A good gun for a FIRST TIME user, never shot before.

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BlackFusion

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Hi guys, I recently moved to a new home and I've been considering a gun. However, I have never fired a gun before, have never had a gun before and I was wondering what would be a good choice for a first time user. The only reason I want a gun is "just in case" to protect myself if someone tries to break in. What kind of gun do you guys recommend for a first time user? I'm looking for one that doesn't have a strong kick back, too loud, too big or heavy. I'm not a gun guy, I don't like guns but I want to be able to protect my family if something happens, thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:confused:
 
Just find a local gun shop with an indoor range. Most will have lessons and guns that you can rent. You should spend some time at a range getting instruction and some experience shooting before even considering buying a weapon.
 
Lots of options. I would go no less than a 9mm for a semi-auto or a .38 for a revolver. Do you like revolvers or semi-autos better? What price range are you looking at? New or used? If you were closer to me, I could unpack a few of my guns and you could try them out. As said before, many gun shops and indoor shooting ranges have guns you could be loaned.
 
beachcomber gave you excellent advice.

go seek out a gun shop with indoor range
and get some safety training



then, what do you want ? pistol or long gun ?

mossberg 500 in 12 gauge with pistol grip is a nice home defense


is



so is a colt 1911 in 45 acp

is




what i like about a shotgun for home defense, is the unmistakable sound when you rack the slide
 
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I bought my wife a .380 with laser sight. I know it's not a 9mm but as my Mexican employees say "hole is hole" it will stop an intruder. She likes that she feels in control of the gun at all times and the laser makes aiming in the dark real easy. Doesn't have any kick.

I bought my mom a .38 S&W J frame revolver that she felt comfortable using. Revolvers are simple so there is no screwing up when you are ready to use it. Just pull the trigger and shoot.

Best advice was to visit a shop and maybe shoot a few to see what you feel comfortable with and go from there.
 
Lots of good advice here. Safety is first, training is next. You have to learn to use one, respect it and handle it.

I give the NRA conceal training coarse and the top three things I preach are:
1: Never point a gun at anything you don't intend to shoot.
2. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
3. Be aware of your surroundings.
 
#4 which should be #1....Always handle a weapon as if it were loaded.
Never point a weapon at anything you're not willing to kill.
 
before you buy shoot or tuch a firearm get a safety training class

#1 a fire arm is to be treated as loaded at all times

#2 a fire arm is to be treated as if it is loaded at all time

#3 do not point a gun at anything unless you plan to kill it

#4 a fire arm is to be treated as if it is loaded at all times

#5 keep your finger off the trigger un till you are ready to fire

#6 a fire arm is to be treated as if it is loaded at all times
 
I feel like I am back in the police academy with the 5 golden rules of handgun safety.
 
6th rule.

Probably not a good idea to bring a case of beer on bird opener.

I know non of you have done that.
 
Great advice here. I would add just a few thoughts ....

1. When at the gun shop/range, start with a small caliber handgun so you can practice sight picture and breathing. No fear of kick.
2. Keeping all the other rules in mind, what is the purpose of your handgun? Protection at home? Fun shooting? That should help determine the eventual model and caliber. Stopping power is important but avoid going thermonuclear. Home protection with a shotgun is highly effective since its a point-and-shoot weapon down the hall. The sound os a shotgun racking a round scares most bad guys away!
3. Take a firearms defense class. Know how to visualize the encounter, how to train for the moment, be able to draw on your training when instincts matter.

My personal choice? Sig Sauer P229 .40 cal .... Widely used by law enforcement. Reliable, accurate, good stopping power without destroying the entire block.
 
I personally do not use a pistol as home security,

i use a shotgun and a rifle.

if you are a small guy, i think i read that in our post, look at a 20 gauge mossberg pump shotgun. and buy a pistol grip

if you lean towards a long gun.

if you prefer a pistol, Chris 's suggestion on a 380 with lazor site is a spot on suggestion
 
I went to an indoor range with my neighbor, who had just installed a laser sight on his 9mm Beretta. That thing got me so mesmerized as it bounced across the target at 25 yards that I had to take it off to shoot it. Just my opinion to throw out to the masses.
 
I don’t know a great deal about firearms and have never felt the need yet for having one for home protection. Maybe in part because where I live every one almost are hunters and anyone breaking into 99% of the houses is going to get shot here so they just don’t do it. I could see having protection though and if you need it you need it.

My question is about the laser sight with the red beam. Without a doubt if I saw that red dot on my chest that would convince me to stop what I was doing. I also think it would help me hit what I was aiming at. I was wondering though does having that light beam coming off the pistol give away my position if it comes down to a fire fight? I’m picturing me sneaking out to find a couple guys robbing my house in the middle of the night. I gather my job is to kill them as I have my loaded firearm with laser ready to go. I turn on my laser and draw a bead on the first guy am I giving up my element of surprise as I kill the first guy and the second guy seeing my position kills me before I get off the second shot to kill him. This is understanding rule one don’t point it at anything you are not planning on killing.
 
bud16415 said:
I don’t know a great deal about firearms and have never felt the need yet for having one for home protection. Maybe in part because where I live every one almost are hunters and anyone breaking into 99% of the houses is going to get shot here so they just don’t do it. I could see having protection though and if you need it you need it.

My question is about the laser sight with the red beam. Without a doubt if I saw that red dot on my chest that would convince me to stop what I was doing. I also think it would help me hit what I was aiming at. I was wondering though does having that light beam coming off the pistol give away my position if it comes down to a fire fight? I’m picturing me sneaking out to find a couple guys robbing my house in the middle of the night. I gather my job is to kill them as I have my loaded firearm with laser ready to go. I turn on my laser and draw a bead on the first guy am I giving up my element of surprise as I kill the first guy and the second guy seeing my position kills me before I get off the second shot to kill him. This is understanding rule one don’t point it at anything you are not planning on killing.
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A chance I am willing to take. My house is not dark enough to need the sight but it makes for easy aiming especially for my wife. Usually once you start shooting people leave but if not just hope that I am a better shot and quicker than them.
 
Most police departments prohibit the laser because many have accidentally fired their guns instead of activating the laser. I myself had to take an extensive additional training just to get permission to install the pistol mounted flashlight (TLR#1) when I was on the force.
 
The issue as I see with a laser site, in a burglary or home invasion action for most homeowners, it's going to be useless. Between fear and adrenaline, your hand is most likely being shaking so bad and you won't even be looking at, or for, the laser dot.
 
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