[hlpdobro]

As a "Mature" adult in western Maryland I've only owned firearms for 18mos., primarily as a method to keep the groundhogs at bay in my horse pasture. I'm a backyard paper puncher as well.

I did go through the mandatory state "class" for handgun ownership and followed up with the NRA Basic Pistol course, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I wanted to keep my initial purchases on the basic side. I currently own a SA revo and semi-auto rifle, both in .22lr.

I now have the urge to both move up in caliber and to find some other outlet that I might enjoy. I've created in my mind a short list of potential acquisitions but feel I really have to come up with some justification for ownership.

The one purchase that'll most certainly happen will be a GP-100. It's crazy how many whitetail deer run amuck and get injured in fences around here. It's messy dealing with them in anything chambered in .22lr.

I also have the urge to handle a CZ-75B(9mm)/Kadet. Maybe a Mak..

Then what...? What's out there that a someone might enjoy doing. I'm your basic geek/couch potato looking for a way to get off of my butt and try a challenge.

Any of this make sense? Anyone in Frederick/Hagerstown MD area familiar with the local happenings?

Suggestions more than welcome.

Standing by...

Howard

[P95Carry]

some justification for ownership. That's easy ..... ''cos you WANT''!!:p

Well ... the GP-100 will I am sure be a great next move ...... kick off with some light loads and get used to the feel and handling, then go to hotter loads. Just remember that if you put a lot of .38 spl thru .. clean the cyl chambers to avoid a ring forming. Could be a 6" will serve you well, considering your deer comment.

After that ... world is your oyster! Once you are into center fire I doubt you'll stop ..... :)

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

How committed are you? Definitely get the Ruger. You can not go wrong with a good revolver. Semi-auto handguns are another discussion. Look at the autoloader forum here for more info.

Rifles? You can get your basic lever gun in 30-30 which is fairly mild, or .357 mag to match the handgun, or .44 or .454 for a thumper. You may graduate to a 45/70 one day!

Single Shot. There are less expensive and more expensive choices. H&R makes the handi-rifle for many calibers for under $200. Ruger makes the #1 for about $900.

Bolt guns. >$500. Ruger, Savage, Remington, Winchester. Ammo for the .223 and .308 is cheap. You can dispatch a deer in you case with either. If you are hunting, the .308 is better. Varmints can be taken with the .223. The .223 has lighter recoil, but the .308 is a little more exhilarating.

Semi-autos. Same recipe. .223 or .308. Stick rifles like remington. Or magazine rifles like the AR-15 and clones. .223 in AR-15 and clones. .308 in M1A and FN FAL. Look at local rules for what can be had.

Train, train and did I mention train?

[Mark Tyson]

I did go through the mandatory state "class" for handgun ownership

You mean you saw the tape?

What to get next? Talk about an open ended question. I'd say everyone needs a 12 guage shotgun. Can't go wrong with a remington 870 express magnum.

[hlpdobro]

quote:I did go through the mandatory state "class" for handgun ownership



You mean you saw the tape?


:o Yeah, exactly! Shown to me by the Frederick County Sheriff himself. He did ask me what I thought, his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. I did the NRA course very soon thereafter.

What I think I'm after , with this very open ended question, is to point me in a direction(s) where I can research other handgun related activites that would allow me to have some fun, while getting away from my daily stint in telecom, and improve my skills with handguns.

Make sense?

Howard

[Ryder]

Maybe something like a Contender pistol? They fit any caliber on these things with a barrel change. Long range shooting is challenging (and fun). Being a single shot it shouldn't break the bank in ammo costs.

Contender Pistol (http://www.tcarms.com/contpistol/index.html)

[Mike Irwin]

Well, the next logical step may be moving slightly north, or south, and getting out of the gun-hating People's Republic of Maryland.