how to purchase/shoot a gun?

Question

I have never hunted before and my family has never owned a gun of any kind.
I am interested in learning how to shoot one.
Also purchasing one for protection.
I am looking for serious advice on how to do this.

Answer 1

I'm a former law enforcement officer, and I did 23 years of service. I hope that I can help you with your question.

The first thing you might want to consider is, do you want a handgun or a long gun? That is a personal choice. I will try to address both for you, ok?

Long gun- Rifles and shotguns. The first thing you will need to consider is "fit". You need to pick up a few long guns and see what feels comfortable for you. Also consider weight as a factor. If you're going to be hunting, you don't want to tote around a bulky cannon all day, you'll need something lighter.

Rifles- A good rifle to begin with is the .22 rifle. There is no recoil, it is extremely accurate, and ammunition is super cheap. It's a really good foundation to begin with. Once you develop good shooting skills, you can progress into the bigger rifles. If you choose a larger rifle at first, then you will need to tell your gun dealer what you intend to use the rifle for. He/She can guide you as to what caliber would be suitable for what game. They can also tell you what type of rifles would be suitable, such as bolt-actions, pump action, single-shot, or automatics.

Shotguns- This weapon is for shorter ranges, but it packs a powerful punch. It can be used for hunting, but it is also extremely good for home defense. No attacker, in his right mind, is going to consider taking you on when he is staring down the barrel of a shotgun. Anyone who knows guns, knows how devastating these weapons really are. For hunting, you can select bird shot shells which contain hundreds of small lead pellets. Recoil is there, but not too bad. For larger game, like deer, you can use buckshot or rifled slugs. For attackers, buckshot is usually the shell of choice. A shotgun is a very good choice for defense.

Handguns- In many states they require permits to obtain. There are states who are an exception to the rule, but most do require some form of either registration, or waiting periods. This is because handguns are so concealable. The way to choose a handgun is the same way as with a shotgun or rifle. You have to factor in the size, weight, and the purpose you intend to use it for. You gun dealer can advise you on calibers, barrel lengths, and other factors which will determine which handgun is best for you.

Once you have decided on which weapon you want, you will then need some good training. Many gun shops or gun ranges offer NRA sponsered classes to instruct people on responsible gun ownership, and lessons on shooting. They also offer hunting, competition, and other programs so that you can enjoy the shooting sports even more.

Many local law enforcement departments sponsor weapons training for civilians. They teach gun laws, and responsible use of weapons. They will also teach you extensively how to use a weapon in self-defense. They are really good programs to be in, and they are quite informative.

I hope that you will look into this further, and I hope that you find the weapon that you like, and best suits you. Also, I hope that you will take advantage of the NRA programs as well as law enforcement programs. They will really help you to enjoy shooting, and be better prepared to defend yourself if need arises.

Best wishes.

Answer 2

First, see if there is a shooting range in your area. This will give you a place to practice. If there is nothing like this in the area, make friends with a local farmer or hunter and see if you can use their land for target practice. It might help to practice with a BB gun at first so you begin to feel comfortable.

Second, call the local sheriff's office and ask for local regulations for buying and registering a weapon. If you have to take a special course or something, they'll direct you to the place where you have to go, and they'll let you know what papers you need to have and when you need to have them in.

Third, I would suggest taking a hunter's safety course, even if you don't plan on hunting. This could help you with learning little tidbits, though you have to take a test at the end.

And finally, remember that weapons don't kill people, personal NEGLIGENCE kills people. Never leave your weapon out where kids can find it, never keep it loaded (though you can keep the bullets nearby), clean it often (ask the salesperson about cleaning), and always walk with it pointing downward (no matter HOW big it is). What goes up, must come down, and shooting into the air means that the bullet will come down, usually with more velocity and speed than when it went up.

It might also help to learn the range of your weapons and bullets - you don't want to be shooting on a friend's farm and have your bullet entering the nearest house 2 miles down the road. And it will help to learn the transportation laws of said weapon - such as WHEN and where you can transport it, whether you'll need a case, and rules about moving across state lines - you can usually get this info from your sheriff or highway patrol's office as well.

Answer 3

laws will vary state to state. get information regarding the licensing process first. http://www.packing.org is a good resource. sign up for the NRA Basic Pistol course. it won't make you an expert on firearms, but it'll introduce you to them.

when you're ready to buy a gun, get a .22LR. I suggest a ruger mark ii/iii. they are popular starter pistols since they're not expensive, built like tanks, very accurate, and many Basic Pistol instructors use them for range guns (for the live shooting part of the course).

when you're ready to select a gun for personal protection, ignore the people who try to get you to use a certain caliber. anything 9mm or larger is pretty much considered effective (anything lower, and the risk for underpenetration increases). some of the most popular choices nowadays include 9mm, .38 special, .357 magnum, .357 sig, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

after you've purchased the gun you intend to use for self-protection, enroll in courses that actually teach defensive pistol. some good ones include SIGArms Academy, Front Sight, and Lethal Force Institute (note that good courses require good schools, which may force you to travel to a certain location to take the course). I cannot stress enough the importance of taking courses; because just owning a gun does not necessarily mean knowing how to use one.

also, become a member of a local gun club, and practice/train often. most local gun clubs also have organized shooting sports in which you and your family can participate.

Answer 4

Go to the gunshop. Pick a gun that you find comfortable and not too much for you to handle. Fill out the background FBI check.
Then, learn the 10 rules to shooting. Then take it out to a gun range and try it out. It's not difficult.

Answer 5

It depends entirely on where you live..
In some states , you just go down to the
store and buy any gun you want...
And you can go to many public & private
shooting ranges or you can just go out in
the country and blast away...
If you live outside the city limits and have a big
enough piece of property...Just a few acres,
You can shoot in your back yard...
You need to check local & state regulations..

Answer 6

You could have asked me you know.

My dad hunted and owned guns his whole life.

If you want, I'm sure he'll let you shoot one!

It's like I don't even know you, talk to me Please! This is something interesting we could explore and give us something to talk about/bond.

Ok love you, see ya in bed. LOL!