Looking into getting into the hobby of shooting and guns. Advice?

[Aquarist_Fist]

I am surprised no one has quoted the four golden rules of gun safety yet:

1. All guns are always loaded (meaning, even if you *know* the gun is unloaded, you will still treat it as though it was loaded).

2. Don't point your gun at anything you are not willing to destroy or kill.

3. Be aware of your target and what's around and behind it.

4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you have made decision to shoot.


I have very limited experience shooting .22lr. I rented a Ruger Mk2 and a Ruger sp101 once and absolutely hated shooting both of them. I couldn't get the MK2 to feed properly, which was probably my fault, but the revolver failed to fire lot as well. I know better ammo would have probably made a difference, but I just don't like how unreliable rimfire ammo is. I have a revolver in .38 and a pistol in 9mm, and they have never failed to feed or fire. I personally think 9mm is the best compromise of usefulness, price, and user friendliness.

[MABJ]

Each of those was touched on, even if not directly quoted. They're definitely important though.

[DogFish]

Originally Posted by Aquarist_Fist

.....I have very limited experience shooting .22lr. I rented a Ruger Mk2 and a Ruger sp101 once and absolutely hated shooting both of them. I couldn't get the MK2 to feed properly, which was probably my fault, but the revolver failed to fire lot as well. I know better ammo would have probably made a difference, but I just don't like how unreliable rimfire ammo is. ...

The quality of the ammo was most likely the problem vs. you or the firearms. The .22L is not a great round to use in a Semi-auto pistol. It's much better suited for a revolver or bolt action rifle. Sig Sauer advises only quality ammo be used in the Mosqueto, like CCI's Mini Mag or AR Tachtical Ammo. Yet, people run cheap inconsistent bulk ammo and the rant about the Sig as being junk.

I think it's important to remember firearms are machines they are designed to function to specific specs. When people ignore those design spec recommendations there will be problems.

[supaoopa]

I agree with previous posters that a ruger 10/22 is a great way to get started. Especially if your tight on money. There is plenty of aftermarket support to personalize it to suit your tastes.

Good luck with whatever you choose because with all the talk of restricting law abiding citizens of their rights the market has gone crazy. Having trouble getting my hands on even a small box of .22lr.

[Zefrik]

I am looking into getting a Mossberg Maverick 88 since it is a good price. I can get it pretty easily since I can just run down to Dick's Sporting goods and get it. My moms boyfriend said he was more than willing to take me to a local range to teach me the basics. Hopefully within a month I can get get my first gun.

Be the way... What is the process like when purchasing a gun? Will they ask stuff like ID and a social security number? Does it take long to get authorization to get the gun (ie:hours,days). Is there paper work?

[Nubster]

Yes you need ID and there is paperwork. They do a background check through the ATF to make sure you can legally own a firearm. It generally takes about 30 minutes to an hour from start to finish. I'd suggest whatever gun you get, stock up on ammo now because it's getting very hard to find. People are stockpiling the stuff right now and clean off the shelves as soon as they are re-stocked. It's pretty ridiculous.

[MABJ]

I can't understand the frenzy on ammo purchases as a journalist. I just can't lol.

[ChadRamsey]

Originally Posted by The Dude

It will cost you a bit more than a 10/22, but I could also sell this for double what it cost me to put it together 2 years ago. Then there is the Surefire suppressor that I got for Christmas ;-)

Nice Dude, i am in the proccess of putting one together myself.

[ChadRamsey]

Originally Posted by Nubster

I can't either. Far as I know, ammo isn't on the block to be restricted or regulated. I could be wrong though. I can kinda understand the big rush to buy certain guns and hi-cap mags though. But ammo...that one I don't understand.

i belive that there was walk on taxing it like they do cigarettes to make the price absurd, at one time. I am not sure the validity of the rumor. But who really knows nowadays anyway.

[Dave-H]

Join a gun club, take a class, and spend a little time on the range.

You'll meet people, see what's available, try different guns, and see what your specific interest is. Don't worry about which gun you want to own or anything like that at first. Just go and learn, shoot, and be exposed to the options and the culture.

It's easy to buy something when you know what you want.

[bobc4d]

google gun club for your city, there are several. talk to them and get their input.

I have a Ruger .45 ACP, I love it.
I also have a S&W .38 snub nose, it is a handful (no pun) has more kick back and sounds badder than the .45

[DogFish]

I hope everyone remembers which shops & online vendors are taking advantage and gouging us.

I have a 2 case backorder with Bulk Ammo Supply for CCI 22L Tach. So, I'm waiting on my ammo so I can shot this spring & summer and I go on Gunbroker and see these jerks have my Backorder ammo listed at auction for 4Xs the normal price?!?!?!?

They lost me as a customer.

This will all settle down by summer. If you remember the same thing happen in 2008 after the election. I keep a 1000 to 2000 rds per cal. as my "emg. stock level". I've ben shooting since the 70's I have no pressing need to shoot every weekend. The ammo & guns can just sit for awhile, I've got plenty of other diversions.

I can always shoot my recurve if I feel the need.

[MABJ]

Ooh I love a good recurve bow. I'm no outdoorsman, either lol.

[DogFish]

Originally Posted by MABJ

Ooh I love a good recurve bow. I'm no outdoorsman, either lol.

My Wildebeast Messina, RSA. 2001



I have 3 - Take Down Recurves made for me by Roy Hall of Navajo Bows. This is my main hunting bow. It's Osage orate & cocobolo in the riser and the limbs are bamboo. The draw wt is 70# @ 28. I hunt with Carbon arrows @ about 9gr per # of Draw so these arrows are about 600gr. and I'm getting about 200fps.

I also have that same design in 60# and 85#

The 60# is in birds eye maple, the 85 is Bocote wood & black macarta in the riser and bamboo limbs. I have a set of Maple arrows for the 85 that are 990gr. Kinda like shooting a broom stick...LOL

I had the 85 built to go back too Africa to hunt Cape Buffalo, don't think that will happen due to finances & getting old.

[MABJ]

Bravo. Just bravo. I'm envious of your bows. I'm not a fan of the fancy new compound bows, and I think you've got a great collection.

Congrats on your kill, too. I bet it was exciting.