There are tons of websites on this topic, but I would like some help from my fellow pede's to make sure I am getting the best information for the situation in the USA today.
Like many others across this country, when the riots and looting started I was shocked to see the police and the federal government prevented from helping law-abiding citizens.
It was like being hit in the face with ice water.
My faith in this country always being able to protect me was radically changed.
I was woken up to the reality, that like in all things if is MY responsibility to provide for myself and my family. I could not count on the government to provide safety. This is something I needed to ensure I could provide myself.
To that end, I knew I had to arm myself. At 45 years old, I had to purchase a firearm.
I did some research prior to going to the gun store, but that all proved to be for naught.
When I got to the store, they were nearly all sold out of all of the weapons I was looking for. In speaking with the guy behind the counter, and evaluating the weapons that they had, we settled on a Ruger All American 45 and a Stroeger 20 gauge shotgun. I was able to buy 20 rounds for the Ruger and 20 rounds for the Stroeger when I purchased the weapon along with gun locks for both.
I would like to go to a gun range so I can train on these weapons, but this does not seem to be enough ammunition to train and retain anything for home protection.
I have now been to the store 3x per week for the last 2.5 months and have not been able to find any additonal ammunition for the Ruger (and I am honestly confused by all of the choices for 20 gauge shotgun).
Can anyone provide advice on what someone new to owning a gun should do next?
After reading about Kyle and people saying things like he was missing a 'kit' extra magazines, talking about his rifle sling(?). It left me thinking that there may be additional equipment that I should be purchasing to go along with my weapons.
Where can I get ammunition for a resonable amount?
What's the best way to get training on a weapon? (the local gun range classes are all booked up for 3+ months).
Should I buy a 'kit'? What is it? Where could one get one?
Should I buy an AR-15? I hear Kyle had a $400 rifle, but all of the weapons I now see online are $1k+. Is this simply due to demand?
What other gear should I be purchasing to prepare for home defense/ riots in the street/ possible cival war?
What tips would you provide for new gun owners?
The NRA looks to be a totally F'ed organization. Is joining GOA a good move?
I would like to ensure that I am legally protechted if I ever need to use my weapon. What types of insurance should I consider as a gun owner?
What are the advantages of a conceled carry permit? Would you recommend that I get one?
It’s important to get accustomed to the “tool” you have. Look for dummy rounds that you can practice loading and dry firing without damaging the gun’s firing pin. Learn to disassemble and oil the parts correctly. Plenty of YouTube videos. Learn proper gun handling and safety. Each gun you bought came with a book. Safety and rules are detailed so read it end to end.
Ammo is an issue for sure. Availability is slim due to mass purchasing. Ammoseek.com is a great place to find some. It’s a conglomerate site. Cheaper than dirt, palmetto state armory, sportsman’s outdoor super store are good sources. Just find what you need and buy it. Read up on bullet types and their uses. Some are designed to penetrate and others designed to splay open and fragment. Stopping power is what you’re looking for so hollow point rounds should be at the top of the list. At this point, just get what you can. You want at least a few hundred rounds for each piece you have. The shotgun you have is a smaller caliber so you’ll want slugs( a single larger metal ball projectile). Bird shot and clay shooting shells are comprised of many little pellets which won’t be conducive for self defense.
You need a cleaning “kit”. Get quality oil, too. Gun building kits to make an AR isn’t necessary, especially for beginners. Just find an AR15 or an M4 if you want to have one. Price is what it is. Don’t get hung up on the cost at this point.
Gun ranges and practice is definitely going to be an issue. Again, become accustomed to your hand gun and shotgun by handling, assembling, cleaning and practicing dry. Once you’re a bit more comfortable it will become second nature. I’d recommend a handgun safe as opposed a to trigger lock. I open mine and keep the gun at the ready every night before bed and lock it up when I’m not home. If you ever need it to combat an intruder, it should be ready to shoot with minimal steps.
Know the laws in your state. They are wildly different, but easy to understand. Insurance isn’t something I’d worry about, honestly. Follow the law and you’ll be fine. Make sure your state doesn’t have weird storage requirements. If you have kids you may have to have a full sized gun safe. Still, be familiar with your setup so retrieval in a stress bound situation doesn’t slow you down.
Overall, YouTube is a huge source for all your questions as well. There’s a shit ton of opinions so absorb them all and make the decisions that are best for you and your situation. If you have a question, just type it in the search bar and I guarantee you’ll find answers.
Concealed carry is a good thing as it forces you to go through certain requirements and tests of your shooting skills. I’ve never felt the need, but I always carry in my car and in a couple instances simply carry open as opposed to illegally concealed. Example, I recently got my car washed and oil changed and had to take my pistol out and wear it, visible, on my hip to stay within the law. Which reminds me, you need a quality, hard shell holster. Also, get a sling for the shotgun.
Fuck the NRA, in my opinion. Not what it used to be and no sense paying fees if they don’t support gun owners when it’s most important.
To recap, read the safety guidelines in the manuals that cane with the guns, get home defense ammunition with the most stopping power, become accustomed to each tool, have cleaning kits on hand, store your weapons properly, know the laws in your state, use YouTube and other’s experiences to learn. Get on the list at the range and go when it’s available.
Protect yourself and good luck.
this is truly awesome. Thank you!