First gun purchase

[IronLion]

Both parents and in-laws have been hounding me for a quite a while now on when am I going to get a hand gun. Mostly because I spend so much time out in the wilderness. I have personally never seen the need for one (maybe pepper spray for bears, which I have ran into several bears and never needed any. But you never know), but I have been thinking about when I take my family out camping (I have a 5 year old son) and also for just protection at home. Besides shooting guns as a kid and my 4 years in the navy I have never owned a gun. I have been thinking about something like a .38 revolver. I don't know what is recommended, if I should get a different caliber, or even something other than a revolver. Any suggestions to get me in the right direction? Any recommendations on some good brands that aren't too expensive?

I was also thinking about a safe for the gun; does anyone know anything about the Stack-On PS-514 Security Plus Strong Box Safe? It's cheap, but didn't know if it was worth it or not.

Also I know I need a license to carry if I want to have the gun on me, but are there specific rules to individual wildlife management areas? Such as cohuttas and blue ridge?

thanks

[MariettaMike]

Get your "Weapons Carry License" first. Then you can buy a used handgun on here or The Outside Trader, GON, or other bulletin boards from one of the many many sellers that will not sell a handgun to you if you don't have a license.

Go to the same office where you got your marraige license in your county to get a weapons license.

Get your fingerprints done, Pay the money. Takes less than a month.

Additional carry info available here

http://georgiacarry.org/

and here

http://www.georgiapacking.org/

I would also recommend you go to a good gun range like Sandy Springs Gun Club that has lots of rentals so you can try all kinds before you buy.

I would not recommend a revolver.

[groundpounder]

First off I would say not to let anyone "hound" you into purchasing a gun. Guns are not for everyone and if you personally do not feel the need or the want to have one than I would not. Now for those that think I am about to get on the gun control ban wagon I am the farthest from that point of view!

But to answer your question... One of the best home defense guns will probably be a pump shotgun. Not much is more of a deterent to a home invader than the sound of a pump shotgun loading a shell into the chamber. Packs quite a punch too and accuracy isn't quite as important.

Now you also mentioned carrying a firearm and a permit. I have just edited this comment and I'll just say look up the laws on carrying a firearm.

For a reliability point of view a good revolver is probably the best carrying self defense handgun. A .38 caliber is a good starting point. Some will say get the biggest caliber you can. I would disagree. There are so many good self defense ammunitions out there that boost their stopping power biggest isn't always best. The one you are most comfortable with is the best.

My recomendation would be to go to a range and rent some different guns and calibers to see which you prefer. I know BullsEye in Lawrenceville has a range and rents guns and am sure that some others do to.

Whenever I mention anything about guns I must mention GUN SAFETY! Know it, practice it, preach it!

[Buck Henry]

Agreed, go to a local gun range and try several different gun styles, calibers, etc to find one that fits you well. Then take a firearm training class so that you know how to safely own and handle the weapon you purchase. Lastly, do whatever you need to do to make sure your children never ever get their hands on that weapon without your knowledge.

PS: I am partial to the .380 semi-auto from a carry perspective. Not too big a gun and not too small either.

[JOHNKIES]

Two scenarios here, you have the gun safely locked away where a five year old can not get to it - you mentioned a safe, that would good so long as you never, ever write down the combination. Of course that pretty much sets aside the whole home security item. As you will learn, if you haven't already, a five year old can to pretty much anything they want to. Several sworn officers I know agree that the best home defense is a loud dog - does not have to be big, just loud - and an aluminum cracker bat under the bed.

And always remember about a weapon in the house: a .38 special will go through three sheet rock walls before it even slows down.

[Trout8myfly]

You can also consider a quick release vault such as:

Gun Vault (http://www.gunvault.com/)
Safety Safeguards (http://www.safetysafeguards.com/)

There are others, but your situation and conditions will dictate your choices.

Revolvers are simple, rarely jam if well-maintained, and can fire .38, .357 magnum or .44 self-defense calibers.

Semi-automatics can also fire a range of calibers and (usually) magazines carry more ammunition than a revolver can hold in the cylinder. But learning how to use an autoloader requires a bit more training and tactical awareness. If it jams when you need it most, then what?

Also, over on The High Road someone recently asked about keeping a loaded weapon (unracked) on a nightstand with a young child in the house. Lots of discussion there and several dozen points of view on the situation. Thread is here -> http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=604241

Other sites and forums for your reading pleasure include:

The High Road (http://www.thehighroad.org)
Firing Line (www.thefiringline.com)
*The Cornered Cat (http://www.corneredcat.com/)

And a slew of gun-specific sites such as CZ and Smith and Wesson.

*The CC site was written specifically for women who want to know more about firearms, self defense, concealed carry and the ethics of using deadly force. But I'd say it's just an excellent primer for anyone new to firearms. Well-written and often amusing.

ETA: Go here -> http://www.wheretoshoot.org/Find_Range/index.asp to find the nearest range. I thought there was one in Ellijay but the phone number is shutdown and so is their website. Too bad...

[IronLion]

Thanks for the responses! I definitely do not feel comfortable with a gun in the house without a safe. I personally know people who have had tragic accidents because their kids got a hold of the guns. I definitely understand the safety aspect. Being in the military I had my fair share of proper gun control and safety. Another course will never hurt though. I plan on getting my license here shortly, and will head to a firing range to test some out. Again, thanks for the quick responses!

[Architorture]

just to be clear, you don't need a weapons carry license for anything except to carry the weapon on your person, either concealed or open. yes, some people will not sell a gun to an individual who doesn't have one, but there are 5x as many people who don't care about that.

you need a Georgia WCL to carry in state parks or rec areas. National parks are subject to same rules as state parks in which state they are located. Firearms are not permitted in buildings where federal employees work on Park grounds. check out www.georgiapacking.org for gun laws in the state.

as for which gun, whichever you feel most comfortable with. in the home a pump action shotgun is fantastic, but its obviously not very portable. revolvers are simplistic and are chambered in effective defense calibers, most notably .38 spcl and .357 mag. a .357 can also shoot .38's. the downside to revolvers is limited magazine capacity. semi-auto's can solve that, but can also take more training and are possibly not as reliable, though this is not an across the board statement. there are revolvers that can and will fail to fire and there are plenty of ulta reliable semi-auto's.

the suggestion to try a lot of them is a good one. I suggest revolvers made by Taurus, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Colt (cheapest to most expensive.) In SA's I suggest Taurus PT's or Millenium, Ruger P95 or P345, Glock anything, S&W M&P series, Springfield XD series, and Sig Sauer P Series or SigPro line (again from cheapest to most expensive.) You get what you pay for in a gun to a certain extent I would never trust my life to a $100 Hi Point.

I know that's a lot of options and if you want more specifics I can help, but seeing as this is your first gun, you probably want something that just goes bang when you pull the trigger, which is understandable.

Check out 400 jewelry and pawn in Dawsonville and ask them about the Smith & Wesson model 637 in .38 special. Great defense gun.

[watkins]

When shopping, check the Charter Arms "Bulldog Pug in .44 Special. A very good carry revolver in SS and made better w/ the Crimson Trace grips (laser sighting devise). .44 Special caliber is often overloked in the line of calibers. Some what similer to the .45 Gov. as a large chunk of lead traveling fairly slow. Mild recoil and many available loads w/ different functions. Remember, all guns are loaded and you cannot call a bullet back. :cheers: TRW

[trouart]

I would recommend a medium frame revolver chambered for .357 magnum (you can also shoot .38 with it). Smith and Wesson is one of my favorites.

if you are out in the wilderness load it with .357 magnum rounds just in case a bear gets nasty.

at home keep it loaded with .38 or .38+p rounds for self defense. These will kick a lot less and have less muzzle flash for better followup shots if necessary.

good safe is mandatory for the home, something that you can open in low to no light.
Also a secure and comfortable way of carrying it when hiking and camping (good holsters can get pricey)

and of course practice, practice, practice.

[raptor]

IronLion,
I went through the same process a couple of years ago due to break-in near my home. The advise you are getting from others is right-on. I already had a pump shotgun, but decided to get a carry license and purchase a handgun. Went to a local gun shop, talked to the folks there and they recommended a used 38 revolver for my first hand gun. Purchased a Rossi 5 shot and have been to the range many times and now feel very comfortable with this handgun. Been thinking about upgrading to a semi-automatic... but that's another story.

[creebugger]

Iron Lion. What you have just learned is worth its weight in gold. I began shooting sidearms in 1957 (You hear that Mr. Buck Henry?) and have gone through quite a few. Right now I'm shooting a Beretta 92FS in 9mm. That is my favorite. Why? Because it fits me. Stay away from Taurus. I've seen too many jams and mis-fires on the range. I like a pistol better than a revolver/wheel gun. Go to a shop, spend the money and find which one fits and suits you better. If someone begins pressuring you to purchase a certain sidearm, back off and leave. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture from all of us. Have fun and be safe. Thanks you guys for helping him.

[flyfisher8]

My Taurus PT 92 was made in berretta factory in Brzil and has never jammed once- shot it since 1987.

[SWMBKRN]

This is a great thread and it is very pleasing to see the wealth of knowledge on this thread. Very good info here.
I love guns and feel very comfortable with them but I've been around them all my life too. I was very young (around 5 or 6) when I started learning gun safety. Teach your kids how to handle and respect all weapons first and foremost.
I like both revolvers and semi-auto hand guns for car and carry protection. I carry a Taurus Ultra-Lite .38+p on/with me at all times. I used to carry a Glock 23 (.40 cal) with me always but it is heavy and bulky at times even with the compact frame. For home protection I have a gun "hidden" in almost every room (but I don't have kids and that would change if I did). I like the Taurus Judge (a 410/45 colt revolver) and a Remington 870 (riot sized pump 12 gauge shotgun) as the racking of the shotgun will ward off most if not all intruders and the Judge with a 410 round with #4s will not blow through 2 sheets of sheet rock.

I don't know what to recommend to you but I agree that finding guns that you are comfortable with and feel secure using are key. Find a local range and start trying the weapons out.

...My dog isn't a barker but you can hear him through the door when it or a window is approached. I wish he'd bark but the huffs and jumping are pretty strong (75 lbs).

[watkins]

One would think an intruder would only hear the racking sound "after" the first shot ! :eek: TRW

[Jah Live!]

In any conversation about choosing a self defense firearm (and this is a good one), it's important to understand that there is not one perfect gun for every situation. There are so many options of firearms to choose from that it can be overwhelming when trying to make a choice. All any of us can really do is share our experiences and opinions, which is all I aim to do here...

I can't think of a better choice as a first handgun than a Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight Centennial .38 Special +P, especially for the situations IronLion mentioned. It's easy to operate, renowned for reliability, safe, lightweight, compact, easy to carry, snag-free and enjoys an excellent power to weight ratio. It's a great value too, I purchased mine new for $350 and received a $50 rebate from S&W on top of that! A quick read here will help you learn more about this excellent firearm... http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m642.htm.

I especially enjoy the 642's versatility, along with the multitude of ammunition choices and plentiful availability of the .38 caliber. The 642 will shoot anything you feed it, but I consider ammunition to be just as important a choice as the firearm itself. I've probably spent WAY too much time researching ammo. Opinions on situational ammo vary widely to say the least, so I'll just tell you what I use in this gun and leave it at that. ;) .

For 2 legged threats: Speer Gold Dot "Short Barrel" .38 Spl +P 135gr HP
For 4 legged threats: DoubleTap .38 Spl +P 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hardcast
For practice: CCI Blazer .38 Spl +P 158 Grain FMJ

I have to say that a big factor for me in buying .38 Spl. snubbie was that I also own a Colt Trooper and Marlin 1894 in .357 mag, both of which also shoot .38 Spl. I can shoot all 3 guns with only 1 box of ammunition.

My 2 cents,

Jah Live!

[JOHNKIES]

A "gun hidden in almost every room" ..........? Well, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean someone ISN'T out to get you.

Sounds like too much time spent watching the 'Bourne' movies and re-runs of 'Burn Notice'.

[Buck Henry]

A "gun hidden in almost every room" ..........?

Reminds me of a story where this guy gets pulled over by the police. When the cop asks for the guys license and proof of insurance, the man complys and also hands the officer his concealed weapons carry permit. The officer sees the permit and asks the young man if he has weapons in the car. The young man responds that indeed he does; he has a .40 caliber pistol in his glove box, a Glock-22 in his center console, a .38 revolver underneath the drivers seat, a .357 revolver underneat the passenger seat, and a 12 gauge tatical shotgun under the rear passenger seat.

He also tells the officer that he has several combat knives stashed in various locations in the vehicle. The officer thinks about all this for a second and asks the young man; "wow, that is a lot of firepower, what are you afraid of?" The young man looks at the officer with a slight grin and responds "absolutely nothing".

[Architorture]

One would think an intruder would only hear the racking sound "after" the first shot ! :eek: TRW

but that would mean the gun would have to stay... [gulp]... loaded! :yikes:


:D

[Architorture]

A "gun hidden in almost every room" ..........? Well, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean someone ISN'T out to get you.

Sounds like too much time spent watching the 'Bourne' movies and re-runs of 'Burn Notice'.

or maybe he realizes that if someone barges in his home he might not be near a weapon and therefore, any weapon is useless to him.

people that carry guns aren't paranoid and people that distribute guns throughout their house aren't paranoid.

to some people, if you simply own a gun that means you are paranoid.

[YERF DOG]

-12 gauge pump for your house protection only . Do not use a pistol. If miss intruder could go thru sheet rock into a bedroom.

- Easiest pistol to shoot/operate in the middle of night is a .38 caliber revolver

[Trout8myfly]

-12 gauge pump for your house protection only. Do not use a pistol. If miss intruder could go thru sheet rock into a bedroom.

A 12 gauge will put pellets through several layers of sheet rock. Check out this test from The Box O Truth.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot3.htm

[YERF DOG]

Of course do not use buck shot or slug. Take plug out of shotgun and load 5 ea. "6 shot" or home defense pellets into shotgun.Keep breach open. If, God forbid an intruder walks creeps into your home pump a shell into the chamber and you are ready to rock-n-roll. The sound of chambering the shell alone will scare the living %#*% out of them.
Best defense is a good offense...
Tight lines my friend and be safe

[sparsehackle]

I agree with Groundpounder. Don't let anyone "hound" you into getting a gun. However, if you want to have one for personal protection, get some GOOD TRAINING, and keep it up. Guns are only appropriate for those who know how and when to use them; not for those who just want to up the macho or coolness quotient or to have some vague sense of personal security.

Here's some scenarios to think about: In the Home: The gun is not in a safe because you want to have it available for protection. Your young child finds it with disastrous consequences. -- Your teenager sneaks out late at night and then startles you awake coming home at 3 AM -or - their friend is trying to rouse them out of bed and is "sneaking" around your house. In both cases, you're alarmed, the adrenaline is flowing, and bang! On the street: You get into a situation that you believe is life threatening. You shoot and kill the other person. However, in court it's determined that your actions could not be construed as self defense. You've just spent tens of thousands of dollars for a defense attorney and you're STILL going to jail!

There's lots of cool guns out there - Be sure you want one for the right reasons, and know and train how to use it.

[Buck Henry]

Here is another scenario to consider (ripped from today's headlines):

http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/apartment-resident-opens-fire-1067415.html

[JOHNKIES]

" ..... pump a shell into the chamber and you are ready to rock-n-roll. The sound of chambering the shell alone will scare the living %#*% out of them ......"

And then you hear the slide on the burglar's .45 ...................

Please remember that anyone crazy enough or high enough to break into an occupied home is not in their right mind, probably armed, and you just upped the ante to a life or death situation for a nut job. I have no problem with anyone using any weapon of their choosing to defend their home and family. Just be smart about it and think it through.

[Architorture]

" ..... pump a shell into the chamber and you are ready to rock-n-roll. The sound of chambering the shell alone will scare the living %#*% out of them ......"

And then you hear the slide on the burglar's .45 ...................

Please remember that anyone crazy enough or high enough to break into an occupied home is not in their right mind, probably armed, and you just upped the ante to a life or death situation for a nut job. I have no problem with anyone using any weapon of their choosing to defend their home and family. Just be smart about it and think it through.

yet you think its "overkill" and someone is "paranoid" if they place multiple guns throughout their house in order to be able to get to one anytime they might need one?

otherwise, I agree. I don't want anybody to hear me rack a slide (and the fact is you won't hear the intruder rack his slide bc he's probably smart enough to not go into a house without a hot weapon.)

I want complete and total surprise if someone is in my house. That's why I don't use a flashlight, either. I know my house in the dark a lot better than an intruder does so that gives me an advantage.

[JOHNKIES]

Architorture: Ease up some, if you look at my note about someone being paranoid it carried the smile/wink icon. Your home, you can have all the guns you want to stash around the place, I really don't care. I think it's overdoing it, but that's just my opinion. However, individuals have to realize that having a weapon available is just the beginning of a series of split second, life or death decisions that can carry serious consequences if you act in error. We are talking about taking a human life.

[Trout8myfly]

I want complete and total surprise if someone is in my house. That's why I don't use a flashlight, either. I know my house in the dark a lot better than an intruder does so that gives me an advantage.

Ever read anything my Massad Ayoob (http://massadayoobgroup.com/)? Ex-cop and legal adviser on self-defense cases involving lethal force?

To protect yourself - legally - in a self-defense situation his recommendation is to first try to get the guy to leave the house. It may not be possible but in my case if I hear someone coming up the stairs to our bedroom they are first going to hear a lot of screaming along the lines of "If you come up the stairs you will be shot! Leave the house the police are on their way!" And similar noises. ideally with 911 already on the phone with my wife and recording what goes on.

And if they keep coming up, oh well, too bad, so sorry.

But the first response is get them out if you can. so when the DA looks into filing homicide charges - or not - your affirmative defense (http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Affirmative+Defense) is in a better position. You will be asked if you warned the intruder. You darned sure don't want to say you snuck up on the guy.

Castle law is not a defense. It merely helps.

Just to add from Ayoob's site:

What you’ve got here is not a rerun of a cowboy movie, “Good guys – one, bad guys, nuthin’” Society looks on this as the death of a citizen, and you are clearly the person at who’s hands they died. In many states, any homicide, including the most justifiable, officer-involved police shooting, automatically goes before the Grand Jury. You can expect to be brought in. I would expect to be questioned. I would plan on being held overnight. If you’re not, you’re ahead of the game. Like carrying the gun, you are planning for the worst-case scenario.

[tommyking]

If you go semi auto don't go smaller than a 40 cal.
if you go to a wheel gun don't go smaller than a 357. or I guess a 38 with plus p ammo witch is a hotter round but you need a gun that can handle it.
A 9mm will do the job with today's different impregnated metals

[Architorture]

Architorture: Ease up some, if you look at my note about someone being paranoid it carried the smile/wink icon. Your home, you can have all the guns you want to stash around the place, I really don't care. I think it's overdoing it, but that's just my opinion. However, individuals have to realize that having a weapon available is just the beginning of a series of split second, life or death decisions that can carry serious consequences if you act in error. We are talking about taking a human life.

Just getting clarification. I personally don't stash guns but I think its a fairly good idea, especially in a large house or one with a complex plan. Home invasions can happen at any hour of the day.

[Architorture]

Ever read anything my Massad Ayoob (http://massadayoobgroup.com/)? Ex-cop and legal adviser on self-defense cases involving lethal force?


Best thing is to know the laws of your state. I am pretty comfortable with what is defensible and what's probably not.

FWIW, I'm not talking about sneaking up on a robber and shooting him in the back.

Ayoob is the man and is dead on as far as deadly force being the very last resort.