Shopping List 101

[randallhilton]

I have an acquaintance who has come to the conclusion that arming is a responsibility he needs to accept. He's asked for some pointers on what to get and as I thought about it, I figure there's a lot of wisdom here which might make me look really smart. :yes4:

He's not going down to Cabela's with a charge card and a wagon to haul his new arsenal. More likely, he'll acquire one piece every 2 or 3 months. Hunting isn't part of the equation at this time.

Below are my thoughts on which arms to get and in what order. I'd love to hear your feedback:

1. 22cal. revolver: Inexpensive 1st weapon, cheap to practice with, offers some transportability for personal protection.

2. 12 or 20 gauge pump shotgun: Covers home defense better than most other arms.

3. 38sp revolver - better for carrying, common ammo, dependable, simple to shoot and maintain.

It seems to me that this would cover the basics. A semi auto pistol makes sense at some point. I'm not real clear about where other long guns fit into the mix unless we start talking about protection from tyranny etc.

What are your thoughts?

[HuntingHawk]

I would go shotgun first as its the best home defence weapon. Then revolver in man stopping power. And being hunting isn't part of the equation, a lever gun in the same caliber as the revolver such as both in 357. But a quality 22 rifle such as a Ruger 10/22 with some 25, 30, or 50rd mags would be nice.

JMO.
Ross

[Teg]

Picking up a Mossberg Maverick 8-shot Security 12 Gauge and a Ruger 10/22 and he could probably be out the door spending under $400 in most cases. Good place to start, for a .22 pistol (http://centerfiresystems.com/22lr_handguns.aspx) or .38 pistol (http://centerfiresystems.com/38special_handguns.aspx) look over at Centerfiresystems (http://centerfiresystems.com/firearms.aspx), they have quite a few low cost .38s and others, you'll just need a local FFL where they can be shipped.

Teg
:yes4:

[Teg]

Check these folks out too, downloaded their pdf catalog, lots of stuff, buyer beware and all of that as I have never done business with these guys.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

[J R Adams]

The above ideas are great. Personally, I would go with a 9mm pistol or revolver (acp w/ half moon clip) for ammo availability. IMO .357 revolver and LA are fine but I would pick up a 9mm semi auto carbine first. Of course, a 12ga pump with 18" barrel is at the top of the list.

As stated in an earlier thread, a pistol is just fine until you can get back to the rifle you should not have dropped in the first place.

[Poonie]

Before any advice should be accepted, you need to ask your friend what exactly he wants the firearms for. Ok, you said he feels the need to arm himself, but for what reason? There are many reasons to arm yourself, but to simply say, "yes this is what I feel he needs isn't going to help him if you have no idea why he wants to arm himself."

You mentioned hunting is not in the equation at this time. Does he feel the need for self protection, or protection of his property and family? Does he simply want guns to shoot for competition or pleasure? How much experience with firearms does this person have? You didn't mention whether this person has any experience around guns? If we had a better idea why this person wants to arm hm or herself, we can then tailor the responses in a more positive way.....

[SmokepoleShooter]

You mentioned that hunting isn't his primary concern, what is? I'd have to agree with going with the shotgun first except that I would find a good used Remington 870 Wingmaster. The express models are Ok but have more plastic such as the trigger guard whereas the wingmaster's are metal. I prefer 12 guage but a 20 will do. Revolver's are nice for simplicity and a .38 is OK but why not get a .357 which will shoot .38 special for reduced recoil target practice. I'd put the .22 at 3rd on my list. Depending upon his geographic location you might consider a centerfire rifle as well. I love these threads and always enjoy reading the different opinions.

[Michael32170]

I have an acquaintance who has come to the conclusion that arming is a responsibility he needs to accept. He's asked for some pointers on what to get and as I thought about it, I figure there's a lot of wisdom here which might make me look really smart. :yes4:

He's not going down to Cabela's with a charge card and a wagon to haul his new arsenal. More likely, he'll acquire one piece every 2 or 3 months. Hunting isn't part of the equation at this time.

Below are my thoughts on which arms to get and in what order. I'd love to hear your feedback:

1. 22cal. revolver: Inexpensive 1st weapon, cheap to practice with, offers some transportability for personal protection.

2. 12 or 20 gauge pump shotgun: Covers home defense better than most other arms.

3. 38sp revolver - better for carrying, common ammo, dependable, simple to shoot and maintain.

It seems to me that this would cover the basics. A semi auto pistol makes sense at some point. I'm not real clear about where other long guns fit into the mix unless we start talking about protection from tyranny etc.

What are your thoughts?

It seems evaluating the perceived threat would be the first step. Then get the most effective weapon for that situation, first.

[Teg]

The list seems to be fairly reasonable, and just about everyone's perceived threat is an intruder in the home, a 12ga pump will easily handle most home intruder situations and doesn't require a great deal of skill to use. The others are the next steps for plinking and later personal defense as he comes more comfortable. No need to get overly complicated about the whole process, so long as he learns safety and how to shoot properly.

Teg

[Mike LI]

I love the 12ga pumps. You could put 1000 people in a dark room and pump it and everyone would know that sound. It's the sound of Oh man am I in the wrong place. Load it up with 7 1/2 or 6 bird shot and ya good to go. Paid 300 with a full set of chokes and it will take up to 3 1/2 mag. Shotgun first and always best all around weapon ever, get the extra barrel or choke for slugs.

I love the rock river AR's. Can get em in 223 or 308 his pick. I like the 223

Remmington 700 nice deer rifle think I paid 400 for mine. Kilt lotsa stuff dead with it. I do hand load though so I have had the time to tweak the loads.

a nice 22 long rifle for plinking and small game.

And nothing says you just picked the wrong guy like a .45 for a hand gun.

Some folks perfer the longer mags in the hand guns I don't care for it and I think with the .45 ya have more stopping and knock down power. It's got a long proven history. The cops all went to 9mm and the bad guys all picked up 45's.

I'm not a fan of the 38 just never liked em but thats me.

[AZTimT]

1. 12 gauge shotgun (Saiga 12 or a good pump already mentioned)
2. 45 acp handgun (FNP 45 w/15 round mags and night sights is my favorite followed by the old 1911)
3. Rifle... any of the .308 based cartridges are really powerful and plentiful .243, 7mm-08.
.223 or 22 mag are cheaper.
.22 LR is the cheapest and the weakest, but better than nothing in a pinch.
Pistol cartridge guns are efficient if matched to a pistol in .357, 9mm, 40S&W, 44mag.

[ArmySGT.]

I have an acquaintance who has come to the conclusion that arming is a responsibility he needs to accept. He's asked for some pointers on what to get and as I thought about it, I figure there's a lot of wisdom here which might make me look really smart. :yes4:

He's not going down to Cabela's with a charge card and a wagon to haul his new arsenal. More likely, he'll acquire one piece every 2 or 3 months. Hunting isn't part of the equation at this time.

Below are my thoughts on which arms to get and in what order. I'd love to hear your feedback:

1. 22cal. revolver: Inexpensive 1st weapon, cheap to practice with, offers some transportability for personal protection.

2. 12 or 20 gauge pump shotgun: Covers home defense better than most other arms.

3. 38sp revolver - better for carrying, common ammo, dependable, simple to shoot and maintain.

It seems to me that this would cover the basics. A semi auto pistol makes sense at some point. I'm not real clear about where other long guns fit into the mix unless we start talking about protection from tyranny etc.

What are your thoughts?

A newbie? A bolt action Marlin .22 and a .357 Magnum revolver.

Each is the simplest to start on and learn with. They will still be useful down the road if their passion for firearms grows.

[offgridbob]

The shotgun is my first chose also but a newby would find it hard to maneuver in tight quarters like a house. The rest of the weapons would cover most of the fun part of shooting. If it's just for home protection I would have him look at the tactacal shotguns with the pistol grips Mossberg has a nice one priced right.

[Faith123]

Shotguns and AR-15's make such an ominous sound, just chambering a round would probably be enough to make an intruder hit the hills.

Anyone see the commercial for a show called "The Preppers?" On it, one gentleman brags "I have a firearm for every member of the household" And thought to yourself, "Only one? Amateur." Not that we have guns for prepping.... we just like guns....

[mo4pintn]

I am new to posting on this site and getting my family prepared. I have never learned about guns in the past because it just wasn't something that my family was into. I am realizing the need to teach my family. My osons are beginning to learn as well. They have both bought them a 22 rifle and are beginning to practice shooting them.

I don't know if this is the proper place to ask it (if not, I apologize).

What would be a good handgun for their next purchase?

I just purchased a SIG for my daughter to begin learning to shoot. (This is what the guy at the gun store suggested.) It shoots 22 ammo.

Also, do any of you know of a good course for her and me to learn to shoot and to care for her gun? I am sorry if this is not right place to ask this question or gets this thread off course. I don't think I can start a new thread yet.

[grumble]

mo4, I hesitate to jump into things like this because there are as many questions as answers, not to mention that a lot of people will have differing answers that might just serve to confuse rather than clarify.

But, just to start the discussion, what are the ages of your kids? 21 is the legal age for a person to own a handgun. Younger people can use an adult's handgun with permission. But, a handgun is much more difficult to handle safely than a long gun, so the maturity of the minor as well as their physical ability to handle it safely enters the equation.

I'd suggest finding a gun-wise mentor, either as a paid instructor or as someone you and the kids are comfortable being around. You can cruise around on youtube and find a lot of good and bad videos that go through the basics of gun handling, cleaning, shooting, and safety. But nothing compares to hands-on training from someone who knows what s/he's talking about.

Check to see if there are any shooting ranges in your locale, and whether they have any scheduled classes that interest you. Do the same with gun stores you've patronized.

Insofar as the type guns you should get, you'll get a dozen opinions. Just remember that opinions are worth what you pay for them, and that everyone has one (as the old joke goes).

You're doing the right thing to get started -- asking questions. That's also the right thing to do after you're an expert.

[mo4pintn]

Grumble, thank you. I am so new to this. My boys are 24 and 21. My daughters are 13 and 17. My sons are beginning to learn. My oldest has been through a hunter's safety course and the course necessary to get a handgun carry permit so he knows more than the rest of us buy has a lot to learn. My 21 year old has just developed an interest and is looking to take a hunter's safety course. My 17 year old daughter is mature for her age and is mature enough to learn and become proficient with the handgun. She can already hit the target part of the time, whereas, I never hit the target. I will be looking for a course locally to teach about handling, caring for and proper shooting techniques.

I just wonder if there is anything obvious that I should be looking for in a gun course.

Thank you for your input.

[grumble]

Yes! Look for an instructor who isn't a blow-hard or a bully, one who will discuss rather than yell when people ask questions or disagree. Nobody knows everything, and if they pretend they do, smile politely and find someone else.

After the basics are past, just about everything is opinion.

Next time before you go out to poke holes in targets, spend at least an hour, in 15-minute sessions, dry firing your handgun. Work on steadiness, sight alignment, and muscle memory. Hold the unloaded gun on the target and slowly squeeze until the hammer snaps, then hold the trigger back without taking the sights off the target. Do it over and over, slowly, thinking about all the things necessary to put a bullet where you want it to go. Practice your grip, get used to the way it feels. Hold the gun in position long enough for the muscles to get tired, then do it again. Concentrate, concentrate, concentrate. If you mind wanders, you aren't learning the behaviors needed to shoot well.

Join the NRA. Huge amount of "free" expert advice in their magazines and training material.

[mo4pintn]

Grumble, thank you. Good advice. I will definitely take it.

[Stinger]

This thread is starting to get a little old; but, I’m sure this subject comes up over and over again as new people make an initial decision to purchase a firearm(s). So, …… I’ll take the time to put in my 2 cents:

1. I’d suggest beginning with either a bolt or lever action 22 LR rifle or carbine. A set of, ‘see-thru’ mounts and a mid-priced 4X scope is almost essential and always very useful to have, too.

All of my own 22 rifles are set up with high quality Leupold 4X scopes. Why? Because I consider skill with rifle optics to be ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to the overall usefulness of any rifle; and every, ‘decent’ rifle marksman will be able to do his best work with - rather than without - a scope on his gun.

Learning how to use a scope well is, also, a very good way to become familiar with: bullet types, ballistics, proper breathing, trigger manipulation, and extremely useful shooting concepts like, ‘point blank range’. (I’ve written long and highly detailed posts on this subject, right here, on BHM.)

True, a 22 LR pistol will be inexpensive to practice with; but, for a novice shooter, its utility stops there. I’ve been using firearms all of my long life; I’m, also, a certified firearms instructor. Know what? I’d just as soon teach a student how to use a 9mm or 38 Special pistol as I would a 22 LR. Many people say that a 22 LR is easier to learn with; but, quite honestly, I’ve never seen any real evidence of this. A 22 LR might get a beginning pistol shooter over his, ‘fear factor’; but, that’s all it’ll do for him.

My experience has been that it’s better to learn on whatever caliber you actually intend to use. In fact I taught my own wife how to use a handgun by starting her out with a 357 Magnum revolver that I (accidentally) forgot to tell her can be a difficult gun to use well. The only break I gave her was that the first 3 or 4 boxes of cartridges were mild target loads. At the end of every shooting session, though, I had her finish up with full-house magnums. All I ever heard her say is, something like, ‘Those last speedloaders seemed to have more powerful bullets in them.'

Well, yeah, they did; but, she never missed a beat; (or the target) and, today, she is a very good shot with her custom-tuned Ruger 357 Magnum. (I rewarded her for being such a good student by getting her a sidearm I’d be proud to carry myself.) Want to know what the hard part was? Teaching her how to clean and regularly maintain her pistol. Gun maintenance is the only part of her training that I'd have to say she flunked! (Maybe she's really really smart, though, because guess who gets to do all the cleaning!)

2. Between a 12 and a 20 gauge shotgun, I’d encourage you to get the 12. A pump action is, probably, best.

3. Get a 357 Magnum revolver - One with a 4 inch barrel. This way, you'll be able to carry it easily; and, if you want to shoot 38 Special you still can. You'll, also, be able to switch between 38 Special and 357 Magnum anytime you, either, want or need to. (Wider choice of ammunition, too.)

[Bugler77]

Everybody has to have scope on there .22 rifle. These days you have to know how to use a scope because they make the majority of rifle, in larger calibers than .22, without any form of manual sights. Now thought is what are you going to do when your out on a hunt and slip and fall. You break or knock or scope out of aligment. Now you have to end your hunt because of this. Well what if there is no replacement or repair for that scope? Then you got a nice prop for something. If you can't use iron sights then you are really limting your self. Your more than not going to miss with a optical sight than make a hit. Just my $0.32 cents. Infaltion.