I've been looking at a couple of guns, but I know jack about them. I was thinking of getting a handgun first, and maybe a rifle and/or shotgun later.

So, I was taking a look at colts, magnums, etc. But what caught my eye was the baretta 9000. I know some gun guys will preferr solid steel to plastic polymer. But I think I'd like it.

I'll take any suggestions. But I dont think id spend much more than 300 for a handgun.

For your first handgun, get something rather mild. Practice, practice, practice, and then, when you can HIT what you're shooting at with some skill, move up in caliber. I can't count the number of .357s, .40s, .41s, .44s, 9mms, 10mms, etc that I have picked up for a song because the person who bought it new got shocked by the recoil.

Start with a .22, then move up to a .38 (or .357 with interchangable cylinder for .38) and then move up...

My personal favorite for a handgun is the Ruger Super Redhawk in .44, followed by the Desert Eagle in .50.

For a rifle, hands down, Barrett .50. If I had to choose a second, probably the M-21 (M-14 glass packed and scoped for a sniper weapon)

For a shotgun, for combat/home defense: The Striker. 12 gauge, autoloader with barrel clip. For hunting, Marlin Goose gun, also in 12 gauge with your choice of 36 or 38 ½ inch barrel. (sucks for home defense, though... to long to use indoors)

Originally posted by ChaoticThoughts
I've been looking at a couple of guns, but I know jack about them. I was thinking of getting a handgun first, and maybe a rifle and/or shotgun later.

So, I was taking a look at colts, magnums, etc. But what caught my eye was the baretta 9000. I know some gun guys will preferr solid steel to plastic polymer. But I think I'd like it.

I'll take any suggestions. But I dont think id spend much more than 300 for a handgun.
First, what is your physical size? A smaller pistol is better for a smaller person, the way it fits in the hand, ease of carry, and ease of hiding it on the body when you carry concealed.

I am 6'4" and about 300 (I lost 45 pounds since January!!)
I can carry anything, but to conceal it, that changes everything. The bigger you are, the bigger weapon you can carry comfortably.

Still I prefer the Colt M1991A! (1911 modern version), but my buddy has some good GLOCKS, and some Smith-Wesson revolvers, some Ruegers, they all fire nice, the GLOCK had the lightest trigger pull out of the box with no modification.

Go shooting with everyone you can first, try them all, see what fits you.

But remember: If you want self defense, get a gun with stopping power.

I'd like to get a small gun, just to feel safer... Especially when I live by myself, you know, being alone at night...

But here in CA its not easy to get a permit to carry (the People's Republik of Kalifornia), so maybe I'll just get some pepper spray.

Originally posted by QtrHrsmn
For your first handgun, get something rather mild. Practice, practice, practice, and then, when you can HIT what you're shooting at with some skill, move up in caliber. I can't count the number of .357s, .40s, .41s, .44s, 9mms, 10mms, etc that I have picked up for a song because the person who bought it new got shocked by the recoil.

Start with a .22, then move up to a .38 (or .357 with interchangable cylinder for .38) and then move up...

My personal favorite for a handgun is the Ruger Super Redhawk in .44, followed by the Desert Eagle in .50.

For a rifle, hands down, Barrett .50. If I had to choose a second, probably the M-21 (M-14 glass packed and scoped for a sniper weapon)

For a shotgun, for combat/home defense: The Striker. 12 gauge, autoloader with barrel clip. For hunting, Marlin Goose gun, also in 12 gauge with your choice of 36 or 38 ½ inch barrel. (sucks for home defense, though... to long to use indoors)

Wish I had YOUR money!! Try them all by purchasing???

Originally posted by buttercup
I'd like to get a small gun, just to feel safer... Especially when I live by myself, you know, being alone at night...

But here in CA its not easy to get a permit to carry (the People's Republik of Kalifornia), so maybe I'lll just get some pepper spray.
You can get a cheap pepper spray at a bike shop, the anti-Dog stuff, cheap, small, keychain size. But, if you genuinely feel threatened, carry one the size of a deoderant can at minimum, with the dye inside. Spray the perp, stain him and his clothes, scream rape or fire or FREE BEER, anything to get people to look your way!!:)

Gun Stores herein CT sell them, so do some Police Stores, CX gas is now legal to carry, that used to be just police only, it is effective if a direct hit, but remember, the keychain size must be shot in the mouth or eyes, there is not enough for a 2nd or 3rd shot when the perp is closing in, get the deoderant can size! They can spray over a good distance of like 10 to 15 feet, and in a fog, too, spraying over the worm.

Im about 5'10'' and 190.
Ive got a got eye, and what something with percision. I think I preferr a clip to a revolver. And If I were to carry it around, I like the under-arm holster.

There are a couple of shooting ranges a short drive from home. But I havent had a gun, so I havent visited any of them.

Originally posted by ChaoticThoughts
Im about 5'10'' and 190.
Ive got a got eye, and what something with percision. I think I preferr a clip to a revolver. And If I were to carry it around, I like the under-arm holster.

There are a couple of shooting ranges a short drive from home. But I havent had a gun, so I havent visited any of them.
Try on the holster, my 45 is held parallel to the ground, so it sticks out more. With a shoulder holster, try to get one with the barrel pointing down, that reduces the profile.

The GLOCKS were nice, the RUGERS were awsome, cheap, too, for a revolver, but the GLOCK can hold many rounds. Smaller then the .45 round, but there are bigger glocks.

Thanks Jim, I'll have to look into that! :)

And what are your guys opinon on buying new/used?

Glock model 23 .40S&W.

That is all Im saying.

Perfect blend of stopping power and size/weight/recoil.

I have a Taurus PT92 w/ the decocker and I plan on getting a Glock subcompact one day.

I also have alot of other guns, but I don't want to list them ;)

Start with a .22, then move up to a .38 (or .357 with interchangable cylinder for .38) and then move up...
You don't need an interchangable cylinder for 38 from 357. A 357 magnum is a hopped up 38 (invented by Elmer Keith). I've got a Ruger GP 100 357 magnum and I shoot 38's out of it all the time. Even the reloading die is the same.

Start with a 9MM. I prefer the HK USP (Because I have one:D). Glocks are also great weapons.

Originally posted by ChaoticThoughts
Im about 5'10'' and 190.
Ive got a got eye, and what something with percision. I think I preferr a clip to a revolver. And If I were to carry it around, I like the under-arm holster.

There are a couple of shooting ranges a short drive from home. But I havent had a gun, so I havent visited any of them.

Look around for a range that rents guns. It'll give you a chance to try out a number of different makes, and calibers, before you plunk down the big bucks.


I've got a Ruger P90-TH in .45. It's a nice handgun, and only tried to kill me once, (was'nt the gun's fault, I think it was improperly loaded ammo).

Ya know, when my bro bought his SKS and converted it to full auto (essentially the same gun as an ak47) I was hooked. I love that thing... and it has that cool bayonet attachment ;-).

I'm alos quite found of his 12 gauge w/ the pistol grips and flame guard.

I should be a Glock sales rep. I have probably sold more than the local gun store. LOL

If at all possible try out any before you buy. What feels good to me may not to you.

I have many different types and calibers. I prefer the Glock. Very dependable out of the box and practically indestructible.

I carry both the model 27 and model 23. They are both .40 cal. I own the model 22, 19, 17, 21.

Boston Police took a Glock 500 ft in the air fully loaded with a round chambered. Dropped it. Then ran 500 rounds through it with no jams or misfires.

Pardon me if I ramble, I get excited about guns!

Alex, makes a good point in trying a lower caliber first. I started my girlfriend shooting a .22. Once she was comfortable, I moved her up to a .380 Sig Suaer. We choose a gun that was comfortable to her. I think we'll try her on the 9mm next. As a rule, if you aren't comfortable shooting your gun, you want practice and may be reluctant in using it when you need it.

As far as caliber in and handgun, bigger is great but also makes it cumbersome when carrying concealed. I prefer the .40 cal which is a good all around round. .10mm and .45 are great but can be too heavy. This is where the ammo you carry comes into play. Corbon and several others make highly potent rounds in lower calibers.

Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer both make guns with adjustable back straps if you have trouble finding a gun to fit your hand. H&K, Sig, Ruger, Walther, and Glock all make fine guns. Like I said earlier, I prefer the Glock. If you want, come to good ole SC and I'll let you try out a plethora until we find one that fits.

As far as favorites, all around...
Glock model 23 handgun
H&K MP5SF Sub-machine gun
H&K PSG1 Sniper rifle
Barret M82A1 .50 cal (When you really want to reach out and touch someone)

Go for a milspec colt 45 auto. It's a good deal.

As for a rifle, if you have some money to throw down, get an Armalite AR-10. It's basically an "all pourpose" rifle.

I love my Glock 27. All around good gun. Good power, very concealable, very accurate (especially considering the 3.5 in barrel). Not a bad price either.

I like my Ruger super six .357mag 6" bbl for personal protection. I'm a good shot, I do not need to spread allot of lead and the chances of a revolver jamming is significantly less than with an autoloader.

Please, Buttercup, don't just get the gun/knife/pepper spray/baton/dog/alaram/rabidboyfriend, get trained with it, too. A tool is no good unless you know how and when to use and maintain it. Unless I miss my guess, there's probably a lot of good people who can help you (ask around at the stores, ranges, cops, etc) learn the fundamentals, but its up to you to practise.
Rant off.
I'd suggest someone new to guns start with a .22 rifle. Generally speaking, they're cheap, versatile, and socially safer (which can be a suprisingly big factor to new owners) than the latest hand-cannon your buds saw in the recent action movie.
Next, get a cop trade-in .38/.357 revolver. Inexpensive, reliable, effective.
Then a 12 or 20 Gauge shotgun. As Massad Ayoob has said, only the coronor will know the difference, and either is good for close-in hunting. Try different actions, but many prefer pump or auto, although a double barrel (over/under or side by side) is hard to mess up.
My favourite, though, is an M1911a1 .45 semi automatic pistol, Springfield Armory Mil-Spec.
(check out Cowboy Action Shooting for a fun family thing, too)

The next hand gun I buy will be a 1911a1 .45 stainless .... I've always wanted one (I've shot Grandpop's 1911 before and liked it)

Originally posted by ChaoticThoughts
I've been looking at a couple of guns, but I know jack about them. I was thinking of getting a handgun first, and maybe a rifle and/or shotgun later.

So, I was taking a look at colts, magnums, etc. But what caught my eye was the baretta 9000. I know some gun guys will preferr solid steel to plastic polymer. But I think I'd like it.

I'll take any suggestions. But I dont think id spend much more than 300 for a handgun.

Try this place, never been there but it's in your area...

Insight Indoor Shooting Range
17020 Alburtis Ave, Artesia, CA 90701
Phone: (562) 860-4365

Take a gun safety class so you don't hurt yourself, then you can rent different guns at the range and find out which one you like best. It's sort of a gun ***** house you know...

Originally posted by Powerboss
Glock model 23 .40S&W.
MMMMMmmmm.....

I like your style.

Anybody ever gone full-auto? Well worth the cost, you've gotta try it at least once.

Well, Ive been busy with my new job to play with guns right now. But theres a couple of gun guys at work, so Im getting their oppinions too.

Whats the deal with trade-in cop guns? Do they sell them
at gun shops, or can you buy them from the police station
or something?

I have shot a 22 before, but nothing else. I think a 9mm or 38 would be what im looking for. I can get used to the recoil and whatever else. But what brands/models offer a screw-on silencer?

I got you confused with that guy in Long Beach. Still, you can rent guns at some indoor shooting ranges and many offer gun safety education.

As to the pistola with silencer...


http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/images/Gas%20pages/gas-maruzen/mz-p99%20with%20silencer.jpg

Walther P99, or perhaps a Walther PPK/S.

Trade-in Cop guns are usually a good bet 'cause they're
1. proven performers
2. carried lots shot little
3. maintained by a unit armorer, not some hack with a videotape
4. cheap, 'cause not the latest thing, like when the major depts. dropped .38/.357 revolvers for hi-capacity 9mm pistols like Glocks. As a side, there are now many 9mm pistols avail. since many traded up to .40 S&W caliber, but you may not get the hi-capacity (+10) magazines.
5. often bought in lots from police auctions or retired cops so the gunsmith can choose the best for re-sale, re-use parts, and ****-can the trash that some might try to make a (potentially) dangerous profit from.

BTW, you are buying at a local shop with a 'smith, not a huge chain, right? Maybe a small cost difference, but less hassle, better service and satisfaction in the end, IMO.

Be careful about silencers, they're not legal for civilian sale/use/posession in all states without special permits and tax stamps. Maybe a "Class 3" or "A.O.W." weapon? Sorry, can't remember. Check with local authorities before you buy.

Looky here, good stuff: http://www.thefiringline.com