New to this whole thing

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Luthien

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Hello all,
My name is Violet. I am an almost- 20 year old woman completely new to gun ownership issues. I am a college student and a seamstress.

The whole gun issue is still fairly foreign to me. I never understood why people were so 'crazy' about gun 'control.' I really feel differently after reading this site. Americans must have the freedom to product ourselves.

I'm also now living inside a city, right next to a jail and in a not-so-great part of town. There’s been break ins, robberies, and more rapes and other violence then I’d like to think about. I do not own a car. I don’t have a boyfriend. I’m always very careful- I don’t drink, only hang out with good people, etc, but that doesn’t change my environment. I can't even go visit my girlfriends at night and walk home; it's too dangerous for a woman to be out. What about an emergency? What if I had to race to the pharmacy or something? I really do not like the idea of being at the mercy of strangers.

I really think being able to use a gun and carrying one would be beneficial.

However, like I said, I have literally 0 knowledge of guns or gun ownership. Any ideas? Do I go to an instructor or something? How do I do this? Something to carry in my purse would be ideal.

Thanks all...
:D Violet
 
Hi Violet !!

I do think the first step is to find some instruction. You can check with some of the local shops that sell firearms to find out where to make contact with a certified instructor.

Most area's have instructors that can send you on the right path toward safe handing and use of a firearm. They can also help you make the right decisions regarding what to purchase. (keep in mind that you should be comfortable with what you buy) Check also on the internet for firearm instructors in your area - many have web sites.

My 75 year old aunt just completed a course for concealed carry recently. In this case she asked for my help and I helped quide her through the process of purchasing a handgun. learning how to handle it safely and to shoot it. She just wanted to feel safer and is very pleased that she not only has a handgun, but can use it . She also took the time to take the concealed carry course in our state and obtained a permit to carry.

Although she doesn't carry on a regular basis, she does while cross country skying , and while traveling the firearm sits in the purse along side her.

My point is to say - where there is a will there is a way ! And always rest assured that someone on the THR is willing to help you with your questions during the process.

Edit: PS - I do believe you must be 21 to purchase a handgun , etc. So now is a good time to start the process and prepare.
 
You'll find that a good percentage of gun enthusiasts will be willing and able to help you learn. (don't mistake those who may own guns for those who are 'into' guns - big difference)

If you are near Atlanta or Nashville then I and people I know can help you. If not, find the bigger gun stores in your area and ask them about training courses. Some offer education specifically for women and/or beginners.

Enjoy!
AB
 
as everyone else has said so far, this is the best place to start.

seeing how you are still 19, in college, and we dont know what state you live in, you probably wont see many advocating you break laws by carrying if it is illegal to do so.

that doesnt mean that we feel anyone should be 'unprotected' simply because of draconian laws. but there is usually plenty of alternatives or in some cases, workarounds.

so, please, indulge us a bit, and tell us what state you live in, and tell us how a fresh college student managed to develop conservative ideals instead of liberal ones?
edit - if we know what paths are the best at producing a generation that takes personal responsibility, maybe we can help more to join our path.

:D

welcome!

edit - this may sound like a cheap line, but for us to make a halfway decent recommendation as to what gun *might* fit you best, we will also need to know something about your physique. short? tall? athletic? average?
also am curious as to more details of the thought processes that lead you to being interested in firearms for protection. you mentioned crime, bad neighborhoods, and a feeling of vulnerability. is this because you personally know those who have been victimized?
as of right now, what steps are you willing to take to defend your life, or someone elses?
 
"Any ideas?"

I've taught many friends how to shoot and given advise on the procedures of buying and carrying pistols. I know there are many others on this board who do the same. If you were to post your location I don't doubt that somebody would be willing to let you meet up with them at the local range for some instruction and shooting.

I don't blame you if you don't want to share that info online but specific advise really can't be given unless your locality is known. Gun laws are different from state to state and even city to city in some cases. You should be able to find out the correct procedures for your area with a call or visit to your local police station (it's right next door?). Don't worry about them disapproving of you owning a gun. You are attempting to comply with the law, it's not their business to disapprove of that.
 
Hi, Luthien!

Did you know that Beren is a member here, too? ;)

Welcome to THR! :cool:

(The best way to start is to find an NRA course or meet somebody willing to take you shooting. Ofttimes there will be gatherings of many members here in various regions. I know that they happen fairly often in SoCal, PA, and Middle Tennessee, and probably other regions I'm not aware of. It's oftentimes less, er, paranoia-inducing to meet new people in groups in a public place, and pretty much every time I've met a group of people from this site, it has been a very positive experience...)
 
Violet,

"Self defense" really consists of a wide variety of skills, some of which involve firearms. Other skills include awareness (MOST important), operational security, basic martial arts, first aid, "combat" driving, and so on.

IMHO, you will find that the reality of self defense is VERY different from what you see in the movies. It's serious business and you will find yourself acting more mature and in a more calm fashion when carrying a gun. Gun safety will suddenly become very important to you. You will not have the urge to shoot people at random; that's Hollywood fantasy.

You don't need propaganda; you need a good instructor. Training isn't cheap though; be prepared to save your money for awhile. Less going out, more savings! That said, there are sources of information that are cheap or free.

The NRA has a personal protection class and your local police department should have some classes for women. Self defense is more than knowing how to shoot; it's about awareness and preparation. Fortunately, the police classes should be cheap and the NRA ones are low priced too. These would form a good foundation for you to further develop your skills as you become more financially viable (I'm assuming you're a poor college student).

A three hour class is too short to develop any sort of proficiency. If you are really serious about getting a gun to protect yourself, then you need top quality training. Therefore, I recommend that you take a basic class at a facility like Gunsite. Take a look at www.gunsite.com and click "Training" on the left, then "Pistol". Look at their 150 class and then call them. I think you will be able to get a loaner gun from them (which you can buy if you like it). Also look at www.iwla.org or www.nra.org to find some basic classes.

Just remember, pistol shooting is difficult and the skill degrades over time. This means you have to practice regularly. Also remember that defensive practice is different from target practice.

Here are some links:

www.f-r-i.com (I train with Steve and he's good. Call him and ask!)
http://www.thunderranchinc.com/TRoregonhome.html ---> Ladies classes!
 
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I think the best way to learn about this subject, has to be doing it....

Find somebody local that is willing to teach you, and take it all in. I'm sure anyone here would be more than willing to help. It doesn't take much to get these guys to the range. :D
 
And...

if you are reticent in providing personal information at this time, take more time to get acquainted with the various forums and those of us who post (there are those who don't). In your participation you will soon find folks who you can rely on for answers - some will be in your area. These folks can help you integrate locally and the board in total will provide you more information - and opinion - then "the law allows"... just a great place for rounding out your learning experience(s).

Welcome, our new friend.

-Andy
 
Luthien, Depending where you are located will depend on the carry laws in that area. In Indiana an 18 year old can get a personal protection permit to carry, but can't buy a handgun untill 21. If the state you live in has similar laws you can get a relative to buy a gun and then "borrow" said gun untill you are 21 and can "buy" it from them.

Our local gun clubs are sponsoring a Women on Target seminar next weekend for $20. They run the ladies through an instruction period followed by shooting of handguns and rifles at one gun club followed by lunch at the local shotgun club with shooting of shotguns at skeet and trap targets. It has been a real succes with many repeat shooters and referrals.

Check local shooting ranges and gun clubs as well as gun stores for info on similar events.

Best of luck to you. :)

kudu
 
Well, welcome aboard!

First, congrats. I was about 21 before I realized that I should start getting moderately proficient with firearms. It wasn't a hard decision, since I had shot a few times in my younger years, and enjoyed it immensly. Shooting is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby. It's also something that -could- help safe your live. I know young women that are really nervous around guns, but they've had some fun on the range with me. They're still nervous, but they want to go back: it's just plain fun to shoot at paper targets.

The above about local gunshops and training classes is a good suggestion. Rest assured you're pretty likely to find somebody in your area that would be MORE than willing to take you out and get you aquainted with shooting and whatever they have in their collection with some informal instruction.

Yes, guns are just a final tool to self protection. There's a whole mindset that gets developed. You're already well on your way there, and some reading of the 'Strategies and Tactics' forum wouldn't hurt either. Nobody's got a perfect answer, but the more you know, the better off you are.

Regarding laws, there's nothing at the Federal level that says you can't own a handgun from ages 18-20. You just have to be 21 to buy one from a public dealer. State laws may require you to be 21, but I don't think there's many that do. That makes it MUCH harder to get the right gun, and you'll have to get it used, but it can be done.

Fire away any questions you want to. Somebody'll come up with an answer.
 
Amen Standing Wolf.
Yes, get an instructor absolutely. However, make sure he/she is a certified instructor.
 
No law-abiding American citizen should ever have to live in fear.
Click to expand...

Amen, brother.

Welcome, Luthien!

http://www.paxtonquigley.com/ is another good place to start. She's got a book, whose technical advice is somewhat dated, but otherwise a great place to start. IIRC, it's armed and female.

If you're anywhere in the PHL region, geeketteWithA9mm & I would be happy to getcha started.
 
Woah! Look at all these replies! Thank you all so MUCH!

First of all, I can't own a gun until I'm 21?! What?! So, an 18 year old can be accused of crime as an adult, but not allowed to shield herself from it? Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful you all told me that but...man.

So let’s see. Get an instructor, find local resources, and practice plenty. I'm going to do some googling right now about the steps and such. Can i have my mom buy the gun, or someone who has a permit?

boofus- I am digging the site. Libertybells is very nice.

Amish Bill- Point noted! :) Thanks.


spacemanspiff- “so, please, indulge us a bit, and tell us what state you live in, and tell us how a fresh college student managed to develop conservative ideals instead of liberal ones?
edit - if we know what paths are the best at producing a generation that takes personal responsibility, maybe we can help more to join our path.â€


LOL at the college student/conservative thing. It’s funny, but all my friends are very conservative…so much so they we were upset the Bush girls disrespected their parents. I think a lot of people my age saw what people did when they did not take personal responsibility… the selfish ‘80’s’ were not good for kids. We saw what AIDS did, the many screw ups and disgraces of Clinton, and how apathy and greed can destroy. Everyone does not feel this way, but that’s how I saw the whole thing, and that’s why I feel there are a growing number of Conservatives across campuses. (If I've offened anyone, I am veyr sorry!)

I live in Pittsburgh, PA. Safe enough city in itself, but all of them have their rough places. I'm 5'9 but rather skinny (120 lbs). I recovered from cancer about a year ago and I still have not regained all the weight I lost. I'm very girly (the last person you'd think would be posting on a gun forum!) a figure skater, ballet dancer, what have you.

As for what got me interested, my roommate’s sister was victimized. She is very much like me- no pre marital sex, no drugs, no drinking, etc. I never thought that could happen to someone who didn't put herself in that sort of situation. My other friend’s mother was attacked while coming home from shopping. Very innocent stuff, you know? And you hear about it, mentioned casually. I’m from a semi- rural area, and I have never, ever heard of stuff like that happening within feet of me before. And I’ll be 20 on Monday. That’s scary.

What steps am I willing to take, to save my life or someone else’s? As of now, I really don’t think I would be very competent in saving anyone’s life from any sort of peril danger…aside from calling 911, doing CPR, etc. That’s awful.

Tamara- LOL. I was going to choose ‘Galadriel’ but luthientinuviel.com is the name of my website. :p

Standing Wolf- no kidding! It makes me so mad!


Thank you all SO MUCH again!!!!
Violet
 
Welcome to THR Luthien! This is an excellent place to learn about guns
and other things as well as meet new friends.
Have fun.

cheers, ab
 
Qoute : "First of all, I can't own a gun until I'm 21?! What?! So, an 18 year old can be accused of crime as an adult, but not allowed to shield herself from it? Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful you all told me that but...man. "

I faced the draft at age 18 during one of the hotest times of the Vietnam war. I always sort of felt the same way as your reaction to knowing that by federal law you can't buy a "handgun" from a licensed dealer until 21.

I was old enough to be put in harms way by a government that wouldn't allow me to drink a beer because I was too young . Welcome to the obscene thought processes behind some of our laws.

ps: not that drinking a beer was terribly important to me - just the thought of not having full privilages but yet having full responsibility !

Good luck with your training - a thought occured to me also that if there is a local gun club or range , you may want to go there and dicuss training also.
 
Welcome Violet. Concur that you should find a NRA certified instructor and either they or anyone else can refer you to one in your area.

Sorry, but anyone I know in your area are into muzzle loaders so that's a bit old and slow.
 
Violet,

Depending on local laws, a person under 21 usually can't own a handgun. That does depend on local laws, but most places are 21 and over. Some states you can own, but not purchase from a dealer, so you have to have parents give it to you, or buy from a non-dealer. PA requires you to be 21 before you can carry a concealed weapon (CCW).

While obviously not a good choice for concealed carry, a long arm would be an excellent choice for home protection, quite honestly, many consider them a better choice than pistols. And since you can't carry yet, due to age, I would honestly advise going for a carbine or shotgun. Might as well be able to protect yourself at home, even if you aren't legally able to CCW.

Rifles, Carbines, and Shotguns are easier to aim, easier to fire quickly and accuratly, and generally more powerfull than pistols. There are ofcourse variables. Noone would advise a large magnum rifle for home protection, but there are very good viable options available.

Budget concerns will factor into the decision quite a bit.

You can purchase a good shotgun setup for home protection for under $300. 12ga or 20ga would work well. If you can find a local skeet or trap club, you should have no problem getting other shooters to let you try their shotguns to see what fits you best. With luck you will find someone there that can advise you on getting the shotgun fitted to you properly.

Other good options abound: A shorty AR-15 clone would be an excellent HD (home defense) firearm. Bushmaster, rock river arms, Colt, and others make excellent versions. KelTec has the SU16 which would also work well in a pinch. The Ruger mini-14 would even be a good choice.

Also, carbines like the Beretta Storm in 9mm, or even a lever action in .357 or .44 would work very well.

While this doesn't help you when it comes to leaving your home, any of these choices will help you get comfortable with shooting, while at the same time providing excellent home protection.

There are other options that you can use when you are out and about, and while they are not as effective as CCW a firearm, they can still work. Pepper spray, a folding knife, even a small flashlight can be used as a defensive weapon.

The most important thing is to not act like a victim, and be concious of what is going on around you. I am currently having this problem with my sister in law (there is a thread in the tactics section). She acts like a victim, and doesn't pay attention, so at some point, she will be a victim.

You came to the right place, there are plenty of people who will be willing to help you with your decisions. I would also advise finding a local trainer, so that you learn the proper techniques as well as the rules of safety.

Good Luck.

I.G.B.
 
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