"I want to buy my first gun"

[Skribs]

I'm one of those guys that posted on Facebook "I will help you buy your first gun, learn to shoot and clean it..." etc. Today, I had an old friend in another state text me and ask what gun he should get, and I realized that my time here has taught me very well how to argue in X vs Y threads, but that all this forum junkie knowledge is information overload when talking to a newbie.

How do you address this question when a friend asks you? Especially if this is a friend that, due to the fact they're separated by hundreds or thousands of miles, you cannot simply take to the gun store or range with you.

 

[Sam1911]

As embarrassing as it probably is, I sometimes have difficulty talking "guns" with non-gunny people. (Sigh...and even a lot of casual shooters, too.) It takes effort to turn off the layers of expected fore-knowledge, technical speak, and rigid correctness and have a conversation that accomplishes something useful.

The best way I've found, for guns or any other techy field, is to listen more than talk and ask lots of questions to try and figure out the simplest answers that the person really needs.

"What do you want to shoot?"
"Do you know much about shooting and firearms?"
"Do you know where you might look at guns?"
"Do you know of a place near you to shoot?"

If pressed for specifics, common .22s are the safest bets, (and yeah, yeah...the ammo's still cheaper than almost anything else).

If they just want "TO SHOOT", a surprising and unexpected great idea is to see if there's a shotgun/sporting clays range around them. Those places usually have instructors who do a fabulous job teaching new shooters. Yeah, it isn't tactical, but it is huge fun, and quite safe, and a very non-threatening environment. I got that idea when I found out that a lot of big resorts have clays ranges now, and tons of folks on business trips or vacations (even CRUISES!) will take a few lessons with the local instructors, just like it was golf or skiing.

Try to avoid correcting more than a couple of their worst misconceptions or gross misunderstandings about guns in one conversation. They'll probably get caliber wrong, tell you about how this or that isn't (or needs to be) "registered," probably tell you lots of things they've heard that are just dumber than a box of hammers. Let most of it go. Give them a couple of nuggets of really useful information, and assume that the rest will come in time.

 

[rcmodel]

I firmly believe every 'first gun' should be a .22 rifle.

Safe, cheap, and a perfect learning tool for the first time gun owner that won't scare him to death with recoil & muzzle blast the first time he pulls the trigger.

After he learns all the basics of good marksmanship, without developing a life-long flinch?

He can move up to the hard chargers if he is still interested in shooting at all.

If not he can probably sell it easily and get most of his money back.

rc

 

[TennJed]

I firmly believe every 'first gun' should be a .22 rifle.

Safe, cheap, and a perfect learning tool for the first time gun owner that won't scare him to death with recoil & muzzle blast the first time he pulls the trigger.

After he learns all the basics of good marksmanship, without developing a life-long flinch?

He can move up to the hard chargers if he is still interested in shooting at all.

If not he can probably sell it easily and get most of his money back.

rc

I am lucky enough to have some land that I can shoot on, but for city people how easy is it to find a rifle range? Plenty of pay by the hour handgun ranges here, but I don't know of any offhand that allow rifles that do not have membership requirements.

To recommend a rifle as a first gun to everyone may not be feasible.

 

[Monkeybear]

I have a lot of friends who are in their 20-30's that ask me what they should look for in a (hand)gun. I used to have a lot to say on the subject but over the years I figured out that was generally a waste of time. It's just a lot for anyone to take in. That and they all have a brother or cousin or friend that used to be in the military or knows a cop or something along those lines who told them that a M&P or Glock or a "fourty five" or whatever is the very best gun there is.

I want to help my friends out but most aren't really interested in ownership, they are just scared people who want a talisman to keep on a shelf in a closet that will make them feel safe at night. I still take it seriously but barring any specific questions I just tell them that almost all guns these days are actually really good and to get something that feels good in their hand and not to get too caught up in brands.

 

[rcmodel]

To recommend a rifle as a first gun to everyone may not be feasible.

Well, buy a .22 pistol then.
Just don't buy an Eargasplitten Loudenboomer center-fire to learn to shoot really well with.
Unless you have a large amount of extra money for practice ammo laying around.

I lead a pretty sheltered life anymore.
But I was unaware you couldn't shoot a .22 rifle on most any indoor range that allow center-fire handguns.

It wouldn't be the first time I was totally wrong though.

rc

 

[JohnBiltz]

If its someone who wants to talk guns its one thing but if its someone who you can see the eyes starting to glaze over, I tell them to get a 9mm mid size Glock, M&P or Ruger SR9. They are reliable guns and between the three one of them should suit anyone.

 

[Rusty Luck]

.22 pistol/rifle is where I always start with people. And all the ranges I've been to here in Houston and other parts of Texas let you shoot 9mm/40S&W/45ACP carbines and 22lr rifles.

 

[TennJed]

Well, buy a .22 pistol then.
Just don't buy an Eargasplitten Loudenboomer center-fire to learn to shoot really well with.
Unless you have a large amount of extra money for practice ammo laying around.

I lead a pretty sheltered life anymore.
But I was unaware you couldn't shoot a .22 rifle on most any indoor range that allow center-fire handguns.

It wouldn't be the first time I was totally wrong though.

rc

I may be wrong, but if I remember correctly the couple of time I went to indoor ranges in Memphis it was handgun only (except they did have a shotgun night).

I agree that a 22 is the perfect first gun. I think a single action revolver is a perfect first gun. I learned to shoot on a Ruger Single Six. My 15 year old son learned to shoot on a Ruger Single Six and my 3 & 5 year old kids will learn to shoot on a Ruger Single Six.

Did I mention a Ruger Single Six is a good gun to learn to shoot on?


ETA. RC, I just looked at one of the local indoor ranges and you CAN shoot rimfire rifles at them (no centerfire rifles, except on certain class nights). I stand corrected. I guess I have just never seen anyone shoot a rifle there. A 22 rifle is a good choice for first gun (although I still like kids learning on a Ruger Single Six )

 

[Skribs]

The one issue I have with suggesting a .22 is most people I know who are getting a gun aren't as interested in the finer aspects of marksmanship, but rather personal protection. They want something for carry and/or HD, and I wouldn't recommend a .22 for that purpose.

My first gun was a .40 and I never developed a flinch.

 

[TennJed]

The one issue I have with suggesting a .22 is most people I know who are getting a gun aren't as interested in the finer aspects of marksmanship, but rather personal protection. They want something for carry and/or HD, and I wouldn't recommend a .22 for that purpose.

My first gun was a .40 and I never developed a flinch.

Did you shoot a lot? I think if a person is getting a gun for protection and all they do is lock the gun in a drawer then they don't need anything more powerful than mace. If you are getting a gun for protection and you plan on practicing then a 22 is an inexpensive gun to learn on.

I know it worked out for you, but I suspect you probably shot a lot. You would have made it to the same place starting on a 22, and the flip side is a lot of people are not like you. They may develop a flinch. A 22 as a started is a safe bet for people serious enough about protection to actually practice and shoot a lot

 

[bannockburn]

I always start out new shooters with their choice of .22 handgun (usually a revolver), or rifle. Once they get the basics down, and for most people it can be very quickly, then I like to move them up to a full size 9mm. or a S&W K or L frame revolver loaded with .38 Special wadcutters. Take everything nice and slow and let the shooters progress at their own speed and comfort level.

 

[Monkeybear]

Starting with a .22 is the best route but man is it a tough sell. People just like the idea that "a gun will protect them" and will generally resist the idea that theres more to ownership than simply possessing the firearm. The only way I've gotten around that is by taking them to the range multiple times at my own expense in hopes that they will have become comfortable enough and have had fun enough that they will continue going on their own. That's worked twice.

My wifes cousin was the victim of a home in invasion a few weeks back. No one died but his friend was shot several times. He had a shotgun for HD but it didn't work. He just bought it and stuck it in a corner, never shot it. I offered to take a look at it and take him shooting but he declined. He doesn't want to go shooting, he just wants a new gun.

 

[holdencm9]

How do you address this question when a friend asks you? Especially if this is a friend that, due to the fact they're separated by hundreds or thousands of miles, you cannot simply take to the gun store or range with you.

I've actually done this a couple times and the most difficult thing is to just offer tidbits of advice and guidance but remember at the end of the day they are buying a gun, not becoming a "gun guy." Don't inundate them with "proper terminology" or explain the nuances of the age-old 9mm vs .45 debate. They may turn into a gun guy but it won't be overnight.

I basically boil it down to semi-auto or revolver (assuming they are looking at one for HD and if they ever think they may get a carry permit. This usually gets into the ballpark, it narrows down the spectrum from derringer to desert eagle. Then from there I just mention the cartridges that are ideal (and price point just so they know...because I encourage practice!)

Usually the way it would work was my friend would text me, "What do you think about ______? They cost $______ at ______."

I would share knowledge and if I was unfamiliar with it I would fire up the computer and do a quick 15-minute crash course. Usually the guns were on the cheaper end of the spectrum (Charter arms, Taurus, etc.) so there are a fair amount of negative reviews and forum threads. But I have to remind myself, it isn't for me, it is for my friend, who will probably only shoot a few times a year, a box at a time. So you have to balance your urge for quality (what you would get) versus what your friend needs (what will just work, safely). It is really difficult to explain to new or prospective gun owners why a S&W or Ruger may be 2x or 3x as much money (I still have some questions, myself!)

Then one day they may just let you know "Hey look what I got!" and it is something completely different than what you were discussing earlier. :banghead:

 

[Baba Louie]

Today, I had an old friend in another state text me and ask what gun he should get...

and, pray tell, what advice did you offer sir?
Because that simple question (what gun should I get?) has a long list of potential answers (long gun/sidearm, smooth bore/rifle, centerfire/rimfire... heck even air powered rifles I suppose).

I would suppose more questions as a natural response. Does friend plan on HD, fun, target, hunting, CCW... training classes?

But like rcmodel's great advice, for newbies, one cannot go wrong "learning" using a .22 lr rifle, which are useful for several of the above "what use will it serve?" (may be hard to CCW I will admit, gotta dress right and carefully select the proper holster, one would guess )

How does one impress "SAFETY" as a mantra via social media and hammer it home? Or that consistent practice/training is important (and fun)?

I'm glad you're there for your friends Skribs.

 

[Skribs]

Most of the people I talk to are interested in getting something for HD/carry. That's the reason they want a gun, and they'd been shooting before using centerfire pistols. It would be a hard sell to tell them "before you can buy a gun that's good for HD, you need to spend a few hundred dollars each on a .22 rifle and then a .22 pistol before you should buy yourself a 9." Honestly it sounds kinda condescending to me to just assume that someone isn't capable of handling a centerfire pistol. For some people, yes they need to start small. But for anyone I've talked to who is interested, they've learned how to shoot and more want to know what to buy.

 

[buck460XVR]

The K.I.S.S.(keep it simple stupid) method works the best when introducing anyone to something new, regardless of their age. The texting and e-mailing across many miles will never replace or be a legitimate substitute for "hands on" experience. I would instruct them to go to a state sponsored gun/hunter safety class. These are generally cheap and will not only instruct them to basic gun safety, but basic skills and gun handling. Many(I know my state does) have a field day where students have a opportunity to handle and shoot various firearms. Then there are private ranges and organizations that provide hands on instruction. Many of these are relatively inexpensive compared to the price of a new gun.

 

[gbeecher]

Consumer choices..

Probably similar to saying, 'I want to buy my first car'.. Ask them how much they want or can afford to spend; what kind of driving do they do and what do they need the car for; what are their personal likes/dislikes, etc. With a gun, there's also recoil energy, price of ammo, handgun vs rifle, cartridge/caliber and so on. The most important thing is to make them comfortable with guns and grow their knowledge and respect of firearms. Good luck

 

[witchhunter]

.22 to start off, preferably a rifle, but a pistol is OK too. With the 22 ammo situation, maybe a 38 revolver or a 9mm if they are leaning toward an auto. I would recommend a 10/22 or a Ruger Mark I, II, Or a S&W 18. My boys started of with 22 rifles, learned gun safety, sight pictures, breathing and trigger pulls, then shotguns then pistols and centerfire rifles.

 

[JohnBiltz]

When someone asks you what gun they should get chances are they are not asking what they should buy to start a lifelong habit of shooting. Chances are they want a gun for the purpose of defense and telling them to get something not good for defense to build skills so that 6 months down the road they can then spend more money getting what they really wanted to begin with is not the answer. What is more, you don't have to start with a .22. Even more to the point, there is no .22 to shoot if you did buy one.

 

[Armor Snail]

Generally, I say go rent/shoot as many as possible. Even if they don't look appealing.

If it will be strictly for HD I say the biggest heaviest one in the largest caliber you can handle. This applies to pistols.

 

[Skribs]

When someone asks you what gun they should get chances are they are not asking what they should buy to start a lifelong habit of shooting. Chances are they want a gun for the purpose of defense and telling them to get something not good for defense to build skills so that 6 months down the road they can then spend more money getting what they really wanted to begin with is not the answer. What is more, you don't have to start with a .22. Even more to the point, there is no .22 to shoot if you did buy one.

This. Especially if it's a progression from a .22 rifle to a .22 pistol to a centerfire pistol, there's multiple intermediaries that barely anyone would say "yes, that's good for self defense" before getting to the one that's good for self defense.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't government training camps (i.e. boot camp in the Army or a police academy) start you off with service weapons? I'm pretty sure many people going through marksmanship training haven't fired a weapon before (based on comments regarding how many LEO view firearms) and they're not starting at the .22 LR.

 

[TennJed]

When someone asks you what gun they should get chances are they are not asking what they should buy to start a lifelong habit of shooting. Chances are they want a gun for the purpose of defense and telling them to get something not good for defense to build skills so that 6 months down the road they can then spend more money getting what they really wanted to begin with is not the answer. What is more, you don't have to start with a .22. Even more to the point, there is no .22 to shoot if you did buy one.

It may not be what they want to hear, but IMHO it is the best advise. When I am asked by non shooters, I will give them the best advise first. If they don't want to take that advise or go another route I will give input on that.

 

[herrwalther]

I always offer firearm advice regardless of who asks me. Not too long ago, my old team leader from overseas hit me up out of the blue because he wanted me to help pick out firearms for his new wife to learn on. Couple months of range and rental time later she settled on a Beretta PX4 compact. Another happy firearm owner.

 

[Cee Zee]

I know a .22 is almost universally mentioned as the first gun someone should own but my dad had a much different approach. Our first shooting experiences were always with shotguns. You didn't get to shoot one until you were big enough to handle the recoil. The thing about a shotgun is you aren't going to shoot someone on the next farm over or on the interstate behind the hill of the gun range or whatever. They have a very limited range. With light loads they don't kick so much. And with clays they can be plenty challenging. My first shot with a real gun was with a 16 ga. semi-auto. I was 7 and we had just started getting our clay range going. Dad was big into clays because it was practice for quail hunting. I hit the first clay I shot at too. That freaked me out as much as it did everyone else. But it made me feel like I was born to shoot. My dad screamed about me shooting too quick and my uncle fell down on the ground screaming "oh my God" over and over and over. I thought I had shot him even though I had seen that I dusted that clay and he was behind me. He was just freaked that I hit the thing. He must have rolled around like that for 2 minutes and between him screaming and dad screaming too I was sure I had killed my uncle. I've told this story before many times because I think it's funny as heck. It was just dumb luck that I hit that clay of course. I saw it flying in front of my shotgun so I pulled the trigger. It hadn't gone more than 20 feet before I dusted it. That's why dad was so upset. I laugh every time I think of this stuff.

So maybe a shotgun might be the best route. The place your friend will be shooting might play a big part in what to suggest. For one thing shotgun shells are available all over. .22 ammo isn't (duh!).