Intro

[Beantown]

Hey all,

Im new to guns and interested in getting one. Over the weekend was out 4 wheeling and camping and a couple other guys brought guns and i shot off some rounds from a 38 revolver, it was pretty sweet. I am interested in getting a gun for protection, survival...i head out 4 wheeling and camping a lot in the middle of nowhere, but mostly for fun shooting, i hope i would never have to actually use it for what it is. im planning a 3 day camping trip in the sierra mountains soon at a primitive camp area only 4 wheel drive accessible, it would be nice piece of mind to have a gun with me just in case whatever happens.

my friend said i should go shoot some guns at a range to see what i like. so im heading over to sharpshooters in Torrance soon with a friend, then im gonna go pick something up right away. ive got a big bear 4 wheeling trip coming up and i guess there are places to shoot back there where the trails are, so that would be fun to do, the other guys are going to bring their guns this trip.

Im looking to get a semi-automatic pistol of some sorts for my frist gun, planning and getting something used in the 500 dollar range.

[bsg]

welcome to the forum.

[ElvenSoul]

Welcome and for that amount...you could get new.

[DeanW66]

Welcome aboard! There are many options to fill what you are looking for; have fun with your search!

[DeanW66]

Welcome aboard! There are many options to fill what you are looking for; have fun with your search!

[den888]

Welcome!

[Pinto]

Welcome to Calguns. Lots of choices - have fun in the search.

[biloutkast]

Welcome aboard~!

If your looking for a 9mm, try to rent these: XD9, M&P9, Sig 2022, Glock 17, 19
or a Ruger P95 which cost around $300 new +tax,dros.

[SoCal Bob]

Welcome to Calguns. While not the most stylish, Ruger semi-autos work well, are built like tanks and can usually be found for a really good price. Currently 9mm is about the least expensive and most plentiful centerfire pistol cartridge.

You already have experience with a revolver and they are extremely reliable. A new or used Ruger or Smith & Wesson .357 magnum gives you a lot of versatility in that you can shoot .357 magnum, 38 +P or 38 special.

Don't overlook picking up a .22 pistol or rifle. .22's are usually inexpensive to buy and a box of 500+ .22lr rounds is about $20 at Walmart. Lots of shooting time for very little money.

Good luck with your search.

[Beantown]

hey thanks for the advice. whats the typical price for 9mm rounds and 38? 20 bucks for 500 rounds sounds like a nice deal. ill make sure to shoot a 22 pistol at the range.

thanks

[SoCal Bob]

Prices vary but the quickest way would be for you to stop by a Walmart, Turner's, Bass Pro Shop, etc to see what the local going rate is. I usually buy in bulk (other than .22lr) so my prices may not match up with what you may find near you.

.22's are also great to introduce others to shooting because of no recoil and lower noise. Watch the for sale ads in the marketplace forum, there are some great deals there.

[.22guy]

Welcome to Calguns!

[Big Jake]

Welcome aboard!

[BayAreaShooter]

Welcome aboard. Its a good idea to shoot different guns to see what fits you best and what caliber fits you well. If you are going to mainly be using it for a "camp" gun I would consider a revolver in .357 magnum or .44 magnum.

[Beantown]

Welcome aboard. Its a good idea to shoot different guns to see what fits you best and what caliber fits you well. If you are going to mainly be using it for a "camp" gun I would consider a revolver in .357 magnum or .44 magnum.

Im curious what you mean by camp gun and why you would consider a .357 or .44, is it for more stopping power against dangeruos animals such as bears? i would personally, and well since i don't have a gun, use bear spray as ive read its very effective.