A couple handgun questions

[cbmyers2007]

Ok, I've been wanting to get another gun lately. I used to have a .22 rifle, but lost interest and pawned it awhile back. Well, now I want some sort of handgun. So here's my questions:

1. How old do you have to be in GA to buy a handgun? I just turned 18, so I'm not really sure.... I've heard different answers

2. This will be my first handgun, but not my first gun, so what calibers and models should I look into? What should I be looking to spend? I'd probably be buying from a pawn shop since most pawn shops have a pretty good selection.....

Oh, no revolvers please

 

[logansdad]

If I'm not mistaken...

the golden age for handgun purchases in every state is 21. Sorry...

 

[cbmyers2007]

I was afraid of that..... Well, I could probably convince my dad to buy it for me.... I got him to buy me a .22 when I was like 12 or 13

 

[GRIZ22]

You must be 21 to buy a handgun from a dealer. That would include pawnshops. Many states allow you to buy a handgun from a private individual at age 18. Go to a gunshop and ask what your state requires or google for your states gun laws. I don't know of any state which will give you a CCW under 21.

As far as what kind of gun to buy I suggest reading up and decide on your own. What do you want it for? Cost of ammo? You might like that 10MM but the cost of ammo might keep it put away most of the time. After 22 rimfires, 38 special and 9 mm would generally be less expensive than most other ammo. I wouldn't discount a revolver as I think you can do just about anything (in reason) with a 4" 357.

If your Dad goes into a gunshop and buys a handgun for you that might be construed as a strawman purchase by some overzealous ATF agent. If you can buy a handgun at 18 where you live check Gunsamerica or some other website and look for guns for sale by private owners in your state.

 

[Monkeybear]

If you want a gun just to have one then it dosnt matter what kind it is.

If you want a gun for shooting paper then get a .22lr, if a .22lr dosnt do it for you get a 9mm.

Spend some time with a wheel gun, just a little at the store. Something stainless in .357 with a 4" barrel. Just spend a little time with it in your hand. Then decide if you still dont like revolvers

I think you have to be 21 in most places to get a handgun, your local responsible pawnshop owner should know the details if he sells handguns.

 

[cbmyers2007]

I mainly want it for protection at the house and I'll probably take it to the range pretty often.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I think you have to be 21 in most places to get a handgun, your local responsible pawnshop owner should know the details if he sells handguns.

Any form of official gun dealer can't sell handguns to under-21, because they all have a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Doesn't vary by state.

Only question is: can someone over 18 but under 21 buy a handgun from a private individual in GA? If you don't get a good answer on this, post that question, with a really clear title, in the Legal section of this site.

Or you could ask for a gun as a present. And no, "Dad, I'll give you $400 and you can give me a Glock as a present" is still a straw-purchase, and illegal.

If you want a good but inexpensive gun as a present, or for your Dad to buy and own until you reach 21, consider any good S&W revolver in .38 or .357

There are several wholesalers online that have good S&W Model 10 revolvers for under $200. Add $10-20 for shipping and $15-25 for FFL fees, but you don't have to pay sales tax, so you save there.

We have a thread on S&W wholesalers going in the Revolver forum. There's no better handgun under $200: solid steel and wood, built to last. Plus you get to be retro-cool.

-MV

 

[Monkeybear]

House protection - shotgun

Your old enough to get a shotgun and you can start shooting clays or trap or whatever.

Id say a shotgun and a .22lr handgun or a 9mm. A nine is cheaper to feed than just about anyother centerfire.

Edited to add: a .357 4" is a beautiful thing. + 1 for Mats advice.

 

[cbmyers2007]

House protection - shotgun

Your old enough to get a shotgun and you can start shooting clays or trap or whatever.

Id say a shotgun and a .22lr handgun or a 9mm. A nine is cheaper to feed than just about anyother centerfire.

Edited to add: a .357 4" is a beautiful thing. + 1 for Mats advice.

Well, its not just for house protection. I'd be taking it to the range as well. And I can buy a shotgun, .22 hand gun, and a 9mm handgun? A 9mm is what I was actully thinking about getting, but I didn't know if it'd be a good starter pistol. And as I said before, I don't want a revolver.

 

[cbmyers2007]

bump

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you are new to shooting handguns and you want to have a good time at the range then I suggest a .22lr pistol. You can learn good shooting habits because there is no recoil to get in the way of shooting and you can shoot all day for a few dollars in ammo. since the .22 is a little light for home protection a shotgun loaded with buck shot should fill that roll until you get comfortable shooting handguns and move up to a larger round.

Ruger’s 22/45 Mark III 22 LR Pistol is an outstanding pistol and you can find them NEW for $199. S&W’s Model 22A and Beretta’s U22 are also good choices and for the same price. All are pretty much equal so you should choose the one that feels the best in your hand. (I like the Ruger best)

Good luck, be safe and have fun!!

 

[cbmyers2007]

Am I old enough to buy a shotgun and .22lr pistol?

 

[BlkHawk73]

No, at 18, you may legally purchase from a dealer a long gun, meaning a shotgun or a rifle. Any handgun, regardless of chambering requires the buyer to be 21 years of age.
That said, there's no better gun to buy than a .22lr - period. With it you can easily learn and perfect your shooting technique and not develop the bad habits as you would if you started with a larger caliber. t also allows inexpensive shooting. Getting a 9m or such may appeal to the cool factor in you but it's not all about being "cool". It's better to be a good, proficient shooter with a "less cool" gun than a poor shot just blasting away with a more "cool" looking gun. Starting and learning the basics with an easy to shoot .22 with help you become a better shooter later on.

 

[cbmyers2007]

Really? this site says otherwise:

JUVENILE SALE
Is it illegal to sell guns to kids? Partial

State law limits selling or giving handguns to juveniles under 18. But there are no state restrictions on transferring rifles, shotguns or even assault weapons to kids - without even their parent�s permission. Also see: Juvenile Possession.

This is a site for GA state gun laws. I figured I'd call the pawn shop that has the gun I want tomorrow and confirm it with them. I think I'm going to go with an S&W Model 22A. I like the way it looks and I'm sure its a good starter gun. I was able to find the one I want it using a gun locater site advertised on S&W's site. I want this one. Thoughts?

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Yes, the S&W 22a is a good gun for the money.

Really? this site says otherwise:

Quote:
JUVENILE SALE
Is it illegal to sell guns to kids? Partial

State law limits selling or giving handguns to juveniles under 18. But there are no state restrictions on transferring rifles, shotguns or even assault weapons to kids - without even their parent?s permission. Also see: Juvenile Possession.

Operative term: STATE LAW doesn't prohibit.

The pawnshop has a FEDERAL license to deal in guns, so they follow federal law. If a pawnshop is willing to sell you a handgun, run away and stay very far away from there, because they're ripe for a midnight visit from the Feds.

However, it _appears_ that your state allows private individuals to sell firearms to under-21s.

Again, giving your 21yr-old friend $200 and asking him to buy a S&W and then sell it to you for $200 is straw-buying, and is a felony. Finding someone who has an extra 22a to sell and buying it from them may be legal in your state, based on the reference you cite above.

I am not a lawyer.

-MV

 

[doubleg]

Well they could check you I.P. address and go through your posts on internet forums.

 

[real_name]

This site is not a source for information on getting around the law regarding firearms.
Take your straw purchase questions elsewhere.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Unless the person that buys it for me snitches, how would they be able to prove that I gave them the money to buy it?

Traditionally, people get busted when friends stop being friends.

Bob buys you a gun, his girlfriend is with him when he makes the trip to the store.

Couple weeks later, they break up. GF decides that Bob is a big jerk and deserves to be taken down a peg. GF calls cops and says "Bob's running guns, he sold this Glock to a kid named cbmyers a couple weeks ago".

Now there's a problem.

If your state allows purchases from private sellers, just ask around on this board or others, and do it legally.

-MV

 

[1911Tuner]

Straw Buyer

Your father can buy a handgun and present it to you as a gift. You just can't be in possession of it without being under his or another responsible adult's direct supervision until you're 21. Not sure how it is in many other states...but here, a transfer from father-son/son-father doesn't require a 4473 or a background check as long as neither is legally barred from owning or possessing firearms.

Suggesting that someone else buy the gun and hand it over to you is a straw purchase, and carries heavy penalties if discovered. It's a 3 year wait. The straw buyer could be in jail longer than that, and you could risk losing your legal right to own a gun. Not worth it, lad. Do it right.

 

[Prince Yamato]

Say, "Dad, I'd like to own a 9mm handgun one day." Dad should agree and go out and buy a very similar pistol to what you want and let you shoot it when you want. Then, one day, when you're 'old enough' you can 'inherit' the pistol and shoot it all you want w/o supervision.

 

[cbmyers2007]

I think I might just buy a rifle. I don't want to have to wait until pops is ready to go to the range with me to be able to shoot it.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

If it does turn out that you can legally buy FTF (face to face) in GA, you could place an ad here on THR in the sales forums. Something like:

"WTB: 9mm pistol or .38 revolver for 1st handgun, (Yourtown, GA)"

There are plenty of guys on the board with extra guns that they might sell affordably to someone who's starting out, if you ensure that FTF to 18+ is legal in GA.

S&W .38 revolvers can often be bought under $200, and are excellent examples of old-school craftsmanship.

-MV

 

[cbmyers2007]

If it does turn out that you can legally buy FTF (face to face) in GA, you could place an ad here on THR in the sales forums.

Where I could I find out if its legal and know that the source is accurate?

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Go to the Legal forum of THR, post "FTF handgun sale to 18yr old in Georgia: legal? Reference?" or something like that. Briefly explain your situation and state your question.

Someone in the know should be able to send you to the right website.

When you post your ad in the THR sales board, make sure to mention in the ad that you have to buy FTF, and provide a link so that the seller can assure himself that he's following the law.

-MV

 

[SniperStraz]

Let us know

when you find out a source, I'd be curious to know.