Beginner Seeking Advice, Info

[J09]

Hi. I'm interested in buying a handgun for protection, never have before, and I know absolutely nothing about how this goes. If anyone could help me with some of the basics- how much should i be prepared to spend, what tests/liscenses are required beforehand, where are reccomended places around oakland/bay area to go- i'd really appreciate it.
I'm sure this info is available elsewhere, but i've been having a hard time getting it all together, or have been getting some contradicting and confusing stuff. Thanks alot.
Jesse
Oakland

[Black Majik]

Welcome into the sport of firearms!

First things first, read up on all the threads, find out what you feel would fit you. Learn the 4 rules:

1) All guns are ALWAYS loaded
2) Never point the gun at anything you're not willing to destroy
3) Always keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot
4) Be sure of your target and whats beyond it.

For a new shooter, I would suggest getting a .22 to get you down with the basics. This allows the shooter to properly learn how to shoot without any bad habits.

Most importantly, take a NRA safety course. They'll teach you how to properly handle and respect a firearm, as well as how to properly shoot a firearm.

Stop by some gunstores and handle a few firearms that interest you. If you want something bigger than a .22, say a 9mm, ask the dealer what he'd recommend as a beginner pistol. Hopefully he'll be helpful and show you a few handguns. Dont be afraid to ask questions, as well as asking him let you handle any firearm that interests you. Also stop by the range, maybe also find somene you know familiar with firearms. Go ahead and shoot a few different guns and calibers to see what would fit you best.

While recommending a .22 as a first gun is definitely the best option, .22's get boring to shoot after a while. If this is the case, get a 9mm and put on a .22 conversion kit on it. Such as a CZ75 with a Kadet kit on it.

An HSC (Handgun Safety Certificate) is required to purchase a handgun. The test is very easy, common sense type questions regarding handgun safety and handling. Its $25 to take the test.

Take your time, research the forums, ask questions, and find out what your budget is. Theres a buncha good people here that can help you.

Also, dont believe what you see in the movies. Lastly.... dont use the word "clips" when you're talking about magazines for a autoloader. Its taboo here.

Good luck in your quest.

[C.G.]

In addition, go to a range that rents handguns and try as many as you can, especially the big sellers. Handguns are very individual, they need to fit your hand (as one member put it: Hanguns are like underwear, you can't have someelse choose ithem for you.) and feel balanced. Most likely you will like 9mm initially, but once you decide on some options try other calibers as well, you may be able to handle them just fine.

[rkt88edmo]

Pretty much what Black Majik said.

A new centerfire pistol is going to run about 550 to 800 out the door depending on what you settle on. Throw in a course & ammo & range fees and you will hit $1000 pretty quick.

There is also the advice of John Ross:
http://www.john-ross.net/newbies.htm it is titled Defensive Firearms for Newbies

Bayprofs has a Nov. date coming up http://bayprofs.org/Classes.html

[Gnote]

Get the HSC manual and read. It costs around 50 cents. It is light reading but if you never been around handguns before, it will still get you some worthy info.

I am going to detour from the conventional (but very good) advice already posted and say start out with a 9mm. Recoil maybe a little much (it was for me) but whe you learn how to properly grip and avoid limp wrist, recoil on a 9mm is tame. Keep in mind that the heavier the gun, the less felt recoil you'll experience.

Most importantly though, take gun safety and proper handling very seriously.

[J09]

Thanks for the replies. Could you reccomend any shops that would be good for slightly intimidated newbies like myself? Someplace welcoming to sort it all out, walk me through it. My budget's definetly gonna be closer to around 400-500, hope that's workable. I don't have a problem buying used. Should I?

[Ericthenorse]

Whatever you do... Do not go to the Old West Gun Room in El Cerrito. It is a cool shop, but the guy has something lodged way up his posterior. His father(who started the business) was great, but if he knows that you are new to guns, he will be rude and condicending. I don't remember the name, but out in Fairfield there is an indoor range that has just about any gun you can think of for rent by the hour. go there and shoot them all and see what works for you. They are pretty nice guys, and very honest. they will not try to sell you something you don't need. I just moved out of oakland. (27th and Telegraph) GET A GUN QUICK>>>>>

[double_action]

Handguns are very individual, they need to fit your hand (as one member put it: Hanguns are like underwear, you can't have someelse choose ithem for you.) and feel balanced.

What C.G. said... except try a .45.

[saki302]

Want a cheap, good gun?

Find yourself a Makarov. The ammo is cheap, the gun is astoundingly cheap (probably can find one for $200 OTD), but it's not CHEAP! It's quite a nice pistol for the price. This is coming from a guy who owns H&K's, Sigs, Colts, etc.
I was impressed enough when a guy let me try his that I bought one.
There are no reasons to ever buy a Hi-point pistol when things liek the Makarov and Tokarev exist for near the same price.

If you have the cash for something better, by all means, go for it, but the Mak and Tok are good starter pistols.
You may want to consider a good DA revolver (I like the S&W 686" for newbies), and start with .38 loads, then work up to .357's. You get 7 shots, and have much less junk to deal with than a semi.

-Dave

[PanzerAce]

In addition, go to a range that rents handguns and try as many as you can, especially the big sellers. Handguns are very individual, they need to fit your hand (as one member put it: Hanguns are like underwear, you can't have someelse choose ithem for you.) and feel balanced. Most likely you will like 9mm initially, but once you decide on some options try other calibers as well, you may be able to handle them just fine.

Second that. I would say that you should try all of the common sizes (.22, 9mm, .38, .45, etc) before you actually buy one.

[jdberger]

In addition to all the East Bay places that treelogger mentioned, try out Irvington Arms in Fremont.

It is small and usually not terribly crowded (don't go on a Tuesday morning, though)

BigMac is a forum member and a generally nice guy

He has a pretty decent selection and if he doesn't have it, he's happy to order it for you.

Oh, I forgot...a big plus...he has a huge dog that likes to lift you up by the crotch...!!

[bluesky]

Get the HSC manual and read. It costs around 50 cents. It is light reading but if you never been around handguns before, it will still get you some worthy info.

You can also download a PDF version from the states website:
http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/hscsg.pdf



Cheers!

[ryang]

If you intend to use for self defense then I strongly recommend reading Massad Ayoob's book, "In the Gravest Extreme". Knowing the laws around self defense is really important.

Target Masters won't rent to a single person unless they already own a gun. Too many suicides. Bring a friend to shoot together and they'll rent. Their rentals guns are the low to middle end of the price range.

I shoot at Reed's Indoor Range in Santa Clara because it's near my work. You can rent by yourself but their rentals are the middle to high end of the price range. You might find yourself liking a gun that's too expensive.

More important than an expensive gun is having enough extra cash to shoot a lot of rounds through it. Keep that in mind when choosing a pistol.

For self defense 9mm/.38 is the minimum caliber. Some pundits claim .357SIG, .40S&W and .45 ACP are the only way to go. Again, in the beginning how accurately you shoot is more important than what you shoot with.

[PanzerAce]

well, all I know is that I have a kick *** deal for rentals. Its a 8 buck range fee, 5 bucks for the first gun, and then after that, all you pay for is the ammo, and can switch guns at any time. And, they might start giving us UCM people a discount!

[sparrow]

unfortunitly there are no gun stores in oakland (no firearm sales are allowed in city limits) as far as i know you can still own one. the best way to start out is first go to the range and take a instuction coures, i think the range in san leandro on davis st. still has a course and the hunter safty course isn't a bad idea ethier. most courses will teach you safe handling and techniqes as well as storage and maintiance of firearms. also san leandro has a great gun store to visit, stop buy and look at the different modles and calibers to see what best suits your needs.

as for your price range a CZ 75 runs 400-500 and comes in 9mm or .40s&w and are great guns, some shops also sell remanufactrued glocks for about the same or alittle more with a full factory warranty. springfield XD's run 550-650 same caliber's also a good choice. .22's aren't man stopers but if you deside on one i recommend a ruger mark II or III, great plinkers and run 250-300

hope this helps