Learning, Sharing, and Teaching > Reader Recommendations
Buy a Mustachian Gun? Or Facepunch Me
haflander:
Hello all. I've been thinking about buying a gun for a while. I'm posting about it here because I know absolutely nothing about guns, even though I live in Texas. Yes...not all of us are gun nuts. I'd also like to take a gun safety course so I can educate myself and feel comfortable with it.
Any recommendations for a pistol that's easy to use for a beginner but still will pack some punch with it? I'm guessing it will cost a few hundred, but I don't have a set limit I'm trying to stay under.
Other than the specific type, what would you suggest as far as the cheapest method for buying it? Used is fine, I don't need something new. Should I go to a gun store or shooting range? I'm thinking I should go there to ask for general advice anyway. Shady pawn shop? Online options?
Another consideration is that I have a gf who sleeps over often and is in fully embedded in my closet for her own clothes, stuff, etc. I'd probably store it there so I'd need to talk to her about it and make sure it's something she's aware of and acceptable to her. We're starting to get serious and I value her opinion, so if she had a problem with it or thought it was a waste of $, I'd probably forget about it.
OR feel free to facepunch me and tell me this is an unnecessary spendypants expense. I like hearing different opinions and am not looking for confirmation of my own. I'll go ahead and answer this ? already...no I don't NEED it, it's a mild want. I've lived this long without it and could keep doing so without any kind of suffering or FOMO or decrease in quality of life.
Thanks!
SwitchActiveDWG:
I live in Texas in Texas as well. I own 5 guns (two were gifted by two different grandfathers) so I have purchased 3. I have a small pocket gun (.380), a subcompact, and a compact 9 mm.
That’s my disclaimer so you know I’m biased when I say go ahead and buy one.
I’d recommend a Glock 19. It’s easy for a beginner, not too pricey, light enough to carry, and very dependable. 20,000+ through mine and still going strong.
I also recommend as many classes as you have the time to take. The concealed carry class is a joke but you could start with that one, then look at specific situational classes and close quarters combat stuff. My advice is if you own a gun you should be extremely proficient with it.
YttriumNitrate:
I shot competitive rifle in high school and college, so I have a strong preference for long guns. For a first rifle I would suggest something inexpensive like a used Marlin. A few years ago I picked one up off of armslist for 125 including a scope. While it wouldn't win any competitions it sure is fun to shoot.
BlueMR2:
If you really want a pistol, 9mm is a great cartridge to start with. Fairly common, reasonably priced, powerful enough, but not overpowered. Find a gun that fits your hand well and you can easily work the controls. Best to rent/borrow several examples before choosing to buy.
Honestly though, rifles are a lot more pure fun to shoot... Even .22lr plinkers. Plus they can actually cost less than a pistol...
trollwithamustache:
Go find a range and take some classes. Hand guns, long guns and shotguns are all very different animals. Shooting skeet with a shotgun has surprisingly little to do with rifles on a long range target.
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