And don't forget the yard sign.
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.
Yes, One for you and one for her. And soon!
For home use only, get a Mossberg 500 shotgun. 2nd choice = a Ruger GP100 revolver.
Check one of my threads on purchasing a gun. I received great information.
This thread is going to get big, fast.
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.
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!
This thread’ll go 150 replies.
Check these guys out. Most gun shops LOVE to show Newbies the ropes: http://www.armsdealer.net/businesses/category/gun-shops/louisiana/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.
Bass Pro Shop.
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.
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.
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.
Beginners should start with NRA Certified trainingI would recommend training
from an NRA Certified Instructor inRefuse 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
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,,,)
For home self defense I like a shotgun with a load that will not penetrate a typical wall in the home. there is less chance of getting someone in the next room. pump action is scary sounding to.
Lots of shops have ranges where you can rent weapons to try them out.
People seem to like shotguns for home defense. I don’t actually have a shotgun, though.
For an all-purpose handgun, get a 9mm — Glock, Walther, S&W, Heckler & Koch. My personal choice is the HK P30. A little expensive, but extremely reliable.
I like .45s a lot — particularly 1911s — but, since you’re getting one for the both of you, get a 9mm instead. The .45 is just not a womens’ caliber — too much bang for her small frame. My wife doesn’t like the .45 at all.
Good luck.
SnakeDoc
Don't know if the chaos of the past few weeks have effected revolver prices as most experienced shooters are going the high capacity semi-auto pistol route.
Some gun stores will have ranges but most do not. Get instruction first and then rent some different guns to see what feels comfortable. I think a long gun, especially for a new shooter, in a house is not the best idea in a house. They can be hard to swing in hallways and other confined areas. I would recommend a Glock G19 in 9 mm. The manual of arms for the Glocks, once a round is chambered, is the same as a revolver: Point gun at target and pull the trigger. I have had 6 Glocks and all of them, except one I bought used, have been completely reliable. The gun is also small enough to carry concealed if you go that route eventually. My daily carry is a Glock G23, .40 caliber version, in an in the waistband holster and it’s comfortable enough I can forget it’s there. Whatever you get practice with it all you can and get instruction.