where to start???

[SocomM4]

Ar15 lower and a couple rebuild kits. You can get shotgun anytime.

[Agent 0range]

870 for sure. Wait for the Big 5 sale. I started with the 870, had a .40 3 months later, and an AR-15 a few months after that. This won't be your only gun, just the first. Get the SG now and pick up a stripped lower in a few months when the frenzy dies down and prices drop a little.

[n3rdc0re]

Thanks for the advice guys...... think im going to go with the 870 and wait for ar 15 lowers to drop in price in a couple months.

[alfred1222]

+1 for the 870

[GunzNHoses89]

Shotgun first. The AR project will start to consume you, you'll need to take time to make sure that you get quality parts and get what you like. Then you're going to want to build another, and another...

[n3rdc0re]

I'm actually waiting to get my taxes done as I type...... Printed out a list of all the Bay Area gun shops and am going to start calling around. Maybe I can pick up something used in pretty good condition.

[em9sredbeam]

I am in the bay area if you want to try out a few toys, I have a Remington 870 (though I am not sure where around that can be shot at targets) an xd40, and a few other handguns if you want to test a couple out. Shoot me a PM if you are interested.

[stix213]

I'd go handgun so you can keep it in a quick open safe next to the bed. Shotgun is more likely to be locked up in the big safe when seconds count.

[SacTown]

I choose a shotgun as my primary HD weapon. 00 buck is a fine man stopper with devastating effects. My handgun is backup, unless I'm out and about outside my castle.

[john67elco]

For home defence I would say the rem 870 or a mossberg 500 12 gauge and use the left over to buy ammo

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[SocomM4]

Look for a police trade in, then spend the money you save vs new on a decent light and some good HD ammo. #1 buck is best for HD.

[L84CABO]

Find range with a good rental counter. Start there. You'll gain far more knoweldge in an hour or so than you will here.

Then get whatever speaks to you. You'll get lot's of advice on what your FIRST gun should be. But you'll be far more likely to educate yourself and stay with it if it's something that you're interested in.

A shotgun is a great gun for home prortection. Everyone should have one. But it's a big gun with a whole lot of recoil. You may not find it enjoyable to actually shoot.

And don't get me wrong. They can be tons of fun! Especially if you get into skeet and such. But in some ways, they seem like a more advanced firearm to me. And I'm not talking about their operation...which is pretty simple. As I said, the recoil is pretty significant. And learning the skeet ropes requires more active participation on your part. In comparison, a pistol is pretty straight forward, has very manageable recoil, and can be simple and a lot of fun to shoot paper at a range.

However, if the elements of a shotgun appeal to you...then go for it!

[n3rdc0re]

Find range with a good rental counter. Start there. You'll gain far more knoweldge in an hour or so than you will here.

Then get whatever speaks to you. You'll get lot's of advice on what your FIRST gun should be. But you'll be far more likely to educate yourself and stay with it if it's something that you're interested in.

A shotgun is a great gun for home prortection. Everyone should have one. But it's a big gun with a whole lot of recoil. You may not find it enjoyable to actually shoot.

And don't get me wrong. They can be tons of fun! Especially if you get into skeet and such. But in some ways, they seem like a more advanced firearm to me. And I'm not talking about their operation...which is pretty simple. As I said, the recoil is pretty significant. And learning the skeet ropes requires more active participation on your part. In comparison, a pistol is pretty straight forward, has very manageable recoil, and can be simple and a lot of fun to shoot paper at a range.

However, if the elements of a shotgun appeal to you...then go for it!

im a big guy (6'6'' 350lbs and shrinking) so the recoil doesnt bother me too much. when i go shooting with my bro inlaw i have him bring the bolt action 30-06 along. even after 200 rds my shoulder feels fine.

im going to keep looking around to see what i like better but im leaning more toward a hand gun.

[killrkelt]

well, you cant go wrong with the shotgun. lots to be said for the .45 on my nite stand as well. my dog is my first line of defense (he will sound the alarm). wouldnt go with a 9mm for sole HD. too much penetration. more so with the ar. all that $#!t will go rite through the walls and into your loved ones. stick with the street howitzer and use some common sense and you should be in good shape.

[NYT]

well, you cant go wrong with the shotgun. lots to be said for the .45 on my nite stand as well. my dog is my first line of defense (he will sound the alarm). wouldnt go with a 9mm for sole HD. too much penetration. more so with the ar. all that $#!t will go rite through the walls and into your loved ones. stick with the street howitzer and use some common sense and you should be in good shape.

I'm guessing you haven't read about penetration tests with new 9mm and 556 home defense ammunition...

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