I'm going to buy my first gun. Where do I start???

Discussion in 'Gun Control' started by ryobi, Nov 17, 2019.

  1. FreshAir

    FreshAir Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    probably go to a gun range, and they could help get you trained in gun safety, and how to use - have heard people say it's pretty fun too
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2019
  2. FreshAir

    FreshAir Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    agree, I have never owned a gun or shot one, gun is not for me, but I am glad others own them, that way criminals do not know if I own one or not... makes me safer without having to own one
     
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  3. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    Herd defense.
     
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  4. Xenamnes

    Xenamnes Banned

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    Why is there a sense of those being present having just been played in this discussion?
     
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  5. modernpaladin

    modernpaladin Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    Though this fear would likely be overcome simply by going to a supervised range.
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2019
  6. modernpaladin

    modernpaladin Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    Im guessing OP was hoping for gun owners to discredit themselves by recommending something unsafe or illegal.
     
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  7. TOG 6

    TOG 6 Well-Known Member

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    The anti-gun side demonstrates their ignorance on a routine basis.
     
  8. An Taibhse

    An Taibhse Well-Known Member

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    I have no real issue with people making a free choice not to own a gun just those wanting to remove that free choice for others.
    For much of my early life, if I had fears, I forced myself to face them, (fear of height, public speaking, etc., spiders & snakes) and more often than not I found facing my fear combined with accumulation of knowledge was key to over coming those fears. Eventually, I found if I had any hint of, what I interpreted as fear, I had developed the confidence in myself to first educate myself, seek knowledge from those with experience, and then face that fear. I eventually developed the my self confidence to the point where I not only figure I can solve any problem, but developed an insatiable curiosity and drive to learn about those things I don’t understand to the point where it became something of an enjoyable challenge As was suggested in an earlier post, knowledge is power, and the real toolkit for survival.
    I have known a couple people that have made the choice out of fear not to own a gun. In one case, the person was introspectively honest about her ability to control her anger, not trusting she could own a gun and not use it in a moment of anger. The other person, just as introspectively honest, admitted that they didn’t have the ability to retain focus or the attention/responsibility toward maintenance of anything to be able to adhere 100% to gun safety protocol or safe handling of a firearm...knowing this fellow, I can see him as one of those that would not be thinking and clear a semi by racking it to remove a chambered round and then removing the mag. In both cases, the choice not to own a gun was based on a knowledge of self and a rational decision. Both expressed fear of firearms, but not a fear inherent in the a firearm.
     
  9. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    Or maybe he wisely considered what self defense with a handgun involves. If you're not ready for the responsibility of potentially killing someone in self defense, then you shouldn't buy a gun for self defense. I have thought about it (well I did 35 years ago), and I'm willing to take that responsibility.
     
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  10. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    I agree totally. I have no problem with people not wanting a gun for use in self defense, as long as they don't interfere with my right to do so.
     
  11. modernpaladin

    modernpaladin Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    Maybe indeed. Thats just not the impression I get. Impressions can certainly be wrong...
     
  12. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    I agree totally. I have no problem with people not wanting a gun for use in self defense, as long as they don't interfere with my right to do so.
     
  13. spiritgide

    spiritgide Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    I'll add a few points. I've been a life member of the NRA for over 50 years; do my own gunsmithing.

    First- everyone should know that a gun is a hazardous object. Understand that there is a difference between hazardous (something that can result in injury or death if not used properly) and dangerous- something that can result in injury or death on it's own. Guns are hazardous- but it's people who can make them dangerous. Thus, the person really is the controlling factor. Point: Understand the function and all the safety rules of owning and handling guns. Study them, practice them faithfully- because this is not something to learn from your mistakes on. That is the first thing to do, the starting point. Many places conduct classes; Contact a local shooting range and you should find some.

    Second- what kind of gun depends on several things, but first is your purpose for owning it. If it's home defense, it's close range. If it's hunting, it could be shotgun for birds, a .22 for small game, or a centerfire for large game. I'm doing more long range target shooting now than anything else, and that too has it's own parameters- and those guns would be worthless for home defense because they are long and heavy, not agile. Again, do lots of research in gun forums on the net; google your questions and all kinds of options or discussions will come up. And- talk to the guys at the gun shops and ranges. They will all be experienced shooters

    Knowledge is the first step, so explore the general safety rules thoroughly, then the types of guns best suited to your purpose, then the best of that type that fits in your budget and other parameters.

    Most ranges will rent or allow you to shoot a wide variety of guns they keep on hand. Like driving a car before you buy- do some test shooting. Lots of differences that can alter your opinion. For example, a handgun that fits your natural grip will shoot pretty much in the direction you point it, just as you would point a finger. A gun that doesn't fit you well will shoot somewhere else and won't feel natural. Some guns have a lot of kick and become intimidating. That isn't necessary, because in defense, a big bullet that misses is a lot less effective than a smaller one that hits. Careful study and consideration gets you on the right track.

    Many people learn to shoot with a .22. Cheap to shoot, usually cheap to own, easy to use and take care of. It can be a learning tool that helps get you into the comfort zone of handling guns before you invest in something more serious.
     
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  14. Spim

    Spim Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    yip, love the 22 as a first choice , it teaches good habits and helps people overcome the initial apprehension or development of recoil flinch.
     
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  15. Enuf Istoomuch

    Enuf Istoomuch Well-Known Member

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    Looks like the original poster has given up already!

    As others have said I would have suggested you look here:
    https://firearmtraining.nra.org/student-courses/

    And also to look into local gun shops. The bigger ones especially often offer training classes. Some have indoor shooting ranges and will rent guns to try out, helping you to decide what you want to buy.

    Your physical limitations play into gun selection. Obviously if you have strength or mobility problems, a big shotgun may not serve you. But then again I've known people in wheelchairs with outstanding arm strength who could skillfully handle the largest handguns. Once again, those local gun shops, finding people to chat with about needs and limitations and opportunities to learn.

    This statement means something else too. You have decided to accept being a victim. That is your right, just do be clear and honest with yourself that it is a choice you have made, rather than deciding to not be a victim. I do hope you never become one.
     
  16. Richard The Last

    Richard The Last Well-Known Member

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    What aspect "freaks" you out?
     
  17. FreshAir

    FreshAir Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    yep, I am pro-choice in guns as well
     
  18. FatBack

    FatBack Well-Known Member

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    Troll post award ^
     
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