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