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Post subject: What type of gun to buy....
 Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 03:04 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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I've never owned a gun, in fact I've never even held one. My dad had a rifle when I was a kid, but it was kept out of reach, and my brother and I weren't allowed to touch it. When we got older, my dad loaned it to a relative, who "forgot" to return it....
I've always wanted to learn to shoot, and plan on taking lessons.
So, can anyone give some advice on a good handgun to purchase? I promise not to shoot any people, well, unless they REALLY piss me off....... and no, I don't promise that my husband will be safe..... |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 03:30 AM
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Joined: Oct 24, 2002
Posts: 8074
Location: New Jersey USA
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Hey Cat,
Your best bet is to contact your local police department, tell them that you are interested in learning how to shoot and interested in gun ownership. They can tell you what's best to start with and how to go about it legally. You'll have to fill out all the forms, be fingerprinted and get two letters of reference (at least in Jersey I had too) in order to get your gun permit. They do put you through the ringer, the entire process took me about 6 months, I'm afraid.
Then, find a good range in your area, and a shop where the owners will let you try out a variety of guns on the range.
I settled on Beretta. I bought one of the 96 series, but you may want to look into a Cheetah. Still semi-auto, but smaller in size. You have to find what's comfortable for you.
Beretta is my personal choice, but there are many other manufacturers out there, and a good shop owner will help you decide.
Good luck. |
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Not an eye for an eye is the golden rule
Just leaves a room full of blind men...DMB
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 03:35 AM
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This account has been Permanently Banned
Joined: Mar 25, 2003
Posts: 7713
Location: 221B Baker Street London
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 03:44 AM
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Joined: Aug 30, 2005
Posts: 16181
Location: Jaw Jah
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Just curious, you want a handgun now why?
I have one, just not so you'd notice  |
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rdb |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 05:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 13, 2005
Posts: 1746
Location: Lakeland Florida
Status: Offline
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Actually, I'd say that you would want to try firing a few different ones, as they will have a different "feel" to you. I think that some of the gun clubs and firing ranges will rent a pistol for a few hours- find one that you like and that does a good job.
One thing you will want to do is a bit of research to get one that's pretty good. Some aren't too accurate or reliable- but others are pretty good.
For self defense, I would suggest something with a lot of stopping power- 45 or 357, or maybe even a 38 (I don't much trust the 9mm). The reason I don't trust it - I once watched a police officer try to put a 12 foot gator out of it's misery with a 9mm- he popped the thing in the head a few times- the gator got mad and chased him into his cruiser and trapped him there. (The gator had been hit by a truck and was in real bad shape, but still alive enough to get mad and chase the cop!) It did finally die- but it took quite a long time. After the gator was riled up, nobody dared approach it to finish it off. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 07:26 AM
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Joined: Oct 24, 2002
Posts: 15102
Location: CA
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| I'm going for a small gauge Rifle myself.... |
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Cuzsis |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 09:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 24, 2002
Posts: 4472
Location: Outer Space ;)
Status: Offline
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My husband does too. It's the only one he can use one handed (and he has large strong hands too!) and he doesn't see the point of a handgun that you can only use two-handed. A safety risk in a serious situation (ie: if one of your hands is hurt.)
They're also very well made and less likely to have issues.
We'll be looking at one for me eventually. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 09:52 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll write down the names and calibers of the guns you guys suggested. I think gun laws are pretty liberal around here, but the one problem I may have is that I will probably buy the gun in Oregon, and I live across the river in Washington. There's a firing range just a few miles from where I live, but again, it's in Oregon. I know someone on the Vancouver Police Force, so I'll call them and ask what the restrictions are, etc.
As far as why I am looking into buying a gun now? When I was young, very few people we knew had guns, or they had them hidden, so you just didn't think about gun ownership (the kids didn't have guns like they do today). When I was in my 20's, well, I was seldom sober enough to hold one steady...... And when my son was young, I really didn't want to have a gun in the house. I've always wanted to learn to shoot, and just thought now was a good time.
And it's a different world these days. Portland use to have very little crime. Murder was big news, and very rare. Likewise, robbery, muggings, etc. Now, murder is an everyday occurrence. People walking down the street get stabbed and robbed. And home invasions are very common. Again, it's a very different world.
I know some people on this site do not understand why guns are legal in the US. Well, there's the whole Constitution thing..... And equally important, is that to make guns illegal, will only take guns out of the hands of people trying to obey the law. We have thousands of miles of unguarded borders with Canada and Mexico, and drugs, guns, and even truckloads of people, are illegally smuggled into this country every day. If guns were illegal, I guarantee I could still buy one illegally very easy. Only people who followed the law would be affected, and gun crimes would not decrease in any way.
And hey, if I could find a car that could shoot laser beams out of the sidewalls, or fire rockets, that would be next on my list......  |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 10:06 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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Found this nice little engraved model.....
Only $6,500...... 
Er, don't suppose anyone wants to contribute to the "We want to buy Cat a really cool gun", fund? |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 10:45 AM
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Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Posts: 8631
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I swear by one of these. Both lethal and non-lethal, if set to stun.
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 10:48 AM
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Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Posts: 8631
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Of course, if you are planning to dispatch with a wayward mugger down a dark ally, I definitely recommend one of these:
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 10:55 AM
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Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Posts: 8631
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If you have a big enough garden, and you are planning on killing herds of moose (aka Palin style), I strongly recommend perhaps one of these:
Unfortunately, a once only loader, unless you can afford a replacement. However, for removing unwanted moose menaces (and about anything else), it is highly effective.
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 01:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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Harry, you worry too much. You need to relax and watch a good movie.....
And I would never shoot moose or any other animals. I don't eat meat, and I cry if I see a squirrel get hit in traffic. I would only use a gun for good, not evil.... I plan to shoot liberals.......  |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 02:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 14, 2003
Posts: 8366
Location: Chillville, PA
Status: Offline
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| I'd go for a paintball gun. They're a ton of fun!! And if somebody breaks into your house, it's gonna sting like crazy!! They'll be heading for the hills with a bruise the size of a golfball! |
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"The problem with price quotes on the internet is you cannot confirm their validity."--Abraham Lincoln
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 03:15 PM
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Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Posts: 8631
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Other suggestions to scare or exterminate the odd burglar, rapist, serial killer and ice-cream man:
Last, but not least, this is what I would carry on me for defence against perps:
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 09:05 PM
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This account has been Permanently Banned
Joined: Mar 25, 2003
Posts: 7713
Location: 221B Baker Street London
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The taser shotgun is a shotgun that shoots taser rounds. It sounds scary as because it is. A double whammy of pain. And pain, my friends, is bad. We all know that. What we don't all know is why the hell there's a taser shotgun on the market.
Aim it at their naughty bits, and watch those bad guys suffer... 
OUCH..........
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/owwwww!/vide ... 276481.php |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 10:42 PM
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Joined: Aug 30, 2005
Posts: 16181
Location: Jaw Jah
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| Cat wrote: |
As far as why I am looking into buying a gun now? When I was young, very few people we knew had guns, or they had them hidden, so you just didn't think about gun ownership (the kids didn't have guns like they do today). When I was in my 20's, well, I was seldom sober enough to hold one steady...... And when my son was young, I really didn't want to have a gun in the house. I've always wanted to learn to shoot, and just thought now was a good time.
And it's a different world these days. Portland use to have very little crime. Murder was big news, and very rare. Likewise, robbery, muggings, etc. Now, murder is an everyday occurrence. People walking down the street get stabbed and robbed. And home invasions are very common. Again, it's a very different world.
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So, you are NOT a gun toting/loving nut. You feel the need to
defend yourself and your family.
How about that! |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 11:33 PM
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Member
Joined: Sep 18, 2005
Posts: 4619
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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My weapons of choice is the Phased Plasma Rifle / 40 Watt Range
laser sites optional. Ideal for home defense and close quarters combat. N
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"Not bad .... for a human"
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 11:33 PM
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Joined: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 11590
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That's what has made me of the left persuasion....the right seems so pessimistic about human nature. I don't feel the need to have armed protection in my house. Have you ever been in a situation where you really feel a gun would have helped you? I haven't.
Also, I wouldn't shoot a human being to protect objects. I can just about imagine doing that in order to protect people but not things. Here the courts take a very dim view of people using lethal force to protect property and I'm pleased they do. |
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"It's never too late to be who we might have been" George Elliot
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 11:45 PM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2005
Posts: 4619
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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What if this fella comes knocking? N
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"Not bad .... for a human"
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 11:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 11590
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| Then you can hand me a kalashnikov! |
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"It's never too late to be who we might have been" George Elliot
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 16, 2008 - 11:50 PM
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Member
Joined: Sep 18, 2005
Posts: 4619
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Ah Ha! Another convert. N |
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"Not bad .... for a human"
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 17, 2008 - 12:40 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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| greenchick wrote: | That's what has made me of the left persuasion....the right seems so pessimistic about human nature. I don't feel the need to have armed protection in my house. Have you ever been in a situation where you really feel a gun would have helped you? I haven't.
Also, I wouldn't shoot a human being to protect objects. I can just about imagine doing that in order to protect people but not things. Here the courts take a very dim view of people using lethal force to protect property and I'm pleased they do. |
Get off the soapbox, Sue........
How am I pessimistic? I stated plain and simple facts. There is more crime in the area I live in then there use to be. Fact, not "feelings".
I would never in a pink fit shoot someone to protect my belongings. In fact, to be honest, I would never lethally shoot someone to protect my own life. I know where I'm going when I die, and I will not send a soul that I don't know has a good place to go into the afterlife. Would I shoot someone who was threatening the life of a family member? Yes. In the leg, or arm, etc. Could I ever shoot a person in a lethal manner for any reason? I honestly don't know. As I mentioned, I am interested in learning to shoot for fun. At targets. And I would like to own a gun just because I can.
I'm a total pacifist, and unless you are at least as respectful of ALL life (given up eating all meat yet, Sue?), then don't lecture me. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 17, 2008 - 12:54 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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| Nostromo wrote: | My weapons of choice is the Phased Plasma Rifle / 40 Watt Range
laser sites optional. Ideal for home defense and close quarters combat. N
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Holy Smokes! That is one mean looking piece of equipment! |
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Post subject:
Posted: Oct 17, 2008 - 12:56 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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Now this is what I have in mind.......
A nice pearl handled Browning. Nice. Oh yeah. |
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