I've never owned a gun before... - The Firearms Forum

onecoldday · 07-26-2006, 10:05 PM

I am 21-year old college student residing in Georgia and am interesting in getting a reliable, effective handgun for personal defense. I didn't grow up around guns, no one in my family owns one, so I don't know too much about them other than what I've read.

Does anyone have recommendations for a first time buyer? As far as caliber goes, I know some of the popular types are 9mm, .40 S&W and .45, and have read up on the debate between them. I think I'm leaning towards .40 S&W, because it appears they have more stopping power, and I'd rather I be able to drop the average assailant in one shot. If I'm not mistaken, 9mms tend to go through the target, right? And I'm worried that a .45 might a be a little unwieldly for my first gun.

I'm pretty sure I don't want a compact, I don't need to conceal it on my person as I'd have it in my car or apartment. My price range is around $600 dollars. Can I find comparable quality guns outside of the major players like Glock, HK, Colt, and Beretta? I'd appreciate anyone's recommendations.

onecoldday · 07-26-2006, 10:16 PM

As an addendum, I should mention that I am particularly interested in semi-automatic handguns, as opposed to revolvers, as evidenced by my mentioning of specific ammunition types. I know that revolvers are quite functional and less likely to jam or suffer a mechanical failure, but there is a definite coolness factor (to me, anyway) attached to a semi-auto handgun.

Marlin T · 07-27-2006, 02:28 AM

Welcome to the fourm, One!!!

There are others that will be along shortly to help you out!!

But my opinion would be to hook up with someone that you know and go to the range and shoot whatever you can get your hands on. Maybe your local range has weapons for rent along with your safety classes.

Would this weapon be for home defence or for carry purposes?

If the answer is for home, get a shotgun. There will be a lot less colateral damage.

SouthernMoss · 07-27-2006, 09:20 AM

The NRA offers training courses in many areas, including basic firearm handling. Are any of these courses near you?

Basic Pistol courses in Georgia

First Steps Pistol courses in Georgia

Jay · 07-27-2006, 11:09 AM

First get some training.......

Then handle as many firearms (gun shows, gun shops) as you can

Of those handguns that you've handled, inquire deeper into the ones that "felt right" in your hands, and see if you can find one that you can shoot.

AFTER you find a frame style that "feels right" in your hands, you can pursue the caliber issue. I don't care what caliber it is, if the firearm doesn't "feel right" in your hands, you will never shoot it enough to become proficient with it.

If you're not proficient with it, it does you no good to rely on it for self defense, and caliber no longer matters.

inplanotx · 07-27-2006, 11:49 AM

Jay nailed it for you. Fit then function. A .45 will kick less than the 40 S&W by the way!

southernshooter · 07-27-2006, 09:28 PM

Welcome Onecold
I'm with Marlin T a shotgun if it will only be at home
Everthing else I would say stick to the name brand manufactors go to a near pawn or gun shop check out some good used guns hold them see which feels right for you. You said you didn't want compact so try a Beretta 92F or Taurus makes a 92 for a little cheaper
OHH YEA AND SAFETY CLASSES ARE A GOOD IDEA

satellite66 · 07-28-2006, 06:20 PM

I agree that you should get training and your choice of firearm depends on what you want it for. I lean toward revolvers for the newbie. They are simple to use and reliable.

Crpdeth · 07-30-2006, 01:28 PM

Welcome to the forums

Keep us updated, we love seeing new peeps get their feet wet!

Crpdeth

Bernie109 · 07-30-2006, 02:13 PM

First of all, Take up the sport! Nothing is more dangerous than a person who buys a gun out of fear, tosses it into a drawer, and forgets about it until something goes bump in the night. Take a basic firearms course and practice regualrly or don't buy a gun.

Start with a .22 cal target pistol. You can rent one at any pistol club.
When you can place all of your shots onto a 10" paper plate at 15 yards, you are ready to move up to a 9mm or other medium caliber. Once again, all of your shots onto a 10" paper plate at 15 yards is the minimum standard.

Caliber and style is a personal preference. As a rule, the most powerful caliber you can shoot acurately is what you need to go for.
Shot placement is more important than power. A .22 in the head is more effective than a .44 mag in the toe. The again, a .44 mag in the head is better than a .22 in the same spot. Rent varios styles and calibers and see which oe suits you the best. 30 rounds in a 10" paper plate at 15 yards is a good place to start. Then go for the same at 25 yards.

Ursus · 07-30-2006, 07:38 PM

Right on, Bernie.

07-26-2006, 10:05 PM	#1
onecoldday Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2	I've never owned a gun before... I am 21-year old college student residing in Georgia and am interesting in getting a reliable, effective handgun for personal defense. I didn't grow up around guns, no one in my family owns one, so I don't know too much about them other than what I've read. Does anyone have recommendations for a first time buyer? As far as caliber goes, I know some of the popular types are 9mm, .40 S&W and .45, and have read up on the debate between them. I think I'm leaning towards .40 S&W, because it appears they have more stopping power, and I'd rather I be able to drop the average assailant in one shot. If I'm not mistaken, 9mms tend to go through the target, right? And I'm worried that a .45 might a be a little unwieldly for my first gun. I'm pretty sure I don't want a compact, I don't need to conceal it on my person as I'd have it in my car or apartment. My price range is around $600 dollars. Can I find comparable quality guns outside of the major players like Glock, HK, Colt, and Beretta? I'd appreciate anyone's recommendations. -->

07-26-2006, 10:16 PM	#2
onecoldday Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2	Re: I've never owned a gun before... As an addendum, I should mention that I am particularly interested in semi-automatic handguns, as opposed to revolvers, as evidenced by my mentioning of specific ammunition types. I know that revolvers are quite functional and less likely to jam or suffer a mechanical failure, but there is a definite coolness factor (to me, anyway) attached to a semi-auto handgun.

07-27-2006, 02:28 AM	#3
Marlin T Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 7,857	Re: I've never owned a gun before... Welcome to the fourm, One!!! There are others that will be along shortly to help you out!! But my opinion would be to hook up with someone that you know and go to the range and shoot whatever you can get your hands on. Maybe your local range has weapons for rent along with your safety classes. Would this weapon be for home defence or for carry purposes? If the answer is for home, get a shotgun. There will be a lot less colateral damage. __________________ "But the simple truth--born of experience--is that tyranny thrives best where government need not fear the wrath of an armed people." Judge Alex Kozinski - United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government. - Thomas Paine Did you read todays GOOD shooting? >>>KEEPANDBEARARMS.COM <<<

07-27-2006, 09:20 AM	#4
SouthernMoss Admin Tech Staff Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SW MS Contributor Posts: 10,651	Re: I've never owned a gun before... The NRA offers training courses in many areas, including basic firearm handling. Are any of these courses near you? Basic Pistol courses in Georgia First Steps Pistol courses in Georgia __________________ My Second protects your First "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." - Susan B Anthony

07-27-2006, 11:09 AM	#5
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: I've never owned a gun before... First get some training....... Then handle as many firearms (gun shows, gun shops) as you can Of those handguns that you've handled, inquire deeper into the ones that "felt right" in your hands, and see if you can find one that you can shoot. AFTER you find a frame style that "feels right" in your hands, you can pursue the caliber issue. I don't care what caliber it is, if the firearm doesn't "feel right" in your hands, you will never shoot it enough to become proficient with it. If you're not proficient with it, it does you no good to rely on it for self defense, and caliber no longer matters. __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"

07-27-2006, 11:49 AM	#6
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: I've never owned a gun before... Jay nailed it for you. Fit then function. A .45 will kick less than the 40 S&W by the way! __________________

07-27-2006, 09:28 PM	#7
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: I've never owned a gun before... Welcome Onecold I'm with Marlin T a shotgun if it will only be at home Everthing else I would say stick to the name brand manufactors go to a near pawn or gun shop check out some good used guns hold them see which feels right for you. You said you didn't want compact so try a Beretta 92F or Taurus makes a 92 for a little cheaper OHH YEA AND SAFETY CLASSES ARE A GOOD IDEA __________________ Only you can see this

07-28-2006, 06:20 PM	#8
satellite66 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Central NJ Posts: 2,068	Re: I've never owned a gun before... I agree that you should get training and your choice of firearm depends on what you want it for. I lean toward revolvers for the newbie. They are simple to use and reliable. __________________ “Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not” — Thomas Jefferson. "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened." - Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist Party presidential candidate 1940, 1944 and 1948

07-30-2006, 01:28 PM	#9
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: I've never owned a gun before... Welcome to the forums Keep us updated, we love seeing new peeps get their feet wet! Crpdeth __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer

07-30-2006, 02:13 PM	#10
Bernie109 Former Guest Join Date: May 2006 Location: Central CA Posts: 274	Re: I've never owned a gun before... First of all, Take up the sport! Nothing is more dangerous than a person who buys a gun out of fear, tosses it into a drawer, and forgets about it until something goes bump in the night. Take a basic firearms course and practice regualrly or don't buy a gun. Start with a .22 cal target pistol. You can rent one at any pistol club. When you can place all of your shots onto a 10" paper plate at 15 yards, you are ready to move up to a 9mm or other medium caliber. Once again, all of your shots onto a 10" paper plate at 15 yards is the minimum standard. Caliber and style is a personal preference. As a rule, the most powerful caliber you can shoot acurately is what you need to go for. Shot placement is more important than power. A .22 in the head is more effective than a .44 mag in the toe. The again, a .44 mag in the head is better than a .22 in the same spot. Rent varios styles and calibers and see which oe suits you the best. 30 rounds in a 10" paper plate at 15 yards is a good place to start. Then go for the same at 25 yards.

07-30-2006, 07:38 PM	#11
Ursus Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: El Salvador, Central America. Posts: 1,030	Re: I've never owned a gun before... Right on, Bernie.