I want to get a gun, advice?

**spathophile** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 7:04am

I've owned plenty of knives, and growing up the moment I acted dumb with a weapon, I got my faced kicked in. so I have do have respect for dangerous objects, I've never owned a gun, I understand the theory behind aiming though, I'm not looking to hunt. I'm just looking for something simple, not much kick back, just something I can take to the range and shoot once in a while. I've heard a simple beretta is good for beginners, but anyway any advice would be nice

**fubar** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 7:09am

Buy a .177cal Crossman.

**oldman34** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 7:20am

You want a gun simply for plain old fun shooting?

Ruger .22 pistol

Cheap to buy, ammo is inexpensive, no recoil, a joy to shoot for just fun plinking.

**spathophile** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 7:40am

Originally Posted by oldman34

You want a gun simply for plain old fun shooting?

Ruger .22 pistol

Cheap to buy, ammo is inexpensive, no recoil, a joy to shoot for just fun plinking.

gottcha, thanks

by the way, if I needed to, what kind of damage could that gun do to a human being?

**pauli** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 8:04am

employed properly, even a 22 pistol can be plenty fatal. of course, there can be a bit of a difference between killing and stopping... but as the saying goes, a 22 in the hand beats a 45 in the glove compartment.

but yeah, a 22 pistol, revolver, or rifle (depending on your tastes and available ranges) is 100% the way to go. learn how to shoot on the cheap and without forming bad habits, and with a quality firearm that will last forever.

once you've got that down, you'll have a better idea of what, if anything, you want in a second firearm.

**NunOnBreak** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 8:43am

The mistake I see with guns is going after a little 9mm like a Glock 19 that actually kicks alot more than something bigger, like a Para-Ordnance 45 ACP. I would much rather shoot the latter, although it doesn't make for a good concealed carry weapon.

Shoot a bunch of different guns at a range and find one you like.

**oldman34** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 8:47am

Originally Posted by spathophile

gottcha, thanks

by the way, if I needed to, what kind of damage could that gun do to a human being?

It COULD kill them, but I wouldnt stake my life on it. A good shooting gun that can be a fun target shooting pistol would be a .38 revolver. The .38 doesnt have much knockdown power, but it is more effective than a .22

A better buy would be a .357 Magnum Revolver in a 4" Barrel.

You can shoot .38 ammo through it for economy and just shooting fun, and then load it with .38 Special +P or .357 ammo to keep at home or carrying in the car. This would give you a more all around use gun.

I have a Ruger GP100 Stainless 4" Revolver.

**Mr. Mantis** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 9:27am

Originally Posted by spathophile

gottcha, thanks

by the way, if I needed to, what kind of damage could that gun do to a human being?

I have one of those rugers and I have to say it's a wonderful firearm. I got it for my wife to shoot, the .45 scares her. She shot it once and was like "Okay... I'm done."

The 22 ruger is very accurate, and good to practice with. As far as damage to a human, it does not have much "stopping power" But, remember, it is a GUN, a FIREARM and will KILL a person.

When I am not target shooting, I set my guns up for home defense. For the Ruger, I have it loaded with hollow points, and the strategy is to fire center mass, avoiding the head. Those rounds will just have a hard time penetrating the skull, me thinks.:qshatter:

Edit: One word of caution however, it's a bitch to breakdown. Actually the break down is easy, the put back together is... it's a major pain in the ass.

**TEA** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 9:39am

You can also get a .22 conversion kit for most .45cal 1911s. Its a bit more expensive of an option in the short run, but is cheaper than buying two handguns and you get used to and become familiar with the handgun that you may have to use if SHTF. Start off shooting .22 to learn to shoot well, practice a bit with it in .45 once you get used to it, and keep it in .45 for SHTF. The lower recoil of the .22 will help you develop good shooting skills more easily than the .45 and will be cheaper to shoot, so you'll be able to shoot more often, which will make you a better shot.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 4/07/2007 9:55am

Not to derail, my dad left me a Smith & Wesson 38 Special CTG. Since it was my dad's, it has sentimental value; however, I'd like to know what you guys think of this 38 puppy.