.22 handgun, what do I need, how much is it?

Question

I am 24 and live in Kansas. I am not a hunter, but I do like to fire a gun from time to time. I am moving to a place that is already occupied by a groundhog (Under the garage) and I want to get rid of it! I also want a .22 handgun for the heck of it... I figure why not get rid of the groundhog with a .22 handgun... I can fiddel with the dang thing forever but nothing is sure to get rid of it like a gun (if i can hit it).

So how much would one likely be?
Do I need to take some test to get one?
Do I need something if I am carrying it in my car? (I dont have a reason to do that, but just incase)
Do I need anything if its in my house?
I guess I am just worried about all the stuff I will have to go through just to get the dang gun for fun, but I guess its a handgun, so I dont know...

Thanks.

Where do I buy a used one? Its freaking impossible to find a price on the internet!

So I dont need to take any test? Is that what your telling me?

Answer 1

Your best buy is a Ruger Single-Six, .22 Cal. This is a single action gun with adjustable sights. I would think any gun shop in Kansas would carry this, it is a very common .22 pistol. New, they sell for around $300.00. Get the 5 1/2 barrel length.

You do not need to take a test.
You do not need a permit to have the gun in your car.
You do not need a permit to keep it in your house.

Some things you will need:
A lockable case to secure the gun, especially if you have children in the home. About $10
A .22 cal. cleaning kit. About $10
eye protection. About $5.00
hearing protection. About $2.00 (plugs) or $10 (muffs)

Since you are new to gun handling, some advise:
Do take a safety/gun handling course.
Do not let anyone talk you into a semi auto or double action gun. The single action gun suggested is reliable, well built, and a good value for the money. If, after using the single action, you feel ready for a more complicated and expensive gun; then look at the semi auto and double action guns.

You say you want to plug a groundhog under your garage. You can not legally fire a handgun inside the city limits. If you are in the country, make sure your nearest neighbor's house will not be struck by your bullet, if you miss. One final thing, if you shoot at the groundhog and only wound it, it will go back under the garage, die, and stink up your garage for about two weeks. Might want to try a live trap first.

Answer 2

You can get a Walter P-22 for around $300. depending on finish and accessories. You can even get a neat, fitted add-on laser sight for about $105 more, or a longer barrel for about the same price. You can get a good Ruger .22 cowboy style revolver for about the same.

Test? No, you just have to fill out the purchase questionnaire and pass the background check and have the asking price for the gun. State laws vary from State-to-State, but most likely to carry other than on your own property you will need to have a concealed carry permit. In your own home your should be fine unless you are a convicted felon or have a history of domestic violence.

Good luck.

H

Answer 3

First step, read a summary of Kansas firearm laws yourself. This will take you 5 minutes and you will know for sure......everyone THINKS they know, so advice is almost always incorrect to some extent. KNOW FOR YOURSELF

http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/KSSL.pdf

Next, research on the internet. One of the best sites for all things .22 is Rimfire Central. Join the forums and read what's good and what to avoid....

www.rimfirecentral.com

Now, my advice is a Ruger Mark or a Browning Buckmark, but Smith and Colt and Taurus make some good semi-autos. Also, some nice .22 revolvers out there too. The longer the barrel, the more accurate you and the gun will be.

Good luck and happy shooting....Oh, check my links.

Answer 4

Kansas for the most part is a tolerant state for guns. You are 24 so you can easily get one, but get a little more experience with shooting, first.

You can get used ones for as little as $100, but you might have to pay more.

Here are some models I would suggest buying

Ruger
Browning Buck Mark (I own this)

If you have more money to spend get:
Walther P22
Sig Mosquito
Kimber .22 1911

Not much attached besides owning the firearm. You would need a CCW permit if you want to carry it on you or under your car seat.

Answer 5

I got my self a Walther P-22. Its a nice, reliable automatic, that's' pretty accurate. It prefers CCI Mini Mags and takes long riffle ammo (better for killing). In California, you need to take a short test to make sure your not a total tard. Bullets in the car, gun in the trunk, both out of reach of the driver. If its in your house, keep it locked up, or at least keep the gun and the bullets separated, in case your kid cousins come over or something

Answer 6

I'd recommend a Smith and Wesson 22A Semi-Auto. They are about $200-400 and they come with a case a manual and two clips. I'd also get a pistol cleaning kit and some kind of lock for the gun. I'm a year younger than you are and I'm searching for a .22 pistol myself. Currently I'm saving to purchase a Smith and Wesson 22A.

Answer 7

Borrow someones shotgun instead of the 22 pistol to take care of the groundhog problem*... Advertise or look for used firearms in the local newspapers already advertised for sale*..Buy one used from an individual and save yourself a lot of $$$$$$$$... I bought all my firearms used, all 22 of them, Rifles, Revolvers, pistols and Shotguns with no regrets*...

Answer 8

Old fuzz is right, a Ruger single six is the best, most reliable pistol. I know this old coon hunter he takes a single-six and the grip is all beat up where he knocks the varmints out with it. .22's are fun and cheap to shoot so you can get real good w/it by plinking before you use it for the job.

Answer 9

I'm from Kansas City. If youre going to shoot ground hogs you'll need a state varment permit. And make sure to shoot them above ground. If you shoot one on its burrow and he goes under wounded and dies, the stench of the rotting carcus will linger for a month.

Answer 10

first of all take a NRA gun safety class