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aikoaiko

(34,172 posts)
114. I'm curious as to what they recommended to you.
Thu Jun 4, 2020, 07:21 PM
Jun 2020

Last edited Sat Jun 6, 2020, 01:25 AM - Edit history (2)

Do you remember their names? Did you end up buying one of them?


For people who are new to guns, a little uncomfortable, and probably not going to get to the range on a weekly basis, I usually suggest:
Smith & Wesson 627 PRO (about $900) https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/52370/smith+%26+wesson+627+pro+357+mag+4%22+adjustable+sights+stainless+8+round

Get some quality ammo like Hornady Critical Defense. Sold in boxes of 25 they run about $25. You can get cheaper target practice ammo, but I recommend shooting one cylinder full of defense ammo each time you practice.

Fort Knox Pistol Safe (About $260) -- for peace of mind - safe storage is key.
https://www.amazon.com/Fort-Knox-FTK-PB-Pistol-Handgun/dp/B004H6MKI8

I also recommend getting a simple, but high-quality holster and belt. Combined they shouldn't cost more than $150.

I also recommend getting 8 snap-caps (fake ammo) that you can put into your gun and practice pulling the trigger.

As other's have said, enroll in a gun handling and safety course. Practice at the range.

Just my 2 cents on a new gun for a novice.

But also invest in quality locks, security lights, and alarms as well as good firearms.







I went to buy a gun yesterday. [View all] live love laugh Jun 2020 OP
If you hate guns, I wouldn't buy one. roamer65 Jun 2020 #1
That is very true. dware Jun 2020 #4
America is heavily armed and it's not hunters captain queeg Jun 2020 #2
The 3% owns 50% of the guns" is totally made up. former9thward Jun 2020 #55
US study charts rise of hardcore super owners mercuryblues Jun 2020 #67
Total BS "study" former9thward Jun 2020 #88
I would recommend taking the class, dware Jun 2020 #3
For home defense... albacore Jun 2020 #70
Not if you want to live there afterwards. ManiacJoe Jun 2020 #132
With a shotgun or something, you'd be cleaning blood and guts off the walls and such... albacore Jun 2020 #133
I don't think you should get one. Get some good pepper spray. Patterson Jun 2020 #5
My heart goes out to you... BlueIdaho Jun 2020 #6
This message was self-deleted by its author CentralMass Jun 2020 #7
Not going to join you. Warpy Jun 2020 #8
If it is for home defense.. Squidly Jun 2020 #9
The biggest gun myth ever sarisataka Jun 2020 #11
Whatever.... Squidly Jun 2020 #13
Do tell- are you an FBI ballistics technician? sarisataka Jun 2020 #17
Are you? Squidly Jun 2020 #20
Nope, I can't quote muzzle velocities or the effects of bullet spin on terminal ballistics sarisataka Jun 2020 #28
This video will prove my point... Squidly Jun 2020 #30
Wow 😮 the video really shows the differences. nt live love laugh Jun 2020 #36
It also shows Squidly Jun 2020 #41
Pretty sure that's the Hague Convention(s), not Geneva. n/t sl8 Jun 2020 #69
You are correct Squidly Jun 2020 #76
Excellent video. Thanks. Owl Jun 2020 #37
That argument got killed pretty quick! Nature Man Jun 2020 #46
Ah shredded chicken for breakfast... sarisataka Jun 2020 #62
Lol Squidly Jun 2020 #68
I was not aware of that sarisataka Jun 2020 #90
I know absolutely nothing about guns LeftInTX Jun 2020 #81
Happy to answer your questions. Dial H For Hero Jun 2020 #86
It all comes down to what state and where in that state you are hunting Squidly Jun 2020 #97
I think only a handful of areas in a few states in the midwest still mandate shotguns for deer. Dial H For Hero Jun 2020 #102
A good video, it helps illustrate sarisataka Jun 2020 #92
In fairness, in the movie "Death Becomes Her" this happens to Goldie Hawn's character after Dial H For Hero Jun 2020 #38
Oh wow... Squidly Jun 2020 #42
Love that movie sarisataka Jun 2020 #63
You certainly know this... albacore Jun 2020 #134
not really into guns at all (and they are basically illegal to own and keep in your house here in Celerity Jun 2020 #52
Were shotguns responsible for all the amputations in the civil war? LeftInTX Jun 2020 #82
No EX500rider Jun 2020 #96
Especially if they were using round balls and smooth bore rifles Squidly Jun 2020 #100
No, it was because the Minie ball bullet was a large diameter and slow moving. NutmegYankee Jun 2020 #144
While a shotgun loaded with buckshot will do plenty of damage, PTWB Jun 2020 #107
I should have said Squidly Jun 2020 #120
I didn't know that about 38 special.. PTWB Jun 2020 #125
A shotgun has one serious drawback as a primary home defense weapon. Kaleva Jun 2020 #145
Think of a home defense gun as if it were a kitchen fire extinguisher Kaleva Jun 2020 #146
Wise choice at this time sarisataka Jun 2020 #10
Best advice ever. Thanks 🙏🏽 nt live love laugh Jun 2020 #12
You are welcome sarisataka Jun 2020 #24
This is why I don't buy a gun LeftInTX Jun 2020 #84
Very well said. Caliman73 Jun 2020 #27
Best answer. WhiskeyGrinder Jun 2020 #54
That is such good advice Maeve Jun 2020 #61
Very grounded and sensible post, thanks for writing this up sarisataka Devil Child Jun 2020 #65
Unfortuately many people think just owning a gun is sufficient self defense ripcord Jun 2020 #74
Wow. Can't believe I'm typing this on DU. But understand GulfCoast66 Jun 2020 #14
Well said Squidly Jun 2020 #15
Best post in this thread kcr Jun 2020 #108
You hate guns and you bought one anyway? PoindexterOglethorpe Jun 2020 #16
No I didn't buy because they were out of stock live love laugh Jun 2020 #33
I'm going with good locks, a reliable security system and an always-charged cellphone StarfishSaver Jun 2020 #18
Someone breaking down my door at 2am...what will the cel phone do? EX500rider Jun 2020 #98
I doubt anyone will be able to kick in my steel security door StarfishSaver Jun 2020 #103
Assuming you have no other points of entry like windows that should help. EX500rider Jun 2020 #105
Yeeeeah, if hate guns u probably shouldnt get one, u have to practice a lot with a handgun to learn Baclava Jun 2020 #19
I dislike guns Olafjoy Jun 2020 #21
I think you''re in the wrong area rockfordfile Jun 2020 #22
Huh? live love laugh Jun 2020 #34
I have a super soaker to smite my enemies with. hunter Jun 2020 #23
Paintball would probably be better..LOL LeftInTX Jun 2020 #85
I hate guns too..My husband was in the military for helpisontheway Jun 2020 #25
Get A Dog Instead ChoppinBroccoli Jun 2020 #26
I hate guns too, but I have used a shotgun to kill a big snake. Never txwhitedove Jun 2020 #29
In 1966 I qualified on everything the Army had up to the Ron Green Jun 2020 #31
Simpler this way G_j Jun 2020 #32
That's the same argument many who refuse to wear masks make. Kaleva Jun 2020 #51
Are you equating wearing a mask with owning a gun? Ron Green Jun 2020 #58
Do you equate wearing a mask with living in fear? Kaleva Jun 2020 #83
I certainly wear a mask, and I don't see how that's living in fear. Ron Green Jun 2020 #94
I do both and I do not live in fear. Kaleva Jun 2020 #119
+1 - "I choose not to live in fear." I was going to recommend a class in meditation. c-rational Jun 2020 #71
Are you asserting that every person who chooses to own a firearm does so out of fear? Dial H For Hero Jun 2020 #95
No. People own guns for target shooting. Perhaps some young people Ron Green Jun 2020 #124
"I would never own a gun now, because I choose not to live in fear." EX500rider Jun 2020 #99
No one ever stole a smoke detecter to murder anyone kcr Jun 2020 #109
It's not that hard to properly secure a weapon. Also I was responding to it being out of fear. EX500rider Jun 2020 #110
If it's properly secured, then how is it effective? kcr Jun 2020 #111
Biometric safes are fast opening. nt EX500rider Jun 2020 #115
It's still opening kcr Jun 2020 #116
Someone kicking in my front door is not near my bedroom, I will have time, thxs. nt EX500rider Jun 2020 #118
Well, hey, I guess if you're lucky enough to live in a 12,000 sq ft mansion kcr Jun 2020 #126
Didn't say I did, but someone getting from my front toor to my bedroom in the dark will be all... EX500rider Jun 2020 #129
You mentioned "being prepared," but you may have a different Ron Green Jun 2020 #128
I never heard of a suicide from a smoke alarm or fire extinguisher or a kid killing themself...... Patterson Jun 2020 #112
Again, that has zero to do with whether all gun owners have a gun out of fear. nt EX500rider Jun 2020 #113
Im sorry Squidly Jun 2020 #122
... kcr Jun 2020 #127
And yet practiaclly gun free Japan has a higher rate then the US. nt EX500rider Jun 2020 #138
True, but in all honesty, Japan has an odd-ball counting system. ManiacJoe Jun 2020 #143
Don't feel bad vercetti2021 Jun 2020 #35
They do make alternate self defense kaotikross Jun 2020 #39
For protection on the street, pepper spray. safeinOhio Jun 2020 #40
At my previous job the head of security was an ex NYC police. He said he defused more problems mitch96 Jun 2020 #59
a cannister of bear spray and onethatcares Jun 2020 #43
Have you ever had to take a human life? Nature Man Jun 2020 #44
That is why I favor something that won't kill a person. Blue_true Jun 2020 #123
Guns are for killing. Nature Man Jun 2020 #130
Many people think that complete strangers will harm them. Blue_true Jun 2020 #131
IF you buy a gun, DO get trained on how to use it. cwydro Jun 2020 #45
I love it when all the gun nuts come out on the DU..... where's the popcorn......... mitch96 Jun 2020 #47
I resent that you lump us liberal gun owners into the gun nut category Squidly Jun 2020 #73
As you said in your previous post mitch96 Jun 2020 #89
Anybody thinking of buying a gun ought to read sarisataka's post #10 Kaleva Jun 2020 #48
I hate Guns, too The Finn Al Analysis Jun 2020 #49
When I tell you I still have no interest in buying a gun... Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2020 #50
Don't buy a gun if you hate guns. You'll never use it safely. WhiskeyGrinder Jun 2020 #53
Don't buy one if you hate it that much. Happy Hoosier Jun 2020 #56
Yes plenty of 1st timers are buying guns - been since early March. If your revolted... jmg257 Jun 2020 #57
Good for you, you are wise to take steps to protect yourself as no one else will Devil Child Jun 2020 #60
Lol! Nt USALiberal Jun 2020 #93
Save your money. Really. MineralMan Jun 2020 #64
"If I were a criminal I'd be scared. America is armed.' Ms. Toad Jun 2020 #66
Sorry, intentional murder rates are way higher then accidental homicde. nt EX500rider Jun 2020 #139
Intentional murder can easily be carried out by an evildoer Ms. Toad Jun 2020 #141
I have firearms to protect my life, not my home. EX500rider Jun 2020 #142
What looting and violence has been inflicted on private homes? brooklynite Jun 2020 #72
None that I know of. MineralMan Jun 2020 #79
People that have not used guns should not buy guns. What do you think a gun will do? A mob is Demsrule86 Jun 2020 #75
Yesterday, I decided to get one before election day ecstatic Jun 2020 #77
I also hate what's been done with the second amendment. live love laugh Jun 2020 #80
"It was much better. " EX500rider Jun 2020 #101
That reminds me of an argument I've had on more than one occasion wherein someone asserts Dial H For Hero Jun 2020 #104
I question the validity of your data. live love laugh Jun 2020 #136
The chart goes back to the 1700's nt EX500rider Jun 2020 #137
See my comment - #71. I would suggest trying a class in meditation or philosophy. Learn to c-rational Jun 2020 #78
A firearm can be a great self defense tool with proper training of course madville Jun 2020 #87
I'm seeing a lot of posts like this, and I'm not criticizing them at all Polybius Jun 2020 #91
I actually hate guns kcr Jun 2020 #106
I'm curious as to what they recommended to you. aikoaiko Jun 2020 #114
It does seem to be mainly cowardly types that want to feel tough that want guns JI7 Jun 2020 #117
Just buy a can of bear spray and make sure that you Blue_true Jun 2020 #121
Just from reading your post, may I recommend Dan Jun 2020 #135
If I were any sane American I'd be scared. lagomorph777 Jun 2020 #140
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