Guns 101

[XiaoNio]

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?

[Sinister]

Let's start with, what do you want to do?  Just a plinker?  I'd say start with a .22.  Shoot clays?  Go o/u, if you have the scratch.

[XiaoNio]

I've shot clays before and thought that was fun.  I guess mostly what I want to do is learn about guns and develop some skills.  Maybe see if it could become a hobby I could get into.  Something usable for home defense/intimidation would be good as well.  I never had a problem living in Baltimore, but there have been some incidents recently that have got me thinking.

O/U?

[Statler]

you can rent pistols at a few ranges in the area.  Not sure if instruction comes with it.

You can come to Select Fire with me some afternoon...I'll put the .22 top end on the Wilson for a few sessions and then at some point go back to .45

plenty of targets, extra set of earmuffs, ammo etc.

Happy to go over some basic safety stuff.

oh...never get a gun for intimidation.  good way to get killed.   It does not ever come out unless it is to be used.

[COWBOY]

A good starter would be to check the NRA site for any classes they may offer.  I know they used to hold a regular schedule of classes in Fairfax ranging from beginner 101 to more advanced shooting techniques etc.

[Sinister]

O/U?

Over/Under, double-barreled shotgun.

[XiaoNio]

oh...never get a gun for intimidation.  good way to get killed.   It does not ever come out unless it is to be used.

Oh sorry, I didn't mean to carry around or anything.  I just meant to take it out in house.  Recently someone busted in the back door of my girlfriend's house and that was 2 blocks away.  Luckily, no one was home.

[COWBOY]

Here's a list of their basic courses.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/basictraining.asp#pistol

[kinetic3]

or did you mean the other type

[Statler]

there's a caliber joke in there somewhere.

[blue tiger]

Decide on it's use. If it's just for home defense it's hard to beat a pump action shotgun. A 9 shot Mossberg Model 500 in 12 gauge can be had for about 250 bucks. It will shoot slugs or any shotshell and will absolutly destroy whatever you hit with it.No pistol grip BS unless it is coupled with a regular or folding stock.

If you want something fun for plinking that is still excellent for home defense a quality semi auto centerfire rifle is a good consideration. The mini 14, ar-15, ak-47 or any mid size intermediate caliber "assault rifle" is very handy and fun. They generally have low recoil as they fire an intermediate sized cartridge. They are pretty easy to learn as they are light ,handy military rifles. They are also incredibly fun to shoot. Nothing makes me smile quite like a 30 round mag dump !!! A cheap AK can be had for around 350 to 400 bucks. AR's are much higher and the mini 14 is in the middle as far as cost goes.

If you want something for concealability as well as plinking/home defense any one of the hundreds of models of handgun will suit your needs. I would say 9mm minimum as the caliber in whatever design you think fits the bill. Semi auto or revolver. Whichever you choose there are many good choices. The reason I don't rate it first as a home defense weapon is that pistols are much more difficult to shoot accuratly than a rifle/shotgun and are also far less powerful.

If you really just want a first timers firearm that is cheap and fun then get a .22. It's a dog in the self defense category but would be perfect for plinking and target shooting. I prefer things to blow up and fly when I plink which is why I'm not a huge fan of the .22.

[sbrguy]

as others have said get proper training first, nothing worse than someone that is "afraid of their shadow" getting a gun with no instruction or someone getting a gun "for self defense or to be tough" etc, with no proper training or respect for the firearm.

its not a decision to be taken lightly to own a firearm.  sure you can easily get one at your local sports authority but that doens't mean everyone should have one

like others say, figure out why you want one and then go from there, and remember if you mess up with a gun its usually not a situation that will end well.

[He Man]

How to buy a gun.


1) Decide what you want
2) Buy it
3) learn how to use it
4) be awesome at it
5) shoot often.

[hbliam]

...I'll put the .22 top end on the Wilson for a few sessions and then at some point go back to .45

I knew you had good taste...which model Wilson?

[Bun-bun]

Home defense: baseball bat.
First gun: .22 rifle
Reasoning:
Aa firearm noob in a home defense situation is more likely to get the gun taken away from them and end up shot, or shooting their roommate/S.O./kid when they come home late one night than they are to actually shoot a home intruder.
You can get a .22 rifle at K'mart for under $150, you can shoot it in your local woods (with precautions) or shooting range, the shells are cheap enough so you shoot more often and become more proficient, and if you lose interest, you're not out much money.

My .02