Gun buying...

Diesel · #1 11-30-2005, 05:22 PM

Can someone shed some light on how one goes about buying a gun? Do you just wander into a gun shop? I know that it varies by state, but what's the norm? Do I have to get a license from the state before I buy? Or is it like buying a car, you select one and the dealer does all of the screening/licensing?

While I'm at it, any recommendations for particular brands/types/models for simple anti-burglar purposes. I'd definitely want a handgun.

If your name is Skye, do not post in this thread. Also, if you are from the Eastern Hemisphere, do not post any anti-gun dribble in this thread.

pipesdrums · #2 11-30-2005, 05:54 PM

Just curious, what do you need a handgun for?

Carowinds 73-03 · #3 11-30-2005, 05:54 PM

You can just wonder into a gun shop and buy one but there is a waiting period like 10 days until you get the gun.

Then you must apply for a permit with the state to carry the gun.

coasterlove · #4 11-30-2005, 05:57 PM

I know many states including my own (Illinois) require a license. I'd suggest checking to see if your states does. As for the gun itself, what are you looking to get? Is it a handgun you want or something else?

If it's a handgun, I can ask my brother. He's a new police officer and has tried out and experimented ([I]by killing random people[/I]) with different handguns. He also goes to the shooting range fairly often and has asked if I wanted to go. Although I was having a [I]Skye[/I] moment and said no.

Lancelot · #5 11-30-2005, 07:12 PM

haha skye....

The best thing to do is ask the gun shop owner themselves. In the mean time, get a machete.

Chris L · #6 11-30-2005, 07:24 PM

I bought a handgun for kicks and shot off my left leg by accident. Now I have a pirate style wood peg in its place. he he

Diesel · #7 11-30-2005, 07:27 PM

[quote=pipesdrums]Just curious, what do you need a handgun for?[/quote]

To shoot people who end sentences prepositions with.

Read my post. The answer is there.

To Coasterlove, yes it is a handgun.

I'm trying to avoid wandering in without getting facts first. I tried googling it, but I got 1.9 million links screaming about gun control. I'd rather not look like a tool when I ask the gun dealer what I'm supposed to do.

YoungStud · #8 11-30-2005, 07:37 PM

get a glock diesel. In most states if you buy a gun with a valid drivers license within your home state, all they do is run a quick background check.

The Gent · #9 11-30-2005, 10:11 PM

Hey Diesel - Gun shop owners WANT to be asked questions. If you are a total novice they may even recommend a course in learning how to handle your gun. The last thing they need is bad publicity - like you accidentally shooting yourself or someone else. Don't worry about looking like a fool. When it comes to something like this the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask.

M1hockeydude · #10 11-30-2005, 10:31 PM

Go to your local Department of Natural Resources page and start there. (for safety at least) Uhfortunately I'm not good with hand guns and I only use shot guns. If you are ever interested in a shot gun, get any kind of Benneli, also, if they have Benneli hand guns (I'm not sure) try to get your hands on those.

CoasterJunkie · #11 11-30-2005, 11:01 PM

Any reputable gun shop should know the law for that state, same with reputable pawn shops. As for brand, I'd go with a Glock, if you can afford it. VERY reliable, safe, accurate and easy to maintain. Also, make sure to have a place to lock it away SECURELY, such as a gun safe/lockbox. Other good brands would be Beretta, Smith and Wesson, and Walther.

**Marcus** · #12 11-30-2005, 11:12 PM

Gun Shop?

Look all you need is 2 pounds of weed and a fifth of Jack. Gather up a couple homies and head to ghetto. Find someone to make the exchange, you could probably get a couple of very nice handguns, and hope they don't shoot you and take your ****.

JordanMullins · #13 11-30-2005, 11:14 PM

Its AMERICA MAN!!! You can buy a gun the same place you buy your pants, all you need to do is register and have some bankround checks done so people know you can handle the weapon properly.

**Brian F** · #14 12-01-2005, 01:37 AM

[QUOTE=Diesel]

While I'm at it, any recommendations for particular brands/types/models for simple anti-burglar purposes. I'd definitely want a handgun.

[/QUOTE]

Okay, I'm going to stray away from what you made clear for a minute, but bear with me.

For home defense, there is NOTHING better than a 12 gauge shotgun. Something pump action like a Mossberg 500 with a reasonably short barrel. Load it with 00 buckshot.

That said, if you are dead set on a handgun, and have no experience with handguns, I would recommend a revolver. I would suggest a .357 Magnum. The .357 magnum is a proven man stopper, a revolver is simple to operate, and with a .357 you can practice with cheaper .38 Special ammo. Of course, you can spend big money buying one of the top shelf names like Smith and Wesson or Colt, but there are some VERY nice mid-level price revolvers out there, such as Ruger or Taurus.

If you're set on a semi-automatic handgun (as I am) make CERTAIN that you get one that fires the .45 ACP round. .40 S&W caliber isn't bad, and avoid 9mm like the plague. 9mm is a BAD choice for self defense- it overpenetrates (Meaning you could shoot the bad guy, have the bullet pass completely through him, and then hit something or someone else) at the same time it overpenetrates, the 9mm is sorely lacking in stopping power.

If you go the semi-automatic route, because they're more mechanical than revolvers, be sure to get a good quality one. There are many different good names out there- Colt, Browning, S&W, Ruger, Walther, Para-Ordinance, HK, Sig, and even though I detest their safety system- Glock.

Whatever your final choice- BE SURE TO TAKE A FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE!!!!!!!! Also, once you've purchased and recieved your weapon, you need to find a range and practice with it. Practice at least every couple of months. Did I mention the safety course?

I could go on and on about lower level choices (type of ammunition, double action vs. single action, etc) but I'd probably bore someone to death. If you want, e-mail me off the board, and I can go into it further.

Don't forget the safety course and practice!

Diesel · #15 12-01-2005, 09:10 PM

Damn thanks for the info.

I was leaning towards a handgun because I thought it would be easier to move around corners and point.

I'd definitely do the training course, would the gun shop have info on local courses?