Posted on 06/15/2022 6:20:19 AM PDT by Blood of Tyrants
Welcome to the world of guns. It’s a world that can be complicated, intimidating, and on occasion, frustrating. It’s also a world of self-reliance, confidence, and, well, fun. Guns are fun, but you have quite a few steps before you get to the fun part. Buying a gun isn’t just a one-click purchase as it should be and requires visiting a gun store or Federal Firearms Licensee holder.
That in and of itself can be intimidating. Guns and gun stores are somewhat niche, and if you’re not lucky enough to be born into them, then you might have zero experience dealing with guns and gun stores. Today we are going to dive into the world of firearms and discuss what you can do to be ready for your first trip to the gun store.
The Gun Store 101 – What To Know
Before you head to the gun store, there is a fair bit of preparation you can do before you darken the door of local firearms dealer. One of the first things you should know about guns is that safety is always paramount. Even at the highest levels of shooting and training, safety always takes priority. In the world of firearms, we have a variety of safety rules, but I won’t hit you with all of them.
[snip]
Finally, don’t tie up a gun store and employees for an hour and then purchase online [or go to a big box store] to save ten bucks. That’s fairly rude, and the phrase transfer fee will be something you’ll learn about the hard way.
(Excerpt) Read more at gatdaily.com ...
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Same here. First handgun I ever bought was a cheapo (RG)slow to load cowboy style revolver.
During the riots of 1968, I got rid of it and bought a 12 shot BHP! Wish I still had the BHP. During the riots I wanted FIREPOWER!
my 1st was a gunshow at the scottish rite temple
Amen
“That last chaps me because I have spent many hours with “customers” who will come in and get my advice and then go to a big box store to save $30-$40.
I don’t like that at any store. I often hear people boast that they wasted a Best Buy employee’s time while shopping for a TV they bought cheaper from Amazon. The reason it costs more at Best Buy is that they have to pay that guy to wait on you.”
I used to run into that working at a bicycle shop. What we didn’t mind was someone buying parts online and then bringing them to us to install.
Checking reviews on popular social media CAN be helpful, as long as you realize that the subject matter is firearms, and (unfortunately) that brings out something weird in people. You should expect at least 10% foaming negative reviews for the best places.
I once heard the remark - ‘horse people are weird’ - which was both accurate and concise. Same goes for ‘gun people’ - even the best firearms shops are going to have ‘characters’ and different vibes, even from day to day. Best way to approach these places is the same as any other place - be open, friendly, and don’t take others personality flaws too seriously.
EAA, Springfield, and FN currently sell their versions of the P35, supposedly parts-interchangeable with the Browning branded pistols we all know and love.
10-22 at Montgomery Wards,
Still in the Family!
I got an m1 carbine!
Most of the "proper" Fun Stores I've visited were also great BS Emporiums for retirees and the "Lunchtime Loafers". Our LGS usually has better prices than online. Plus, he has a corner that seems to attract leftovers from Reloaders Gone Bye. No tellin what you'll find in that lil pile.
Ya can't get that experience in a big box store. d:^)
And yup, gun threads get "interesting".
I’ll toss out a “food for thought” experiment. As hobbies or interests go I have several that seem to involve a disproportionately steep learning curve with lots of different gear/equipment and such. These hobbies/interests are: firearms, ham radio, and cooking. It seems it is possible to go well down the rabbit hole into any of these areas. I’m sure there are many others. This post about first sticking your proverbial toe into the firearms waters reminded me of my initial interest in the other hobbies. You start out “hey this is kinda neat” and then there is the almost overwhelming realization of how big the topic is and how many paths there are to run down within it.
For hobbies such as this, it is good to have a mentor to walk you through the process.
We taught our kids firearm safety, how to cook with what you have and how to treat your own minor wounds.
Always wanted a
Paratroopers model !
A bit pricey now.
I paid $150
Ham Radio-—
Gotta get my Base station
Back up! Have You put ANT.
‘2 ways’ in a new Aluminum
Bodied Truck?
DANG!
.
Making Bank!
1. Always purchase the largest caliber you can afford. It's a direct reflection of your manliness, especially if you happen to be a woman. (If you're a weirdo you shouldn't be owning guns and should stick to reading the Washington Post and Atlantic Magazine). If there's a .45 in the display case, ask for a .46 or a .47. The salesperson will appreciate it.
2. Do your research first. Hollywood films are the best source for up-to-date information on firearms performance, especially if they happen to feature Alec Baldwin. For more detailed information, the operators in the paintball section of Amazon are full of excellent advice.
3. Be sure to share any training you may already have, such as high scores on Call of Duty, Wolfenstein, or Doom. Escape from Tarkov is only valid if you're purchasing an AK-47 (note - ask for an AK-48 - see item 1 above).
4. The best source for firearms knowledge is the Internet, due to the excellent fact-checking that goes on before you can post to any of the gun forums. If a poster states that he is a six-tour Army Ranger qualified as a Navy Seal and Marine Recon, he's the one you want to listen to, especially if he also has extensive Airsoft experience.
5. Don't lie on your 4473 unless you're Hunter Biden.
Glad I could help.
I would never recommend one of those antiquated museum pieces. That's like trying to steer a new driver to a Model T. There's much newer and better firearms that would be much better suited to the new shooter.
I got all 3 of my handguns from the owner/dealer, as he let you try them at the range, Also taught the permit class. Ret. Cop. Didn’t take long to figure out what fit my small hands, if the kickback was ok. First was a Bersa, .380, Arthur made racking it hard, moved to a Taurus Ultra-Lite .38, hand surgery forced another change, S/W Hammerless Airweight .38, that sucker has a big butt. And they didn’t make a holster for it. Old Miltary Vet/Train Engineer made me a J frame leather pancake, US Made and Veteran-made. Too bad covid forced him to close and put the range up for sale, owned it 40 yrs.
It just doesn’t conceal well. But the trigger is lighter.
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