I've been to the range a bunch of times and enjoy shooting as a hobby. I have no practical use for a gun besides that. Should I get one, or does the risk outweigh the benefit? If so, what are some good (.40 calibur) guns to look at? Thanks all...
Thinking about buying a gun
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If it is just you then you should be alright. I suggest taking a gun safety course if you did not grow up around guns. If you have children you should think more about it. I own 3 guns and 2 are loaded, but I am the only one in the apartment and no one else knows where they are or will look for them (like a child!).
I've always been a fan of Kimber handguns for the .40 cal range. I personally own a Beretta 92FS 9mm and love it.
Yes, it's just me. hoihtah...you mean stay away from you in general - like you will not associate with anyone that owns a gun... or stay away from you with a gun? I definately understand the second one... hopefully that's what you meant?
I have no children, and I would definately be a responsible gun owner. I'm just curious about people's opinions on gun ownership in general, the positives and negatives. Hoping to base my decision on a well rounded perspective =)
I have no children, and I would definately be a responsible gun owner. I'm just curious about people's opinions on gun ownership in general, the positives and negatives. Hoping to base my decision on a well rounded perspective =)
if you get some training and follow all of your local/state laws regarding ownership, then i have no problem with people owning guns
if you buy a HANDGUN be sure you understand how to transport it/what the laws are regarding carrying it so that you don't get in trouble
Wow; I'm frankly surprised by the number of negative replies here.
I own a number of guns; I've shot them since I was a wee young lad, both at paper targets and when hunting.
Guns are really fantastically safe, believe it or not; the odds of being shot or shooting someone, especially at a range, are amazingly small (though numbers escape me).
Of course, standard rules of safety applied; my guns are unloaded (duh) protected by lock and key, with the ammo stored elsewhere, similarly protected.
If you have a shred of common sense--and it often seems I have just barely that--you have absolutely nothing to fear from owning a gun.
I own a number of guns; I've shot them since I was a wee young lad, both at paper targets and when hunting.
Guns are really fantastically safe, believe it or not; the odds of being shot or shooting someone, especially at a range, are amazingly small (though numbers escape me).
Of course, standard rules of safety applied; my guns are unloaded (duh) protected by lock and key, with the ammo stored elsewhere, similarly protected.
If you have a shred of common sense--and it often seems I have just barely that--you have absolutely nothing to fear from owning a gun.
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
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There is no inherent risk in owning a handgun as long as you are a responsible gun owner. If the idea of having a gun in the house is intimidating, you can always store it unloaded (though I don't see the point if you do not have children). In any event, you need to get some professional training to ensure that you do not adopt some bad and/or dangerous habits in your shooting and gun handling.
If you really are primarily interested in recreational shooting, I strongly recommend you buy 9mm rather than .40, because range ammo is MUCH cheaper in 9mm. A good 9mm jacketed hollow-point is also a reasonable choice for self-defense. I personally prefer .45ACP but primarily shoot 9mm (Glock 17) to save cash. I buy 100-round Winchester Value Packs at Wal-Mart for $10.96 - you will not find .40 range ammo anywhere near this cheap.
I personally like Glocks, but they are not the best choice for beginning shooters since they have no external safety and the trigger pull is relatively light. A spooked shooter with a Glock can be an exceedingly dangerous proposition. My favorite DA/SA pistols are definitely the Sigs, but they are quite costly. The Berettas are excellent from a price/performance standpoint. CZ pistols are a bit tough to find, but wonderful shooters and a tremendous value. Many people like HK USPs, but I find the trigger a bit nasty. HK P7s are incredibly cool and sweet shooters but they are very expensive.
There is probably a local store in your area with a range - they will let you pay a single rental fee and try a bunch of different guns, so you can see what you like. I suggest you try as many guns as possible before buying. They will generally make you buy their range ammo for rental guns to avoid having them destroyed by a faulty reload, so the process will cost some cash; it is well worth it in the end.
If you really are primarily interested in recreational shooting, I strongly recommend you buy 9mm rather than .40, because range ammo is MUCH cheaper in 9mm. A good 9mm jacketed hollow-point is also a reasonable choice for self-defense. I personally prefer .45ACP but primarily shoot 9mm (Glock 17) to save cash. I buy 100-round Winchester Value Packs at Wal-Mart for $10.96 - you will not find .40 range ammo anywhere near this cheap.
I personally like Glocks, but they are not the best choice for beginning shooters since they have no external safety and the trigger pull is relatively light. A spooked shooter with a Glock can be an exceedingly dangerous proposition. My favorite DA/SA pistols are definitely the Sigs, but they are quite costly. The Berettas are excellent from a price/performance standpoint. CZ pistols are a bit tough to find, but wonderful shooters and a tremendous value. Many people like HK USPs, but I find the trigger a bit nasty. HK P7s are incredibly cool and sweet shooters but they are very expensive.
There is probably a local store in your area with a range - they will let you pay a single rental fee and try a bunch of different guns, so you can see what you like. I suggest you try as many guns as possible before buying. They will generally make you buy their range ammo for rental guns to avoid having them destroyed by a faulty reload, so the process will cost some cash; it is well worth it in the end.
Personally, I hate Glocks. I find their handles to be too small for my hands, making it hard for me to shoot straight. I do agree with the point about 9mm being preffered. While some argue that they don't have the stopping power that 40's do, the truth is that if you know how to use it, it'll do the same thing.
This is the gun that I own. | Info
This is the gun that I own. | Info
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
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To each his own - everyone is different. I am a big guy (6'4", 190), and still find the 92FS/M9 WAY too heavy and bulky for a 9mm that holds 15+1 rounds. They are nice guns, though. As far as grip size goes, I too find the compact and subcompact Glocks a bit too short in the grip for comfort, but like the full-size. If anything, most people object to the grips on Glocks on the basis that they are too wide, so I think you are in the minority in finding them too small. The USP Compact is probably my favorite handgun to grip (it is large and squared-off like a bar of soap; most people do not like the grip's blockiness, but I do), but the Sig P-series is really nice too.
Unless you intend to buy pre-ban hi-cap magazines or have large hands (I fall into both categories), it seems to me it makes more sense to buy a compact pistol nowadays. Why have a giant gun like a G17 or 92FS that only holds 10 rounds?
My friend works at a SWAT outfitter and can get pre-ban clips for Baretta's and Glocks for around $60 each. I still have yet to buy one, but I'd sure like to. He just purchased a pre-ban Colt M16 with burst switch.
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
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Pre-bans for the Berettas are readily available for less than this with a little looking around - this is one of the big plusses with the 92FS (it is also very reliable, shoots nicely and looks great, especially in your Inox version). I paid $65 each for my two 17-round Glock mags, so the price is about right there.
As you can see, there are quite a number of people in our society today who harbor phobias of firearms, largely facilitated by ignorance. So when you find yourself in the company of these people, don't go showing your gun to them, unless you want to clean up urine spots on your carpet from them wee-weeing their panties. Some people are literally paralyzed or panic at the sight of a gun, like some people react to spiders or snakes, so please don't go pushing your gun onto anyone.
Conversely, there are many idiots who are fascinated by guns but know nothing about them and will, if given the opportunity, shoot themselves accidentally...or otherwise make you really regret you showed them in the first place. Plus, some people will go elsewhere and start talking about your cool guns around others, and before you know it, your place has been broken into and your gun stolen.
There is no need for any firearm to be a hazard in your home, there is nothing inherently 'dangerous' about a firearm. Guns don't shoot themselves. People are inherently dangerous, guns aren't.
The fact that you must come to forums like AT and ask shows that, although you may have been to the range a few times, you are still lacking the knowledge and skills to own a firearm safely and responsibly. Your first step should be finding qualified firearm instruction in your area and sign-up for a basic handgun safety course.
As for gun selection, since you have no desire to use the firearm for personal protection, why not get a target gun to start? Something like these will usually do the trick:
Ruger Mark II in 5 1/2"
Ruger Model Mark II in 6 7/8"
Ruger 22/45
Smith & Wesson Model 22S
Smith & Wesson Model 22A with Bull
Conversely, there are many idiots who are fascinated by guns but know nothing about them and will, if given the opportunity, shoot themselves accidentally...or otherwise make you really regret you showed them in the first place. Plus, some people will go elsewhere and start talking about your cool guns around others, and before you know it, your place has been broken into and your gun stolen.
There is no need for any firearm to be a hazard in your home, there is nothing inherently 'dangerous' about a firearm. Guns don't shoot themselves. People are inherently dangerous, guns aren't.
The fact that you must come to forums like AT and ask shows that, although you may have been to the range a few times, you are still lacking the knowledge and skills to own a firearm safely and responsibly. Your first step should be finding qualified firearm instruction in your area and sign-up for a basic handgun safety course.
As for gun selection, since you have no desire to use the firearm for personal protection, why not get a target gun to start? Something like these will usually do the trick:
Ruger Mark II in 5 1/2"
Ruger Model Mark II in 6 7/8"
Ruger 22/45
Smith & Wesson Model 22S
Smith & Wesson Model 22A with Bull
Don't leave it locked up at home. While I can understand the concern of parents with guns, but children can learn! I was 6 when I got my bb gun, 8 when I got my 22 pistol, and 10 when I got my 20 gauge shotgun. You have to teach your children to use and respect the weapon. My father did that from when I was 6 years old and we, my brother and I, never ever had accident.
Another reason not to lock up your gun; it isn't worth crap locked up! Are you going to ask the robber for a time out so you can unlock your gun? When he walks in your doorway and shoots your wife you are going to be grabbing for the key to the lock. Lot of good a gun does locked up.
skyking
Lifer
- Nov 21, 2001
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I agree completely! A brick of 500 rounds of 22LR costs about as much as one retail box of 50 9MM or .38/.357, and usually less than a box of .40 cal.
You can get 10 times the shooting for the same price, and use the same ammo in a carbine for rifle shooting.
Beretta model 96, Glock 22 (my personal fav), Taurus Millenium PT140 (if you want a concealable model), Kahr k40/p40/mk40 (depending on size). Really depends on what all you want it for. If you want to be different (and have a conversation piece) look at Tanfoglio Witness model. Have fun, play safe.
H&K USP 40. VERY accurate, VERY reliable, VERY little muzzle flip (Helps to acguire target for second shot). A little on the spendy side but I am sure you can find an "Almost New" one for about 500. they retail for $750 I believe. Do a google search for USP 40 and do some research. Most people either hate them or love them. I have found that most people that hate them can't afford them. Most people that own one love them. Another nice thing about them is they retain their value for a long time (Always a trait of a good product). I bought mine 3 years ago for 500 and just sold it for $462 (Traded that and $600 for a Benelli M1 Combat actually ).
).
BrunoPuntzJones
Lifer
- Feb 24, 2001
- 14,513
- 4
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You'll get mostly humphat replies here, come visit the Firearms forum over at Hardocp, more than willing to help there Not as many visitors, but you'll get better replies.
Not as many visitors, but you'll get better replies.
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
- Feb 10, 2000
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In all fairness any decent gun will hold its value well if it is not abused. The highly durable polymer Glocks and USPs are especially good in this regard. I actually went to a gun store fully intending to buy a USP (I could afford it), but hated the trigger (which seemed kludgy and gritty, even in SA), and it ended up a distant third after the Glock (17) and Sig (P229). Ultimately I could not see paying the $150 premium for the wonderful Sig (loved the trigger, but the finish is significantly less tough than Glock's Tenifer, and I am generally skeptical of DA/SA autos) and went for the Glock.
honestly if you are just looking at a good target gun, get one of those awesome .22's, they are CHEAP on ammo, you can punch rounds through them like they are nothing and they are 10X more accurate then any other round, thats why they use them at the Olympics you know
anyway ontop of that, yeah they don't have the puching power to drop a Rhino... but even in the far south states I don't think it's warm enough for those
I have a .40 cal, but I would honestly love a nice .22 pistol also
anyway ontop of that, yeah they don't have the puching power to drop a Rhino... but even in the far south states I don't think it's warm enough for those
I have a .40 cal, but I would honestly love a nice .22 pistol also
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