What do I need to do to own a gun?

[buck]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: TallBill
$$$

Thats the easy part, ready to go on that front.

Go to store, buy gun?

Obviously there is more to it than that. That is why i made this thread.

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: TallBill
$$$

Thats the easy part, ready to go on that front.

Go to store, buy gun?

Obviously there is more to it than that. That is why i made this thread.

Actually, in the vast majority of states, it really is that simple (if you are a resident and not buying from an out-of-state seller).

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: daniel1113

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: TallBill
$$$

Thats the easy part, ready to go on that front.

Go to store, buy gun?

Obviously there is more to it than that. That is why i made this thread.

Actually, in the vast majority of states, it really is that simple (if you are a resident and not buying from an out-of-state seller).

Ok, thats why i mentioned Washington.
I didn't want to just walk in and not know something and look like a moran.

thanks for the info (and pm) all.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
You cannot buy online and have a firearm shipped to you unless you hold an FFL from the BATFE. Since you're not a dealer and are not a collector, I'm going to assume that you do not have an FFL.

I am also in Washington State, here are the laws:

You will need to go, in person, to a firearms dealer to buy. If you find a firearm you like online, the dealer may (and I stress "may") allow you to have the firearm shipped to the dealer (for a fee that ranges from $30 to $50 depending on the dealer), who will then complete the transfer as required by law.

Since you presumably do not have a Washington state CPL, you will fill out all applicable paperwork, pay for the firearm, and then leave with a receipt (but not the firearm).

After the WA state background check comes through and the waiting period has passed, the dealer will call you and you can then return to pick up the firearm.

Be aware that many gun shops will refuse to transfer firearms that they can order themselves, so unless you're buying a used firearm online, you may have some difficulty finding a dealer who will transfer the firearm for you.

EDIT: Wade's in Bellevue is a good shop. Their prices are higher than some, but not bad and they have a very nice indoor range with numerous firearms available for range rental. It's a good setup to allow you to try out different options.

ZV

Technically you only have to do that if you are buying from an FFL.

Residents of the same state can ship back and forth at the Federal law level.

Not many people are willing to do it, and it can be cost prohibitive. Handguns have to be shipped overnight by UPS or FedEx (no USPS). Longguns are a bit easier, as you can use Priority Mail then.

 

[SuperjetMatt]

There are big gun shows once a month in Puyallup and Monroe.
I just got back from a big show in Puyallup this past weekend.
I picked up an inexpensive older Marlin 22lr rifle for my boy & the wife, and a Para Carry .45 for myself as a concealed sidearm.
The 22 was papered, the .45 was not.

Go to any bigger gun store and see what the sales personnel recommend you do.
If you want to carry the gun on your person outside your home or business, you will need a Washington State Concealed Pistol License.
It is easy to get.
Fill out a form and bring it to your local police station. They will take approximately $55 from you, fingerprint you 20 times, and issue you your CPL within a week or so (they have 30 days legally).
You can now carry concealed. You will also no longer be required to wait five business days on any handgun you purchase. Stupid WA state law.

 

[JasonSix78]

I recommend a 12-gauge shotgun for a home defense weapon.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: JasonSix78
I recommend a 12-gauge shotgun for a home defense weapon.

I want something the wife can use.

 

[MedicBob]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: JasonSix78
I recommend a 12-gauge shotgun for a home defense weapon.

I want something the wife can use.

Then get a 20 ga. Still has the pattern wide enough for home hallways and nothing, I mean NOTHING, has the sound of a pump shotgun in the dark.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Honestly, I think the only thing you should need to own a gun is common sense...well, that and a clean criminal record.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MedicBob

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: JasonSix78
I recommend a 12-gauge shotgun for a home defense weapon.

I want something the wife can use.

Then get a 20 ga. Still has the pattern wide enough for home hallways and nothing, I mean NOTHING, has the sound of a pump shotgun in the dark.

Shotguns aren't ideal weapons for home defense IMO. No long gun is actually...too unwieldy IMO and I'd never leave a loaded shotgun lying around in my home since I have a 7 year old son who is very curious.

I'd recommend a handgun with a small lockbox you can bolt to the floor or wall. Make sure it is a gun you are comfortable with operating and have practiced with. You should be able to check to see if it is loaded in the dark and be able to operate it blindfolded.

Honestly, for a total gun noob I think a trusty 6 shot Smith and Wesson revolver is probably one of the best guns around. No safeties to fumble with, no magazines, and great reliability. Get one of their medium frame revolvers in .357 Magnum. You can shoot .38 special rounds through it at the range and practice with full power loads occasionally and keep it loaded with that for home defense.

 

[GenHoth]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
And if you know the caliber of weapon you plan on getting, start buying ammo now.

Good luck with that Haven't found any locally for a while now

 

[sourceninja]

Originally posted by: spacejamz

Originally posted by: MedicBob
Definitely go to a range and rent some handguns. Try before you buy. Personally I am getting more partial to .45 Caliber then 9mm or .40. Try different calibers of the same gun also.

I would be more partial to those calibers as well, but my wallet is partial to 9mm...box of 50 rounds is still about $5 or so cheaper than larger calibers...

granted, finding ammo instock anywhere nowadays is hit or miss...for large stores like Academy, your best bet is to find out what night the the trucks come in with ammo and then show first thing the next morning...

I feel just as comfortable with a 9mm as a 45. I have seen no proof that hollow point 9mm ammo is any less effective then hollow point 40. All reports I've read of 9mm failing to stop a person have all been ball ammo.

So until I read the "I put 3 rounds of Federal Hydrashock into him center mass and he kept coming" I'm fine with 9mm.

 

[Liberator21]

I bought my handgun out of the back of some guys trunk. It was okay though, he was about to go to prison for meth dealing I believe and had to get rid of all his guns or they would be confiscated.

I never registered it, and he assured me that it wasn't even registered in his name, but someone else who needed to just get rid of it. So... it's not that hard really to buy one. You can really find awesome deals too..

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MedicBob

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: JasonSix78
I recommend a 12-gauge shotgun for a home defense weapon.

I want something the wife can use.

Then get a 20 ga. Still has the pattern wide enough for home hallways and nothing, I mean NOTHING, has the sound of a pump shotgun in the dark.

Shotguns aren't ideal weapons for home defense IMO. No long gun is actually...too unwieldy IMO and I'd never leave a loaded shotgun lying around in my home since I have a 7 year old son who is very curious.

I'd recommend a handgun with a small lockbox you can bolt to the floor or wall. Make sure it is a gun you are comfortable with operating and have practiced with. You should be able to check to see if it is loaded in the dark and be able to operate it blindfolded.

Honestly, for a total gun noob I think a trusty 6 shot Smith and Wesson revolver is probably one of the best guns around. No safeties to fumble with, no magazines, and great reliability. Get one of their medium frame revolvers in .357 Magnum. You can shoot .38 special rounds through it at the range and practice with full power loads occasionally and keep it loaded with that for home defense.

Shotgun/rifle trumps a handgun in every possible way except concealability.

As with anything, shot placement is really all that matters. Almost any shotgun or rifle is going to be a one shot show stopper though. A handgun simply can't match the incapacitation afforded by its big brothers.

 

[Brovane]

Originally posted by: buck
OK, long story short, I just moved into a house with my wife. Talked her into buying a handgun. Found some online that I like, now what? I have used pistols, rifles, and shotguns when I lived in Ohio. However, I have never bought one.

I live in Washington state, I would like to buy one online, and only use it at a gun range or heaven forbid, in my house if some idiot decides to break in.

Thanks.

Think long and hard about what type of investment you are making especially if you decide to keep it at home for home defense. You will need to keep the gun in a place that is easily reached in a emergency quickly. If you don't really plan on practicing regularly with the weapon then the best gun is a some type of .357 Magnum. With a revolver you can put it someplace and let it sit there loaded for years without a issue as long as it is dry and the weapon will fire. With a semi-auto you will need to regularly practice with it an cycle magazines. You cannot expect to just put a Glock in a drawer for 2-3 years loaded with the magazine under tension and expect it will fire when you need it, a revolver will. If you have children then there are a lot more considerations. The other thing you can do is just go and get a nice 12G pump shotgun. It will be easy to aim in a stressful situation and will let any thug breaking into your house that you mean business. Also with a spouse you both need to be trained in how to use the weapon. It does no good if you are at work and she is home alone when a thug breaks in.

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: amddude
Glock 19 if for the house/car
Glock 26 if for carry

I want to get the Glock 19. Just for the house.

Good choice, the glock 19 (IMO) is probably the best all round 9mm you can buy. Not too big, not too small, reliable to the end, can take the 17 and 33rd mags of its bigger brothers, etc.

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: GenHoth

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
And if you know the caliber of weapon you plan on getting, start buying ammo now.

Good luck with that Haven't found any locally for a while now

Yeah, handgun ammo is pretty much out everywhere here too, just about. Good thing I hoarded all the ammo I could find in 4 stores here in town, so at least I would have some to hold me over.

About to buy a 9mm carbine here soon, so that will stress my 9mm stockpile even more. Good thing I have a progressive reloader and lots of power, bullets, and primers.

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: Liberator21
I bought my handgun out of the back of some guys trunk. It was okay though, he was about to go to prison for meth dealing I believe and had to get rid of all his guns or they would be confiscated.

I never registered it, and he assured me that it wasn't even registered in his name, but someone else who needed to just get rid of it. So... it's not that hard really to buy one. You can really find awesome deals too..

LOL, you're serious, aren't you?

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: adairusmc

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: amddude
Glock 19 if for the house/car
Glock 26 if for carry

I want to get the Glock 19. Just for the house.

Good choice, the glock 19 (IMO) is probably the best all round 9mm you can buy. Not too big, not too small, reliable to the end, can take the 17 and 33rd mags of its bigger brothers, etc.

Yeah Glock 19 is great if you have WOMAN hands. It's got a molded handgrip that's great if you wear a size 5 ring. If you have man hands, consider buying a gun that doesn't force your fingers into an uncomfortable position....ESPECIALLY if you're buying online.

My recommendation is to consider going to a gun store and hold a few in your hand to get a feel for what feels good to YOU. Not the people on forums. I'm from TN and know plenty about handguns & rifles. You'll pay a premium for name brands and I don't recommend buying one unless you plan on shooting more than twice per month or are sold on the safety features. You're going to see plenty of people saying that Glock or Springfield Armory or Smith & Wesson or Walther or Sig Sauer are the best....etc. Everyone likes different guns for different reasons. If you're just wanting something to shoot, pick a caliber that's to your liking and go from there to narrow your search. I have a few 9mms and a few .40s. I recommend looking at the cost of ammo and how much you expect to shoot. You might want to look at .38, .357, 9mm, and .40. Consider ammo availability (these days) and cost. Typically the larger the caliber, the more expensive each round is and the more common the round is (9mm), the more difficult it is to get due to larger demand.

Out of my guns, I prefer my XD9 (not XDM only because of cost) and Stoeger Cougar 9mm to the others. Both have smooth action and feel great in my hand. Out of the Glocks, I like the Glock 17 because of it's size and non-molded handle, but I wouldn't buy a Glock unless it was cheaper than the others....Glocks have high markup and the XDs (typically $100 less) are just as good if not nicer IMHO.

When you buy a gun consider whether or not you want a small form-factor to carry or just want something for target practice and home protection. If you're not carrying, there's no need to go small. Larger frames will give you a higher capacity magazine and better accuracy due to the longer barrel.

Good luck on picking something. Take your time. The worst thing to do is buy a gun on impulse and be stuck with something you don't want. You can never get retail when you're reselling unless the gun is well sought after and you get lucky.

 

[KillerCharlie]

Gun ownership in Washington is pretty simple despite being a liberal state. They just run a background check before buying a pistol. Getting a CCW permit is easy... just go down to the courthouse to fill out the forms and they'll give it to you in a few weeks (at least in Snohomish county, but the sheriff dept in Snohomish county is way cooler).

 

[BabaBooey]

#1 - Enough common sense not to ask here. ( I know there are a few gun owners here that seem sane enough but the majority are crazier than myself... )

#2 - find and read your state laws as they change quite a bit.

#3- Take your classes,get your PTP - PTC and find a range,rent some guns and find what ya like and then go shopping !!!

#4 Be prepared to pay out the ass for ammo......I just paid $140 for 500rds of 9mm luger range ammo....and that was a deal,unlike back even 3-4 years I could have got 1000rds for the same price ...

 

[lokiju]

As others have mentioned already, one reason to maybe get a 12ga shotgun over a hand gun is the fact that you can almost not ever find ammo for a hand gun now days. But 12ga ammo is everywhere and pretty affordable.

You can get a pistol grip for most shotguns to make them more manageable in a home setting also.

Also there's usually no wait for a shotgun if that's a bonus for you...

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: MedicBob

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: JasonSix78
I recommend a 12-gauge shotgun for a home defense weapon.

I want something the wife can use.

Then get a 20 ga. Still has the pattern wide enough for home hallways and nothing, I mean NOTHING, has the sound of a pump shotgun in the dark.

Wrong. The spread of even a 12-gauge shotgun at home-defense ranges is only 2.5 to 3.5 inches. There is a persistent myth that you don't need to aim a shotgun, but it's just that, a myth. It is very possible to miss with a shotgun despite what people say. Also, 00 Buckshot, which is about the minimum viable loading for home defense, will still go through a couple of walls, so you still need to be mindful of what's on the other side of the bad guy.

Examples.

Also, even a 20-gauge will have decent kick (some people report less felt recoil from a 12-gauge due to the greater mass of a 12-gauge shotgun).

ZV

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Brovane
With a semi-auto you will need to regularly practice with it an cycle magazines. You cannot expect to just put a Glock in a drawer for 2-3 years loaded with the magazine under tension and expect it will fire when you need it, a revolver will.

Bullsh*t.

Springs do not get killed from being stored compressed. Springs are killed by being cycled. The more often you cycle the spring in a magazine, the more likely it is to wear out. People have used magazines that have been sitting, loaded, for decades without problems.

While I agree that revolvers are, in theory, more reliable, there's no reason that a Glock could not be stored for years with a loaded magazine and still fire reliably when needed.

ZV

 

[JDMnAR1]

Originally posted by: MedicBob

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: JasonSix78
I recommend a 12-gauge shotgun for a home defense weapon.

I want something the wife can use.

Then get a 20 ga. Still has the pattern wide enough for home hallways and nothing, I mean NOTHING, has the sound of a pump shotgun in the dark.

I never really understood this mentality. If a bad guy is in my house at night, I want the first warning he has that I am aware of his presence to be the muzzle flash as I send lead his way. Anything else gives him the opportunity to fire first, and as far as I am concerned, a home invasion doesn't call for a fair fight.