Go to a gun store and be honest about your knowledge level and desires. You can also go to a range that offers tryouts and get a feel for different calibers and brands.
You can also do a handgun safety course. Practically every range and shop will know how to hook you up with that.
Travelling with a firearm complicates things. Depending on the states you will have different storage requirements. Bring that up with the shop.
I can't go anywhere at the moment so I am trying to gather info online, by myself. But so much of this stuff seems to be aimed at experienced gun owners that I feel a bit overwhelmed. Talking about ammunition and barrel lengths might be great for most people but doesn't do me much good right now.
When we can get out, I will go to a shop but there's really not one nearby me.
Start with a Mom and Pop Gun store. They tend to be very helpful with first time buyers and are familiar with local laws. Traveling across jurisdictions will be an issue as state and local authorities run roughshod over God given rights recognized in the 2nd Amendment .
If you're too shy to walk into a gun store like others are suggesting I recommend finding some good YouTube channels that have a plethora of good videos instructing people as to what they need to consider. And I still think you should walk into a gun store that isn't too busy or crowded and just ask.
No, I plan on going to the gun shop that's about 40 mins away, but we're under quarantine so we can't go anywhere right now. I was just trying to get a sense of what I needed to consider.
I've read about people ordering guns online, but I'm not sure how that works versus a store. Also big box stores versus smaller stores. I have both of them within 45 minutes of me, but in opposite directions.
Well I say go in because that way you can most likely get a chance to hold and look up close. That might help your decision. Also most gun stores have pretty helpful employees so if you told them you're new and interested they'd be glad to show you what might be good for you. Some places you can even rent some of these guns and use them on a range first that way you can figure out which kind of firearm you're most comfortable shooting.
As far as online buying goes, you can find better deals sometimes but keep in mind you're gonna have to get it shipped to your local gun store unless you are an FFL yourself, it's not legal to mail you a gun directly to your house. And for the store to process it and do your paperwork usually costs a little bit too so you should factor that in when buying too.
I appreciate your thoughtful response. Right now I am just beginning to gather info - this is all new to me. My wife and I are under quarantine so I can't go anywhere at the moment and the nearest gun shop is 45 minutes in one direction and the nearest big box outdoor store with guns is 45 minutes in the other direction. I also read that people can order online but I'm still unsure about how that all works.
I now know that each state handles things differently. We plan on driving through several states so I'll have to check each one out. The classes will definitely be on our list of to do things.
No, I didn't want anyone to get me a gun in any way, shape or form. I guess I was thinking about the difference between purchasing one retail or ordering online. And if retail, are the big boxes (Bas Pro Shops, etc) worth it?
But thanks for being so nice to a newbie. This really is a friendly place.
Watch some YouTube videos on gun safety. Go to a gun range tell them you're a complete newbie and that you'd like to use one of their guns on the range.
Every State has their own process, you need to investigate what yours requires. It took me months to get my permit, the demand was so high that the appointment to get fingerprinted took months then the background check was started. In my State, it isn't likely that I could get a concealed carry permit (NJ).
I researched the process in NJ, there is an on-line application. The alternative would be to go to a local gun store, they would help you get started.
Its difficult to tell if this is a sincere question...and...even if it is...the complex nature makes it almost impossible to answer.
Just wanted to know about guns is one thing...gonto yournlocalbrange and take a basic class and rent a few different ones to see if you can even handle the ptsd that firing a weapon of war will give you (/s )
They will even be able to tell you that wanting to buy guns and get concealed carry for interstate travel to western state....would be useless. Most of the western coastal states require your firearm to be transported in your trunk..and its illegal to even have the ammunition stored in same place as the gun..so...ammo in glovebox..weapon in trunk.
Then...if you're going to CA ..any cc other than CA is invalid.
There is a website that details weapon laws and Carry license reciprocity between states that will tell you which states accept what.
But if your "western states " are WA or Oregon...well...pfft....why would anyone in their right mind want to go to either?
Not many will be willing to give you much more info than that since your motives and vague destination invite skepticism.
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I wasn't trying to be vague, but there's so much backstory I didn't think people would care about. Why would motive matter, but I guess it does.
My wife is a health care worker and she was exposed to the virus and is under quarantine. That means I am under quarantine. I recently retired and to celebrate we planned on heading out West to visit national parks, hike and camp and stopping in cities here and there in a month long trip. I became concerned about personal safety out in some of the wilderness areas and considered a weapon. That's it.
We don't have an itinerary yet, so I can't say specifically where we would go. I guess, Arizona, Utah and the Portland and Seattle areas (we have friends and relatives there). I don't know anyone who is a gun expert and I don't have a local gun shop, but there's one about 40 minutes away. They have a range, etc. I have never been there. There's a big box outdoor store about 45 minutes away in the other direction. I was curious about the difference between retail outlets and online ordering which seems possible so I asked people here since it was supposedly a welcoming place. I have found it to be marginally so.
That's my story.
In a couple weeks I'll head to someplace and figure it out by myself.
Buying any fire arm requires you to know your states laws...ie..the laws where you live and buy the firearm.
Then you have to add the complication of knowing the laws for where you are going.
Add to that...that you need to know what type of firearm....revolver or semi? Micro..fullframe..mid? Which you wont really be able to sort out unitl you fire them. Spending a grand on a furearm and then realuzing you cant hold it because its too small..or too big and weighs 4 lbs loaded...well thats a waste
If u are not going to CA..you have a lot more options
Then..you have to factor in transport across states..as each state has dif laws you dont want to be like that poor lady from PA who had a license for her rovolver...made a wrong turn ended up into new hersey. Got pulked over and charged with felony for having hollow point ammo in NJ
So...as you can see..it can be quite complex. Its not as easy as just going out buyin a gun a throw it in ur waistband
If you plan on traveling interstate while carrying concealed, make sure you know the ccw laws, and their reciprocity, for each state you'll be traveling through.
I'm able to leave the house now and have visited both gun dealers I mentioned. The 'mom and pop' place seems a better solution, so I will probably go with them. I looked at a Glock 17 that I liked, but I shall try it before I buy it. The big box store was out of most everything and seemed way more geared to hunting.
I discovered there were a few pawn shop places in my area that sell handguns. We never discussed them here and I don't know much about them, so I will avoid them for now. I never did figure out how to order a handgun online, although I know it can be done. I found a place about an hour away that will accept the delivery for a fee. That's still an option.
Finally, I never realized how expensive ammunition is. The mom and pop store showed me different varieties and the costs are a broad range. Now I need to read about that.
So, I guess I have new opportunities - I made forward motion!
So let me get this straight. You both want to buy guns. Then travel out-of-state with them. "Out West" nonetheless. It sounds like you're looking to get magically caught up in a situation to use deadly force and that's not something I condone.
Well, driving a car through Arizona, Utah, maybe Yellowstone, and the Washington (near Seattle) and Oregon (near Portland) is out West. I have no other way to describe it. I didn't realize that I needed a specific list of places I was staying to make my request more acceptable. Apologies.
I became concerned about personal safety while camping, hiking and sightseeing and thought a handgun would be the way to go. What's wrong with that?
Use deadly force? I want to have a nice trip with my wife and have no situations at all.
I wasn't trying to be purposefully vague but I don't know enough to know what I don't know. Yes, I plan on going to a gun shop and a range and lessons, but my wife, who is a health care worker, was exposed to the virus and is under quarantine, so that makes me under quarantine and I can't go anywhere right now. The nearest gun shop is about 40 minutes away from me in one direction. The nearest big box outdoor store with guns is about 45 minutes away from me in the other direction. When I search them and their inventory online it says they don't have many handguns in stock. That's all I know
I'm just concerned about my wife and worried about our future.
Go to a gun store and be honest about your knowledge level and desires. You can also go to a range that offers tryouts and get a feel for different calibers and brands. You can also do a handgun safety course. Practically every range and shop will know how to hook you up with that.
Travelling with a firearm complicates things. Depending on the states you will have different storage requirements. Bring that up with the shop.
I can't go anywhere at the moment so I am trying to gather info online, by myself. But so much of this stuff seems to be aimed at experienced gun owners that I feel a bit overwhelmed. Talking about ammunition and barrel lengths might be great for most people but doesn't do me much good right now.
When we can get out, I will go to a shop but there's really not one nearby me.
Start with a Mom and Pop Gun store. They tend to be very helpful with first time buyers and are familiar with local laws. Traveling across jurisdictions will be an issue as state and local authorities run roughshod over God given rights recognized in the 2nd Amendment .
SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED!
Your nearest local gun store.
If you're too shy to walk into a gun store like others are suggesting I recommend finding some good YouTube channels that have a plethora of good videos instructing people as to what they need to consider. And I still think you should walk into a gun store that isn't too busy or crowded and just ask.
Thanks for the info.
No, I plan on going to the gun shop that's about 40 mins away, but we're under quarantine so we can't go anywhere right now. I was just trying to get a sense of what I needed to consider.
I've read about people ordering guns online, but I'm not sure how that works versus a store. Also big box stores versus smaller stores. I have both of them within 45 minutes of me, but in opposite directions.
Thanks again!
Well I say go in because that way you can most likely get a chance to hold and look up close. That might help your decision. Also most gun stores have pretty helpful employees so if you told them you're new and interested they'd be glad to show you what might be good for you. Some places you can even rent some of these guns and use them on a range first that way you can figure out which kind of firearm you're most comfortable shooting.
As far as online buying goes, you can find better deals sometimes but keep in mind you're gonna have to get it shipped to your local gun store unless you are an FFL yourself, it's not legal to mail you a gun directly to your house. And for the store to process it and do your paperwork usually costs a little bit too so you should factor that in when buying too.
yes go to a local gun store. they will be able to answer any questions you might have and they also can provide training
I appreciate your thoughtful response. Right now I am just beginning to gather info - this is all new to me. My wife and I are under quarantine so I can't go anywhere at the moment and the nearest gun shop is 45 minutes in one direction and the nearest big box outdoor store with guns is 45 minutes in the other direction. I also read that people can order online but I'm still unsure about how that all works.
I now know that each state handles things differently. We plan on driving through several states so I'll have to check each one out. The classes will definitely be on our list of to do things.
Once again, thanks!
No, I didn't want anyone to get me a gun in any way, shape or form. I guess I was thinking about the difference between purchasing one retail or ordering online. And if retail, are the big boxes (Bas Pro Shops, etc) worth it?
But thanks for being so nice to a newbie. This really is a friendly place.
Watch some YouTube videos on gun safety. Go to a gun range tell them you're a complete newbie and that you'd like to use one of their guns on the range.
Every State has their own process, you need to investigate what yours requires. It took me months to get my permit, the demand was so high that the appointment to get fingerprinted took months then the background check was started. In my State, it isn't likely that I could get a concealed carry permit (NJ).
I researched the process in NJ, there is an on-line application. The alternative would be to go to a local gun store, they would help you get started.
See, this was useful - thanks!
When I try to look up state's laws it's really unclear. As we plan our trip, I'll check each state we plan on camping in, though.
Thanks!
You’re still stuck in PDSRNJ? My deepest sympathies.
Have a slice of good pizza for me!
I'm as far South as you can get in NJ, luckily in a Red County, but still cucked NJ.
I'll have a slice in your honor and a cheesesteak wit for dessert.
Is Uncle Dewey’s BBQ still there?
That was always worth the trip from 201!
I'll have to try it, I've never been there.
I'm in South end of Cape May County in a shore resort town, pretty far from there.
Friends of mine have a summer place across from the firehouse in Cape May
Its difficult to tell if this is a sincere question...and...even if it is...the complex nature makes it almost impossible to answer.
Just wanted to know about guns is one thing...gonto yournlocalbrange and take a basic class and rent a few different ones to see if you can even handle the ptsd that firing a weapon of war will give you (/s )
They will even be able to tell you that wanting to buy guns and get concealed carry for interstate travel to western state....would be useless. Most of the western coastal states require your firearm to be transported in your trunk..and its illegal to even have the ammunition stored in same place as the gun..so...ammo in glovebox..weapon in trunk.
Then...if you're going to CA ..any cc other than CA is invalid.
There is a website that details weapon laws and Carry license reciprocity between states that will tell you which states accept what.
But if your "western states " are WA or Oregon...well...pfft....why would anyone in their right mind want to go to either?
Not many will be willing to give you much more info than that since your motives and vague destination invite skepticism.
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I wasn't trying to be vague, but there's so much backstory I didn't think people would care about. Why would motive matter, but I guess it does.
My wife is a health care worker and she was exposed to the virus and is under quarantine. That means I am under quarantine. I recently retired and to celebrate we planned on heading out West to visit national parks, hike and camp and stopping in cities here and there in a month long trip. I became concerned about personal safety out in some of the wilderness areas and considered a weapon. That's it.
We don't have an itinerary yet, so I can't say specifically where we would go. I guess, Arizona, Utah and the Portland and Seattle areas (we have friends and relatives there). I don't know anyone who is a gun expert and I don't have a local gun shop, but there's one about 40 minutes away. They have a range, etc. I have never been there. There's a big box outdoor store about 45 minutes away in the other direction. I was curious about the difference between retail outlets and online ordering which seems possible so I asked people here since it was supposedly a welcoming place. I have found it to be marginally so.
That's my story.
In a couple weeks I'll head to someplace and figure it out by myself.
Thanks!
Buying any fire arm requires you to know your states laws...ie..the laws where you live and buy the firearm. Then you have to add the complication of knowing the laws for where you are going.
Add to that...that you need to know what type of firearm....revolver or semi? Micro..fullframe..mid? Which you wont really be able to sort out unitl you fire them. Spending a grand on a furearm and then realuzing you cant hold it because its too small..or too big and weighs 4 lbs loaded...well thats a waste
If u are not going to CA..you have a lot more options
Then..you have to factor in transport across states..as each state has dif laws you dont want to be like that poor lady from PA who had a license for her rovolver...made a wrong turn ended up into new hersey. Got pulked over and charged with felony for having hollow point ammo in NJ
So...as you can see..it can be quite complex. Its not as easy as just going out buyin a gun a throw it in ur waistband
https://www.gunstocarry.com/ccw-reciprocity-map/
If you plan on traveling interstate while carrying concealed, make sure you know the ccw laws, and their reciprocity, for each state you'll be traveling through.
Thanks for the info. This helps.
I suggest you ask at a gunshop. Such a dumb question, though, I don't think you have the mental capacity to own a firearm.
Thanks, I appreciate your kindness.
Be honest, agent impookie!
Have the answers provided you with new opportunities for gun ownership?
I'm able to leave the house now and have visited both gun dealers I mentioned. The 'mom and pop' place seems a better solution, so I will probably go with them. I looked at a Glock 17 that I liked, but I shall try it before I buy it. The big box store was out of most everything and seemed way more geared to hunting.
I discovered there were a few pawn shop places in my area that sell handguns. We never discussed them here and I don't know much about them, so I will avoid them for now. I never did figure out how to order a handgun online, although I know it can be done. I found a place about an hour away that will accept the delivery for a fee. That's still an option.
Finally, I never realized how expensive ammunition is. The mom and pop store showed me different varieties and the costs are a broad range. Now I need to read about that.
So, I guess I have new opportunities - I made forward motion!
bullets - https://youtu.be/VZrFVtmRXrw
I found this info useful:
Firearm buying guide for home defense and tactical prepping
Before you buy, you can rent out your short-list at most gun ranges... to see which feels right for you.
Which sniper rifle do you suggest for voting out Democrats?
Thanks!
Having someone point me in a positive direction helps. I appreciate it.
Check out CRS Firearms Channel on youtube. Also Honest Outlaw did a great review recently on the Taurus G3C.
So let me get this straight. You both want to buy guns. Then travel out-of-state with them. "Out West" nonetheless. It sounds like you're looking to get magically caught up in a situation to use deadly force and that's not something I condone.
Well, driving a car through Arizona, Utah, maybe Yellowstone, and the Washington (near Seattle) and Oregon (near Portland) is out West. I have no other way to describe it. I didn't realize that I needed a specific list of places I was staying to make my request more acceptable. Apologies.
I became concerned about personal safety while camping, hiking and sightseeing and thought a handgun would be the way to go. What's wrong with that?
Use deadly force? I want to have a nice trip with my wife and have no situations at all.
Thanks to everyone for their feedback.
I wasn't trying to be purposefully vague but I don't know enough to know what I don't know. Yes, I plan on going to a gun shop and a range and lessons, but my wife, who is a health care worker, was exposed to the virus and is under quarantine, so that makes me under quarantine and I can't go anywhere right now. The nearest gun shop is about 40 minutes away from me in one direction. The nearest big box outdoor store with guns is about 45 minutes away from me in the other direction. When I search them and their inventory online it says they don't have many handguns in stock. That's all I know
I'm just concerned about my wife and worried about our future.
And then Piglet asked Poo "Is THIS a glowie?"
You are right! OFF TOPIC HERE!