the .38 special and .357. It’s one of the best for a first time gun owner. See these revolvers:
i. Ruger SP101 or GP100.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9ecMsCyvZA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLhKXPc53b4

ii. Smith and Wesson model 10, or model 64, or nearly any Smith and Wesson really.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7ubBhClFhU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC1ITX1-uyc

iii. Colt – any Colt revolver is going to be quality and excellent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmplW0KTtYU

iv. Taurus, Charter Arms, or Rossi (more affordable, but still good revolvers) are more affordable and should work fine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgcF3UUt2qE

b. Semi-auto handguns: I recommend sticking with either 9x18 Makarov or 9x19mm. If you’re feeling ambitious you could venture into the .40 caliber or .45 caliber realm. In no particular order:
i. Sig Sauer P6 or P225 in 9x19mm, or really any Sig Sauer P229, P226, P220.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7cQyLiwQtI
• Or see the – Sig Sauer Clone Zastava 9mm model 999. Excellent ½ price affordable clone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cn7GC2-mlc
ii. CZ 75 variants – full size, compact, PCR, or PO7, or P01 in 9x19mm or CZ 82 in 9x18mm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_WMCjEyeyc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws7KspCSGbQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybT3wCzzB0M
• Or see excellent ½ price clones made by EAA witness, SAR B6P, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1THJyIJyG5c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmRHeIHqzLY

iii. Smith and Wesson M&P full size, compact or subcompact.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Orf_zlp3Rdk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKauyXTk7XI

iv. Springfield XD full size, compact or subcompact, any generation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKauyXTk7XI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so76xQKyVMs

v. Glock G26, G19, G17. Same pistol in different sizes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKQ-E3HNP9A

vi. Smith and Wesson 5906, 6906, or other Generation 3 models in 9x19mm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJGCYg0Ig2w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXPvIZvLtD0

Note there is no *Magic bullet* for guns. Standard full metal jacket bullets will get the job done. If you want to spend more for quality hollow points, they are probably more effective at causing damage to an attacker. But keep in mind the most important bullet is the one that hits the target, and you’re responsible for the ones that miss too, so that means you have to train.

When you get your gun order a box of 1000 or more rounds (much cheaper that way) online and then go to the range and train, train, train.

Research and invest in a quality holster carry setup if you intend to carry. Go with quality rigid leather or kydex from quality makers. Avoid nylon, neoprene, etc. A good holster will easily cost you $50-100 but that’s okay. It’s important. There are a few different ways to carry, and that will be for another lesson with the pros and cons.

Final thoughts: “Buy once, cry once.” Just like with other sporting gear - This is a popular adage that reminds you not to buy junk holsters, junk guns, junk accessories and such. There is rarely a way to skimp on quality guns and accessories. It’s either high quality, or it’s junk. Invest in the high quality and it will last you a lifetime.
 
#56 ·
Leadcounsel's long and detailed post could be made a sticky on this website and on similar online communities as an introduction to firearms ownership.

The only thing I would add would be: become thoroughly familiar with firearms laws and self-defense legislation in your state.

There were cases in which legal firearms owners went from self-defense to attacking and that was enough to frame them for murder. There are people doing time in prison today who made one single mistake that changed their lives forever. Other than those mistakes, they are the type of people who would be healthy and non-dangerous neighbors to any of us.

While I'm familiar with my state's laws (New Jersey), I am always researching and reading so that I am as well-prepared as I can be.
 
#23 ·
I have one caution, DO NOT buy a snub nose revolver. They look really good, small, light etc. but they hurt your hand when fired. A .38 special revolver with at least a 3 inch barrel, which really ought to be a 4 inch will be much more pleasant all the way up to enjoyable. Both my wife and I got snub nose Ruger LCRs in .38 Special and they were uncomfortable to shoot. That said, best of luck in your search. Explore as much as possible before buying, It is possible a .380 or 9mm automatic will work.
Best,
Rob
 
#59 ·
They won't necessarily hurt your hand. The LCRs are lighter guns due to the polymer. An all-metal snubbie is heavier and have tamer recoil.

That said, I would recommend a snubbie only for concealed-carry. For a house gun, there's no reason not to get one with a longer barrel.
 
#24 ·
There is good info in this thread, but honestly a lot of it is overkill IMO.

You can research for years, and once you buy a gun, you may still realize it's not ideal for you. Or, someone can randomly give you a gun they have spare, and you can fall in love.

The very best advice any of us can give is that you should ideally talk to a gun guy you know in real life. Or if not a full-fledged gun guy, at least a guy who owns a couple of guns. Go to a range and see what's what.

Having said all that: if you get a 20-gauge shotgun, it will do what you need. If you get a full-size .357 Magnum or .38 Special revolver with a 4" barrel (or so), it will do what you need. Most likely Ruger or a used Smith & Wesson will be best choice for reliability and cost. Smith & Wesson 19, Ruger Security Six, that type of option. Or new revolvers by those manufacturers if they are in your price range.

If you get either of those and realize at some point that you would rather your gun be a little different in X way, you can address that at the time. You are unlikely to lose money on either of these purchases as long as you look around a little and make sure the price you pay is fair. These items are always in steady demand. You might lose $20 or pocket $20 when you go to sell it.
 
#25 ·
Old story about a cowboy who was out feeding one very cold winter Sunday in the morning. He had put out hay for each of the groups of cattle he needed to feed, and looked down toward town, which was snowed in pretty good. Smoke was coming out the chimney of the church-house, but there wasn't anybody hitched up or parked there, so he went on down. Church had a new preacher. Cowboy parked and went in, and the new preacher come up, shook his hand, and guided him through the empty church to a pew right up front. Then he went to the pulpit and began to preachin....

About an hour later, the preacher finished, came down to the cowboy and asked,"How did you like the sermon?"

Cowboy nodded at him. "Okay, I guess. But, preacher, when I go to feed cattle, I feed 'em a little bit for each cow. I don't dump the whole load at the first old heifer I come to...."

Guess we've fed a little rich here, eh?
 
#26 ·
For the someone buying a firearm the first time, there are just two things you have to figure out.
The caliber you like to shoot.
The firearm that you find comfortable to shoot that caliber.
So this process has worked well for several women in my family.
First go to a range.
Tell the range operators that you want to try out different calibers.
Start with a 22 then work through increasingly more powerful calibers.
380, 38, 9, 40 and if you want the 45.
Once you find the caliber you like shooting then you can start looking for a firearm in that caliber that you like.
Go to a couple gun shows. Pick up and hold firearms in the caliber you like.
Ask questions. Have the dealers explain how you load the firearm.
If it is an pistol (not a revolver) try the slide. Can you work the slide?
If it is a revolver can you pull the trigger.
Try the trigger on all the firearms (except the 22s). Make notes about the firearm makes and models you like to hold, that feel good in your hand.
Now go back to range and rent those firearms. Just because you like holding it doesn't mean you will like shooting it. My wife loved holding the Ruger 380 but after three shots she took it back to the counter and asked for a different make and model on her list.
The right firearm will be like the right pair of jeans or the right purse. It will just feel right. Especially when you shoot it. If you don't like shooting your firearm, it will end up in a drawer collecting dust. If you find one you really like, you will want to go to the range and practice. Once you do find the right firearm, get training and then know one firearm will never be enough.
 
#27 ·
A lot has been said already.

Welcome to our forum :)

Get some practice.

Every bozo has his/her opinions. Talk to multiple people, so that no single person leads you too far astray. Do not feel rushed into buying. Shoot a dozen different firearms, to see how they feel in your hands, before you decide. Firearms can be a very personal thing.

Training is great. :)

Proficiency and practice make for confidence. :)

Nearly every rifle club in the nation offers a course called 'Appleseed Project'. Where they will train you to become a rifle marksman. It is a lot of fun, and females are usually allowed to attend for free. [I know you did not mention rifles. It is a fun event to attend. Training is not a bad thing. You might enjoy yourself].

Again welcome :)
 
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