Advice for a first time firearm owner

M

mdglander

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What advice would you offer a first time firearms owner? What would make a good first firearm that meets the protection need and is reasonable to shoot and practice with? I am taking a NRA safety course in June, and have begun shopping for a firearm. Would appreciate thoughts and insights from fellow site members.
 
Have you ever shot before? If not take the time to find an instructor. Safety is paramount, if you have shot before though, find a gun range that rents various types. Try them until you find one you like. Recoil will vary from caliber, and size of the handgun DOES play as a factor. I love to shoot full size. .45s, however they are expensive to shoot. I carry a compact 1911 in .45acp. You may like a subcompact in .9mm. It just depends, whatever you do decide, please use your brains and be safe. Treat all guns as they are loaded, don't brandish your gun to anyone for any reason. Good luck and welcome to the lifestyle.
 
"What advice would you offer a first time firearms owner?"

I would periodically remind myself that it takes years to successfully use this tool.
 
You could go for a huge caliber or you could basically go for something like a ruger lcp I swear by it can hid it anywhere... And wouldn't want to be shot with it either
 
I am a first timer too, and I think I rushed into purchasing a gun. Rather than taking the time to try out friend's firearms, I did research online, and purchased a gun for concealed carry. The problem, now that I have the gun and several holsters for it, is that with my normal wardrobe, I can't seem to hide the gun well enough. (it's a doublestack magazine, and is a bit thick for a concealed pistol). I am now thinking I may have to go back and spend more money on a different gun that will carry easier in my day-to-day attire. (I am now considering a comact .380 or subcompact 9mm - either the Ruger LCP or LC9). I can't speak for these guns, since I do not own one or have fired one, but the only advice I can offer here is that you definitely don't want to rush into getting a gun. Take your time to look at carry options and holsters available, and see how they fit your clothing first.
 
For home defense a shot gun is without a doubt the best. As for handguns there are lots of variables there. Are you carrying it daily? For defense mininmum of 9mma or 38in special +p. As a carry gun 38 snubby is a great all around carry gun but as far as fun shootin and learning a full size gun shoots a lot better. You will need to do lots of research to understand what is best for you. As far as personal defense gun do not go cheap your life depends on it.
 
ernstdesigns said:
I am a first timer too, and I think I rushed into purchasing a gun. Rather than taking the time to try out friend's firearms, I did research online, and purchased a gun for concealed carry. The problem, now that I have the gun and several holsters for it, is that with my normal wardrobe, I can't seem to hide the gun well enough. (it's a doublestack magazine, and is a bit thick for a concealed pistol). I am now thinking I may have to go back and spend more money on a different gun that will carry easier in my day-to-day attire. (I am now considering a comact .380 or subcompact 9mm - either the Ruger LCP or LC9). I can't speak for these guns, since I do not own one or have fired one, but the only advice I can offer here is that you definitely don't want to rush into getting a gun. Take your time to look at carry options and holsters available, and see how they fit your clothing first.
Click to expand...

Excellent comments, very insightful. I think most everyone (including me a long time ago) goes through the processes you mention: buy a gun, buy more than one holster trying to find the right one for it, try out different concealment strategies, then go buy another gun that fits the perceived need better, buy more holsters, try out different carry methods, buy another gun, etc etc.

The only good result of this whole process is you may end up with a nice collection of firearms, and if they're Glocks, always a smile on your face. :biggrin:
 
towboater said:
Have you ever shot before? If not take the time to find an instructor. Safety is paramount, if you have shot before though, find a gun range that rents various types. Try them until you find one you like. Recoil will vary from caliber, and size of the handgun DOES play as a factor. I love to shoot full size. .45s, however they are expensive to shoot. I carry a compact 1911 in .45acp. You may like a subcompact in .9mm. It just depends, whatever you do decide, please use your brains and be safe. Treat all guns as they are loaded, don't brandish your gun to anyone for any reason. Good luck and welcome to the lifestyle.
Click to expand...
Double like button needed:smile:
All I can add to this is; Practice, Practice, Practice. What ever gun you decide to buy, fire several hundred rounds through it to make sure;
1.You are familiar with it
2. That it is dependable.
Even new guns can have problems.
 
Twitter response from @williford_t:

practice w/gun unloaded, target shooting w/mentors, take classes. When u know your gun, confidence comes, and big RESPONSIBILITY

 
Your gun has to fit you. Definitely try a couple of guns before you buy one. I didn't do it, but things still worked out well for me.I carry a Taurus 24/7 Pro full size .40 cal on a daily basis at about 3 o'clock IWB and have no problems. To each his own... You just have to find yours.
 
There is no one size fits all. Personaly i like my Ruger SR40C that is my carry piece..I have full size 1911's but they seem kind of heavy for everyday carry..Also you need to decide if its inside or outside the waist band..Putting something thats like 1 1/2" wide includeing your holster inside the waist of the clothes you wear can be a bit uncomfortable and takes some getting used to. I have tried both and prefer outside the waist. I just wear my shirts outside and it covers pretty well. There are a lot of differant choices when it comes to CC or OC just make sure your firearm is secure on your person..
Any thing larger that a 22 cal is going to recoil so its just a matter of being able to control recoil so dont be afraid of it. Personaly for a new shooter i would think staying with a 9mm or less would be good before steping up to a 40 or 45 cal. You just need to find a place to practice a lot with a good instructor..JMO
 
Best advise... listen to advise but try before you buy. Everyone is different in their needs, physique, tolerance for weight and firearm location, tolerance for recoil, grips and hand feel, etc. If available, find a gun shop with a range and the availability of rental guns and see what works best for you and the way you plan on carrying. Or, go out with friends and see if any of them have a weapon that fits your need.
As with any skill, good instruction will cut the learning curve by quite a bit. You'll be able to avoid newbie mistakes that can compromise safety and prevent bad habits from developing. Then practice, practice, practice - gun safety, gun handling, drawing from holster, shooting and moving, and on and on. It's a lifetime of learning but worth the trip.
Do well and be safe!
 
I am a believer that going to a range that rents handguns is the best place to start. You will receive safety instructions and first had experience in a few different caliber hanguns. I believe the first rule for any gun is that it must feel right in your hand but never by any gun if you haven't decided that it can be used for lethal force.
 
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