[LUconn]

I'm planning on getting one eventually. Does anybody here know a lot about them. I don't want to hunt. I also don't want to kill my children. Pretty much just for protection, and also I'd probably take it to a shooting range every so often. Shotguns are fun to shoot but that could be not what I'm looking for anyway. I'd imagine they're a lot more expensive than a handgun. That's another factor to consider. I'm not rich. Any ideas/suggestions/anecdotes?

[RubberMallet]

just get a pistol. a 9mm or a .45

springfield armory
beretta
sigarms
rueger
glock

all make nice handguns that are affordable...

i have a SA 1911-A1 from springfield and its nice...

make sure you put in in a safe and you hide the key...especially if you have kids...

i just use mine to fire at ranges....i have a louisville slugger thats my home protection...its more fun...

but i would like a desert eagle .50...thats next ont he handgun list

[RubberMallet]

look of the size of that beast...

[LUconn]

Glock? Desert Eagle? *Go!Go!Go!*

Are you gonna tell me I'm a cheater because I bought an AWP?

[El Scorcho]

Depending on the size of your hand, I'd recommend a .40 S&W over both the 9mm and the .45, but that's just me.

The best thing you can do in Virginia is take the safety courses required for a permit to carry license, and then apply for one. The entire process will give you a lot of respect for what you're purchasing, if you've never really dealt with firearms before. Any NRA program will be well worth your time, as well.

[RubberMallet]

haha cs....do you know how long its been since i've played that?

[LUconn]

I've only shot a few so I know what it's like but I'd rather be comfortable with one.

a permit to carry license

does that mean I can carry it around with me? that'd be sweet. Is that seperate from a concealed weapon permit? because that would be sweet too.

[PAmedic]

don't know how VA works- up here a permit to carry is for concealed weapons ONLY: ie, the weapon MUST be kept concealed when worn.

MrsPA has a little .38 wheelgun and a S&W 9mm. I carry a Kel-Tech 9 (poly-body: SHE hates it, I'm comfortable w/ it and like the compact size. ) I'm in the market for a .40 cal Glock- my brother has one and loves it.

We also keep an assortment of long guns- incl a 30-06, 20 ga and 12 ga shotguns. My 12 is matte black finish w/ plastic stock; very SWAT looking. All are very effective, the 30-06 is for range use only around here; illegal for hunting in the 'burbs.

DEFINITELY recommend a gun locker or two, as well as trigger locks. We're buying another small handgun locker for under the bed that has the palm/finger activation. I do keep rounds chambered, but a lot of people aren't comfortable doing so.

[LUconn]

I'm gonna need pictures because your guns sound cool.

Those finger combination gun safes seem like they'd do a pretty good job of keeping them locked up but also being able to get it fast. Would a trigger lock on top of that just slow you down in an emergency?

[PAmedic]

I actually use the trigger locks only when the long guns are OUT of the safe: transporting them in the car, etc.

the handguns, I don't bother with trigger locks b/c we have the long cable kind.

I'll get ya some pix.

[El Scorcho]

don't know how VA works- up here a permit to carry is for concealed weapons ONLY: ie, the weapon MUST be kept concealed when worn.

The permit here is for concealed carry as well, but I don't know if that means you have to conceal it or not. I currently only have a S&W 9mm. The rest of mine are at my parents' house, because they're completely unncessary in the city.

[Purple Haize]

If you are wanting something with stopping power for home defense and are not a good shot, the trusty shotgun is the way to go. Stay away from loading with birdshot. That won't kill the intruder just tick them off!!!!!!!! If you want something a little smaller stay away from the "Sexy" guns. Most of those are only effective if used by someone who shoots a lot. The typical revolver, , will do the trick. When you start getting into the Berretta's Glock etc, it is more of a peeing contest if you dont' use em. I have a shotgun now by MY side of the bed (wife has a can of mace!) I used to have a snub nose revolver when I lived in the windy city that may or may not have had a serial number !!! I don't recommend that. Take the NRA course, it is worth it!
Finally, you know what they say about guys who buy big guns? They are making up for a deficency somewhere else

[Sly Fox]

It sounds like we need to start an NRA usergroup in this place.

Seriously, I'm not packing right now in my house. Having little kids makes me squeamish. I've had firearms in the past and will again at some point.

[Libertine]

If it's just for home defense, I recommend something w/ stopping power and, since you'll probably be too jacked-up to aim properly, a scatter shot. You'll also want limited ammo capacity so you can't keep shooting blindly and, if you live in a neighborhood, something that'll take down what you're aiming at but won't keep going into your neighbor's living room. Thusly, I recommend a two-barrel 20-gauge shotgun.

If you're looking for something just to scare away Jehovah's Witnesses, I say go w/ a .44 anything.

[PAmedic]

It took me a while, but here ya go, as promised:
(BTW- we stagger our loads: hollow point/FMJ/hollow point/FMJ... and the 12 ga currently has #8 shot in it though I also use rifled slugs. The 20 ga is property of MrsPA, along w/ the .38 and the S/W 9)

[A.G.]

PAMedic--the Offical Medic of the PA Militia!

[PAmedic]

you shoot em' up, I'll patch em' up

[LUconn]

you have a lot of guns. Whats with the scope? I'm assuming you hunt? Or maybe you're a mercinary.

[PAmedic]

you have a lot of guns. Whats with the scope? I'm assuming you hunt? Or maybe you're a mercinary.

I use it to keep an eye on the UPS guy.

I really do.

but, yes- MrsPA has hunted for years. I've gone twice but never see a thing- its been said I'm a bit too loud.

[SuperJon]

You could've hunted at my apartment complex on Saturday. There was a deer in the field across from the entrance and three deer (one was a good sized buck) walking around at the tennis court.