Newbie gun ownership

[jawsf16]

@Mainah
Hopefully the NFA will get modified or completely rescinded for SBR and silencers. I would love both but the cost of the stamp, item and trust is prohibitive.
A Sig MPX SBR suppressed would be sweet!!

 

[Mainah]

@Mainah
Hopefully the NFA will get modified or completely rescinded for SBR and silencers. I would love both but the cost of the stamp, item and trust is prohibitive.
A Sig MPX SBR suppressed would be sweet!![/QUOTE

I had not seen that. That thing is sweet and will be coming out in 8in SBR and a 4in barrel "pistol" version. Hmmm 1.7k for a "pistol" ... honey did you hear about that rash of burglaries? Just when I thought this site could not get more expensive.

@Murf'n'surf - This is my definition of the ultimate home defense "pistol". About as concealable as an ICBM but darn sweet. Think of it like a boat and buy your 3rd one first to make us all jealous.

 

[jcsmith77]

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AU6HSM2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this in my truck mostly to keep the kid out of things and to satisfy good faith of a locked container inside the vehicle. It was conveyed to us during our ccw class that you could still be held liable for "losing" your firearm if it were stolen from your vehicle and wasn't inside an additional locked container. i find that insane, but a lawyer i am not.

https://smile.amazon.com/GunVault-SV500-SpeedVault-Handgun-Safe/dp/B006OGNLKA/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1484969370&sr=1-2&keywords=gun+safe

I have that attached to the nightstand and find it keeps things accessible but out of kids hands. I don't consider either a security device, but more a keep honest people honest. I would like to have the speed vault in the truck but haven't found an easy way to attach it, although i haven't spent much thought on it yet. There was the canon safe rebranded version of this on sale online costco around black friday for 70 bucks.

As far as guns, i have some full size 9's and 45's and they are just not feasible to carry. I subscribe to the mantra that the best gun to carry is the one you will actually carry, so i give up some size for comfort.

I originally bought the ruger lc9 and hated it, not to be confused with lc9s. It was heavy, terrible trigger, and to me was punishing on the web of the hand, so what made its handle good for carry, made it uncomfortable to shoot for me. I bought the wife a sig p238 .380 and she loves it, i shot it, and i loved it, so i now own 2. I have shot some other 380s and various 9s looking to see if i can find a cheaper gun that i like as much but nothing yet. i bought the lc9 and hated it and sold it at a loss, so i would seriously recommend trying lots of guns and styles before you buy. Be realistic about what you want and your ability to practice. Also consider a .22 to start practicing and developing good habits, especially if you aren't very experienced.

I love my .22s for shooting more than any other guns i own. My 380 is close behind though, and remember, this is one place where you really do get what you pay for.... for the most part.

 

[Drift Away]

Go to a good gun range that rents guns and shot the ones you think will make a good ccw (ask them what might be a good choice). I am 6'4 210 pounds so i have big hands, the smith and wesson M an P 40 was perfect. With the 7 round mag it comes with the mag extender that fits my hand just fine. Then find your self a good holster that fits your body and where you plan on carrying your firearm.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Thanks for all of the tips, I have handled a lot of Springfields and liked the feel along with the double safety. The XD MOD.2 3" is in the lead until I can get it side by side with a Ruger LCP or other comparable firearms. What are the differences between this XD MOD and the XDS 3.3"?

As for the home defense weapon, I think the shotgun is out due to the fact of multiple people in the house and needing a more defined range. I will most likely go 1 at a time and start with the CC.

 

[jawsf16]

@jcsmith77
Love the speed vault. We have one bolted to the nightstand and it works perfectly. Everything else lives in the locked gun cabinet.

@Murf'n'surf
I own the XD mod2 3" and 4" in 9mm, the XD mod2 4" in 45 and the XDS 3" in 9mm. The mod2 and XDS main difference is capacity and grip width due to double vs single stack. Mod2 has a more ergo grip and better trigger. Both are nice to shoot. I did add a Talon grip to my XDS because the checking pattern on it are pretty harsh. The Talon grip made it comfortable. IMHO neither are comparable to an LCP. It is a deep trigger pull pocket pistol in 380. Absolutely hate shooting my dad's especially with HD ammo. It is just uncomfortable but very concealable. Wife agreed and ended up with LC9s.

Look at all the brands like I did. I love my Springfields and Walthers. Glock owners swear by all things Glock. Shield owners rave about them too. All good options.

 

[Mainah]

@Mainah
Hopefully the NFA will get modified or completely rescinded for SBR and silencers. I would love both but the cost of the stamp, item and trust is prohibitive.
A Sig MPX SBR suppressed would be sweet!!

I had not seen that. That thing is sweet and will be coming out in 8in SBR and a 4in barrel "pistol" version. Hmmm 1.7k for a "pistol" ... honey did you hear about that rash of burglaries? Just when I thought this site could not get more expensive.

@Murf'n'surf - This is my definition of the ultimate home defense "pistol". About as concealable as an ICBM but darn sweet. Think of it like a boat and buy your 3rd one first to make us all jealous. In all seriousness you are on the right track and @jawsf16 has great points above.

 

[Bruce]

@swatksi, I also find that the CCL simplifies interactions with law enforcement. For example I feel like I receive expedited service at DUI check points.

I do feel that I have more interactions with LE than most due to a weight problem in my right foot and it seems to make them smoother.

@jawsf16, has your Dad tried the KAHR P380? It is similar in size to the LCP 380 and in my opinion a little more refined, more accurate and easier to shoot. The KAHR PM9 is a men's pocket sized 9mm, Both have effective sights and can make reasonable groups on 15 yard targets. I have popped balloons at 50 yards with my pocket carry PM9. Here is a decent review of the P380 and LCP http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/300631-Part-2-380-showdown-Kahr-CW380-vs-Ruger-LCP

@Murf'n'surf, tiny 380s fit in pockets really well. That makes them extremely conveinent to carry. In my opinion the 380 is not a particularly effective round which likely means that you would expend a magazine or more to stop one bad guy. But they are way better than being disarmed.

 

[jawsf16]

@Bruce
Those look like two good options. He actually liked the LC9s my wife and I have so much he bought that. My Mom has a Sig P238 I think that she likes for easiness to rack. Like me, Dad likes the feel of a full grip, so he uses the pinky extension or the +2 on the LC9s. It is funny how much smaller the pocket 380s are compared to the smallest 9mms, but only side by side. The dimensional difference on paper doesn't do the physical difference justice.

@Murf'n'surf
If you or your wife or kids are new to guns, definitely teach/preach the rules of gun safety. Another thing I did with them is first let them handle an empty gun a bit, then eventually loaded single round magazines, then two rounds, three etc until they were comfortable with shooting and the rules. Newbies tend to be more interested in where the shot hits than gun safety right after pulling the trigger. Also I am a firm believer of not hiding guns from kids. Make them inaccessible yes, but don't act like they are amazing, cool, or something they can't ever know about. If you do, it just makes them more curious. My girls know we have guns, see them on me daily, shoot them with me when possible, and respect them. When I get a new one they check it out and hand it back bored. They are now unimpressed with my collection! Which is exactly what I want. To them it is no different than a cell phone, or wallet, or belt. it is a tool that does a job, but they also know the dangers and respect that. Guess what, I still keep them locked up because they are kids (the guns are locked up, not the kids!!)

Lots of words to say, making them comfortable is not a bad thing, but still keep them safe. Please keep us updated on your final choice and how you like it. Also update us on the next gun, and the next, then the rifles, then the shotguns... I will warn you it is just as bad as boating WRT mods, upgrades, etc.

 

[jawsf16]

@Drift Away
Your credibility may have been slightly shaken based on that Ohio State emblem in the background! Hey I like the look of that holster. Who makes it and do they make OWB as well? I have used Alien Gear exclusively and am very happy with them, but always shopping around...

 

[swatski]

@swatski, I also find that the CCL simplifies interactions with law enforcement. For example I feel like I receive expedited service at DUI check points.

All good points @Bruce.
I have a strong preference for 9mm.

This is a great thread, very educational.

--

 

[Drift Away]

@Drift Away
Your credibility may have been slightly shaken based on that Ohio State emblem in the background! Hey I like the look of that holster. Who makes it and do they make OWB as well? I have used Alien Gear exclusively and am very happy with them, but always shopping around...

Lol i have been a life long fan so one game aint gonna shake me. Here is the link for the holster. He can make one for damn near any gun. Rothholsters.com

 

[Bruce]

@jawsf16, Similar to your policy Emma and Gavin know where firearms are and that we are happy to take them to shoot anytime that they would like. Early on Emma had quite a curiosity. After I allowed her to satisfy her curiosity by handling unloaded firearms her curioisity faded. We also gave them BB guns early on but they are much less interested in them than I was as a child.

Muzzle control (not swinging the gun around when talking to others at the range) is one of the biggest issues for beginning shooters of any age. Your method of starting with one round in the mag is a good way to reduce the danger of muzzle control failure. It also helps with learning to load the gun. I wish I used your method. My less safe alternative was to be very close to them so I could assist if the muzzle started to go the wrong direction.

Another topic for new shooters which often applies to experienced shooters as well is trigger control / discipline. Your finger should never be on the trigger until you are ready to fire. This can avoid all kinds of unintended / negligent discharges.

Earlier this month we had the opportunity to shoot with some of the best instructors that I know. Emma, Gavin and Rana benefited from a lot of quality instruction while I enjoyed being picked on and challenged to shoot further. It is really fun to watch the family enjoy shooting and their accuracy improve. Having experienced instructors who understand how you are shooting and can offer the right advice makes learning so much easier. And they bring lots of fun toys!

 

[Mainah]

Sounds like many of us have the same thinking with kids. My kids all started early with their own .22 rifles. Then we moved on to a .22 pistol for them. Next was 20 guage pumps and getting behind my rifles. Now they share my old Glock 19 at the range, have their own .308 rifles and have given 20g and 12g clay shooting a try.

All of those firearms are kept locked up along with the ammo. Love the fingerprint speed vault for bedside and in drawer fingerprint safe for the office desk.

Muzzle control with newbies can't be repeated enough. That said the instructor needs to remain calmly in control. If the muzzle strays then the instructor need only use one finger to gently reorient the muzzle in the downrange direction. Practicing with dummy rounds at home is also great to relive stress and too much instruction while at the range.

Be safe and have fun.

 

[jawsf16]

@Drift Away
As a fellow service member, I'll forgive you this time. I actually love Urban Meyer and was shocked by that game. Anyways, thanks for doing the hard part on the ground. Fighter Pilots appreciate y'all!

Now back to guns... one of my personal favorite guns in the 20mm caliber. I used to have daily access to these at work!

 

[Mainah]

20 mike mike .... yes very nice and very feared amoung opposing force ground fighters with good reason. 40mm grenades in a MK19 are also very effective for on the ground QRF. Again neither are very effective for CC.

 

[jawsf16]

20 mike mike .... yes very nice and very feared amoung opposing force ground fighters with good reason. 40mm grenades in a MK19 are also very effective for on the ground QRF. Again neither are very effective for CC.

The 3,000 foot turn radius of a Viper at 9Gs is pretty astounding in Air Combat, but may be a bit much to navigate the halls of the average home. There are probably better HD choices out there for sure!

 

[Drift Away]

@Drift Away
As a fellow service member, I'll forgive you this time. I actually love Urban Meyer and was shocked by that game. Anyways, thanks for doing the hard part on the ground. Fighter Pilots appreciate y'all!

Now back to guns... one of my personal favorite guns in the 20mm caliber. I used to have daily access to these at work!

Oh such a sweet sweet sound of a 20mil chain gun letting loose

 

[buckbuck]

@jawsf16 please keep your finger off the trigger of that thing. The rest of the military needs some of my tax support.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

I got a 380 so the wife can shoot it..... also a finger print safe.....

This the wife shooting......