First Gun Help!

[voiceofreason]

Whatever decisions you make, just be sure you get the necessary training prior to handling them. Take as many classes as you can and know the basic firearm rules inside and out, forward and backward. Good luck and be safe!

^^THIS cannot be understated^^

[voiceofreason]

If I were you I would get a Glock 9mm, either a G-17 or G-19. The G-19 is better suited for concealed carry & can still use the G-17 & G-18 magazines. IMO the Glock is the best starter handgun there is. They are 100% reliable & very simple. Learn to shoot it well, then decide if you want a: striker fired (Glock, Baby Browning), single action (Browning High Power or clones like the CZ, Feg, etc. BTW that is my 2nd choice for a pistol), double action (P-38, but I really don't like DA's), Double Action Only (don't know, don't care & won't own a DAO), or a wheel gun. Don't get caught up in the pistol caliber hype either. They is very little difference between 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP in regards to "stopping power". BTW "stopping power" or worse yet, "knock down power" is a myth. Watch: "Deadly Weapons: Firearms & Firepower" to see the myth of "knockdown power" exposed by Davis. A 1-2.4mm increase in size, is not some monumental increase in lethality. All 3 rounds have put plenty of people to bed. All that matters is that the round used is effective. Shot placement is vastly more important than myths & marketing. For me firepower is vastly more important than "stopping power". 9mm high capacity pistols have the most firepower, so that is my simple choice.

Shotgun: Why do you want one? They are a very good example of a compromise. They are too big to use in confined spaces, are ineffective at anything over short range & are limited in capacity.

^^Lots of good stuff there^^

Marlin 795 .22 rifle, get a rebate for it if possible, + 3 magazines as a first starter gun.

Maybe a Ruger 22/45 as a 2nd gun, or if you feel the need for a defensive pistol,

Glock 17, 19 & M&P full size 9mm are good choices for first handguns.

Hold off on the shotguns & large caliber rifles for now like someone above has already mentioned.

(I have nothing against revolvers, but know that most training is centered around semis, so start with a semi to keep things simple.)

[SeanCasey]

As far as an FFL in Hesperia, PM yzernie on this forum. He is a great guy and run a home FFL in Hesperia. He will help you get what you want at very good prices. He can probably help make some recommendations as well.

[Aleous]

Thanks everyone for your input! Just went to my first gun shop a couple of days ago, High Desert Guns and Ammo. Was very nice, people were very helpful, answered all of my questions and let me handle anything I was even slightly interested in. So I guess I've made my choices to the first 6 firearms I am going to buy which are:

Beretta Px4 Storm 9mm(felt amazing in my hand)
Ruger Gp100 .357 4in(fell in love with this one the most handling it)
Rock Island Armory XT 22/45(hope they come out soon, still no set msrp)

Marlin 70 Papoose(my choice for my first 22 rifle)
Remington 870 Express tactical(Awesome shotgun, felt better than a Mossy to me)

And looking to build my first AR like someone mentioned. Looking at buying a Palmetto Armory mid length light rifle kit, now just need to decide what stripped lower to buy and where. Oh and thanks for the tip Sean, gonna try and contact Yzernie tomorrow. Prolly will be able to aford half of what I intend to buy in about 2 weeks, just have to decide what to buy first! Anyway thank you all again an if you have any more advice or tips I'm always grateful.

[jj805]

First, welcome to Calguns. Second, I didn't read all the posts, but if it hasn't already been mentioned, get a gun safe.

[Agent 0range]

First, welcome to Calguns. Second, I didn't read all the posts, but if it hasn't already been mentioned, get a gun safe.

Perhaps the most important purchase of all!

[todd2968]

I think the Bersa 9mm is not on the Doj list
I suggest you go to a range and rent a few see what you like.
I suggest going cheap but long lasting to make sure you keep you interest
Ruger or Taurus

[Nodaedul]

Buy what you like, you don't need to start or learn with any specific gun. My first gun was a Sig Sauer in .40 S&W. I chose that because I liked the way it looked, felt, and it was my favorite pistol in Counterstrike. That's right.

Since then I've tried to fill all the important gaps. .22 pistol, micro pistol, huge caliber pistol, semi auto rifle, 12 gauge... You'll get there. Safety rules are the same for every gun so no need to start small.

[voiceofreason]

You REALLY need to shoot the guns before buying it.

Like purchasing a car without test driving it and basing the purchase on sitting in it in a showroom.

Reputation means a LOT. If it's not a common gun, finding a holster and accessories for it may be more difficult.

[Aleous]

Decided on the more reputable Beretta Px4 9mm for my first pistol, Ruger gp100 .357 4in for my first revolver, and when it finally comes out the Rock Island armory 1911 22/45 XT.

[1lostinspace]

Welcome to calguns
What I tell every new guy out there that has never bought a gun before your first gun should be a .416 Beret.
And eat more broccoli

[Aleous]

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome and help/advice! So after getting in touch with a great FFL here(Yzernie, can't say enough how awesome he is) and finding out whats feasible to acquire and buy I have figured out my final list, will post up top. Things like the Marlin Papoose and Remington 870 Express Tactical are either too popular or rare and are hardly ever in stock so picked some alternatives instead. Now just need to decide on what to pick for my first handgun this week....Beretta Px4 Storm 9mm or Ruger Gp100 .357 magnum.

[voiceofreason]

What's wrong with "too popular"?

Is this a fashion show?

Popular means easy parts and accessories availability, more people know how to work, fix, clean, help you with it for both maintenance and operation.

Cars, tools, guns, etc. are popular for a reason. Usually because it works pretty decently.

If you're collecting and want rare, you're not going to find much in CA over most counters.

If it's a "fun gun", then it doesn't matter what anyone but you thinks.

[Aleous]

I meant too popular as in hard to find and buy...I still want them, but being too popular can be bad too, always out of stock. I just opted to choose something more readily available even though it wouldn't be my first choice.

[Agent 0range]

I meant too popular as in hard to find and buy...I still want them, but being too popular can be bad too, always out of stock. I just opted to choose something more readily available even though it wouldn't be my first choice.

Patience is a virtue. Take your time and make sure you get what you actually want. I know there are some people that have been waiting for months for Spikes Tactical parts because that is what they want! A remington 870 express tactical shouldn't be too hard to find if you shop around. Big 5 puts them on sale every couple months.