Help me buy my first firearm! - The Firearms Forum

willywonka · 01-27-2010, 08:46 PM

I'm a total newbie here. I've never fired a firearm in my life. I did shoot a beebee gun once when I was a kid though!

In any case, I need something for home defense. I understand that I will need to practice and get profficent. I also know that the best option is to try out a bunch of different firearms and see what works for me.

However, there's a lot to choose from, and I'd rather from some protection sooner rather than later. So I'm hoping you guys could help me narrow down a list of what I should try out.

So here's the basics of what I'm looking at.

First I need this for home defense. I might use it for conceal carry, but the primary thing I need is for home defense. So something I can use quickly is ideal. For that reason I'm looking at semi auto handguns. Nothing against revolvers, I think I would just prefer the option of a magazine.

Something that's fairly affordable and reliable is important. Reliability is the more important factor.

I injured my left wrist a few years back lifting weights (I'm right handed), so I'm a little concerned about kickback. The less the better. Need enough firepower for home defense, nothing more.

The cost of ammo is a concern since I'll have a lot of practice I'll have to do to get profficient.

Good balance is preferable to light weight.

Any suggestions for what I should take a look at?

zkovach · 01-27-2010, 08:48 PM

The best thing you can do is go to a local gun shop. put a couple in your hand and see how they feel. Many gun shops have target ranges so you can try different guns as well. hope this helps.

woolleyworm · 01-27-2010, 09:37 PM

Sig P6 is a solid performer and economical for a 9mm. You can find them on the surplus market readily.

that's my .02c based on what info you provided. If you hadn't mentioned that you may carry, I would say to get a solid 12ga for home defense and bypass handguns altogether.

What kind of a budget are you looking at? Have you seen anything that catches your eye so far?

btw - Welcome to TFF !!

Gabob · 01-27-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

If you hadn't mentioned that you may carry, I would say to get a solid 12ga for home defense and bypass handguns altogether.

I agree. But on the suject of handguns, I like to see an inexperienced or new shooter start with a revolver and progress to an auto when more familiar with safety etc

21bravo · 01-27-2010, 09:53 PM

Willy, like was mentioned above go to a gun shop... try some out...

To your question of reliabilty.. I prefer Glocks.. I prefer the Glock 19 over any of the others. but other firearms are just as reliable. You say you want something with manageable recoil... so I might suggest a 9mm or a .380... both, to me, are very controlable.

If you are going to go the Concealed Carry route, you need to find a class. your local gun stores more than likely have someone who teaches it.. in it you learn the rules and regulations of carrying a firearm on a daily basis. It is a very important decision that should not be take lightly.

I might also suggest that you take a class on basic pistol instruction before you take a CCW class.. that way you have the functionality of your chosen firearm and know the fundementals of shooting...

in the end its your money buying the firearm that YOU like.. so.. take your time and explore as many options as possible.

...may I ask why the sudden intrest in firearms and owning a weapon for self defense? ......if its not too forward of me that it.

navis128 · 01-27-2010, 10:13 PM

I did a bunch of research...there were so many.

After trying some...it all came down to the size of the hole it made in the target!

willywonka · 01-27-2010, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 21bravo

Willy, like was mentioned above go to a gun shop... try some out...

To your question of reliabilty.. I prefer Glocks.. I prefer the Glock 19 over any of the others. but other firearms are just as reliable. You say you want something with manageable recoil... so I might suggest a 9mm or a .380... both, to me, are very controlable.

If you are going to go the Concealed Carry route, you need to find a class. your local gun stores more than likely have someone who teaches it.. in it you learn the rules and regulations of carrying a firearm on a daily basis. It is a very important decision that should not be take lightly.

I might also suggest that you take a class on basic pistol instruction before you take a CCW class.. that way you have the functionality of your chosen firearm and know the fundementals of shooting...

in the end its your money buying the firearm that YOU like.. so.. take your time and explore as many options as possible.

...may I ask why the sudden intrest in firearms and owning a weapon for self defense? ......if its not too forward of me that it.

I actually just took a class that should qualify me for conceal carry in my state. I'd like to get a conceal carry permit mostly "just in case". I might be naive, but I live in a pretty safe area, so I think I will be good on that front. But you never know when things might change, especially in a recession.

I used to rent a room in a very upper class neighborhood. It was the kind of area where people felt comfortable not locking their doors, even though it's not exactly rural. But I finally was able to buy my first home, but I had to move to a more middle class neighborhood, and it's not nearly as safe as where I used to live. Recently, I had an incident where someone was trying to break into the house, but luckily he ran off. All I had to do this was a lot of shouting and a baseball bat. I don't want to take a 2nd chance on that, so I got to do this for the safety of my family.

willywonka · 01-27-2010, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabob

I agree. But on the suject of handguns, I like to see an inexperienced or new shooter start with a revolver and progress to an auto when more familiar with safety etc

If you mean 12 ga shot gun, then, yeh, I don't think that would work very well. I'm not very familiar at all with them, but I think any long gun would be just too unweldy, takes too long to load, and if I have to use it I'd like to not have to buy some new drywall.

I really hope I don't offend anyone, but revolvers just seem too well..cowboy to me. I'm pretty mechanically profficient, so I don't think I should have very much trouble with the mechanics of a semi-auto. As far as I can tell, it's just a question of being able to shoot well.

willywonka · 01-27-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolleyworm

Sig P6 is a solid performer and economical for a 9mm. You can find them on the surplus market readily.

that's my .02c based on what info you provided. If you hadn't mentioned that you may carry, I would say to get a solid 12ga for home defense and bypass handguns altogether.

What kind of a budget are you looking at? Have you seen anything that catches your eye so far?

btw - Welcome to TFF !!

Thanks woolley! Just from looking at them, I like the Beretta Px4. I figure if I can get something that is reliable, I might as well get something that's nice to look at too. Of course, that's not a deal breaker.

bizy · 01-28-2010, 06:50 AM

When you are protecting your life at home, I suggest nothing smaller than a 40 cal. Your 357 and 38 and a few others will go through people and walls. A 45ACP with hollow points will knock down a very large target without going through walls. It's not a matter of power and size of the bullet it is the kinetic energy delivered to the target..

ARB · 01-28-2010, 08:26 AM

No offense intended, but if you have no experience with firearms, maybe a scattergun is your best bet. You, seem pretty amped on getting a pistol for home defense. Why? It's just a better chance of missing your intended target. And with a pump shotgun, the racking of the slide may scare the perp away before you have to unload on them.

navis128 · 01-28-2010, 09:18 AM

He wants a pistol...he doesn't "sound" stupid...

I was told by an "old guy" about my size..."even if I hit him in the arm he's not going to get up and I'm too old to run."

Make sure it feels good in your hand and go for a .45
If you want to carry, consider barrel length, I've got a four inch barrel that fits well in the small of my back and is comfortable for me just to stick it in the waistband of my jeans, but I don't have the squatting down problem either.

old semperfi · 01-28-2010, 09:42 AM

i do not want you to be misinformed but............any handgun or rifle will go thru walls,some more than others.shotgun with #8 SHOT,not so much.they have well advised you on the small framed revolver but i understand you think thats too cowboy.i disagree but thats my opinion.i suggest you purchase whatever gun that feels good in your hand,your the one that has to shoot it.i also advise you to check out ammo prices and supply.dont purchase a gun you cant afford to shoot or cant find ammo for.i only have about 53 years of experience so i reserve the right to be wrong. old semperfi

todd51 · 01-28-2010, 11:33 AM

Oh, so many options. Listen to Old Semperfi. For my 2cts. I would suggest a .38spl revolver and use some of the special defense ammo. If the budget permits get a similar revolver in .22 rf. I am concerned about your comment about your left wrist and the potential problem of racking the slide. There is the issue of safely securing your defense arm and it is easier with a hand gun. I have many to choose from for my own situation but the home defense arms around my home are all .38 spl. revolvers. Easy and fast to operate and easy to determine their ready condition. Just an opinion from another old guy.

graehaven · 01-28-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todd51

Oh, so many options. Listen to Old Semperfi. For my 2cts. I would suggest a .38spl revolver and use some of the special defense ammo. If the budget permits get a similar revolver in .22 rf. I am concerned about your comment about your left wrist and the potential problem of racking the slide. There is the issue of safely securing your defense arm and it is easier with a hand gun. I have many to choose from for my own situation but the home defense arms around my home are all .38 spl. revolvers. Easy and fast to operate and easy to determine their ready condition. Just an opinion from another old guy.

Very good advice.

Do NOT discount the effectiveness of a .38 +P defensive round in today's 38s or 357s.

larsf · 01-28-2010, 08:28 PM

For "home defense" your best choice would be a 20 gauge pump shotgun. Just in case you have thin walls, #7 1/2 shot should do it. You could purchase an extended tube for more rounds since you won't be taking it out duck hunting.

questor · 01-28-2010, 08:38 PM

Willy you asked about gun ranges in NOVA, assistance purchasing a weapon and comments on the Beretta PX4. This weekend head off to one of the ranges provided to you and start shooting. They all have a great selection of weapons for rental, when you locate something you feel comfortable with check through google for reviews.

Yes it is easy and lawful to carry in Va, but if you cross into DC that is a felony. You must decide if you want home defense, carry or both.

Suggest you start off with home defense weapon and as previously stated a .20ga would fill the bill. Of course you want toooooooooooooo keep it loaded.

Feb 12-14 great Gun Show at the Dulles Expo Center, great place to purchase a used .20ga.

Airdale · 01-29-2010, 07:38 AM

Willy,

Let me suggest you consider a Springfield Armory XD sub compact for concealed carry. It is a very accurate, reliable and simple weapon. You'll find the XD has plenty of capacity, is small enough to conceal easily and is priced very reasonably for the quality you recieve. I would suggest 9mm with one of today's modern defense loads but you have choices of calibers.

I agree with others about the effectiveness of a shotgun for home defense.

Good luck in your search.

ninjatoth · 01-29-2010, 11:00 AM

If you have no experience,I think a revolver is better.You say you want something to use quickly,then say you want an auto?An auto you have to have a magazine in it,make sure the safety is off and rack a slide-as where a double action revolver has none of that-just put the bullets in and pull the trigger,not to mention that if you don't grip an auto right it could jam while firing,a revolver will fire every time no matter what grip you have on it and will never jam.I would say a .38+p gun is a good one,a snubbie .38+p revolver.

MaxxRPM · 01-29-2010, 02:45 PM

I agree, with your experience (or lack of), it doesn't get any easier than a 38 snubbie and thats what I would strongly recommend as your "first" pistol/revolver.

willywonka · 01-29-2010, 04:35 PM

thanks for all the advice guys! I appreciate it. I am joking a bit about the drywall, but I figure it would be easier to fix a few holes than fix what's left over from a scattergun. The biggest issue though is that I have two cats that I never know will be at any time, so I wouldn't want to hit them if I have to shoot.

I'll certainly have to head to the range and try a few things out. Looks like this weekend won't work since we're about to get pounded with more snow.

Do they make hollowpoint in 9mm? How is hollowpoint different from anything else, and why does it have more take down power? I figure 9mm is my best bet because of my wrist. My understanding is that 9mm is easy to get and is cheaper than most ammo.

Part of what bothers me about revolvers is ammo capacity. I like the odds of having 17 instead of 6. I also figure with a magazine reloading is quicker and safer.

Airdale · 01-29-2010, 05:05 PM

Willy,

Yes they make some very effective defense hollow points in 9mm. The purpose is to allow the bullet to expand and cause a more devastating wound cavity.

As for fumbling for a safety on an auto loader either a Glock or a XD solve that problem. The safeties are automatically disengaged when you grip the gun and squeeze the trigger.

zb338 · 01-29-2010, 05:47 PM

Don't think in terms of one gun that will do everything. There is no
such thing. Start out with a .22 semi-auto pistol or rifle whichever
you like better. Ammo can be bought by the brick (500 rounds) for
a reasonable price. You can learn to be a good shot. When you become
decent with the .22, move up, and up, and up .......................
zeke

ninjatoth · 01-29-2010, 05:52 PM

9mm is the most popular round in the world I believe,so finding good ammo is easy.Most people say go with 115-125 grain hollowpoints rather than 147 grain because a 115-125 grain bullet will achieve the velocity needed to fully open up a hollowpoint bullet which will cause less penetration-less penetration through the bad guy and less penetration through walls,and also cause more shock and a bigger bullet hole to the bad guy resulting in a quicker stop.I use Federal Permium Hydra-Shock 124 grain rounds(about $25 per 20 rounds),But there are a ton of other good rounds out there that i'm sure others will inform you of.If you want good practice ammo,they sell Winchester whitebox 9mm ammo for $11 per 50 at Walmart.There is also 9mm +P ammo and 9mm +P+ that some people use for defense that gives you something like 20% more power or something-but standard 9mm hollowpoint are just fine too.

questor · 01-29-2010, 05:54 PM

Willy

Reading your multiple threads and comments, I have located the weapon to satisfy all your requirements. Of course this is a weapon for the novice and will certainly protect your family.

With the purchase of this weapon, you certainly will never need Viagra and or range time to hone your skills!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAdC8L2oUIQ

01-27-2010, 08:46 PM	#1
willywonka Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 49	Help me buy my first firearm! I'm a total newbie here. I've never fired a firearm in my life. I did shoot a beebee gun once when I was a kid though! In any case, I need something for home defense. I understand that I will need to practice and get profficent. I also know that the best option is to try out a bunch of different firearms and see what works for me. However, there's a lot to choose from, and I'd rather from some protection sooner rather than later. So I'm hoping you guys could help me narrow down a list of what I should try out. So here's the basics of what I'm looking at. First I need this for home defense. I might use it for conceal carry, but the primary thing I need is for home defense. So something I can use quickly is ideal. For that reason I'm looking at semi auto handguns. Nothing against revolvers, I think I would just prefer the option of a magazine. Something that's fairly affordable and reliable is important. Reliability is the more important factor. I injured my left wrist a few years back lifting weights (I'm right handed), so I'm a little concerned about kickback. The less the better. Need enough firepower for home defense, nothing more. The cost of ammo is a concern since I'll have a lot of practice I'll have to do to get profficient. Good balance is preferable to light weight. Any suggestions for what I should take a look at? --> Last edited by willywonka; 01-27-2010 at 08:47 PM..

01-27-2010, 08:48 PM	#2
zkovach Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,005	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! The best thing you can do is go to a local gun shop. put a couple in your hand and see how they feel. Many gun shops have target ranges so you can try different guns as well. hope this helps.

01-27-2010, 09:37 PM	#3
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,888	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Sig P6 is a solid performer and economical for a 9mm. You can find them on the surplus market readily. that's my .02c based on what info you provided. If you hadn't mentioned that you may carry, I would say to get a solid 12ga for home defense and bypass handguns altogether. What kind of a budget are you looking at? Have you seen anything that catches your eye so far? btw - Welcome to TFF !! __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

01-27-2010, 09:53 PM	#5
21bravo Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: wilkes county, nc Posts: 790	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Willy, like was mentioned above go to a gun shop... try some out... To your question of reliabilty.. I prefer Glocks.. I prefer the Glock 19 over any of the others. but other firearms are just as reliable. You say you want something with manageable recoil... so I might suggest a 9mm or a .380... both, to me, are very controlable. If you are going to go the Concealed Carry route, you need to find a class. your local gun stores more than likely have someone who teaches it.. in it you learn the rules and regulations of carrying a firearm on a daily basis. It is a very important decision that should not be take lightly. I might also suggest that you take a class on basic pistol instruction before you take a CCW class.. that way you have the functionality of your chosen firearm and know the fundementals of shooting... in the end its your money buying the firearm that YOU like.. so.. take your time and explore as many options as possible. ...may I ask why the sudden intrest in firearms and owning a weapon for self defense? ......if its not too forward of me that it. __________________ "BIG MOMMA BRAVO" If everything seems to be going well, you obviously do not know what the hell is going on --"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crime." - Thomas Jefferson

01-27-2010, 10:13 PM	#6
navis128 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,392	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! I did a bunch of research...there were so many. After trying some...it all came down to the size of the hole it made in the target! __________________ A British general reported to London that the rebels, though untrained, had earned his respect: "Whoever looks upon them as an irregular mob will find himself much mistaken." "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." The Declaration of Independence

01-28-2010, 06:50 AM	#10
bizy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Marlow, Ok Posts: 344	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! When you are protecting your life at home, I suggest nothing smaller than a 40 cal. Your 357 and 38 and a few others will go through people and walls. A 45ACP with hollow points will knock down a very large target without going through walls. It's not a matter of power and size of the bullet it is the kinetic energy delivered to the target..

01-28-2010, 08:26 AM	#11
ARB Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 1,184	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! No offense intended, but if you have no experience with firearms, maybe a scattergun is your best bet. You, seem pretty amped on getting a pistol for home defense. Why? It's just a better chance of missing your intended target. And with a pump shotgun, the racking of the slide may scare the perp away before you have to unload on them.

01-28-2010, 09:18 AM	#12
navis128 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,392	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! He wants a pistol...he doesn't "sound" stupid... I was told by an "old guy" about my size..."even if I hit him in the arm he's not going to get up and I'm too old to run." Make sure it feels good in your hand and go for a .45 If you want to carry, consider barrel length, I've got a four inch barrel that fits well in the small of my back and is comfortable for me just to stick it in the waistband of my jeans, but I don't have the squatting down problem either. __________________ A British general reported to London that the rebels, though untrained, had earned his respect: "Whoever looks upon them as an irregular mob will find himself much mistaken." "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." The Declaration of Independence

01-28-2010, 09:42 AM	#13
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! i do not want you to be misinformed but............any handgun or rifle will go thru walls,some more than others.shotgun with #8 SHOT,not so much.they have well advised you on the small framed revolver but i understand you think thats too cowboy.i disagree but thats my opinion.i suggest you purchase whatever gun that feels good in your hand,your the one that has to shoot it.i also advise you to check out ammo prices and supply.dont purchase a gun you cant afford to shoot or cant find ammo for.i only have about 53 years of experience so i reserve the right to be wrong. old semperfi

01-28-2010, 11:33 AM	#14
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,595	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Oh, so many options. Listen to Old Semperfi. For my 2cts. I would suggest a .38spl revolver and use some of the special defense ammo. If the budget permits get a similar revolver in .22 rf. I am concerned about your comment about your left wrist and the potential problem of racking the slide. There is the issue of safely securing your defense arm and it is easier with a hand gun. I have many to choose from for my own situation but the home defense arms around my home are all .38 spl. revolvers. Easy and fast to operate and easy to determine their ready condition. Just an opinion from another old guy. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

01-28-2010, 08:28 PM	#16
larsf Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: north central Wisconsin Posts: 23	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! For "home defense" your best choice would be a 20 gauge pump shotgun. Just in case you have thin walls, #7 1/2 shot should do it. You could purchase an extended tube for more rounds since you won't be taking it out duck hunting.

01-28-2010, 08:38 PM	#17
questor V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Slickville, Pa Posts: 388	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Willy you asked about gun ranges in NOVA, assistance purchasing a weapon and comments on the Beretta PX4. This weekend head off to one of the ranges provided to you and start shooting. They all have a great selection of weapons for rental, when you locate something you feel comfortable with check through google for reviews. Yes it is easy and lawful to carry in Va, but if you cross into DC that is a felony. You must decide if you want home defense, carry or both. Suggest you start off with home defense weapon and as previously stated a .20ga would fill the bill. Of course you want toooooooooooooo keep it loaded. Feb 12-14 great Gun Show at the Dulles Expo Center, great place to purchase a used .20ga. Last edited by questor; 01-28-2010 at 08:48 PM..

01-29-2010, 07:38 AM	#18
Airdale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.W. Arkansas Contributor Posts: 761	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Willy, Let me suggest you consider a Springfield Armory XD sub compact for concealed carry. It is a very accurate, reliable and simple weapon. You'll find the XD has plenty of capacity, is small enough to conceal easily and is priced very reasonably for the quality you recieve. I would suggest 9mm with one of today's modern defense loads but you have choices of calibers. I agree with others about the effectiveness of a shotgun for home defense. Good luck in your search. __________________ "The Utopian schemes of leveling [redistribution of the wealth] and a community of goods [central ownership of the means of production and distribution], are as visionary and impractical as those which vest all property in the crown.[These ideas] are arbitrary, despotic, and, in our government, unconstitutional." Samuel Adams

01-29-2010, 11:00 AM	#19
ninjatoth Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sanford,Michigan Posts: 369	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! If you have no experience,I think a revolver is better.You say you want something to use quickly,then say you want an auto?An auto you have to have a magazine in it,make sure the safety is off and rack a slide-as where a double action revolver has none of that-just put the bullets in and pull the trigger,not to mention that if you don't grip an auto right it could jam while firing,a revolver will fire every time no matter what grip you have on it and will never jam.I would say a .38+p gun is a good one,a snubbie .38+p revolver.

01-29-2010, 02:45 PM	#20
MaxxRPM Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 15	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! I agree, with your experience (or lack of), it doesn't get any easier than a 38 snubbie and thats what I would strongly recommend as your "first" pistol/revolver. Last edited by MaxxRPM; 01-29-2010 at 02:47 PM..

01-29-2010, 04:35 PM	#21
willywonka Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 49	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! thanks for all the advice guys! I appreciate it. I am joking a bit about the drywall, but I figure it would be easier to fix a few holes than fix what's left over from a scattergun. The biggest issue though is that I have two cats that I never know will be at any time, so I wouldn't want to hit them if I have to shoot. I'll certainly have to head to the range and try a few things out. Looks like this weekend won't work since we're about to get pounded with more snow. Do they make hollowpoint in 9mm? How is hollowpoint different from anything else, and why does it have more take down power? I figure 9mm is my best bet because of my wrist. My understanding is that 9mm is easy to get and is cheaper than most ammo. Part of what bothers me about revolvers is ammo capacity. I like the odds of having 17 instead of 6. I also figure with a magazine reloading is quicker and safer.

01-29-2010, 05:05 PM	#22
Airdale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.W. Arkansas Contributor Posts: 761	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Willy, Yes they make some very effective defense hollow points in 9mm. The purpose is to allow the bullet to expand and cause a more devastating wound cavity. As for fumbling for a safety on an auto loader either a Glock or a XD solve that problem. The safeties are automatically disengaged when you grip the gun and squeeze the trigger. __________________ "The Utopian schemes of leveling [redistribution of the wealth] and a community of goods [central ownership of the means of production and distribution], are as visionary and impractical as those which vest all property in the crown.[These ideas] are arbitrary, despotic, and, in our government, unconstitutional." Samuel Adams

01-29-2010, 05:47 PM	#23
zb338 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Recently moved to Pennsylvania. Posts: 286	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Don't think in terms of one gun that will do everything. There is no such thing. Start out with a .22 semi-auto pistol or rifle whichever you like better. Ammo can be bought by the brick (500 rounds) for a reasonable price. You can learn to be a good shot. When you become decent with the .22, move up, and up, and up ....................... zeke

01-29-2010, 05:52 PM	#24
ninjatoth Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sanford,Michigan Posts: 369	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! 9mm is the most popular round in the world I believe,so finding good ammo is easy.Most people say go with 115-125 grain hollowpoints rather than 147 grain because a 115-125 grain bullet will achieve the velocity needed to fully open up a hollowpoint bullet which will cause less penetration-less penetration through the bad guy and less penetration through walls,and also cause more shock and a bigger bullet hole to the bad guy resulting in a quicker stop.I use Federal Permium Hydra-Shock 124 grain rounds(about $25 per 20 rounds),But there are a ton of other good rounds out there that i'm sure others will inform you of.If you want good practice ammo,they sell Winchester whitebox 9mm ammo for $11 per 50 at Walmart.There is also 9mm +P ammo and 9mm +P+ that some people use for defense that gives you something like 20% more power or something-but standard 9mm hollowpoint are just fine too.

01-29-2010, 05:54 PM	#25
questor V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Slickville, Pa Posts: 388	Re: Help me buy my first firearm! Willy Reading your multiple threads and comments, I have located the weapon to satisfy all your requirements. Of course this is a weapon for the novice and will certainly protect your family. With the purchase of this weapon, you certainly will never need Viagra and or range time to hone your skills! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAdC8L2oUIQ Last edited by questor; 01-29-2010 at 05:58 PM..