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Fairmaiden20

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Atlanta Georgia
I'm a 20yo student new to the Atlanta area looking to legally own a handgun for personal protection. Prices are outrageous on new guns so I'm looking for used. It has been suggested to me that I look into a Ruger SP-101 in .357 magnum or .38 special or something similar. I'm also looking for ranges in the area offering lessons specific in self deffense involving a weapon. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
How/where are you going to carry your defensive firearm?

Where, in the sense of in purse, pack, pocket, etc.

Revolvers are a little bulkier than autos, so purse might work, for example. Less manipulation and generally safer than autos and you can practice with light .38 SPL loads, using .38 +P* or full-house .357s for social purposes. (You can fire .38SPLs in a .357 magnum.)

Most pistol ranges will offer or know where you can get the training you desire. From google:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=pistol+ranges+in+Atlanta,+GA&btnG=Google+Search

(WELCOME ! )

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*
+Ps are higher velocity .38 SPL loads, but not up to magnum velocities.
 
Maiden, ya gotcherself a issue. You can't legally PURCHASE a handgun from a dealer, but there's no federal prohibition against POSESSING one. Do you have family that could provide you a firearm? There's all kind of mischief you can fall into with terms like "illegal purchase", "straw man sale" etc. Not saying you can't do what you want (and need) to, it's just... ticklish. Please be careful and let us know how this is playing out for you.
 
A private sale/transfer could be legal. Sometimes sellers are reluctant or even will refuse to sell to someone under 21.

The SP 101 is a very good choice. I think a S&W J-frame airweight is an even better one.
 
In Georgia it is not illegal for someone under 21 to possess a handgun. You have to be 21 to fill out the FFL paperwork on a new gun. But, since it's not illegal for a twenty year old to possess one, a private sale should be legal. If I understand the law, at least.
 
Don't you have to be 21 to own a handgun?
Click to expand...

No, only to buy them from an FFL. The minimum for ownership is set by the state, and can vary. Some states set 21 as minimum, others 18, and some may have it set lower than that.
 
Just to chime in for a moment... I don't believe the OP was asking anything about where to get a firearm and how to do it legally. She (?) likely already has that sorted. So let's just stick to recommending guns and/or training, eh?

Welcome to THR, Fairmaiden20! Enjoy.

The Ruger SP-101 is a fine choice. I'm with 230RN on the bulkiness, but that's only if you carry on your hip. Otherwise it's be a great carry gun.

The upshot with revolvers is that if it doesn't go bang, just pull the trigger again. Bit more involved for an auto. ;)

As I am not in Atlanta (and have never been), I, unfortuantely, can't offer any advice on training.


-T.
 
Do you mind if I ask how much firearm experience you have?

Assuming (I know what it does) that you are a female sometimes the male-dominated shooting community can be a burden to you.

IF you don't have much shooting experience try and find a range that lets you rent guns and try many models/calibers. Someone may have mentioned the ruger so you could have a light shooting 38 revolver which is not a bad choice it's just a commonly recommended one for women. However, you may not like that firearm/caliber at all and regret purchasing it.

Please try as many things as you can before you buy and pick what fits you best. If you hit consistent bullseyes with a .45 1911 but can't hit anything with a revolver, buy the 1911! (I neither own a revolver or a 1911 so no flaming :neener:)

Oh, and keep us updated on your progress or if you have anymore questions.
 
are you a novice shooter or experienced. The reason I ask is that the 357 can be a handful for a new shooter. Never heard anything bad about the Ruger Sp101s though. Prices here around Auburn are fair for both used and new firearms. Also saw some really good prices not to long ago in Columbus. I know of several places in north Alabama to buy from.
 
I would recommend finding a range that rents pistols to try out. If you don't have a shooting background, you could start with small caliber .22 or .25, to get the basics down. A good instructor will work with you to develop the good habits you will need to succeed.

Once you have progressed to the point of knowing what to expect, the feel of the weapon, etc. Move up in caliber size, different pistols and pistol types have different shooting and recoil characteristics.

Ideally, it should fit your hand well, and be fairly balanced. The balance is something to look for in drawing, aiming, and firing. When you find a pistol that feels good the whole way through, you've found one that you can have confidence in.

Confidence and practice is what makes a good shooter.

I know there are ranges in Atlanta, but the times I've been there I never went to any
 
Bump.

Hm. I wonder if she realizes there are responses to her query. Maybe the thread got buried too far back for her to see in the General category.
 
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This range has a good selection of rental handguns and the staff is friendly and helpful. And they have used hanguns for sale. There is the usual local clique hanging around, but they open up if you care to talk to them. I shot there a few times while on a contract in Atlanta.

How soon will you be 21? Can you wait or gotta have it now?
Best of luck with getting the right gun for you.

http://www.classicmarksman.com/

American Classic Marksman Gun Range
5305 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Norcross, GA 30093
(770) 449-6200


BTW, don't forget to set aside additional funds for a cleaning kit, lots of practice ammo, eye/ear protection, range fees, etc.
 
I agree, lacoochee; the only thing that I do differently from you is that I direct everyone there, especially those who are new to shooting or new to carrying. ;)

I'm a 48 year old guy who's been shooting a long time and who still learns from Kathy Jackson at Cornered Cat.

Welcome to The High Road, Fairmaiden20. Try lots of handguns before you buy (I'm a revolver fan, too, but try everything). Buy the one that fits you best: one which feels good in your hand and which you can hit targets with.

I don't have any knowledge of the Atlanta area, but others here can help. :)
 
Thanks to you all for all the fabulous information. I appreciate it all soo much. I don't come from a gun friendly family so I feel like a fish out of water on this front. Special thanks to btg3 for actually knowing of a place out here with friendly people. I will certainly check out Cornered Cat and keep you all updated. It is going to probably take me a while to save up the money, by then I'll be twenty-one and wont have to worry about all the legal stuff.
Again thanks to everyone who offered help!! It's fantastic to be able to find support for things like this in todays society :)
 
No, only to buy them from an FFL. The minimum for ownership is set by the state, and can vary. Some states set 21 as minimum, others 18, and some may have it set lower than that.
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Federal age for possession of a handgun is 18 with few exceptions. Part of the "Youth Handgun Safety Act."
 
I was looking at Green Mountain Guns in Denver area, and they had som .32 caliber semi-auto's in the $250.00 range as I recall. That's not too bad, if you don't mind a
:uhoh:.32
 
Wild idea... If you visit a gun range/store and chat up the manager/owner maybe you could:
1. Tell them you want to buy, but don't know what gun.
2. Ask if they will apply rental fees and range fees toward your purchase.
3. Shoot their rentals until you decide what gun you like.
4. Have them keep your gun on "layaway", but allow you to continue to rent it and apply the fees toward your purchase.

You may have a better approach, but the idea is to get you on your way to a handgun without money going down the drain.

I've no experience with such an arrangement and others might help out with this, but it's often surprising what can be obtained just by asking.
 
^^^^ That's a great idea.
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-T.
 
Good place to find good deals on firearms in GA

I deal with a place up in Dawsonville (about 45-60 minutes north of Atl) called 400 Jewelry and Loan. Good people up there who always seem to have better than average prices. Good luck to you.
 
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