Beginning and need thoughts

[TexasT]

Originally Posted by Guns&Dobes

Thanks AH for the welcome and advice. Definitely going for the earplugs LOL believe me I know cause my hubby snores to the high heavens and if I didn't have them I would be walking around like a zombie

We encourage that here.

[SPOCAHP ANAR]

Guns and dobes,

I will tell you what I tell everyone who asks what you just did. Go to a range/gunstore. Ask them about placing rental price towards purchase of a pistol and then try some of them out. Meet members of G&G in your area and ask to meet with them to try out their pistols. I cannot tell you what gun you will like best as I am not you. I would suggest trying out a titanium revolver with a ported barrell.

[Guns&Dobes]

Thanks SPOCAHP, some very good advice.

[oldjarhead]

G&D, Glad you had fun. If the 38 revolver you used felt small, you might consider a 357 mag. They are usually a little bigger and you can shoot the 38 special and 357 magnum...sorta like two guns in one. The 9mm is a logical choice and also come in a variety of sizes. Try different makes and models before you make your final decision. Actually, it won't matter what you get first...you're going to want another one...and then another one...and the beat goes on...LOL

[Guns&Dobes]

Originally Posted by oldjarhead

Actually, it won't matter what you get first...you're going to want another one...and then another one...and the beat goes on...LOL

LOL don't I already know it!!! I think I've already been biten, I am already thinking I won't go wrong with either a 38 special or a 9 mm, I will just add the one later that I don't get now. Now what I need to do is get the right fit for my hand that I can feel comfortable with and decide what brand I want.

[missharpshooter]

For a first time lady shooter, I would suggest a revolver.....you don't have to worry about a jam....then when you get more competent you can brake down a semi auto and put it back together.... I did have one revolver and the cylinder didn't line up with the barrle and every time I fired it it would spark, so I got rid of that gun. Then I had a 9mm but it had so much play in the trigger double action, it made me a little nervous as to when it was going to fire....another suggestion is to go to a hunters course or go to your local gun store and take a gun safety class. Whatever your weapon of choice is learn how to brake it down put it back together. Learn about center fire rim fire different kinds of ammo, when you can use deadly force, etc you will enjoy it. Lady Di

[Guns&Dobes]

Thanks Misssharpshooter, I am on the list to take a gun safety class that is scheduled soon. I have decided on a revolver finally LOL, was really leaning toward a 9 mm but I am going to do exactly as you mentioned and get familiar with a revolver first and I can get something else to add later once I am more knowledgeable.

[TexasT]

I do suggest that if you take a licensing class that you shoot a semi-auto for your test. That qualifies you to carry BOTH semi-auto and revolver. If you shoot your test with a revolver you can ONLY carry a revolver.

[Windwalker]

Welcome to gun and game.We have some great folks here and I think you will enjoy this site. You have gotten excellent advice already so all I can add is to shoot as many different guns as you can before you buy one. At some point you will pick one up that just feels perfect in your hand. After you shoot it if you like the way it performs you will know you have found your gun. Good shooting and let us know how you do.

[missharpshooter]

You will really enjoy your safety class, and learn a lot. I enjoyed taking the class toget my hunting license, my daughter got a better score than I did! LOLL Texas T is right about when you qualify...use both...then carry which ever one you feel the most confident with. Lady Di

[toolman]

G&D, One other point that I'd make is not to fall into the "well this one is only $150" mindset if you're leaning towards new guns. As a general rule, a decent new handgun will cost at least $250 and you'll have to do a lot of bargain shopping to find that. If you like the Ruger you fired, they can sometimes be found for less than $400. No matter what, DO NOT buy anything that says Jennings, Bryco, Raven, or Jimenez on it. There are others as well, and some of these are downright dangerous. Don't overlook mil-surp guns as "junk", most designs have been combat-proven and have passed some type of qualification test before being issued to troops. Just off of the top of my head, you might want to look at the PA-63, PA-64, CZ-52, CZ-82, Star A or B, etc...These are all semi-auto's but there are revolvers avail. as well. If you like semi's you can get really good deals on Sig Sauer "Certified" pistols, these are usually police trade-ins that have been factory refurbed by Sig, and they represent an excellent value. You've opened a black hole here-the choices are endless and are limited only by your tastes and pocketbook. Take a look at some of the buyers guides that are on the newstands right now, pick the features you think you'll be most comfortable with, and try to find a range that has one to rent. This gets a bit pricey, but a gun that doesn't fit right, kicks too hard, or is too complicated, is a gun that won't get used much, and that could get you hurt or killed if you need it but don't like to carry it.

[billy]

i count on a gun costing me a weeks wages.$600
it seems like a good deal considering a quality gun will outlast me.

[Guns&Dobes]

Thanks everyone for excellant advice.

I have been to several places to look, some I have gone back once and even twice to look again and after doing research online I bought my first handgun yesterday. I ended up getting a new Smith & Wesson 640 .357 Magnum®/.38 Special +P. I love how it shoots and am looking forward to lots and lots of target practise to get where I want to be with it. I am already planning on getting a 9 mm next and then "maybe" I will be happy?!?! LOL I doubt it, I think I have been biten. But right now I am going to enjoy my snubby.

[Windwalker]

congradulations on your first handgun purchase. Yep, sounds like you have been bitten by the gun bug.lol

[SPOCAHP ANAR]

At least you are comfortable with it? Did you test it out at the range? Were they condicive to letting you apply the rental price towards the purchase?

[Guns&Dobes]

SPOCAHP, hehehe, this might sound crazy but I didn't shoot the 640 before I bought it but I did shoot a 38 special last week but it wasn't a Smith and Wesson. The problem I had with the 38 I shot was that the grip was too small.

I did end up going to a gun store in Knoxville that waves the test fee of $15 if you buy a gun that day from them. I looked at some there but nothing struck my fancy enough to try it out. I found the 640 at a different gun dealer called Gander Mountain and I loved how it felt in my hand. I didn't buy it there for their price of $649.99 because I thought that was a little high and I wanted to do some more research on it. So I came home and did some online digging and from what I could find it appeared to be pleasing to those that had it for a good carry gun. Soooo, I called around several places and ended up finding it 5 minutes from my house at Legends Outdoor Advantage saving $130 on the price of the gun. I went down and handled it some more and I just knew it was what I wanted, I didn't seem to care for the Airweights for now anyway, I liked the weight of the 640 in my hands and the grips fit my hand comfortably. I took it out to my son-in-laws moms house and we shot it and I am not disappointed and I shot my son-in-laws 9 mm again. I like the 9mm a lot also and that is why I plan to have one some day .

[neophyte]

Guns&Dobes: Ma'am; teasing not allowed
you mention nothing about the "knife"
Yes I want to hear about your new gun and your experiences. BUT: teasing picture?

[ArkansasHunter]

Girl you bought a very nice gun !!! Congrats ...A.H

[Guns&Dobes]

Originally Posted by neophyte

Guns&Dobes: Ma'am; teasing not allowed
you mention nothing about the "knife"
Yes I want to hear about your new gun and your experiences. BUT: teasing picture?

LOL neophyte, I figured if anyone was interested they would ask and so you did... I really love my knife because it is special to me, my brother made it and he also made the sheath. The handle is from deer antler. Here are a couple of pictures for a better look.

*

Thank you also ArkansasHunter, I am very pleased with my choice and can't wait to shoot again.

[neophyte]

Guns&Dobes: Ma'am; I lost this postingdag-nab-it. Your brother has a Talent. Again thanks for sharing.