Where to start

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Okay ... so I'm a newbie to the world of self protection.

Having said that, I am contemplating obtaining a weapon to have with me when I meander. Not sure how practical that would be since when I meander, I have no idea where I will end up. I guess, I could figure out what I need to do in like all the states I might end up in.

Anyway, any help on what I need to do to get started would be great ... I'm guessing I'll start at a local gun shop, but, that's kind of intimidating to me.

All help would be appreciated.

[rhino 2]

Okay ... so I'm a newbie to the world of self protection.

Having said that, I am contemplating obtaining a weapon to have with me when I meander. Not sure how practical that would be since when I meander, I have no idea where I will end up. I guess, I could figure out what I need to do in like all the states I might end up in.

Anyway, any help on what I need to do to get started would be great ... I'm guessing I'll start at a local gun shop, but, that's kind of intimidating to me.

All help would be appreciated.

First things first , Do you know how to handle a weapon, If not' Find a gun Shop/Range where they have instructors, And they will let you rent one to shoot at that range...

Thats where i would recommend you to start..

[FuzzyWuzHe]

First things first , Do you know how to handle a weapon, If not' Find a gun Shop/Range where they have instructors, And they will let you rent one to shoot at that range...



Thats where i would recommend you to start..

I was certified on a 45 for OOD duty in the Navy, but, I do plan on some refresher training.

I'm also wondering whether carrying a fire arm is worth the trouble, but, then I think about the friend of Kevin's that was killed trying to stop someone from stealing his ride. I would have of just let them take it as I always have great insurance.

I'm also dealing with my faith and what God would think of me "packin'" ... probably think I'm smarter than he thought ... LOL.

[Sully]

Like Bob said, go to your local Gun Shop and ask about taking some lessons, or google a local gun club and talk with them. Then check with your State, you may need to have a Conceal Carry License. Picking out what weapon you want will be the hard part, size,caliber, auto or revolver. Trust me, as time goes on you will own many of them, and switch them out depending on where your going and what your doing.

Go Luck and stay safe.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

We have a huge gun shop/range like 2 blocks from me ... when I get back, I'll check it out ... probably not start this until after the knee replacement .. that's coming pretty soon.

[ol' school]

That place sounds like a good place to start Fuzzy!

[rhino 2]

We have a huge gun shop/range like 2 blocks from me ... when I get back, I'll check it out ... probably not start this until after the knee replacement .. that's coming pretty soon.

Just don't shoot yourself in the knee by accident after the replacement........

[Zammy]

That's great you have a place nearby Fuzzy, do you have any friends that shoot?

[trike tech]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet & would strongly encourage is get a CURRENT copy of the Traveler's guide to the firearm laws of the 50 states or similar, ESPECIALLY if you will be traveling across state lines. It's a cheap enough book & may save you a great deal of grief & "headache". On amazon one can be had for less than $15.

If you're not sure what "type" of firearm platform you'd like best find a very well stocked gun shop nearby & put your paws on everything that catches your eye. See what "fits" your hand and is comfortable to you & dry fire if they'll allow you to get an idea of trigger pull. Often times this will reduce the number of "options" for you by 50%. From there check with ranges nearby about their rentals, try out the ones you felt most comfortable with & shoot them. At that point you'll likely have it narrowed down to a couple to pick from.

The only other thing I encourage EVERYONE who plans on carrying a firearm for protection of self an others is to find a REPUTABLE & QUALITY trainer or training facility nearby & train above the minimum state standards required to carry legally. The minimum requirement is NOT enough to prepare you for a defensive encounter and does nothing to teach you how to handle the extreme & sudden stress that happens to your body and mind in those moments.

[Motorcycle Mike]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet & would strongly encourage is get a CURRENT copy of the Traveler's guide to the firearm laws of the 50 states or similar, ESPECIALLY if you will be traveling across state lines. It's a cheap enough book & may save you a great deal of grief & "headache". On amazon one can be had for less than $15.



If you're not sure what "type" of firearm platform you'd like best find a very well stocked gun shop nearby & put your paws on everything that catches your eye. See what "fits" your hand and is comfortable to you & dry fire if they'll allow you to get an idea of trigger pull. Often times this will reduce the number of "options" for you by 50%. From there check with ranges nearby about their rentals, try out the ones you felt most comfortable with & shoot them. At that point you'll likely have it narrowed down to a couple to pick from.

The only other thing I encourage EVERYONE who plans on carrying a firearm for protection of self an others is to find a REPUTABLE & QUALITY trainer or training facility nearby & train above the minimum state standards required to carry legally. The minimum requirement is NOT enough to prepare you for a defensive encounter and does nothing to teach you how to handle the extreme & sudden stress that happens to your body and mind in those moments.

Excellent post! I didn't know such a book as "Traveler's guide to the firearm laws of the 50 states" existed. I've been searching the web for each states laws when I travel. This will now be a yearly purchase for me.

[trike tech]

There are other books similar, but it's a great "go to". I'm still a firm believer in doing a quick online search also to avoid any potential "mid year" changes in laws etc also.

Several of my buddies & guys I train with keep a copy in their vehicle all the time.

[MDO]

Okay ... so I'm a newbie to the world of self protection.

Having said that, I am contemplating obtaining a weapon to have with me when I meander. Not sure how practical that would be since when I meander, I have no idea where I will end up. I guess, I could figure out what I need to do in like all the states I might end up in.

Anyway, any help on what I need to do to get started would be great ... I'm guessing I'll start at a local gun shop, but, that's kind of intimidating to me.

All help would be appreciated.

Fuzzy, many quality ranges have a "First Shots" program that is sponsored by the NSSF, national shooting sports foundation. They have introduced 1,000's of new shooters to the sport.

Either Google it or contact a reputable indoor range in your area. It's a great program. It's free by the way.

I learned in the Navy on that same .45 auto & still have & use 1 today.

[MDO]

Excellent post! I didn't know such a book as "Traveler's guide to the firearm laws of the 50 states" existed. I've been searching the web for each states laws when I travel. This will now be a yearly purchase for me.

Just Google concealed carry laws and you get all the up to date info for free.

[Wingrider55]

As carry laws change so fast, any book you can buy will be outdated before you leave the store. The best way to keep up with the laws is to get a ccw app for your phone. The app will constantly update to the current law.

[520fd]

Alen. Lots of good info has been said in prior posts. Go to a gun shop. Talk to the instructors there. Thay will point you in the right direction. They will have guns for rent to try out.

Before you do anything with a gun, read the owners manual. It will tell you everything you need to know about the gun. How it operates, what kind of Ammo, How to clean it and so forth. Before any of this, take a gun class. Get qualified. Get your permit. Find a gun that fits your standards.

You must trust your carry gun with your life. If it fire's every time. Never malfunctions. You can trust it. You have to be confident that it works every time.

As far as traveling with your gun. The states that you plan on going to, must recognize your permit to be legal. As others have said, The traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States, is a good one. There's a web site that I use regularly is Handgunlaws.us Great info on all the states. There laws, etc. You have to abide by their laws.

Every state has different laws. Read up on it before you travel. After you get your permit, take more classes. Go to the range, get used to your gun. Be very careful. Things you read on the internet is not any where as good as personal instruction. Good luck.

[rhino 2]

One thing that hasn't been brought up is , If you have to use it and i hope you never have to.....Once you pull the trigger theres no way to put the round back in the barrel ...

One mistake can ruin your life....Or at best leave you with haunting memories.......

AKA Flashbacks.......

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I think I'm gonna think and pray about this ... with the knee replacement coming in 3 weeks ... not the best time to start in on this ... I did stop at a gun shop and they basically said when I was ready, they would be happy to show me options, even ones not offered by them. That kind of impressed me, so, I think I'll be taking with them after surgery.

[JamesP]

Big decision to "Carry". To do so may change your life; not to do so may change your life. No one but you can make that decision!

Lots of good advice here. I would, however ask myself a first question: Would I be able to take someone's life in the defense of my own or a loved one. If the answer is no (i.e. you could never take a life, regardless) then the decision is made.

As for me and mine......well the whole family has concealed carry permits; I've been teaching gun safety for almost 30 year; we compete across the nation in long range shooting; we are officially "gun nuts"; but uber responsible gun nuts.

A few caveats, some of which have been mentioned but bear repeating:

0 Shop around for advice; I've heard some absolute crap advice passed over a gun counter at guns shops; I would say only one in three behind such counters actually have a deep knowledge and the others are pretenders.

0 Get that concealed permit!

0 Get as much training as possible; my wife and I joined an affiliation/ club called "The Polite Society" where we train once a month when other interests allow. It is amazing what you learn and how quickly your skill set improves.

0 Shoot as many models/ calibers as possible to see what works for you. It is more important that the firearm is reliable and fits you than that you are shooting any given caliber or latest gee-whiz model.

0 Remember the last resort; not first resort; is to shoot. Let that guy steal the bike.....its not worth taking or loosing a life!

0 Have fun/ be safe! Our firearm shooting is a significant part of our active life style, we enjoy it. I pity the man who tries to take advantage of my Wife or daughters....they ARE NOT sheep but wolves if it ever came to self protection. But that is our decision I once again refer you to the first question.

James P

[2006gold]

Something no one has mentioned, shooters insurance. I have Second Call, but there are others. If I am ever forced to shoot someone, they provide a number of benefits to help protect me legally, both criminally and civilly.

For me, my, or some other persons life must be in danger for me to shoot. Killing someone over a thing is just not going to happen. Many have asked why I always carry a firearm - I answer that I'm old and kind of beat up, but the best reason I give is that I don't intend to be a victim, or allow some other to be one, without a fight. That being said, the best defense is simply to get away if you can. There is no cowardice in that option.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

All good advice ... and it has become obvious this is not something I'm gonna decide to do overnight. I plan on doing lots of research while rehabbing the replaced knee. I figure I'll have 4 solid weeks of no bike ... so .. lots of time in-between rehab to look into this.