How to Shop for a Handgun, From Square One
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For Personal Defense or Home Defense
There are two basic kinds of firearms:
- "long guns." They include rifles and shotguns.
- handguns. They include revolvers and pistols.
For self-defense or home defense you probably want a handgun.
What is a revolver?
A revolver is a handgun with a cylindrical chamber that will hold five or six bullets, or "rounds." The cylindrical chamber turns after each round is fired.
What is a pistol?
A pistol is a handgun that is not a revolver. Its bullets are loaded in a separate holder called a "magazine" or a "mag". The loaded magazine is then inserted inside the gun's handle, better known as the "grip." A pistol is often called a "semiautomatic."
Now you know enough about handguns to go to the gun store or gun counter at a sporting goods store. It's good to get recommendations about which dealer has courteous service and an ample selection. Shop around before buying. Even if someone tells you what you "should" buy, your priority is to find the right gun for YOU.
Now it's time to go to the store!
What to Say
We all wish to pretend to know about guns when we don't. But the clerk will see right through any posing. So don't be a poser. Think of yourself as a student of guns. If you are a newbie, say,
- "I'm looking for a handgun for (give your reason). I'm new at this and would appreciate your advice."
Everyone loves to give advice!
The staffer should ask you some questions to help narrow your choices. A revolver is generally more reliable than a pistol, but pistols can be easier and faster to use. Another thing to consider is the gun's CALIBER.
What is Caliber?
Broadly, caliber is a measure of firing power. Popular handgun CALIBERS, from smallest to largest, are .22, .32, .38, .38 special, .357, .380 (pistols only), .45, and 9mm. The bigger the caliber, the bigger the projectile, and the more power and "kick" the firearm has. Do not feel that you have to have the most powerful handgun. If this is your first firearm I recommend a .22 and after you are good at using it, you can graduate to a larger caliber. I guarantee that even if it is not the most macho caliber, you will always find a use for your .22.
You may see a petite type of handgun called a derringer. Often attractively pearl-handled or engraved, they are small enough to fit inside a pocket or an evening bag but have very short barrels, meaning they are difficult to fire accurately. Do not buy a derringer. They are mostly for collectors.
Prices and Makes
Consider the gun's price. The cost of a new handgun can be $200 to $700, with the price of a very good one between $300 and $450. That's a lot, but a good and well-cared-for firearm is one of the few investments that does not lose value.
Another thing to consider is the gun's maker. Famous brands in the gun world tend to make superior items.
Women may find firearms specifically made for women such as pistols or rifles with pink or decorative grips. They can be very appealing. But keep in mind that you are shopping not for looks but for a firearm that is right for you.
What to Do at the Gun Shop
After asking advice, ask to handle the recommended firearms. (Always assume every firearm is loaded, even if you are sure it is not! Always point the muzzle in a safe direction!) You will not get to fire them.
Ask about safety features.
Ask about bestsellers.
Ask if ammunition is readily available. Some calibers, such as .25 and .32, are hard to find.
Note the makes and models that feel good in your hand.
Ask about gun-safety courses in the area. It is highly recommended, before you own any firearm, to take a three-hour gun safety course. There are no tests and no shooting in the course; it is purely informational. But it is very very important information.
If the clerk has made you comfortable, that is the right place to buy. If not, find another retailer.
Do Your Homework: A Gun is Forever
At home, before you buy, see online reviews and forums, and YouTube demonstration videos of your candidate guns. Do not rush your decision. Ask knowledgeable people.
A three-hour gun-safety course is highly recommended before you handle any firearm. Google "gun safety course" in your area, or ask at the gunshop or police station.
When you do buy, a lot of paperwork and even a phone call are legally required as the firearm and its serial number are newly registered to you.
Carrying a concealed firearm requires an official permit (called a CCW permit or license) issued by an individual state. You must attend a CCW course and be fingerprinted before applying for a permit. Those with criminal records may be denied a permit. Do not carry a concealed weapon without a permit; in many states this is a felony with mandatory jail time, and ignorance of the law is not a defense.
Make friends with your gun shop. It is a resource. They know about firearm care, laws and safety, know who the local gunsmiths are, and the nearby clubs, shows, and shooting ranges, all of which will become part of your new world as a gun owner. Very often an owner quickly becomes an enthusiast.
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This was extremely helpful
A person new to handguns should first read as many reviews as they can on the various types of handguns before buying a weapon, not just the reviews by the manufacturers of these handguns or the reviewers in the popular gun magazines, but the average citizen who purchased these weapons and have used them. My suggestion for the individual who has never owned a hand gun in their life, first buy a quality .22 revolver, as revolvers are simple and much easier to maintain than automatics, buy one such as a Smith and Wesson model 63, a Taurus .22 model 94 or a Ruger SP-101 in .22 and practice, then move up to a larger caliber weapon, say a Smith and Wesson model 10 .38 special ! Avoid buying older used handguns as many have safety issues especially older automatics, and some are pure junk, some of the weapons made in West Germany during the 1950's and 60's, Rohm,R.G's Clerke etc avoid at all cost ! These were very cheaply made , stick with quality !And one last word of advice do not buy a derringer as your first handgun !
The other day I got to try out my friend's .32 Colt Cobra revolver, all I can say is that it is the ideal revolver for the lady or older person who wants a defence weapon without recoil, something more powerful than a .22 but not as powerful as a .38 ! Unfortunately the Colt Cobra's are no longer made and .32 S&W long is not as popular as it once was, a shame as it is very accurate and with a 100 grain bullet, definately more power than the .22 or .25acp !Check out the gun shows for the Colt Cobra they still can be had !
The only trouble with a .32 is that ammo is hard to find in that size.
Yes ! Finding .32S&W ammo is more difficult today 2012 than it was back in 1965, but it still can be found, check out the internet especially places like J&G in Prescott as they do sell .32S&W as well as .32S&W long ! Many gun stores still sell .32 ammo, you will not find it at Walmart or K-Mart, but then you will not find .44 special or .45 long Colt there either ! Suggestion, check out your local gun store and ask if they can recommend an individual who will sell you reloads ! The .32 S&W Colt Cobra was probably the best self-defence revolver ever made in America for the older recoil shy woman, one who has arthritis and finds it difficult to pull back the slide on an automatic pistol .
No matter who you are or how old you are there is a firearm to fit your needs. Do consider a used firearm. Many gunshops have trade-ins and previously-owned guns.
Buying used guns in many respects is like buying a used car ! Know what you are looking for and what is a good deal ! And probably most important know your dealer espcially when buying a used gun ! I was at the Cross roads gun show this past weekend in Phoenix, and all I can say is I never seen so much over priced junk in my life ! Cheap Saturday night specials(RG) that were once $15 are now going for $160, and gun dealers that were nothing more than con-men, vultures always on the look out for elderly women bringig guns to sell from their deseased husbands, guns that these dealers can buy for next to nothing then resell for top dollar !Thats why I always say know your seller like buying a used car ! Here in Arizona we have a few really good gun shops, J&G in Prescott and Old World guns in Camp Verde ! Police trade in's offer the best value in used self-defence handguns. and for women who want a small quality used handgun checkout the Beretta model 21 or the older model 950(.25ACP) both are very reliable and do not require pulling back the slide, just flip the lever to pop open the barrel !
ann 13 months ago
This was not helpful