Posted on 01/13/2013 8:21:40 PM PST by Aria
I live in what is considered a safe neighborhood and stay in "safe" areas, never had a problem YET.
Not familiar with guns although my husband used to have quite a collection and I had a Baretta shotgun. I'm not so much afraid of home invasions or robberies at this point - but times are changing. What I'm more afraid of is our government setting off a stampede of marauding hoards.
I have NO clue what might be useful for me - need advice.
Perhaps you should try out different types of firearms at a shooting range.
Never have been to a firing range - they have different types of arms to try?
I agree with Paleo...and yep, the ranges I’ve been at do have ones you “rent” for the night. I’d also get yourself a private instructor...it goes faster.
You’ll be SOOOOOOOOO hooked on going to the range it’ll be unreal.
Well, that’s what I’ve heard and all. ;) :) :)
The NRA Basic pistol course will have different pistols. Find someone who teaches it in your local area.
I went to the local gun club for a basic skills class, and joined. We could try all types of fire arms.
The club has an active membership and offer events almost every day of the week. Members train, teach, mentor, etc.
I found that trying out the different guns is important to determining what you can hold, aim and use.
Check the NRA for Basic skills or other courses in your area as well as gun clubs.
Ping
Whatever you decide to buy, the key is *HOW* you use it.
Here is a video with some helpful hints -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iDnEkFSMRik#
Most will have a selection of arms to rent. Being that you’re female, expect the male chauvanist pig attitude from a lot of gun shop employees.
Depending on what area you’re in, you can find some good folks that can help you out. Might want to also talk to some of the ladies at the Second Amendment Sisters group.
If you’re near the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, look us up at the link in my sig line. My wife can take you to the range and help you pick a gun.
I hesitate to give advice leaning one way or another for various reasons. You need to find what feels good in your hand and what you can handle live fire. Also, men will usually try to steer you to cutsy little pink POS pistols in .22 or .380. Avoid that. Look at the full spectrum and don’t go cheap.
Remember, what you put into a gun is the exact amount you value your family and yourself. Look for good quality and ask lots of questions. Don’t just go with the gun of the week on the internet.
There are introductory classes taught almost everywhere. Don’t buy a firearm until you have an idea of how to handle it safely. IF you can find a local gun range, or gun shop, they can help you find someone; maybe they will have time to get you started with the basics.
Some firing ranges have guns available for rent.
Lots of things enter into the question about what is the right firearm for you. Hand size, recoil tolerance, whether or not you plan to carry it or keep it in your nightstand at night, etc., etc. Another thing to consider is how you are going to keep it separated from any children in your life. Guns and kids don’t mix well.
Oh my gosh. LOL!!!
Were you familiar and comfortable with your Beretta?
I’ll be 65 in a couple of months. I’m a veteran.
Imagine my surprise when I found I’d been doing it all wrong all these years.
Didja get all embarrassed and all? LOL!!!
Thank you so much everyone - great ideas. I will make contacts with the local NRA and go from there. Glad I didn’t jump into something without asking Freepers first.
Freepers are the BEST!
We went skeet shooting and I was ok with it but that was all. I didn’t miss it when my husband got rid of our collection.
If I were in the market at this moment and had nothing at all, I would look at the SKS. I believe it’s likely to survive the ban when the Rino’s cave in and it’s still a fighting weapon. Especially three or four of them together.
Any one know anything about NJ law on buying guns. Can I buy out of state without a permit if I am a Jersey resident? I am told it may take 3 months to get cleared.
There are two critical issues you really need to address.
First, attempting to bluff with a firearm is a potential disaster. If you bring a firearm to a deadly force confrontation, you must be able to kill with it. If you can't get rid of it.
Second, you absolutely must learn the use of deadly force laws where you live. When and when not to use a firearm to defend yourself and/or property is not governed by common sense or what you have read in books or seen on TV or the movies. The use of deadly force is governed by technical laws and past legal discussions. It has nothing to do with justice or fair play.
You are doing the right thing, you just need to be prepared for the obvious worst case outcome. While you are at it look into a concealed carry license along with a course on using you selected firearm. Good Luck.
Pump shotguns are still available and have not increased in price. Yet. I would suggest getting a $200 12 gauge shotgun and some 00 buck shells if you want something for home defense.
If you want a good shotgun, get a Remington 870. Can't go wrong. More expensive, but something to be proud of.
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