Guns 101

[Bun-bun]

All this talk about guns has  made me want one.  Seeing as how I've never owned one and I've only ever shot a .22 rifle and a 12 gauge over-under, I'm going to need a lot of help.  I'm open to handgun, rifle or shotgun.  I'd just like to be able to learn a bit about guns, how to take care of them and maybe practice a little bit.  Basically I'm looking for the Ninja 250 of fire arms.  I'm located in Baltimore.  I know there are a few ranges around here and a skeet/trap place that offers lessons and rentals around.

What did you guys start with?

O.k. real simple.
Self/home defense is not mentioned.
He wants a gun to become familiar with guns.
He asks what did we start out with.
Serious question: Did any of you start shooting with anything other than a .22?

I started when I was 8.
With a .22.
I shot competition rifle while at military school. With a .22
I shot competition in ROTC. With a .22
I still shoot at least once a week,. with a .22
I enter at least 1 turkey shoot every year. With a .22
Habla?

[c_rex]

I too vote .22 for a first gun.  In addition to all the aforementioned benefits it is also an excellent caliber by which to NOT get intimidated, thereby developing a flinch, or beat up while learning how to shoot.  I'm practicing for elk hunting by shooting with an airgun for this reason.  I'd be using my 10/22 if it were legal in my backyard and the range costs money (I'm a cheap S.O.B.).  I've been shooting and hunting off and on for 30 years but when I think back to where it all began I'm glad I started with a .22 and I'm glad that I still have a couple.

As an aside- I lived in Baltimore for a year.  Scariest place I've ever spent any time in.  I lived about 1/2 mile from Camden Yards/Inner Harbor and I frequently went to bed to the sound of gunshots, police sirens and helicoptors.  Even if you don't get a gun for protection you should consider some self defense classes.  I just got the #$@! out and ran back to Momma 'cuz I'm her boy.   

[blue tiger]

O.k. real simple.
Self/home defense is not mentioned.
He wants a gun to become familiar with guns.
He asks what did we start out with.
Serious question: Did any of you start shooting with anything other than a .22?

I started when I was 8.
With a .22.
I shot competition rifle while at military school. With a .22
I shot competition in ROTC. With a .22
I still shoot at least once a week,. with a .22
I enter at least 1 turkey shoot every year. With a .22
Habla?

I habla just fine. He said in his second post (the third in this thread) that he also would like a gun for protection/intimidation because his girlfirends place was recently broken into. I started with a .410 shotgun, then a .54 caliber muzzle loader. I was an experienced shooter before I shot my first .22. I'm not interested in an internet pissing match just trying to give the best info on what a good universally usable firearm is. A firearm that would fit every need of the OP. A .22 isn't the one that fits everything he asks of it. If it's 99% plinking and 1% self defense buy whatever you want. If you'll plink once or twice every six months and want something in your closet that will take care of everything else as well get a shotgun or a centerfire rifle. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with .22 or that they make bad first guns. On the contrary my daughter learned on one. I've also killed a blue million squirrels with them.When the OP mentioned self defense in the third post in this thread the .22 was disqualified in my opinion.
The .22 is a fine first weapon and great to learn on for sure but as soon as a self defense need is thrown in I think other things. This may be a little far afield from his first post but considering every need has led me to this. If he wants something easy and cheap to learn on and has a need for self defense he should buy an airgun (to learn firearms handling,trigger discipline and the other rules of shooting) and a shotgun. The more the merrier !! After a few years he'll be like....how did one gun turn into fifteen.

[Statler]

As an aside- I lived in Baltimore for a year.  Scariest place I've ever spent any time in.  I lived about 1/2 mile from Camden Yards/Inner Harbor and I frequently went to bed to the sound of gunshots, police sirens and helicoptors.  Even if you don't get a gun for protection you should consider some self defense classes.  I just got the #$@! out and ran back to Momma 'cuz I'm her boy.   

my parents, in their 60s, live walking distance to Camden Yards and it's the sweetest community I've seen in a long time.  They walk everywhere with my 2 1/2 year old.  Science Center,  Aquarium,  Cross Street Market (where all the vendors know them), Fort McHenry.    Been that way since the 90s when I strated hanging out there.

Everyone should be able to defend themselves, but that's just smart for life, it's not specifically because of living in Baltimore.

[ducpenguin]

my parents, in their 60s, live walking distance to Camden Yards and it's the sweetest community I've seen in a long time.  They walk everywhere with my 2 1/2 year old.  Science Center,  Aquarium,  Cross Street Market (where all the vendors know them), Fort McHenry.    Been that way since the 90s when I strated hanging out there.

Everyone should be able to defend themselves, but that's just smart for life, it's not specifically because of living in Baltimore.

True...much better, but I was caught in the middle of an armored car robbery with AR-15 and 9mm round flying about on Charles St. about 3 blocks north of Pratt. 

My .02c...Before you buy any type of weapon...familiarize yourself with the basics.  Statler gave you a great option to begin with...go to the range with someone who is knowledgeable, qualified, able, and is squared away.  Once you get the basics down and the technical capabilities of several weapons, you can choose based off of your experiences.  Most ranges have rentals...rent them, but not alone...Go with Statler, or take someone with you.

When you finish...my recommendation (ready for the comments), is a Glock 19...simple, shorter 9mm...just watch the safety, or lack there of.

[thejsnide]

Personally, I love my .22 but can't stand shooting .22's for fun...  It just doesn't do it for me after I shot something with power.  Depending on where you live, if there is a nice range that will let you rent different firearms, that's your best bet.  I live in SC so we have lots of gun stores.  When going to get my first handgun, I shot almost every one they had, Glock, HK, S&W revolvers, etc. and it still took me 3 trips renting and re-renting to decide.

If you're trying to "get into" guns, I would say get a handgun because they are a whole lot of fun to shoot.  I really love my first, a Glock 9mm, it's more accurate than me and is really reliable, hence why most cops carry one.  My second was a HK .45, which I can't shoot nearly as well as my Glock.  Revolvers are also a blast to shoot.  They weigh a hell of a lot more than most but are sooooo accurate.     

+1 on what everybody else has said about familiarizing yourself with them.  There are so many to choose from, it's a tough first choice.  Go to a reputable shop and talk to the guys.  Hold as many as you can and shoot as many as you can.  In the end, BUY WHAT YOU WANT as this will make you the happiest.  I can't wait to hear your decision and then the follow up questions of "What to mod first?"  or "What accessory to buy first?"  Good Luck...

[XiaoNio]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the input.  I really appreciate all information.  I think it's going to go something like this...

1. Cut a hole in the box
2. Take a class then hang w/ Statler
3. Buy a .22
4. ...
5. Profit?

I'm not in a huge rush to protect my house.  I think it's something that I'd like to have after I learn some safety and maintenance.  I do love the idea of a pump action, but I think a plinking gun might be the better way to start.  I can always sell it later right?  Anyway, any suggestions of what kind of .22 to look into?

[trenner]

Anyway, any suggestions of what kind of .22 to look into?

Ruger 10/22.
Ruger Mark II or Mark III.

Splurge and get both, for a great shared caliber way to learn both rifle and handgun.

[Bun-bun]

Ruger 10/22.
Ruger Mark II or Mark III.

Splurge and get both, for a great shared caliber way to learn both rifle and handgun.

+1
Ruger 10/22 for sure. Easy to use, aftermarket parts for years, and great resale value.
I shoot a Ruger MKII target w/ lightened trigger in competition. Superb pistol.

[rgramjet]

+1
I shoot a Ruger MKII target w/ lightened trigger in competition. Superb pistol.

+2
Mines in SS with a red dot, great pistol for falling plates!  It hates cheap ammo though...relatively speaking.

[Manny]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the input.  I really appreciate all information.  I think it's going to go something like this...

1. Cut a hole in the box
2.  hang w/ Statler then take a class (many classes will either start way over your head or be painfully boring)
3. Buy a Ruger MK II
4. ... 
5. Profit?

I'm not in a huge rush to protect my house.  I think it's something that I'd like to have after I learn some safety and maintenance.  I do love the idea of a pump action, but I think a plinking gun might be the better way to start.  I can always sell it later right?  Anyway, any suggestions of what kind of .22 to look into?

May I amend your list a bit? 

[ducatiz]

Ruger 10/22.
Ruger Mark II or Mark III.

Splurge and get both, for a great shared caliber way to learn both rifle and handgun.

+1 on the MkII / MkIII pistol

I have an original 1959 Standard Model . It's pretty much the same.  They are "bulletproof" and will last forever if you keep them clean.  Had to replace the firing pin after 43 years.  That's it.

I can always sell it later right?  Anyway, any suggestions of what kind of .22 to look into?

Resale value is about 60% of new for new model guns.   For old model guns, about 40-50%.  For antique, it is whatever the market supports.

Find a gun show and shop.  Don't buy anything first time.  Stuff always comes around.  Ruger Mk and Standard models are popular guns and command high resale value (mainly because 22 is a super-popular round and because they never break)