Any Gun Enthusiasts Here? (stamp, watch tv, watch, rifle)

[Mathguy]

I would look around for a gun safety class (generally NRA sponsored) I think some states even have these as mandatory to get a firearms license.

After a class such as this, I would ask myself what I intend to do with the gun and let that make your purchasing decision.

I would suggest the following:
1. A basic cheap .22 where you can shoot bullets for pennies a shot instead of much much more. Either hand-gun or rifle. Rifle can be fun to target shoot, also good for small critters if you like to hunt. (or remove groundhogs from digging out your foundation.....errrrrrrrrrrrr hypothetically speaking)

2. Hunting: Depends what you want to hunt....there is no real limit on variety here. (It varies by state too...ie. you CANNOT deer hunt with high powered rifles in some states)

3. Home protection: Can overlap with #2 depending on what you like to shoot. Call me a sucker for tradition but if I were to need to open up on someone coming into my place with neighbors, family around and fears of bullets carrying through walls....I'm thinking 12-guage with big enough pellets to get the job done.

Frankly, I only own a high-end pellet gun right now....I save my shooting for when I visit my parents as my dad has plenty to go around and it's something we can go do together. Where I live, I just don't have the desire to go by myself and prefer to Fish, hike etc. and then shoot when I go visiting.

[Delaneyland]

Originally Posted by b. frank

I have had a fleeting interest in guns for a while.
The only gun I have ever handled is a .22 revolver - at a makeshift (but legal) shooting range.
I have promised myself that, if I ever get a gun, I will be sure to get educated about proper handling, safety, etc.
Do you have any recommendations for a first gun?
Also, what is the best way to become proficient with it?

The NRA regularly sponsors training classes and they certify all their instructors to ensure continuity in training. Of course, I'm a lifetime member of the NRA and am somewhat bias towards their efforts but I've seen private training that frankly scared the heck out of me. I don't know what you're planning on getting, its pretty tough to make a broad recommendation...its kind of up to you depending on what your shooting desires are. .22 rimfires are very inexpensive to buy and shoot, but you'd be terribly limited in options. There aren't too many indoor ranges (at least around me) that even allow .22 shooting in the range. As far as handguns go, I'm a big fan of both 9mm and 10mm semi autos. I've got numerous semis and I prefer Glocks above anything else I've shot. They are extremely simply, easy to handle, shoot, clean, and care for. 9mm and 10mm ammo is still very easy to find and while significantly more expensive than .22, its about the most reasonably priced handgun ammo amongst popular calibers. The only way to become proficient is practice, practice, practice. Good training goes a long way and will get you on the right path, but throwing lead is the only way to get good. I've probably shot in the 120 - 130k round range and I am a mere rookie in some circles.

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by theqbaby

...
Well I am off to pick up my new Taraus .38 today. Had a 3 day waiting period.

One question I have.. if anyone can give a suggestion, If/when I set up a target, at what distance fron the target (how far back) should I be ???

Again, thanks to all !!! You have been very helpful !

On the distance to set up the target - When you first start out - I would recommend 10-20 yards (30-60 feet) Or anything within that range they have at the shooting facility you'll be going to. That distance will equate to a typical room inside a house, if you're ever faced with a situation where you'll have to use the weapon. Also, like I mentioned before get the .38 Special +P loads, and with the 125 grain hollow-point bullets.

What's the barrel length on the Taurus?

[jdavid93225]

Originally Posted by b. frank

I have promised myself that, if I ever get a gun, I will be sure to get educated about proper handling, safety, etc.
Do you have any recommendations for a first gun?
Also, what is the best way to become proficient with it?

First off, I would like to commend you on your decision to educate yourself before you arm yourself. This is something I think should be done by anyone who even thinks they would like to learn to use a firearm. In fact, I think firearm safety is something that should be taught to kids in schools, but that's another matter.

As for a choice for a "first gun," I would recommend that you take that class first. If there is a hands-on portion of the class, check out the firearms they have available. See what you think of them, and ask about what they should be used for. Then think about what you would want your gun to be used for. Different uses will require different guns.

Many people start with the .22 long rifle caliber (usually called a "22"), either in a rifle or a handgun. These are great for target shooting while keeping expenses low. I personally have several 22s that I use for target shooting, and for basic firearms instruction when I'm working with a novice shooter. If that's the main purpose you have in mind, I'd suggest you purchase a 22. They aren't great for home defense, and can't be used for many types of hunting. If you want a gun for those purposes, you should choose something else.

For home defense, a 12 gauge shotgun has already been mentioned. If you want a shotgun for this purpose, make sure it's short enough to handle easily in a defense situation. I have two shotguns, and one is short (with an 18" barrel) and will work well for home defense, but the other is very long (28" barrel), and would be difficult to handle in a defense situation.

A good all around defense handgun is a .357 Magnum revolver. These can be found in compact to large sizes. They are inexpensive to shoot if you use .38 Special ammunition, but not nearly as inexpensive as a 22. Ammo is easy to find in most areas, so keeping yourself protected is pretty easy to do with something like this. The biggest drawback to a revolver is that you are usually limited to six shots, though some hold seven or eight, depending on caliber. Revolvers are easy to load and shoot, and are generally very reliable.

When it comes to hunting, the choice of firearms is almost endless. There are varmint guns in 22 caliber, as well as smaller .17 HMR caliber, and others that are similar. On the other end of the spectrum, there are large guns for large game, such as moose, elk, and buffalo. There are also mid size guns for deer, antelope, and other mid size game. Then there are shotguns for bird hunting. Ammunition for most hunting firearms is usually much more expensive than either 22 or 38 special.

Finally, to become proficient in the use of firearms, the only thing I can recommend is practice. The only way to become proficient is to do so.

[Magnum Mike]

Okay, here are 3 of my toys.



Springfield M1-A in the .308 Winchester with a Simmons 20x scope



My Colt AR-15 H-BAR with a Bushnell 16x scope.



And my Savage 110VE bolt action target rifle in the 25-06 Remington caliber, with a Simmons 30x scope .

[South Range Family]

Hhhmmmmm... A dangerous pistol grip, a deadly detachable magazine, a flash supressor, quite possibly a bayonet lug, and OH MY GOD, it's painted black. That must be one of those evil "assault weapons" that I keep hearing about. Nice collection there Mike.

[lionking]

nice rifles mate!Here are a couple questions.I have always used a sack stuffed with cloth to use as a rest when sighting in or shooting prone.Some say they use a adjustable bench or sandbags.What would you guys recommend for the best rest,and if you recommend sandbags is there a certain way you position them?

Also,I think it was jgussler,who said he uses airsoft guns to practice around the house.Was looking at some today,they even have one as a copy of a M4.Are these any good,or is it more of a toy.I'll get one if they represent a decent practice gun for home and maybe for the fun.

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by lionking

...I have always used a sack stuffed with cloth to use as a rest when sighting in or shooting prone.Some say they use a adjustable bench or sandbags.What would you guys recommend for the best rest,and if you recommend sandbags is there a certain way you position them?

Most brands of bench rests do come with a leather bag you can fill up with sand and they're good. But I use a rubber rifle/pistol rest made by Millett that looks like a pair of black pyrmids. It's compact, easy to use and it works well. MidwayUSA - Millett Benchmaster Rifle Front and Rear Shooting Rest


As far as positioning them, all you have to do is make sure the sights or scope are lined up correctly with the target, and make the necessary adjustments by where you place the weapon on the rest or adjusting the height, that of course depends on the type of rest you use. With the Millett, all you have to do is place the rifle on the front rest, and you can adjust the height by moving the rear rest forward or backward.

By the way, the MTM pistol/rifle stand shown in the pictures is not designed to be used as a benchrest when you're shooting, it's sole purpose is for cleaning only.

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by South Range Family

Hhhmmmmm... A dangerous pistol grip, a deadly detachable magazine, a flash supressor, quite possibly a bayonet lug, and OH MY GOD, it's painted black. That must be one of those evil "assault weapons" that I keep hearing about. Nice collection there Mike.

LOL.. Uhmm, I think the more "politically incorrect" name is "High Capacity Magazine".

[lionking]

Originally Posted by Magnum Mike

Most brands of bench rests do come with a leather bag you can fill up with sand and they're good. But I use a rubber rifle/pistol rest made by Millett that looks like a pair of black pyrmids. It's compact, easy to use and it works well. MidwayUSA - Millett Benchmaster Rifle Front and Rear Shooting Rest


As far as positioning them, all you have to do is make sure the sights or scope are lined up correctly with the target, and make the necessary adjustments by where you place the weapon on the rest or adjusting the height, that of course depends on the type of rest you use. With the Millett, all you have to do is place the rifle on the front rest, and you can adjust the height by moving the rear rest forward or backward.

By the way, the MTM pistol/rifle stand shown in the pictures is not designed to be used as a benchrest when you're shooting, it's sole purpose is for cleaning only.

Mike I have that rest,good for cleaning but not too good for rested shooting,I need something that is more adjustable for height.Sandbags are probably the best bet for me but what I was wondering is there a proper way to stack them.My duffle bag stuffed with sheets has done the trick before but it's not hard enough.

actually this looks like it might be more what I need,usuable in prone and bench positions.
MidwayUSA - Caldwell Rock BR Competition Front Shooting Rest