Never fired a gun, never been interested, never like the idea. Where do I start?

[exdeath]

I practice my shooting skills playing Call of Duty.

🙄

I love "kids" in gun stores that think they are experts on every gun because they know it in Call of Duty, then they can't even get the magazine back in or cycle the action without using both hands.

 

[glenn1]

Why not ask your wife? She sounds like she would have some input.

Better yet, why not ask the wife to handle the "home defense" duties? Especially since she has expressed the desire to actually own a firearm and possesses a comfort factor with them. In economic terms it's simple division of labor and her comparative advantage is firearms knowlege; you'd be better off simply getting some practical training in how to safely handle and unload firearms and handing the spotter duties and magazine loading for her.

 

[TwiceOver]

Where are you located though? You might even get a local ATOT'er to take you out (probably good manners to pay for their ammo and range fee).

My guns are tools. But they are dangerous ones and I invest a lot of time and effort in order to be safe. They also are a lot of fun. Combine time and effort with the result of fun means people start getting attached to things. Think of it like a car. For someone who loves their cars, it is more than just transportation from point A to point B. Especially the weapons that I would reach for first for self defense, I put A LOT of time and effort into training with them. It is something I trust to possibly save my life one day, so at least for me, that means they are more than a hunk of metal that sits in a metal box.

No matter what they're used for, all firearms deserve a lot of respect. Something you should always remember. Oh, and I just realized the safety rules haven't been posted yet. They usually come in a lot of forms but are basically the same. Here are three versions from wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_safety#Rules_and_mindset

All guns are always loaded.
Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
—Jeff Cooper[1]

The NRA provides a similar set of rules:
ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
—The National Rifle Association, The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling[2]

The Canadian Firearms Program uses the concept of The Four Firearm ACTS:
Assume every firearm is loaded.
Control the muzzle direction at all times.
Trigger finger off trigger and out of trigger guard.
See that the firearm is unloaded. PROVE it safe.
—Canadian Firearms Centre, The Four ACTS of Firearm Safety[3]

Thank you for that. I've always had a respect for firearms, just never felt I needed to get further acquainted with them.

Better yet, why not ask the wife to handle the "home defense" duties? Especially since she has expressed the desire to actually own a firearm and possesses a comfort factor with them. In economic terms it's simple division of labor and her comparative advantage is firearms knowlege; you'd be better off simply getting some practical training in how to safely handle and unload firearms and handing the spotter duties and magazine loading for her.

Honestly, I feel safer at home than anywhere else. While she *has* handled firearms in the past, I don't believe she should be sole responsible for safeguarding the home. We both need proper training. Yes, I currently don't feel comfortable, but I want to change that and don't have a problem spending the time and money necessary. If in the end I'm still not comfortable, then that's fine.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Training is one thing, but I'm convinced that the majority of people who have mishaps with firearms simply have the wrong mindset toward them. They lose respect for them quickly and somehow become convinced that they're some kind of badass simply because they have one. These are the guys who try to do tricks with them and are always talking about what a great shot they are. Of course those people are of the type to believe they don't need a training course either. The key thing is that some people convince themselves that they are the master of the gun. That they can pull it out and wave it around willy nilly and simply by their own innate awesomeness ensure nothing bad happens.

They're also likely the same guys who are always talking about what great drivers they are, although they never seem to measure that by how few speeding tickets they've amassed. Their great driving has caused them a lot more trouble than my cautious, law abiding driving, and their great shooting is equally likely to get themselves or someone else killed.

Learn everything about the gun and never forget that it is extremely dangerous. It's the danger that gives the gun it's utility. They go hand in hand. If you never forget that, then nothing you do will contribute toward an accident, and you will naturally ensure that no one else has a chance to have an accident with it as an extension of that. To me, it's that simple.

 

[JulesMaximus]

🙄

I love "kids" in gun stores that think they are experts on every gun because they know it in Call of Duty, then they can't even get the magazine back in or cycle the action without using both hands.

😀 My wife can't cycle the action of any of my semi-auto handguns. Well, she might be able to with the Glock but I haven't had her try recently.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Training is one thing, but I'm convinced that the majority of people who have mishaps with firearms simply have the wrong mindset toward them. They lose respect for them quickly and somehow become convinced that they're some kind of badass simply because they have one. These are the guys who try to do tricks with them and are always talking about what a great shot they are. Of course those people are of the type to believe they don't need a training course either. The key thing is that some people convince themselves that they are the master of the gun. That they can pull it out and wave it around willy nilly and simply by their own innate awesomeness ensure nothing bad happens.

They're also likely the same guys who are always talking about what great drivers they are, although they never seem to measure that by how few speeding tickets they've amassed. Their great driving has caused them a lot more trouble than my cautious, law abiding driving, and their great shooting is equally likely to get themselves or someone else killed.

Learn everything about the gun and never forget that it is extremely dangerous. It's the danger that gives the gun it's utility. They go hand in hand. If you never forget that, then nothing you do will contribute toward an accident, and you will naturally ensure that no one else has a chance to have an accident with it as an extension of that. To me, it's that simple.

I hit 100+mph on my commute this morning on my Ducati. What do I win?

There was a stretch on the 15 in the carpool lanes where I had no traffic around me at all so I just opened her up for a few seconds. It's always fun to do that when possible. 😀

 

[ManBearPig]

Dude, I was like you and kind of freaked out by firearms. Until i actually went to the range with someone who was experienced with them. It is great fun, and pretty safe as long as you can just follow a few rules.

 

[glenn1]

Thank you for that. I've always had a respect for firearms, just never felt I needed to get further acquainted with them.


Honestly, I feel safer at home than anywhere else. While she *has* handled firearms in the past, I don't believe she should be sole responsible for safeguarding the home. We both need proper training. Yes, I currently don't feel comfortable, but I want to change that and don't have a problem spending the time and money necessary. If in the end I'm still not comfortable, then that's fine.

Sounds like you have the right mindset about things then. Don't worry about not having the background; I (like many folks) didn't either before joining the military but it is something you can learn. Unfortunately in small town South Dakota you may have limited training options, but they should be sufficient. Just be aware that your "teacher" may be much more enthusiastic about the subject than you, but being somewhat ambivalent about things may work to your advantage. Better cautious than cavalier about firearms, and it sounds like you won't be bull-rushed into purchasing a $900 Sig Sauer either (or $2k plus modified M1911 for that matter).

 

[TwiceOver]

Training is one thing, but I'm convinced that the majority of people who have mishaps with firearms simply have the wrong mindset toward them. They lose respect for them quickly and somehow become convinced that they're some kind of badass simply because they have one. These are the guys who try to do tricks with them and are always talking about what a great shot they are. Of course those people are of the type to believe they don't need a training course either. The key thing is that some people convince themselves that they are the master of the gun. That they can pull it out and wave it around willy nilly and simply by their own innate awesomeness ensure nothing bad happens.

They're also likely the same guys who are always talking about what great drivers they are, although they never seem to measure that by how few speeding tickets they've amassed. Their great driving has caused them a lot more trouble than my cautious, law abiding driving, and their great shooting is equally likely to get themselves or someone else killed.

Learn everything about the gun and never forget that it is extremely dangerous. It's the danger that gives the gun it's utility. They go hand in hand. If you never forget that, then nothing you do will contribute toward an accident, and you will naturally ensure that no one else has a chance to have an accident with it as an extension of that. To me, it's that simple.

Very well put. Thank you.

I hit 100+mph on my commute this morning on my Ducati. What do I win?

There was a stretch on the 15 in the carpool lanes where I had no traffic around me at all so I just opened her up for a few seconds. It's always fun to do that when possible. 😀

Maybe my wife is right. Another thing that just popped into my head recently is that I wouldn't mind learning to ride a motorcycle. Never had one, never rode on one, was never interested.

My wife thinks I'm having a midlife crisis. I'm only 34. I think I'm just starting to open my mind up to new things.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I hit 100+mph on my commute this morning on my Ducati. What do I win?

There was a stretch on the 15 in the carpool lanes where I had no traffic around me at all so I just opened her up for a few seconds. It's always fun to do that when possible. 😀

I'll count that under "calculated risk". If you'd gotten caught you'd have taken your medicine without argument I assume?

 

[superccs]

You could start with a BB gun even... if you wanted. Gun shop with a range would definitely work though. They love talking about guns and are a wealth of knowledge and regularly offer programs and training courses.

Apparently in this country you can also buy a gun and go to school or the movies...

:Flamesuit:

 

[momeNt]

So all my life I've never been interested in guns, well other than the childhood games and the occasional paintball game as a teen. Though the option came up often, never fired one. Never thought having one for home defense was necessary or even required. I live in small town South Dakota, nothing ever happens here, and when it does you know who/when/where/what within hours.

My wife on the other hand is a southerner. Raised in the "great" state of Texas. Guns are in her DNA. Her brother has enough firearms to arm a small nation, some of which didn't look "legal" to me, but hey what do I know. When her family walks into a house to "gather" everyone's looking for the highspot in the room to place their handguns so the kids can't get to them.

This has put us at odds. She wants, I don't want. Until recently...

I don't know what it is, but I feel I need to have protection for myself and my family. I have no interest in hunting or "sport" shooting. But I feel the need to arm myself and possibly also carry in the future. I have never felt like this before, I don't know why now is any different.

So where do I start. Obviously I need training, but I literally know nothing. I couldn't even describe how to load any firearm. I think there is one gun shop in town, do I just drop by and see what they have for training available?

Note: I'm not looking for political BS here, please leave that elsewhere or PM me and we can discuss politics privately.

I'd first speak with a psychiatrist about the section in bold first. If there has been some event that has deeply affected you recently you may be suffering from PTSD and a gun is the last thing you want around you.

 

[glenn1]

Maybe my wife is right. Another thing that just popped into my head recently is that I wouldn't mind learning to ride a motorcycle. Never had one, never rode on one, was never interested.

My wife thinks I'm having a midlife crisis. I'm only 34. I think I'm just starting to open my mind up to new things.

Fortunately, the advice is the same for both. Start with something small (.22LR firearm, 49cc scooter) and rented to get the hang of it and see if you like it before you dive in and buy the massive .50AE Desert Eagle or 1600cc Fat Bob with ape hangers.

 

[TwiceOver]

I'd first speak with a psychiatrist about the section in bold first. If there has been some event that has deeply affected you recently you may be suffering from PTSD and a gun is the last thing you want around you.

Nope, nothing different than any day/year.

 

[TallBill]

I can help anyone in AZ become addicted to firearms in the Tucson/Phoenix area.

I'm in Scottsdale, need a place outdoors to let some lead fly, any ideas? I'm a member of the Scottsdale gun club where I practice with my handguns every few weeks.

 

[jagec]

They're also likely the same guys who are always talking about what great drivers they are, although they never seem to measure that by how few speeding tickets they've amassed. Their great driving has caused them a lot more trouble than my cautious, law abiding driving, and their great shooting is equally likely to get themselves or someone else killed.

There are good drivers, and then there are safe drivers. Someone who has great car control skills and has trained in recovery from skids and mechanical failures is a good driver, but if they are constantly driving at 95% of their skill level, they are not safe drivers.

Same thing with guns...maybe you can twirl your gun around blindfolded and then bulls-eye ten targets in five seconds, but if you're not aware of your surroundings and careful where you point the muzzle, you're heading for an accident.

buy the massive .50AE Desert Eagle or 1600cc Fat Bob with ape hangers.

Ugh, these are two things that no one should EVER buy.

 

[spidey07]

I'd first speak with a psychiatrist about the section in bold first. If there has been some event that has deeply affected you recently you may be suffering from PTSD and a gun is the last thing you want around you.

Once you have things you can lose, (wife, family, children, livlihood, employment) you'll start to realize you need means to protect it.

OP - you're in the right direction. Call gun ranges around town and inquire about classes. And burn the 4 rules into your brain and never break them.

 

[FallenHero]

Don't ask the police about guns, seriously.

9/10ths of them aren't gun people and will not give you positive advice about the subject.

Uhh, no. 9/10th of us ARE gun people and are happy to talk about it as long as the approach is right. Don't open up the conversation with "so I was staring at your gun..." and you should be fine.

 

[TallBill]

I'd first speak with a psychiatrist about the section in bold first. If there has been some event that has deeply affected you recently you may be suffering from PTSD and a gun is the last thing you want around you.

With new laws that might come around, talking to a shrink would be bad. Military guys are already avoiding getting help to prevent getting flagged.

 

[Rumpltzer]

Maybe my wife is right. Another thing that just popped into my head recently is that I wouldn't mind learning to ride a motorcycle. Never had one, never rode on one, was never interested.

My wife thinks I'm having a midlife crisis. I'm only 34. I think I'm just starting to open my mind up to new things.

Perhaps it's just a late puberty...

 

[JohnShadows]

Ammo is limited right now, but under normal circumstances sure! Its worth a few bucks to convert people.

Its worth a box (case?) of ammo to answer the "why does anyone need an assault rifle?" question.

Because.

Yeah, it's nuts - every time I head out to Wally World, they're sold out of the 9mm range ammo I usually use.

 

[momeNt]

With new laws that might come around, talking to a shrink would be bad. Military guys are already avoiding getting help to prevent getting flagged.

Adverse consequences in a nutshell right there lol.

 

[Phanuel]

Uhh, no. 9/10th of us ARE gun people and are happy to talk about it as long as the approach is right. Don't open up the conversation with "so I was staring at your gun..." and you should be fine.

From the number of firearms forums I read with active LEO participating, no they're not, but your department might be the exception.

What % of your fellow officers go to the range more often than qualification?
How many shoot in competitions?
How many attend training courses put on by outside specialists?

Look at those hilariously bad dog and pony shows that the gun 'buy-backs' end up resulting in.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I've never figured a gun either. I don't hunt, while I have nothing against people who do, I personally could not bring myself to shoot and kill an animal. Just not in me. It would be fun to go to a range and try some guns one day though.

I hit 100+mph on my commute this morning on my Ducati. What do I win?

100mph? So that's 160kmh. You win a huge speeding ticket, and possibly "street racing" felony (40km+ over the limit I think). The cop also wins... your license. 😀 As fun as it is to try pulling off a Dale Earnhardt Jr. it's not worth the risk of losing your license.

 

[dust]

"Never fired a gun, never been interested, never like the idea. Where do I start?"

http://answergirlnet.blogspot.com/2010/03/five-famous-or-notorious-mental.html