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Old 03-11-2015, 09:09 PM
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dlcra dlcra is offline
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Jim wants to buy a firearm, principally for target shooting/plinking and eventually self defense. He'll be visiting this forum later tonight and I am asking for your help. What are the first three things you would suggest he do?
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Old 03-11-2015, 09:14 PM
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If Jim is not knowledgeable about firearms, my advice to beginners is always the same.
1. Take a good class and learn to shoot a handgun.
2. Shoot several different handguns. Rentals are available at many ranges.
3. Only then, buy what he likes and needs.
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Old 03-11-2015, 09:14 PM
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1. Go with a friend to the range and try out a few different guns. If he is a new shooter, start with a .22 and stay away from anything that has "magnum" in the name.
2. Read this forum for good information.
3. Try out a few more guns.
4. Buy one.
5. Take a basic pistol course.
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Old 03-12-2015, 09:24 AM
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1. Take a handgun safety course taught by a NRA certified instructor.

2. Go to a shooting range, rent or borrow different handguns to try out.

3. Research the different brands of firearms in the caliber Jim likes, and purchase the best one that he can afford.

(A .357 mag. is a good caliber because you can shoot mild .38 SPL loads out of it for practice and work your way up to heavier loads)
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Old 03-12-2015, 10:04 AM
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Hi Dlcra:

I just went through this exercise with my boss, who is actually a good guy (for a Yankee). I will echo all of the advice from previous Forum members about getting lessons, trying different handguns, etc. What Ranger Pat said is dead on about the .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver. I recommended, and my boss eventually purchased a used 4.0 inch barreled Model 65 (one of the Puerto Rico police trade-ins). I actually recommended a nice Model 15 (.38 Special with adjustable sights), but he wanted a .357 Magnum. We were able to get the Model 65 for around $300.00 + tax. In my opinion it's very hard to go wrong with a 4.0 inch barreled .357 Magnum revolver as a good "one size fits all" handgun. You can later supplement your collection with a nice .22LR semiauto Ruger or S&W, or a revolver (Model 34 or 63).

Best of luck,

Dave
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