First Handgun

[Ohio Rifleman]

Okay, I've posted about this before, but then again, I've only really considered revolvers... Now, I'd prefer a revolver, but I also want to keep an open mind. I was thinking about .357 revolver, maybe a .44 magnum if the recoil isn't horrible. At least a 4" barrel, preferably 6" on a revolver. Try to keep it in in the $400-ish range. I can't afford a Colt Anaconda or anything like that. By the way, I'm 19 and the only handgun I've fired is a Ruger P-series 9mm semi-auto.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I would most definitely stick with .357 over .44 Mag.

You can shoot .38 Special out of a .357 Mag, for maybe 15c-20c a shot. .44 Mag ammo will run you a lot more, and .44 Spl ammo isn't any cheaper.


If Ohio prices are anything like Texas, there should be plenty of .357 revolvers running around for far under $400. Around here, gunshops and pawnshops have some S&W .357s for the mid-$200s from time to time. Get thee to the Revolver forum and check out Jim March's sticky post on how to select a revolver, it'll save you a world of grief.

So your first problem is no problem at all, even $300 is plenty of budget if you're willing to look around (unless Ohio prices are weird).


Second problem: you're under 21. A licensed dealer will not sell to you, nor let you handle a handgun. Two options:

1) FTF (face to face) sales _may_ be legal to 18+ in your state, but carefully check your state's laws to find out. Some states say 18+ for private sales, others say 21+

2) You can have your parents buy it and gift it to you. Do NOT come on THR saying silly things like "my Dad bought me a gun as a gift, so I paid him $275 for breakfast this morning, heh heh heh". That's a straw purchase and is illegal. But if there's some way that you can be extra good and get an early birthday present, that may be legal in your state. Just glance around shops, bring your parents if you want to look at something together, etc.

Make sure that you read, understand, and follow both Federal and State law before proceeding!

Regards,
-MV

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

"It is unlawful to sell a handgun to a person under 21, or any firearm to a person under 18. It is unlawful to furnish any firearm to a person who is under 18 or furnish any handgun to a person under 21, except for lawful hunting, sporting or educational purposes."

That is the Ohio law, according to nra-ila.org I take that to mean that it's legal for me to own a handgun for lawful purposes. I just can't buy one from a FFL. Go figure.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Good looking-up there. Does the NRA-ILA cross-reference with your state codes? Ideally, it'd be great if you can find it in black-and-white in your state codes, print it out, and take it with you to a gun show or FTF deal. That way you can whip it out and say "See, Ohio Code Z24385-mkIIIB clearly indicates that..."

I'd watch the Sale boards here and at TFL for a week or two, see what pops up.

You could also put up an ad with something like "WTB in Ohio: affordable .357 revolver for student's first gun, FTF only" Some older gun-buffs might be more willing to cut you a deal since you're a poor young buck with no handgun, and not just some yuppie that wants his 48th gun to sit in the safe.

-MV

 

[f4t9r]

Its strange that you can join the Military and die for your Country but no handgun purchase for you.
They should have a safety class or training class for anyone buying thier first handgun/gun under age 21, you get that training in the Military. Just an idea ?

 

[knoxx45]

in your price range

I'd shop around for a Ruger GP100. They are good solid shooters, I have seen almost new ones selling for as low as $250.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

knoxx45-that is the exact handgun I had in mind, I've heard good things about it, and I love Ruger.

f4t9r-I agree with you, I can join the military and be in charge of a multi-million dollar piece of killing equipment like a tank or a jet bomber or fighter, and possbily die, but I can't purchase a handgun.

MatthewVanitas-Where would I be able to find state codes relating to firearms?

Edit: I found this site through Google: http://onlinedocs.andersonpublishing.com/oh/lpExt.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=PORC It states the following:

§ 2923.21. Improperly furnishing firearms to a minor.






(A) No person shall do any of the following:





(1) Sell any firearm to a person who is under eighteen years of age;





(2) Subject to division (B) of this section, sell any handgun to a person who is under twenty-one years of age;





(3) Furnish any firearm to a person who is under eighteen years of age or, subject to division (B) of this section, furnish any handgun to a person who is under twenty-one years of age, except for lawful hunting, sporting, or educational purposes, including, but not limited to, instruction in firearms or handgun safety, care, handling, or marksmanship under the supervision or control of a responsible adult;





(4) Sell or furnish a firearm to a person who is eighteen years of age or older if the seller or furnisher knows, or has reason to know, that the person is purchasing or receiving the firearm for the purpose of selling the firearm in violation of division (A)(1) of this section to a person who is under eighteen years of age or for the purpose of furnishing the firearm in violation of division (A)(3) of this section to a person who is under eighteen years of age;





(5) Sell or furnish a handgun to a person who is twenty-one years of age or older if the seller or furnisher knows, or has reason to know, that the person is purchasing or receiving the handgun for the purpose of selling the handgun in violation of division (A)(2) of this section to a person who is under twenty-one years of age or for the purpose of furnishing the handgun in violation of division (A)(3) of this section to a person who is under twenty-one years of age;





(6) Purchase or attempt to purchase any firearm with the intent to sell the firearm in violation of division (A)(1) of this section to a person who is under eighteen years of age or with the intent to furnish the firearm in violation of division (A)(3) of this section to a person who is under eighteen years of age;





(7) Purchase or attempt to purchase any handgun with the intent to sell the handgun in violation of division (A)(2) of this section to a person who is under twenty-one years of age or with the intent to furnish the handgun in violation of division (A)(3) of this section to a person who is under twenty-one years of age.





(B) Divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section do not apply to the sale or furnishing of a handgun to a person eighteen years of age or older and under twenty-one years of age if the person eighteen years of age or older and under twenty-one years of age is a law enforcement officer who is properly appointed or employed as a law enforcement officer and has received firearms training approved by the Ohio peace officer training council or equivalent firearms training.





(C) Whoever violates this section is guilty of improperly furnishing firearms to a minor, a felony of the fifth degree.

 

[MCgunner]

My first handgun was a .22 single action revolver and I loved that thing. I'd fired my uncle's K22 masterpiece and my grandpa's M10, but this was MINE! I was 16 at the time.

My first large caliber handgun was a Ruger Security Six, no longer in production, but a fine revolver to start out with. I highly recommend a medium frame .357 magnum as a first handgun. There's not much it cannot do and there's none stronger than the Ruger.

 

[Cueball]

Unfortunately, under Ohio law, you can't legally buy from an individual or FFL dealer. Under 21 can only use a handgun during training or hunting while under supervision of an over 21 person. So, you may have a hard time acquiring a handgun for a couple years

 

[10-Ring]

I like 357 magnum DA revolvers. Learning to use a DA trigger can be very satisfying & once you do, you'll be able to shoot anything! As for a model, I like the vintage S&W 66, 67, 686 would be nice

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Dang Ohio Rifleman, looks like you are SOL for the time being

Good thing you looked it up online before you got in trouble.

Section (A)(2) says that you can't buy a handgun under 21, section (B) says that the exception is if you're a sworn police officer.

Unless you want to get deputized, or whatever they do in your state, looks like you've got a long waiting period.

Condolences, but get a lot of rifle practice in for the meantime.

-MV

 

[Arcticfox]

I love 44 (special and Mag) but the ammo is priced outta sight, and hard to find. You may want to consider a 6 inch barrel to help tame the recoil. .357 has a nasty snap.

I've never fired a Ruger, but I am a true believer in S & W. I hear Model 19 is the best ever made! 686 is nice too. I am not as fond of Taurus; all the moving parts seem to stick and drag as compared to the silky smooth action of the Smith.

Plus, a Smith will appreciate in Value.

Have fun whatever your decide!

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

The only way I can legally get a handgun here would be to buy one from a private individual, as in, no FFL. Doesn't make sense to me, but that's the law. Anyway, in light of all this, I'm thinking about getting into military surplus rifles. I already have me an SKS, as you can see, but that's kinda off-topic...

 

[MatthewVanitas]

The only way I can legally get a handgun here would be to buy one from a private individual, as in, no FFL

Um, according to the Codes that you posted, it appears that even that wouldn't be legal. Dig it:

(A) No person shall do any of the following: ...

(2) ... sell any handgun to a person who is under twenty-one years of age;

Unless I read it wrong, nobody, FFL or private, can sell you a pistol. Not trying to bum you out, but...

How about gifts? Can your parents gift you a revolver?


-MV

 

[GoRon]

As stated earlier, Ruger GP100. Hard to go wrong with a 357.

 

[Remander]

When you are legal, I suggest a .357 as said above. Then you can shoot .38 special ammo (cheaper, less recoil) as well.

The Ruger GP 100 is tuff to beat. Strong as an ox and not too expensive.

If you go .44 for first gun, that's probably going to not work well for a number of reasons. Expense and recoil are among them.

AND if at all possible, buy a .22 pistol of any kind. You can shoot it for pennies and will have a ton of fun with while learning good handling skills and marksmanship. The Rugers are awesome.

No man should be without a .22 pistol!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Geno]

18 Years in Michigan for a pistol if...

IF you are having it transferred to you by a parent. You cannot buy one NEW from an FFL until 21. But, in Michigan, we have the 18-year-old transfer from a parent loop-hole. In six more years, my daughter will come to own every pistolthat I curently own, as well as the magazines, accessories, etc., as an 18th year birthday present.

Doc2005

 

[IndianaBoy]

I would recommend that your first handgun be a 22.

Cheap to practice a lot and develop good habits.

Starting off with a large caliber will often inflict bad habits.

 

[weregunner]

What are you going to use the revolver for? Hunting,self defense,competition or any other purposes? Both the 357 and the 44 have good niches. Deer or bear hunting the 44Mag has the edge.357s can be loaded with mild 38 special and 44mags can use 44 specials.Cost wise for ammo the 357,or using 38Specials would probably havve the advantage. The 357 is a pretty good jack of all trades with the 44 can provide more power if needed.Your choice.Good luck when you are legal to buy what you want.Oh yes.Beware flinch that develops when using any cartridge.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

Mostly target shooting, but I wouldn't rule out home defense either. I'm definitely leaning towards the .357 for cost and recoil reasons. But, it seems to be pretty up in the air as to whether not I can legally get a handgun right now...

 

[weregunner]

Ok.Now,do you mean competition{IDPAor IPSC combat shooting}action shooting,plinking,or serious bullseye shooting?There are major differences in the target shooting vocabulary.If competing in combat sport revolvers are a good choice.If just shooting to stay familiar with the revolver that is a deciding factor to.So can you go into more detail on the specific type of target shooting and what it means to you.and if not legal then the rifle is the way to go until your of age to own a handgun.

 

[the pistolero]

Rifleman, for target shooting and home defense, taking the money considerations into account (assuming you can get the wheelgun in the first place, of course), a .38/.357 would be very hard to beat, especially the Ruger or S&W. I have a Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel and I've shot a S&W as well -- if I remember right, it was a 686, also with a 4" barrel -- and you can't go wrong with either of them. I remember making the remark at the range that day that shooting the .38 out of the S&W was like shooting a cap gun, though that might have been just because I had brought my 1911 to the range that day. I bought my Ruger NIB for right at $475 after tax in Southeast Texas, and they're showing the S&W 686 NIB for anywhere from ~$595 to ~$775 before tax, but as Matthew pointed out, you can find them far cheaper used in the gun shops and pawnshops.
As far as autoloaders go, I have two Ruger P-series pistols in my safe -- a P89 9mm and a P90 .45 -- and the more expensive one NIB was the P90, right at $440 with tax. I don't know how far off Ohio would be, but both of those would definitely be worth looking into as well.

 

[knuckles]

I would recommend that your first handgun be a 22.

Cheap to practice a lot and develop good habits.

I am with Indiana on that one. You can get a good Ruger Single Six for $299 or cheaper at a gun show. Take your dad/mom with you and let them use THIER MONEY to buy for you as a gift. Take dad/mom with you to the range for the next couple of years. You'll have a gun, and you'll amass some quality time with the folks*.

However, concerning the actual weapon, if you must go bigger I would recommend the S&W Model 60 .357 w/the wood grips.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_72/products_id/15068**

In know that's toward the top of the range, but you know it's a quality firearm. (Although the GP mentioned above is a great gun too.)

*the advise contained herein assumes current quality relationship with parents/guardian.
**I am not affiliated with, nor do I endorse the gunshop contained in the link. However, I have purchased many a weapon from there and service/prices have been great.

 

[Baba Louie]

I'd make a suggestion that, parental units willing, they purchase a revolver or two, both a .22 lr and a .357 and youse guys go practice together as a family unit. If parents aren't willing, perchance an older brother or Uncle might be, if one is available nearby. Maybe even a grandparent.

Later on, they could even possibly gift you said revolvers on the 21st anniversary of your birth... if you're good.

Would never ever want to break or circumvent some legal red tape. Stretching it, however...

Otherwise, patience, while a pain in the neck, is a virtue and gives us time to reflect.