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Soon to be first time gun owner (newbie questions)

Posted on 01/08/2013 10:49:42 AM PST by stuck_in_new_orleans

Wife and I are looking into buying a gun for the sole purpose of self defense/home safety. Neither of us has owned a gun nor know anything about guns. Silly question but do gun shops usually have ranges to rent/test guns? Also, any recommendations for guns for home safety? Thanks


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Wife and I are looking into buying a gun for the sole purpose of self defense/home safety. Neither of us has owned a gun nor know anything about guns. Silly question but do gun shops usually have ranges to rent/test guns? Also, any recommendations for guns for home safety? Thanks
1 posted on 01/08/2013 10:49:44 AM PST by stuck_in_new_orleans
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

Some gun shops also have ranges and will rent you different firearms to try out on the range. Call and ask, you will quickly be routed to a gun shop that will meet your needs.


2 posted on 01/08/2013 10:53:24 AM PST by Blood of Tyrants (The one thing that Hollywood gets right about guns is that crminals will always get them.)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

Yes, One for you and one for her. And soon!


3 posted on 01/08/2013 10:53:28 AM PST by Perseverando (Gun control? It's really not about gun control is it? It's really about PEOPLE CONTROL!)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

For home use only, get a Mossberg 500 shotgun. 2nd choice = a Ruger GP100 revolver.


4 posted on 01/08/2013 10:53:58 AM PST by aimhigh ( Guns do not kill people. Planned Parenthood kills people.)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

Check one of my threads on purchasing a gun. I received great information.

This thread is going to get big, fast.


5 posted on 01/08/2013 10:54:18 AM PST by EQAndyBuzz (Want freedom? Think WWRRD? Then do it.)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

For home safety: Keep the part of the gun where the bullet comes out pointed away from things/people you don’t want to shoot.


6 posted on 01/08/2013 10:54:23 AM PST by count-your-change (You don't have to be brilliant, not being stupid is enough.)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

Depending on your state you may have several nearby ranges which have rental guns.

Since you are a newbie, I would recommend a revolver. They are much easier to shoot and care for than a semi auto.

.38 special is a good caliber to start with. Good luck!


7 posted on 01/08/2013 10:54:27 AM PST by buffaloguy
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

This thread’ll go 150 replies.


8 posted on 01/08/2013 10:55:00 AM PST by Carriage Hill ("I meant to say maggot, but I have a lisp.")
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

Check these guys out. Most gun shops LOVE to show Newbies the ropes: http://www.armsdealer.net/businesses/category/gun-shops/louisiana/new-orleans


9 posted on 01/08/2013 10:55:22 AM PST by US Navy Vet (Go Packers! Go Rockies! Go Boston Bruins! See, I'm "Diverse"!)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

If you expect to get information about firearms on this forum then I’m afraid that you are out of luck. There is little interest in the subject at FreeRepublic.


10 posted on 01/08/2013 10:55:36 AM PST by Jeff Chandler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAOwJvTOio)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

Bass Pro Shop.


11 posted on 01/08/2013 10:55:36 AM PST by hope (Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

Some will have test ranges, most will not. I’d recommend joining the local rod and gun club. Not everyone has the space that I do and can just set up a range on their own property.

Everyone will have different opinions on what is best. Most agree on a few things. 1. A Marlin model 60 .22 caliber rifle is a must have. 2. A good pump action 20 gauge shotgun is a must have. 3. Optionally a larger caliber scary “assault rifle” I consider a must but that’s me. I have a Saiga 7.62x39 but good luck finding anything like that now.

Anyone who tells you a hollow point .22 can’t do damage doesn’t know what they’re talking about. I personally plan on getting at least two more of them, one for son and one for wife. Tube feed. They always get under the ban radar, even Feinstein’s new bill.

Oh, and by the way, I gave all my guns away, uh, to my brother in law, yeah. That’s the ticket.


12 posted on 01/08/2013 10:55:55 AM PST by TheRhinelander
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

And don't forget the yard sign.


13 posted on 01/08/2013 10:56:25 AM PST by Perseverando (Gun control? It's really not about gun control is it? It's really about PEOPLE CONTROL!)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans
My wife and I were in the same position about two years ago. The gun shop recommended that, for first time gun owners, the easiest to learn was a revolver, so we bought a .38 Special.

Once you buy the gun, make sure you and your wife put in some practice time on a gun range. (A lesson or two wouldn't hurt, either.) A gun you haven't learned to use properly is more of a danger to you than a bad guy.

14 posted on 01/08/2013 10:56:36 AM PST by Lurking Libertarian (Non sub homine, sed sub Deo et lege)
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To: EQAndyBuzz

Link ?


15 posted on 01/08/2013 10:56:47 AM PST by stuck_in_new_orleans
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

I don’t know the answers but you are sure as heck asking the correct questions. As a group, gun store owners are very knowledgable and will help you probe your needs. It’s not like shopping at Best Buy where the sales kids don’t know dick. Speaking of which, don’t go to Dick’s.


16 posted on 01/08/2013 10:59:18 AM PST by Cyber Liberty (Obama considers the Third World morally superior to the United States.)
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To: Jeff Chandler

I lost all my guns and ammo in a horrible boating accident


17 posted on 01/08/2013 10:59:27 AM PST by al baby (Hi Mom)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans
Beginners should start with NRA Certified training

I would recommend training
from an NRA Certified Instructor in

Refuse to be a victim
NRA training for women
Basic pistol
Personal protection in the home
and the newly released
Personal protection outside the home

NRA Gun Safety Rules

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

NRA T/C CRSO

18 posted on 01/08/2013 11:00:57 AM PST by Uri’el-2012 (Psalm 119:174 I long for Your salvation, YHvH, Your teaching is my delight.)
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To: al baby

19 posted on 01/08/2013 11:01:38 AM PST by TSgt (...voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.)
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To: stuck_in_new_orleans

As a starter
Go to a reputable (indoor) gun range.

They usually have guns to rent so you can try different models/calibers before you buy. What you might like, your wife might not (and vice versa).They often offer shooting and gun handling courses. And I’m certain they will have an opinion on what you need or want the gun for (but remember - they are also sales people,,,)


20 posted on 01/08/2013 11:01:47 AM PST by llevrok (ObamaLand - Where young people go to retire.)
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