Complete newbie

[Tarendol]

Hello everyone,

I just discovered this site a few days ago while trying to find information about firearms, and it has been a wealth of information for a beginner like me. Let me say a little about myself and then perhaps I can get some advice! I am 26, a grad student and I live in Missouri. Though my grandfather was a hunter, I have had almost no experience with firearms, which is a situation I am trying to rectify. I have never fired a handgun or a rifle, and in fact until I went to the gun store the other day I hadn't even touched a handgun! I have fired a shotgun before, but only very informally. Recently I have been thinking that this is an important part of our modern culture and that I should have at least some basic familiarity with this kind of thing. I'm not particularly worried about defense right now, as I live in a pretty safe area, but being better prepared certainly wouldn't hurt and, after all, you never know. The final thing that got me thinking about it was the recent vote over in San Francisco not to allow citizens to possess handguns... I am not particularly paranoid or worried, but it does make me think that if this is something I want to do now is the time to do it!

Anyway, that is my situation. I am now trying to decide what I want to buy. It is particularly difficult because as a grad student I only make about $1000 a month; not too much left over for guns! I have savings, but obviously I want them to last as long as possible. I want a handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle, but I don't think I will be able to get them all at once! I want a shotgun for skeet, and I really want the Remington 1100 they let me use at the club but a new one is out of my price range for now. For the rifle I haven't decided what I want, it seems that most people recommend a .22LR of some kind as a first rifle to get used to it. I think I want something with both the rifle sights and with the ability to attach a scope so I can learn about both, but I don't know for sure. The handgun is a harder question! At the gun store they suggested I get a .22LR to start with as I can practice with it all day without breaking the bank.. that sounds good and I definitely want one, but I would also like a handgun I could use for defense if absolutely necessary (not saying I would like to get shot by a .22, but it is not normally considered a defensive caliber.) I am really looking at the 9mm handguns, they have about the next most inexpensive ammunition and I think that would be a good caliber for me. I do want a semi-auto, specifically because you have to spend more time taking care of it; I want to learn how to do everything.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling message, I really just wanted to introduce myself and get some advice! I have tons of other questions too... how to get started in hunting, about disaster preparedness (I have a small kit in case a tornado hits but nothing you guys would consider adequate,) about knives (another area where I know nothing!) and wilderness survival but I figure I had better quit while I am ahead! Really I am just looking for any advice you can give a new guy. I have some time to think anyway; in Missouri when you apply for a handgun permit the Sheriff can take up to 7 days and in my county he usually takes the whole time (not that I have any problem with that, it just worries me a little that there could be some incorrect information out there about me and I have to wait to find out!)

 

[james481]

Welcome to THR, and to the wonderful world of gun ownership. It's hard to say what type of guns you should buy, as there are so many kinds for so many needs, but I suppose variety is the spice of life, as they say. My suggestion for a good first time semi-auto handgun would be a Glock 17. 9mm, so it's cheap to feed, drop-dead simple to maintain and tinker with, ultra-reliable, multitude of spare and add-on parts and accessories available, and accurate enough that you can learn the basics of hand-gunning. And remember, don't get discouraged when you take your handgun out for the first time and can't hit a damn thing. It's not nearly as easy as it looks, and takes a lot of practice. If you are really serious about it, I would recommend professional instruction, although your first step may be to take a basic NRA handgun course. They will teach you proper and safe operation of your handgun. Even though you didn't ask, here's my "budget" gun list:

1) Glock 17 - ~$500
2) Remington 870 12 Ga - ~$250
3) Yugo SKS 59/66 - ~$150

James

 

[halvey]

Welcome!!

At $1000 a month, that's still not a lot left over for ammo. Forget anything but a .22 at this point.

Get a Browning Buckmark or Ruger .22 for a pistol. Will set you back a little over $250.

Shotgun, a used Remington 870 can be had for around $200.

Rifle: There's TONS of used .22 rifles in the $50-100 range if you know where to look.

Ammo will run $8 for 500 of CCI or Remington .22. Cheap 9mm will run $45/500. Do the math and it becomes clear what to do.

And repeat after me: Get a .22 and learn to shoot, get a .22 and learn to shoot, get a .22 and learn to shoot...

 

[Werewolf]

First off - WELCOME - you're gonna get a bunch of those in this thread.

Re: the .22 Rifle. I recommend a marlin 925. It is a bolt action with iron sights. You can mount a scope on it. A scope helps (believe me) and scopes for 22's are not that expensive. The rifle can be had for $150 or so depending on where you're at. You can get a BSA scope that will work just fine at Walmart for $30 or $40 or you can spend a lot more. For a starter gun the Walmart BSA will be just fine.

For the Pistol - well - a .22 is fine for starters but all my kids started out on the real deal (.40S&W out of a Glock 22) and that's what I recommend, a full caliber handgun - providing you've got someone to teach you or you're willing to pay for some training.

There are lots of options in handguns. For a beginner I'd recommend a Glock 17 or 19. It's 9mm (light recoil), simple to operate, is a very, very safe weapon, goes bang every time you pull the trigger and doesn't require a lot of maintenance. It's no target pistol for sure but it'll get the job done and is a good full caliber choice to learn on. 9mm ammo is especially inexpensive.

If you're not intimidated by recoil (lots of new shooters are) then the Glock 22 in .40 S&W or the 21 in .45ACP would be a good choice.

All the Glocks can be had for less than $500.

Another option in a full sized pistol would be a 1911 in .45ACP. A good one from RRA can be had for $350 or so and a SA 1911 for $400 to $450. The 1911 is a solid, accurate handgun that's been around for many, many years.

There are other makes and models of semi-auto pistols but most are outside your current price range.

Decent revolvers are also an option but IMO are probably outside your price range too unless you go Taurus and though they make accurate and sturdy weapons my personal experience with them is that they aren't terribly reliable - many will disagree on the reliability issue.

Push comes to shove you've decided to get into a world with many choices. The choices you make will influence your point of view on the hobby and sport for years to come so don't make them lightly.

 

[ocjared]

I was in nearly the same situation a couple years ago. I would suggest, before doing anything else, spend some money on some training. The NRA first steps pistol course is perfect for beginners. A lot of time is spent on safe firearm handling. After that I would find a local firing range that has rentals. It is an inexpensive way to familiarize yourself with different firearms. You will receive a lot of suggestions concerning which firearms to purchase, but the most immportant question is which one "feels" the best when you are shooting. Rentals will give you the means to build a preference. What ever you finally decide to purchase, keep in mind that many manufacturers have certified pre-owned programs. They are an inexpensive way to get a very nice firearm.

If you have any additional questions, keep them coming. (though keep in mind that the forum search function is a portal to vast quantities of info).

-Jared

 

[jsalcedo]

Ruger .22 auto (look at several variations to see which you like)

Ruger 10/22 rifle


Both of these guns will serve you for a lifetime and probably the lifetimes of any future generations.

 

[hso]

Welcome!

What school?

 

[AirForceShooter]

Welcome.
get acquainted with a gun store in your area. You may have to try a few before you find one you like. Fondle the used guns. Some are fantastic values. Some are incredibly over priced. The idea of a .22 is a good one.
Getting into guns isn't based on where you live. It's fun and it can be wonderfully relaxing, believe it or not.

Another shooter, Fantastic!!!

AFS

 

[Atticus]

Welcome. It sounds like you have the right idea.
You COULD probably pick up all three at once for about two weeks pay- Ruger 22, Ruger P Series 9mm, and a Remington 870. Not a bad start either.

 

[depicts]

First guns

Skip the scopes, that;s more than you need at first.

Skip the big calibers.

Ruger .22's, both pistol and rifles are a best buy anytime, rugged, relliable and inexpensive, especially second hand. There are thousands of good used guns on the market.

I'd rather have a few good used guns than not have the 1100 or 1300 brand new that I can't afford, time will bring you those.

Whoever said learn to shoot knows what he is talking about. Shoot that .22 again and again and again, then clean it, take it apart, shoot some more.

I really like the Ruger Single Six .22, which also comes with a .22Magnum cylinder, and the Ruger 10/22 Carbine or rifle. I've had a single six for over twenty years and have put tens of thousands of rounds through it without a glitch.

Same for my Ruger 10/22.

I really think a beginner should start with a single shot .22 rifle though. It makes you take your time. Think about it.

The Ruger standard pistol, MKI MKII or MKIII are all good guns, I bought a Mark I for $80 recently that looks like new. It doesn't have all the features of a newer one, but it's great to learn on. I've seen used Ruger 10/22's for around one hundred bucks.

A Remington 870 Shotgun under or at $100 turns up at a lot of gun shows used.

Good luck, practice, learn and welcome to the club

 

[dasmi]

Welcome to THR, glad to have you.
I would echo what others have said, start with a .22 handgun and rifle. Excellent weapons for developing shooting skills, and cheap ammo means more practice. Not the best for defense, but 10 rounds of .22lr is nothing to sneeze at. Get a ruger 10/22 with a 25 round magazine, and you've at least got something to defend your home with, even if it's not the best choice.

 

[femoralis]

Sell blood plasma to buy guns- $200 a month... is there a biolife center near you? Great thing for grad students... I do it twice a week.

 

[ruger357]

Welcome and enjoy.

 

[Tarendol]

Thanks

Thaks for the welcome! Hopefully I can address what everyone said...

I will definitely take a class; the store I am thinking about buying from offers a basic one. I want to take the NRA basic pistol class, but the only place around here that offers it doesn't have enough instructors right now. So, it will definitely be a few months before it is held again; I will be sure to attend when it is. They have some pretty cool courses for more advanced shooters, like "Basic Defensive Pistol," but the tuition is at least $400 and that is out of my league! I am sure it is worth it, I just can't handle that much right now. Well, that will hopefully cover a handgun, but what do you recommend I do about the rifle? Should I just read a lot and then go to a range and practice? When I get a shotgun I will just take it out to the skeet range and learn that way (they were very helpful last time I was there.)

Speaking of a range, what is the best way to select a club? I live in Columbia, MO (I go to Mizzou) and there are several clubs in the area. Should I just stop by and check them out? I just don't want to be an annoyance to the more experienced guys. I also know nothing about etiquette in a gun club!

In terms of firearm selection, I am going to keep thinking about it, but I think you have all given me a good selection to think about. I will also see what the gun store has for sale; when I went in there I had no idea of the difference between a .22 and 9mm and .45... I probably would have thought the 9mm was bigger than the .45 because it was a bigger number! They had some sales going on when I was there so I will definitely see what is going on. I suppose for the handgun it is really just what I want... I won't be carrying and if I have a shotgun I will be using that for home defense!

Nobody mentioned it, but I haven't decided yet if I ever want to CCW. It might be something to think about later, but I would have to be 100% comfortable with all of this before I could even consider it, and that will be a ways down the road.

So, thanks again for the welcome! I will make sure to post what I get... even though I am sure somebody will castigate me no matter what!

 

[marklbucla]

I'd also agree with the .22LR thing and get a 10/22 rifle. You can get a new one for as little as $149.

About the handgun thing, it would be a good idea to start with a Ruger MKII or a 22/45, but another route to consider is a cheaper used centerfire handgun with a .22LR conversion kit (CZ-75B 9mm + Kadet .22LR Kit ~ $450 instead of ~ $250 for the dedicated .22LR). That way, you can "move up" on the same gun that you're familiar with and you've got yourself a nice little defense piece in the meantime. It might be better anyway if you're going to take a class as the function of the Ruger .22LRs is very different with their pinchy-pulley slides and magazine drop functions.

 

[marklbucla]

Also, before you buy anything, I'd suggest trying to rent a variety of different guns at a range so you know how they each feel. It might be weird since you're new to guns and you might not know what you like, but it still helps to have an idea before you buy.

When it comes to pricing, get an idea of what the MSRPs are before you buy. As a general rule, I don't pay any more than 80% of that for a new gun and 64% of it for a used gun.

 

[Live Free Or Die]

I agree with most of the advice I've seen here. I'm no expert, but it wasn't very long ago that I was in a similar situation to yours.

Handgun: Ruger Mk II/III brand new for maybe $250.

Rifle: Ruger 10/22 brand new for ~ $150.

Shotgun: Remington 870, around $250 new.

That's less than $700 for a trifecta of fun! And you could easily find all three of these models used in great condition. All are extremely popular guns that have been sold in large numbers for many years. You'd probably spend $400 or so buying these guns used.

Use your 870 for home defense, and the .22's for pistol/rifle shooting and maintenance practice. If you make friends with other gun owners, there will be plenty of opportunities to try out other calibers.

Welcome aboard!

 

[Wedge]

Welcome, I am 26 and just recently graduated from grad school so I know how it feels to make a whopping 12k (or less, in my last year it was closer to 9k) in a year.

While I was in grad school I saved up and bought two guns. One was very practical and the other one was not and I would not recommend it as a first gun. The first gun I purchased was a Mossberg 500 with both the deer barrel and the bird barrel. I had property to hunt on and wanted to use my own gun instead of borrowing my uncles.

The second gun was a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt/.45 ACP. Cheap by handgun standards (I got an excellent deal on it and paid for it with a small investment my uncle gave me for just such an occasion), but it was not cheap to feed.

I had some experience with firearms and had a .22 that while it wasn't mine, I could use whenever I wanted. The gun was a nice Marlin 39A that was my 84 year old grandfathers gun he had in highschool (not as a senior)...

So, if I was in your shoes, I would buy only one gun for now. I would get a 22LR, either a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin 60. Nothing is better than shooting a .22 and you will be able to practice for pennies. With my blackhawk, I would watch (before I started reloading) $40 in ammo be gone in an hour. With a 22 $40 of ammo would last a very long time.

If you don't plan on carrying any time soon and need a gun for home defense, switch the .22 with a shotgun (I would rather have gotten the Remington 870 instead of the Mossberg 500 if I was going to do it over again.) Target loads are cheap for the shotgun, you can use it for deer, duck, turkey, dove, squirrel and pretty much any other hunting you might want to do. If you are really hard up on cash, you can always get a single shot...a friend of mine did that until he was able to afford some nicer guns (another grad student).

Don't forget to check the local pawn shops, classified (especially after a hunting season is over), and boards like this. Don't be afraid of Wal-Mart either, it was the only place I could afford my first Mossberg.

Best of luck. PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[Seminole]

Welcome, Tarendol!

I interviewed for a faculty position at the University of Missouri one time. I didn't get offered the job, which was probably good, since I decided while I was there for the interview that I didn't want it.

What program are you in? There are certainly some good ones there.

There has been some good advice so far in response to your question. I think the best advice in regard to handguns is to rent some at a range (if you can) before you make a decision.

Having said that, getting a .22 is a really good idea. I took a newbie to the range this past weekend and started him on a Ruger MKI. He did a great job with it. As soon as we moved up to a larger caliber he began to flinch in anticipation of each shot--with predictable results. So we moved back to the .22 to finish out the session. He'll shoot again because he enjoyed it. I don't think he would have expressed interest in shooting again if we had started with or remained with the higher calibers. There is plenty of time to move up in caliber after you develop some good habits.

Good luck with your new interest in shooting. It will be a good way to help keep your sanity in grad school!

 

[Werewolf]

Nobody mentioned it, but I haven't decided yet if I ever want to CCW. It might be something to think about later, but I would have to be 100% comfortable with all of this before I could even consider it, and that will be a ways down the road.

Regarding a CCW - IMO you should just go ahead and get one - if for no other reason that if a class is required in MO then you'll learn the state laws regarding self defense and when/where you can and cannot exercise it. Once you've got it there's no rule that says you have to carry but if you ever need to or want to you can.

Missouri was one of the last holdouts for CCW and it was a very hard fought battle to get it there. CCW is still a privelidge instead of a right. The more folks that request and get that privelidge the better.

 

[Tom Bri]

Whoever gave you advice at the gun shop to buy a .22 first, gave you good advice. Sounds like an honest shop, they could have tried to steer you to their latest most expensive wonder-pistola, but didn't. I would give them my business, when you do buy.

As for what club to join, visit them all and see which one has the most people who agree with you personally. If they are friendly, but not too pushy, willing to take some time with a newby, great. Some places can be unfriendly to newcomers.

When I was a poor grad student, I bought a nice .357 S&W revolver from a friend who needed cash more than the gun, and I needed the gun more than my cash. If you start talking about buying a gun, people who have guns will come out of the woodwork to help you out, with advice, maybe like me with a good gun for cheap.

 

[Jubei]

Welcome Tarendol,

You've already been given some great advice, so I won't flog a dead horse. All I'll say is learn the basics, safety, etc., and proceed at a pace you're comfortable with. The people on THR are a wellspring of information, so soak it up.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of High Velocity Projectiles.

Jubei

 

[ScottsGT]

Don't forget to make sure you can keep them safe while your away earning the big bucks
Seriously, look into one of the inexpensive Hobart safes for $75.