We have a bunch of different threads on the subject of gun control, and each contains questions about people interested in buying a gun, or, discussion of what guns people have. So, here is what this thread is for: Discussion of what guns we own and what guns we'd like to own, people interested in acquiring a gun, hypotheticals, tactics, safety and safe storage and recommendations. This thread is not for a discussion on gun control.

I recently purchased my first gun, a Ruger Mini 14 NRA model. I got it used for about $800, which I paid for by cashing in government bonds, yessir.

Here it is:



Looks very similar to the M14, except smaller. It's a semi automatic .223/5.56 rifle, and I'm going to use it to defend my life, liberty, and property I took off the scope, by the way.

When I first got it, I loaded the magazine up, stuck it in, pointed in a safe direction, and when I went to release the bolt, I rode it with my hand which you're not supposed to do with the Mini 14, leading to the round not seating properly, which, as this was my first gun and my first time with bullets, was terrifying, as I felt if I let the bolt close totally, it would make the round go off :P I ejected the magazine, though, and pulled the round out of the chamber with my fingers.

I'm terrified of guns, though that has become less and less the longer I'm a gun owner.

I intend to buy a hand gun for concealed carry, which pretty much means I need a compact or a sub compact (sub is more likely). I'm currently leaning heavily towards the Para Hawg 9, which is a sub compact 9mm 1911



But I'm also thinking about the XD9 subcompact


UATrewqaz said he's looking for a hand gun for home/car defense.

I'm not 100% on this, but I'm 95% sure that you need a concealed carry permit to have a loaded hand gun in your car in Georgia, which is around $15/5 years.


Given that you don't want it to carry it around, it might be recommended to get a full size pistol. The Springfield Armory XD9, Glock 17 and Smith and Wesson M&P all came highly recommended to me when I started looking into pistols. A lot of people would suggest that you get one in 9mm for two main reasons: 1) 9mm ammo is cheaper, and as this is your first gun, you ought to be practicing a lot, which will use up ammo and that ain't cheap ya know? 2) The recoil is more manageable, which again is great when you're just starting out.


I hope to hear from other gun owning politards itt

I will duplicate my last post from the other thread here, in an attempt to move the discussion to this thread.

In Georgia there are probably a dozen gun ranges within a mile of where you live. Go to one, rent something like a Glock 19 (a very standard, reliable, jack-of-all-trades self defense pistol in 9mm), and ask someone there to show you the basics because you're worried you might shoot yourself in the foot. They will almost certainly be extremely happy to show you the basics, teach you safe handling, and will probably talk your ear off about anti-gun politicians if there is more than a 10-second gap in the conversation. If they're insanely busy and can't take some time to make you safe, then by all means just go to another range. Definately sign up for a class before you leave.

After you get some familiarity and purchase a handgun that suits you (you will probably find your preference drift away from the mean in some way -- maybe you want more power than 9mm, or a different grip shape, etc. etc. etc.), make sure you practice with it. You definately don't want to be the guy that buys a gun, fires it once, and then leaves it in the closet for 20 years until you wake up one night to the sound of someone breaking in downstairs.

Have you shot one yet? 9mm 1911's are kind of uncommon to begin with (built up more than usual for a 9mm), and sub compact 1911's tend to have more than their statistical share of functioning issues.

I haven't seen this particular one, though, so maybe it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. It just seems like a very non-standard choice for a "first handgun."

oh man I know. I just fell in love with it when I saw it. I've heard only good things about the para warthawg line, though. But yeah, it's a bit of an odd choice, I admit.


edit: Just to clarify, I intend to try out a few pistols before purchasing.

Very wise, imo. I think you'll like 1911's in general -- they have the best trigger out there -- but it's important to be an enthusiast if you get one. Sort of like manual 6-speed transmissions, linux, fountain pens -- it's that kind of thing.

I have a H&K .40 USP. Great compact handgun. Good for CC.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7950119.../pool-views100

Also have a S&W .357 revolver. A Browning shotgun is on the wish list.

IMO

I've got two revolvers, a 7 shot .357 s+w 4" barrel, and a 6 shot snub-nose .38 smith.

Taso, XD is a good gun, I've shot the tactical and the subcompact 9's and both were very good.

I plan on getting a CCW permit once I turn 21. MSU has a ban on firearm possession, so there's not much point for me to get a gun until then.

Any of you gun owners ever had occasion to use your weapons for the purpose Taso mentiones, i.e., "to defend life, liberty, and property"?

Just curious (and not meant to stir the gun-control debate).

No, hopefully I never do.

For the record, I have at one time or another owned handguns from the following manufacturers:

Kimber
H&K
Glock
Sig
Colt
Beretta
Astra
Browning
Wilkinson
Davis
Seecamp
Kel-Tec
North American Arms

I do have a concealed carry license, but can't carry legally in my current place of residence.

I'd be put in prison if I insisted on owning a gun )-: That, and my family would disown me...

Figured if I did ever get a gun in the US, I'd get a .44 colt.

Once pulled .357 for the win. No shots fired. Everyone went home safe.

What happened?

60 minutes did a peice on Virginia and its gun shows. Am,azing so literally I could go top one of these gun shows as a CDN and buy private sale.

Amazing AK 47's to boot

Anyone know a good guide for first time gun buyers in Massachusetts?

Biglaw,

You may want to check this out:
http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/MASL.pdf

lozen, you can't buy a real AK 47 that easily. what you can get is a semi-automatic version, which is really not much different than the mini 14 I got.

^^^ thanks

Yeah, drive up to NH or VT to buy it. Cash & carry.

Yeah, I want a handgun for home defense, something small but still with stopping power, and something that won't kick like a mule when I fire it.

And yes there are lots of gun ranges around here, you're saying I can go there and rent a gun(s) to shoot so I can have a better idea about what to buy?

What type of bullets should I get for practice vs. real life (aka I actually had to shoot somebody). Hollow points are what you should use for defense right?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ithaca_Auto_&_Burglar

[x] small (ish)

[x] kicks like a mule

[ ] requires alot of skill to hit your target at night when groggy and scared

[x] recommended

Allow me to intrude to ask one more question, please:

Were those of you who purchased guns in the last few years required to take any kind of class or instruction on safety?

(Again, I am not trying to create an argument, but just curious about the process.)