Helping a Englishman with questions?
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Travis McGee
Member
Geez 42, you're already an American! You just live on the other side of the pond.
JCMAG
Member
42, we'd be proud to have you!
Coming Stateside as a student would work out quite well. As soon as you are a citizen, obtaining firearms won't be a matter of legal limitations, but by how much money you can spend
Before you become a citizen, renting from a range would be your best course for handguns and machineguns.
Unless, of course, you make friends with an armed citizen who will take you to a range with him to shoot his guns, which shouldn't be too hard; we compose a good 1/3 of the population -- so have your pick of 100,000,000 armed and sociable Americans.
Coming Stateside as a student would work out quite well. As soon as you are a citizen, obtaining firearms won't be a matter of legal limitations, but by how much money you can spend
Before you become a citizen, renting from a range would be your best course for handguns and machineguns.
Unless, of course, you make friends with an armed citizen who will take you to a range with him to shoot his guns, which shouldn't be too hard; we compose a good 1/3 of the population -- so have your pick of 100,000,000 armed and sociable Americans.
Sato Ord
Member
I can only speak about the law in Florida, and even then, it's always best to check with local ranges and shops. Laws change in this country, sometimes every time something drastic happens. Florida has been pretty quiet lately, but that is subject to change as much as the weather.
Yes, however that only applies to those 21 years of age as regards pistols. Rifles and shotguns are legal at 18. The draw back is that most ranges I am aware of that rent guns are indoor ranges that only allow pistols, though I'm sure that some rifle ranges that rent do exist.
Yes, most ranges require that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult. It is not unusual at many U.S. ranges to see children as young as seven or eight, though most ranges do specifically set the age at ten or twelve.
If you are a resident of the Florida, a citizen, or legal alien, you can obtain a concealed carry permit, provided you are 21. Sorry, you'll have to wait a couple of years to legally carry a pistol.
The short answer, yes. There are many places that teach marksmanship and firearms safety, though hopefully in the reverse order of that Check with the local gun shops and ranges in your area.
That will depend on the range and instructor. but often classes do not require you to own your own firearm. Again, check the locals and see what is going on in your area.
That is going to depend on your limitations. I'm assuming, and this could get me into trouble, that the Palsy you have doesn't interfere seriously with you holding and aiming the weapon. If you tend to be a little shaky you can still shoot, but you might find it more fun if you stick with a rifle and use sand bags on a bench to steady your aim. Since many shooters with no physical limitations do this it shouldn't be a problem. If your hands are fairly steady (not spastic), you should have no problem holding and aiming a pistol. Even a pistol can be fired by steadying the weapon on sandbags. If you do have some problems you just need to find the right instructor who is willing to spend a little extra time with you on this. I'm sure you can find a way to work it out. Many handicapped persons in this country are able to enjoy this hobby.
I don't see a big problem here. You walk with crutches, so, and again I am assuming, you have enough grip strength to handle the kick of a 9mm, or .38, and possibly even bigger, pistols. Find a good instructor and give it your best shot (pun intended). The same goes for rifles and shotguns.
That is more difficult, but it can be worked out. There are people, and some ranges, where this is possible, they are just harder to find. You can legally obtain a permit to own and fire full auto weapons, but both the permits, and the weapons are much more expensive. However, don't get discouraged, I know they are out there. I know people who own and fire actual artillery pieces, as well as machine guns of all shapes and sizes.
I think someone else already said it, but I'll say it again, there's nothing wrong with wanting to own a muscle car. In fact, I've got a friend who has a couple of vintage Fords for sale, including a 69 Mach 1 with a brand new front end.
Welcome to America, On my mother's side, I'm second generation. My grandmother's father was from Liverpool, and her mother was an Irish Catholic girl. My grandmother was born in Ireland, and my mother was born in this country.
On my father's side we have been in this country for centuries.
No problem, you'll find that many of us in this country who own guns and shoot regularly are proud of our hobby and enjoy sharing. I'd be willing to bet that once you are here you'll be able to find plenty of people who collect and fire guns who will be more than happy to have you accompany them to the range. I know I love to show off my guns, and few things give me more pleasure when it comes to guns than taking my friends to the range with me and watching them enjoy firing my firearms. I'm sure, that once you get to know some gun people, you will find yourself invited to the range on a regular basis, especially if you are sharing the cost of the ammo.
If you get down around Melbourne, Florida let me know and you can go to the range with me and my friends. I'll bring my WWII P38 Walther, as well as anything else I have to take along. Maybe we can persuade my friend to bring his .50 mag Desert Eagle, and his Casull 454.
Yes, however that only applies to those 21 years of age as regards pistols. Rifles and shotguns are legal at 18. The draw back is that most ranges I am aware of that rent guns are indoor ranges that only allow pistols, though I'm sure that some rifle ranges that rent do exist.
Yes, most ranges require that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult. It is not unusual at many U.S. ranges to see children as young as seven or eight, though most ranges do specifically set the age at ten or twelve.
If you are a resident of the Florida, a citizen, or legal alien, you can obtain a concealed carry permit, provided you are 21. Sorry, you'll have to wait a couple of years to legally carry a pistol.
The short answer, yes. There are many places that teach marksmanship and firearms safety, though hopefully in the reverse order of that
Check with the local gun shops and ranges in your area.That will depend on the range and instructor. but often classes do not require you to own your own firearm. Again, check the locals and see what is going on in your area.
That is going to depend on your limitations. I'm assuming, and this could get me into trouble, that the Palsy you have doesn't interfere seriously with you holding and aiming the weapon. If you tend to be a little shaky you can still shoot, but you might find it more fun if you stick with a rifle and use sand bags on a bench to steady your aim. Since many shooters with no physical limitations do this it shouldn't be a problem. If your hands are fairly steady (not spastic), you should have no problem holding and aiming a pistol. Even a pistol can be fired by steadying the weapon on sandbags. If you do have some problems you just need to find the right instructor who is willing to spend a little extra time with you on this. I'm sure you can find a way to work it out. Many handicapped persons in this country are able to enjoy this hobby.
I don't see a big problem here. You walk with crutches, so, and again I am assuming, you have enough grip strength to handle the kick of a 9mm, or .38, and possibly even bigger, pistols. Find a good instructor and give it your best shot (pun intended). The same goes for rifles and shotguns.
That is more difficult, but it can be worked out. There are people, and some ranges, where this is possible, they are just harder to find. You can legally obtain a permit to own and fire full auto weapons, but both the permits, and the weapons are much more expensive. However, don't get discouraged, I know they are out there. I know people who own and fire actual artillery pieces, as well as machine guns of all shapes and sizes.
I think someone else already said it, but I'll say it again, there's nothing wrong with wanting to own a muscle car. In fact, I've got a friend who has a couple of vintage Fords for sale, including a 69 Mach 1 with a brand new front end.
Welcome to America, On my mother's side, I'm second generation. My grandmother's father was from Liverpool, and her mother was an Irish Catholic girl. My grandmother was born in Ireland, and my mother was born in this country.
On my father's side we have been in this country for centuries.
No problem, you'll find that many of us in this country who own guns and shoot regularly are proud of our hobby and enjoy sharing. I'd be willing to bet that once you are here you'll be able to find plenty of people who collect and fire guns who will be more than happy to have you accompany them to the range. I know I love to show off my guns, and few things give me more pleasure when it comes to guns than taking my friends to the range with me and watching them enjoy firing my firearms. I'm sure, that once you get to know some gun people, you will find yourself invited to the range on a regular basis, especially if you are sharing the cost of the ammo.
If you get down around Melbourne, Florida let me know and you can go to the range with me and my friends. I'll bring my WWII P38 Walther, as well as anything else I have to take along. Maybe we can persuade my friend to bring his .50 mag Desert Eagle, and his Casull 454.
Cool thanks everyone and technically my hands are spasic because cerebral palsy used to be called spastisity so I am a spazz 
but yeh Grips not a problem and between all the invites here and the pp forums I can probably find a shooting buddy in 10 states so far.
but yeh Grips not a problem and between all the invites here and the pp forums I can probably find a shooting buddy in 10 states so far.
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doc2rn
Member
Come across the pond and we will be happy to immerse you in our gun culture. Too bad about what happened over there, but hey you elected them. You can always vote them out.
JCMAG
Member
My hands shake quite a bit too, from bad nerves. It will effect your accuracy, but from the bench you should be alright, as mentioned before.
I don't doubt that after even a few days of living Stateside, you could find ample individuals to let you try some of their guns. Best place to look might be a medium sized American city. Hell, I attend university in a very small city (~6,000) and we have a machinegun shop with an indoor range and rentals. Big cities might not be a good choice due to a markedly different culture and attitude toward firearms.
Start applying to universities and hopefully you'll meet up with one of the brothers and sisters at THR in no time
I don't doubt that after even a few days of living Stateside, you could find ample individuals to let you try some of their guns. Best place to look might be a medium sized American city. Hell, I attend university in a very small city (~6,000) and we have a machinegun shop with an indoor range and rentals. Big cities might not be a good choice due to a markedly different culture and attitude toward firearms.
Start applying to universities and hopefully you'll meet up with one of the brothers and sisters at THR in no time
Oleg Volk
Moderator Emeritus
Welcome to the US. Hopefully, the warm welcome you get here will make up for the probable attitude of the INS.
Beatnik
Member
Here in Virginia, there's one range I've been to which DIDN'T have a full auto rental. Granted, this is the South, but it ain't that far south.
neviander
Member
Wow, a license for an air gun. I see you are an Englishman. Do you write concerning England's laws? What you are allowed to do with what kind of firearm really depends on which state you are in. I'm not familiar with Georgia's firearm laws.
Most states are only really strict on handguns, especially if you want to carry concealed...California would like to be just like England, if you get my drift
Your disability should not be a problem anywhere, they let blind people shoot.
Sir, it sounds as if you have the makings of a wonderful American, but I must say, concerning your own personal opinion, don't be bashful, it's practically every Americans duty to let their thoughts be known and not be ashamed about it; not necessarily proud, just not ashamed. As long as it doesn't harm anyone, infringe upon someone else's liberty and your not stifling speech, to coin a phrase, "let it all hang out".
We love LEGAL immigrants, especially ones that aren't interested morphing our culture....the whole Mexican thing is another story.
If you do find a range with full autos, look into the glock 18. I've seen it, but have never fired anything full auto, just curious.
Most states are only really strict on handguns, especially if you want to carry concealed...California would like to be just like England, if you get my drift
Your disability should not be a problem anywhere, they let blind people shoot.
WOOT!
Sir, it sounds as if you have the makings of a wonderful American, but I must say, concerning your own personal opinion, don't be bashful, it's practically every Americans duty to let their thoughts be known and not be ashamed about it; not necessarily proud, just not ashamed. As long as it doesn't harm anyone, infringe upon someone else's liberty and your not stifling speech, to coin a phrase, "let it all hang out".
We love LEGAL immigrants, especially ones that aren't interested morphing our culture....the whole Mexican thing is another story.
If you do find a range with full autos, look into the glock 18. I've seen it, but have never fired anything full auto, just curious.
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Blackbeard
Member
I think the legality of owning firearms depends on your visa status. I don't think a tourist visa would cut it. Student visa maybe. Permanent resident alien (green card) definitely. Assuming you get here legally with all the necessary paperwork, I'm sure there's a member in every state in the union that would love to take you shooting.
woodybrighton
member
air soft rules are odd you need proof your an active air softer to buy air soft guns.
deac pistols are legal
as are realistic looking co2 firing pellet pistols
if you want a bright yellow or lime green airsoft gun your good to go
olegs frankly hideous pink M4s if they made an airsoft version of would be an interesting legal case as they would be a realistic imitation firearm so naughty and illegal.
but in a weird color scheme so could be legal make my head hurt:banghead:
deac pistols are legal
as are realistic looking co2 firing pellet pistols
if you want a bright yellow or lime green airsoft gun your good to go
olegs frankly hideous pink M4s if they made an airsoft version of would be an interesting legal case as they would be a realistic imitation firearm so naughty and illegal.
but in a weird color scheme so could be legal make my head hurt:banghead:
AlaskaErik
Member
Something too many numbskull politicians on both sides of the big pond can't seem to get through their egotistical fat heads.
hopkin
Member
Don't forget you can do the scoped rifle/shotgun things here if you get a licence. Practical Shotgun is lots of fun but could be hard physically. Rifle target shooting, from .22LR to .50bmg, is legal. It's cost and having somwhwere safe to shoot that's limiting.
Ever thought of black powder revolvers? that's fairly popular, although none of my local (indoor) ranges allow it as it's too messy.
matt87
Member
Mate,
you don't have to go half way across the world to the Land of the Free to shoot guns ya know... just we have many assinine laws that make it... a little inconvenient (Oh and forget certain things, like cartridge handguns, semiauto rifles other than .22RF and anything full auto).
What uni you at? Many have rifle clubs. The annual BUSA (British Universities Sports Association) shoulder-to-shoulder rifle match is in a couple weeks. Damned hope I can get that weekend off work...
Oh and PS I think that range is a little off... 1" at 1000 yards is 0.1 MOA, and if your dad could make an SLR do that while sitting a tree I'd certainly like to shake his hand
PPS one of the things I love about shooting is that almost anyone can physically compete against one another with a level playing field; sex, strength and physical 'disabilities' have little or nothing to do with it. (My girlfriend shoots with me. Just 5' 1-1/2" tall and looks a lot younger than she is, but in less than a year I think she'll be shooting rings round me... wish I hadn't taught her so well now)
you don't have to go half way across the world to the Land of the Free to shoot guns ya know...
just we have many assinine laws that make it... a little inconvenient (Oh and forget certain things, like cartridge handguns, semiauto rifles other than .22RF and anything full auto).What uni you at? Many have rifle clubs. The annual BUSA (British Universities Sports Association) shoulder-to-shoulder rifle match is in a couple weeks. Damned hope I can get that weekend off work...
Oh and PS I think that range is a little off... 1" at 1000 yards is 0.1 MOA, and if your dad could make an SLR do that while sitting a tree I'd certainly like to shake his hand
PPS one of the things I love about shooting is that almost anyone can physically compete against one another with a level playing field; sex, strength and physical 'disabilities' have little or nothing to do with it. (My girlfriend shoots with me. Just 5' 1-1/2" tall and looks a lot younger than she is, but in less than a year I think she'll be shooting rings round me... wish I hadn't taught her so well now
)yes I think the distance is wrong but the test is prone stood kneeling from sling and shoulder iron sights not tree even for some rounds in full nbc suit.
The tree was base defense on red alert.
Cool matt and its manchester met or york st johns airsoft rules are annoying to buy a gun I need to be registered as an airsofter to do this = three events and to go envents you need a weapon so How are you ment to shoot airsoft?
:banghead:
The tree was base defense on red alert.
Cool matt and its manchester met or york st johns airsoft rules are annoying to buy a gun I need to be registered as an airsofter to do this = three events and to go envents you need a weapon so How are you ment to shoot airsoft?
:banghead:hopkin
Member
If you go to MMU you'll have a couple of decent guns clubs within 5-10 miles, especially shotgun clubs. x There's a gunshop in town - Shudehill, where all the dirty book shops are - that could advise. x Stensby and son, I think. I think Salford Uni still has a rifle club, don't know if they take students from other places. Frankly you need a gun if you're visiting Salford.
You can rent a gun at some airsoft skirmish sites or maybe register beforehand so you can buy your own. I'm not sure if you have to rent & skirmish a few times before you can register. You can still buy tastefully coloured airsoft without being a skirmisher. A nice pink 1911 would be the envy of many an American. They love that sort of stuff.
Have you ever bought a copy of GunMart? I think that has a list of clubs, as well as lots of nice rifles/knives to drool over. WH Smiths usually has it if your local newsagent doesn't.
Calibre44
Member
Heay 42
Don’t forget that you can own and shoot ‘Long Barrelled Revolvers’ (LBR) in Britain in .44 and .357 magnum so long as the gun isn’t under 60cm in length or with a barrel less than 30cm in length. All you need is a club suitable to shoot them at and a good reason for ownership to get your Firearms Certificate – typically, target practice and competition shooting is usually enough, There is also a Long Barrelled Pistol on the market in .22.
I have shot a LBR in 357 mag (holds 7 bullets) and it was very accurate and fun as well. Not nearly as much freedom as our friends from the USA I agree, but at least they are handguns of a sort.
If you really want to have some fun and also some serious shooting then try Black Powder revolvers - I have two and they are a joy to load, shoot and yes - even clean.
Don’t forget that you can own and shoot ‘Long Barrelled Revolvers’ (LBR) in Britain in .44 and .357 magnum so long as the gun isn’t under 60cm in length or with a barrel less than 30cm in length. All you need is a club suitable to shoot them at and a good reason for ownership to get your Firearms Certificate – typically, target practice and competition shooting is usually enough, There is also a Long Barrelled Pistol on the market in .22.
I have shot a LBR in 357 mag (holds 7 bullets) and it was very accurate and fun as well. Not nearly as much freedom as our friends from the USA I agree, but at least they are handguns of a sort.
If you really want to have some fun and also some serious shooting then try Black Powder revolvers - I have two and they are a joy to load, shoot and yes - even clean.
42,
All these good Highroaders are really helpfull with advice and offers for you to shoot when you come over after your 21st birthday, but they've all overlooked two variables.....
HILLIARY and OBAMA!
You might not want to wait until you're 21. At that time hopping the pond might not be worth the trouble. God fobid.
All these good Highroaders are really helpfull with advice and offers for you to shoot when you come over after your 21st birthday, but they've all overlooked two variables.....
HILLIARY and OBAMA!
You might not want to wait until you're 21. At that time hopping the pond might not be worth the trouble. God fobid.
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