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Just became Life Member of NRA. I now need guidance on selecting a handgun.
June 20, 2016 | Silly

Posted on 06/19/2016 9:44:45 PM PDT by Silly

Hi, all, very excited I joined NRA with their EasyPayLife plan on Friday. Now I'm want to move forward.

As I select a handgun, I do plan to try different models at gun ranges and talk with close friends who shoot. I know in time I will find something that I really connect with.

And before I purchase, I will have lots of solid training and hopefully some sort of certification(s) under my belt (suggest a few if you think of them).

Meanwhile, I would appreciate suggestions. I want a model that is classic, easy to care for, good power, and doesn't cost a fortune. It is a one-time purchase, so I won't buy the cheapest thing out there, but I have to watch my money. I will be putting away money each month to build up my firearm savings account so when I'm ready to buy I can do so. And I'd like a model that doesn't require high-priced ammo.

(FYI, I will likely not be able to keep the firearm in my apartment (still checking laws), as I live in Manhattan. So I will find a safe place for the gun outside the city limits to store it (Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey) where I can travel to easily and quickly to train. Just thought I should throw that piece of info in there.)

Mostly now, I'd like suggestions on models and why they should be considered. I'll Google them and really appreciate your help.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: banglist; guns; nra
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To: Labyrinthos

OK then let me amend my advice to (Sam Kinnison voice) MOVE! :-)


141 posted on 06/20/2016 12:14:07 PM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
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To: Labyrinthos

Nationwide, this is the law. Needless to say, most farmers are less than fond of asking permission to carry their pistol while on the range...


142 posted on 06/20/2016 12:21:16 PM PDT by Don W ( When blacks riot, neighborhoods and cities burn. When whites riot, nations and continents burn)
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To: Georgia Girl 2
If I can't keep firearms in my apartment, I certainly won't. (I will check; we may be able to keep a shotgun or rifle in a NYC apartment under certain restrictions.)

What I plan to do is first become educated; then try various models with a certified trainer; and narrow down my choices and preferences for my eventual purchase. Once I've made my decision I'll only buy a firearm I am well trained on and can keep legally, whether I live in Manhattan, or move to Long Island, Westchester County, or New Jersey (these are all very close).

This thread is a great learning experience, and I'm grateful for the guidance. The biggest lesson for both myself and veteran gun owners is this:

Everyone American has to start where they are, whether their knowledge and experience is high, intermediate, or next to nothing. We cannot deny someone's constitutional rights because they start with little or no experience. Instead we should honor their rights and help them exercise their rights according to their ability.

No one should give up pursuing responsible gun ownership due to age or lack of experience. Rather, start where you are, build what you know, and follow the advice of experienced gun owners while obeying the law. Even starting at zero is fine, if you truly recognize that you are at zero, and have certified trainers and close friends who know you to keep you in check and build concrete, measurable skills while you journey to mastery.

With enough work I know I will have enough proficiency to buy the revolver or semi or rifle that is right for me.

143 posted on 06/20/2016 7:52:06 PM PDT by Silly
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To: Silly

One thing I forgot to mention last night about the .357/.38 caliber revolver. Marlin makes a great lever action rifle in.357 also so you might take that into consideration. pistol, rifle, one ammo.


144 posted on 06/20/2016 7:56:36 PM PDT by eastforker (The only time you can be satisfied is when your all Trump.)
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To: Jed Eckert

The local pawn/gunshop brought in a couple pallets of Romanian TT-33s. $199 CDN, in case with 2 mags. Some re-blued, some original finish.

For the price, and considering most ammo is $.15-$.35/round, I think it will be a fun plinker for when I’m out prospecting, or berry-picking. While it’s unlikely to be super-effective against a large predator, it should be plenty loud to just shoo them away, I would think.


145 posted on 06/20/2016 8:00:06 PM PDT by Don W ( When blacks riot, neighborhoods and cities burn. When whites riot, nations and continents burn)
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To: Don W
The local pawn/gunshop brought in a couple pallets of Romanian TT-33s. $199 CDN, in case with 2 mags. Some re-blued, some original finish. For the price, and considering most ammo is $.15-$.35/round, I think it will be a fun plinker for when I’m out prospecting, or berry-picking. While it’s unlikely to be super-effective against a large predator, it should be plenty loud to just shoo them away, I would think.

You won't be disappointed. I own both the TT33 and CZ 52 and like them both.

That price is about what you'd pay for a new .22 semi auto pistol. The cartridge is certainly a man stopper but I wouldn't trust it against something like black bear, but should do fine against wolves, coyotes and cougars. Some loads are hotter than others but yes they are loud.

146 posted on 06/21/2016 5:22:25 AM PDT by Jed Eckert (The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem)
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To: Sans-Culotte
In my CHL class, I qualified with a semi, but I actually carry a S&W .38 Airweight revolver. I bought the airweight for my wife because of the light weight. However, she does not like it because the light weight makes it have a strong recoil which hurts her hand.

I like my S&W 642. It's extremely handy to carry. And no-one looks at your front pocket.

But, around here, I do worry about capacity.

147 posted on 06/21/2016 8:50:30 AM PDT by Lee N. Field ("I don't care if there's a billion of you. You're in a cult.")
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To: eastforker

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

Today I got my NRA membership number by e-mail, with a note that my welcome packet and card is shipping soon. So glad I took this step! Lot’s of good advice, I’ll be keeping ya’ll posted.


148 posted on 06/27/2016 6:59:21 PM PDT by Silly
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To: Silly

Become proficient in aim. It isn’t easy.

I have Gl-23 and Sig Mosquito. One stops with any body hit, the other will rattle inside. Glock is 13+1 round capacity .40
and the Sig is a .22LR with 10+1.


149 posted on 06/27/2016 7:28:00 PM PDT by eyedigress ((Old storm chaser from the west))
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