Cincinnati Bearcats

Hello There, Guest! (LoginRegister)

Post Reply 
Advice for buying my first gun
Author Message
Bookmark and Share
Bearhawkeye Offline
The King of Breakfast
*

Posts: 13,708
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 585
I Root For: Zinzinnati
Location:
Post: #1
Smile Advice for buying my first gun


I think I'm getting pretty close to pulling the trigger (no pun intended) and buying my first gun. Obviously the motive is self-defense, but it's not like I'm necessarily expecting a need for it anytime soon against a specific threat. It's more about the increasing reality that I'd rather have a gun and not need it than the opposite. Maybe I'm not the only one considering that.

I'm not looking to impress anybody and I'd prefer to keep the whole situation as cheap as reasonably possible (realizing I'll need ammo for practice, license/fees?, and probably a training class or two as well) and of course safe and legal. I haven't thought much about whether it's something that I might want/need to occasionally carry around concealed and what all that involves or if it will be exclusively kept at home.

Essentially, I'm pretty open to very general ideas on how to go about the entire process and to very specific ones (e.g. buy x gun from y and sign up for class with z or whatever) and any pros or cons. Thanks for all serious responses.
 
(This post was last modified: 06-19-2020 07:34 PM by Bearhawkeye.)
06-19-2020 07:32 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


rath v2.0 Online
Wartime Consigliere
*

Posts: 51,150
Joined: Jun 2007
Reputation: 2150
I Root For: Civil Disobedience
Location: Tip Of The Mitt

Donators
Post: #2
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
I and lots of others could give you loads of info and opinions. I’m happy to do so. However, a great 1st step is to go to a reputable full service shop and range. Keep an open mind and ask questions. They will likely ask you some questions as well. Test some models out on the range. Take a class. Find out what feels right for you, not someone else.

For carry, 9mm is the general standard. For a while the FBI and law enforcement went to .40 but the ballistics of the 9mm improved over the years to the point wheee agencies went back to 9mm. Easier to control. Less expensive more readily available ammo, too. Unless it’s a wheel gun for a change of pace, it’s the only caliber my family and I carry or keep on hand for home defense.

Most of the firearms I have bought over the last 10 ears I’ve bought after researching and going with an online retailer...big savings even after the $25 FFL dealer fee that it has to be shipped to to comply with the law and I get exactly what I want when I want...not just what is on the shelf.
 
(This post was last modified: 06-19-2020 10:59 PM by rath v2.0.)
06-19-2020 10:52 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Billy_Bearcat Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 18,859
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 401
I Root For: UC Bearcats
Location:

Donators
Post: #3
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
Also depends on if you want to tote it around with you or just keep in the homestead. Got little ones around? Think about where you want to keep it and how to secure it, but also get quick access.
 
06-19-2020 11:23 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
bearcatmark Online
Moderator
*

Posts: 30,727
Joined: Dec 2006
Reputation: 800
I Root For: the Deliverator
Location:
Post: #4
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
I was going to suggest rath as someone to jump in. Glad to see he did
 
06-19-2020 11:23 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


@ES Trader Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,406
Joined: Dec 2009
Reputation: 91
I Root For: UC
Location:
Post: #5
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
Concealed carry course is good way to start. I think it’s a day long but that was 10 years ago I took the course. The guy I took it from had other people in the class and he was very knowledgeable. He had different guns for you to shoot at different calibers. I use a kel tec p32 for my carry gun because it’s light weight. I was told previously by more experienced gun owners that the weight of a gun can be a turn off when wanting to carry everyday. Home defense I use a keltec bullpup shotgun and stagger The shells birdshot and buckshot. My concealed carry instructor said the birdshot will knock them down and the buckshot will put a hole through them. Theory being on the first shot you don’t need to be as accurate especially when your adrenalines pumping.
 
06-20-2020 06:35 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
QSECOFR Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 9,015
Joined: Nov 2006
Reputation: 226
I Root For: CCM
Location:
Post: #6
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
I don’t own any guns presently and I don’t have 1% of Rath’s knowledge, but I do want to echo one of his points - take a class. Also, look into getting a good quality gun safe. All to often, a gun kept in the home only is used against a homeowner by a robber.

Good luck and stay safe.
 
06-20-2020 06:39 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
rath v2.0 Online
Wartime Consigliere
*

Posts: 51,150
Joined: Jun 2007
Reputation: 2150
I Root For: Civil Disobedience
Location: Tip Of The Mitt

Donators
Post: #7
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
(06-19-2020 11:23 PM)Billy_Bearcat Wrote:  Also depends on if you want to tote it around with you or just keep in the homestead. Got little ones around? Think about where you want to keep it and how to secure it, but also get quick access.

Great point. My little ones are bigger than me now and arguably better shots but for just a few bucks you can get a serviceable security system that keeps it....safe. Doesn’t have to be Fort Knox. The little table top Bulldog 6 button code auto open handgun safes are inexpensive and offer quick access to only one person on the planet. Think they used to be around $50 at BassPro and they come with mounting hardware if you want to anchor it to a semi permanent location.

It’s a great time to think about stuff like this for those who are so inclined.

With record sales in every market and the vast majority of sales to first time owners...things could get even crazier as we get closer to November.
 
06-20-2020 07:02 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


jarr Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 10,013
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 171
I Root For: Not "Not Duane"
Location:
Post: #8
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
9MM gets my vote, number of manufacturers would serve you well... S&W, Glock, Taurus, Walther. I know the sub-compact walther 9MM is a pretty popular self defense. I either carry 9MM S&W or a 380 ruger LCP, which is much less burdensome and surprisingly more accurate than you would think, it can go right in your pocket.

Ultimately it would serve you well to visit a range and get a fire arm you are comfortable with and can be specifically trained with that weapon, and of course go through the CCDW training. I would recomend to continue to visit the range to build your comfort with it.
 
06-20-2020 07:56 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
levydl Offline
All American
*

Posts: 4,414
Joined: Mar 2007
Reputation: 138
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #9
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
The deranged smiley face next to this thread . . .
 
06-22-2020 08:50 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
coachpipe Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,157
Joined: Feb 2013
Reputation: 16
I Root For: UC
Location:
Post: #10
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
If anyone needs some Gun oil or Gun Grease shoot me a PM with your address and ill send you some free samples
 
06-22-2020 09:40 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Bearhawkeye Offline
The King of Breakfast
*

Posts: 13,708
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 585
I Root For: Zinzinnati
Location:
Post: #11
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
Thanks to all! I'm taking it pretty slow so keep the tips coming if you have more. Sounds like the best first step is to find and visit a good gun shop/range.
 
06-22-2020 10:42 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
BearcatMan Online
Kicking Connoisseur/Occasional Man Crush
*

Posts: 24,159
Joined: Jan 2009
Reputation: 585
I Root For: Cincinnati
Location:
Post: #12
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
(06-20-2020 07:02 AM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  
(06-19-2020 11:23 PM)Billy_Bearcat Wrote:  Also depends on if you want to tote it around with you or just keep in the homestead. Got little ones around? Think about where you want to keep it and how to secure it, but also get quick access.

Great point. My little ones are bigger than me now and arguably better shots but for just a few bucks you can get a serviceable security system that keeps it....safe. Doesn’t have to be Fort Knox. The little table top Bulldog 6 button code auto open handgun safes are inexpensive and offer quick access to only one person on the planet. Think they used to be around $50 at BassPro and they come with mounting hardware if you want to anchor it to a semi permanent location.

It’s a great time to think about stuff like this for those who are so inclined.

With record sales in every market and the vast majority of sales to first time owners...things could get even crazier as we get closer to November.

Great safe for pistols...I'm with Rath there, have one in my nightstand and it's easy to use for quick retrieval, which you'll hopefully never have to worry about.

I only own one pistol, but if you're looking into long arms later on, I've got some recommendations there as I'm sure rath does too. Speaking of rath, I was up at Treetops in Gaylord for the weekend and saw a few too many turkeys on the courses...thinking they might need a helper up there in a few months if you're interested 04-cheers 03-lmfao
 
06-23-2020 08:04 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
rath v2.0 Online
Wartime Consigliere
*

Posts: 51,150
Joined: Jun 2007
Reputation: 2150
I Root For: Civil Disobedience
Location: Tip Of The Mitt

Donators
Post: #13
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
I was just over in Gaylord over the weekend. Treetops is lovely. And yes, the turkey up here have reproduced like tribbles. I’m always available to do my civic duty...
 
06-23-2020 12:03 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


rath v2.0 Online
Wartime Consigliere
*

Posts: 51,150
Joined: Jun 2007
Reputation: 2150
I Root For: Civil Disobedience
Location: Tip Of The Mitt

Donators
Post: #14
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
And if by long arms you mean the scary looking black ones...sadly, those appear to have sank in the tragic canoeing accident of 2019. 03-wink
 
06-23-2020 12:10 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
jarr Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 10,013
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 171
I Root For: Not "Not Duane"
Location:
Post: #15
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
(06-23-2020 12:10 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  And if by long arms you mean the scary looking black ones...sadly, those appear to have sank in the tragic canoeing accident of 2019. 03-wink

Weird, I accidentally lost mine when they fell off my hot air balloon while floating over the Andes mountains... such a shame!
 
06-24-2020 07:04 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
BearcatMan Online
Kicking Connoisseur/Occasional Man Crush
*

Posts: 24,159
Joined: Jan 2009
Reputation: 585
I Root For: Cincinnati
Location:
Post: #16
RE: Advice for buying my first gun
(06-23-2020 12:10 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  And if by long arms you mean the scary looking black ones...sadly, those appear to have sank in the tragic canoeing accident of 2019. 03-wink

Yeah yeah...keep 'em coming lol
 
06-24-2020 08:43 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Post Reply 




User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


Copyright © 2002-2024 Collegiate Sports Nation Bulletin Board System (CSNbbs), All Rights Reserved.
CSNbbs is an independent fan site and is in no way affiliated to the NCAA or any of the schools and conferences it represents.
This site monetizes links. FTC Disclosure.
We allow third-party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our web site. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. To learn more about this behavioral advertising practice or to opt-out of this type of advertising, you can visit http://www.networkadvertising.org.
Powered By MyBB, © 2002-2024 MyBB Group.