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04-01-2012, 05:41 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Colorado
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Hello from Colorado! Suggestions please.
Hi all. I'm new to the forum, new to wanting to own a gun. Tips, suggestions needed & welcome.
Crazy neighbor, lots of threats, a couple attempts... Sheriff's officers keep saying "get a gun, if he does kick in your door, we can't get there fast enough." After Saturday, I know it's time, I am ready...I want a gun, can & will use it.
The 638 looks like a good option, esp for concealed carry, and price is good. But, the second I picked up the 60LS... I loved it. It felt right in my hands, the weight, the grip. I knew/felt it was the one. Pricey & powerful... worth it?
Is it better to start with the 638, move into the 60LS as skills improve. Or, start with what I will be using for a long time?
Thanks
Sheila
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04-01-2012, 06:17 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Texas Panhandle
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Welcome to the forum Sheila from the Lone Star State.
_______
James
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04-01-2012, 06:32 PM
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Welcome to the forum. Owning a firearm for personal protection is a huge responsibility. My suggestion is to find a certified firearms instructor in your area and get as much training as you can. Being licensed to carry a concealed handgun should also be on your list.
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04-01-2012, 06:53 PM
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Hey Sheila (married the only other Sheila I ever met!). Welcome to the forum from Wisconsin.
Sounds like you have already decided on the 60LS given how you said it felt. You can start out with 38 Special rounds until you are comfortable with the gun and then move to .357 ammo. That's part of the beauty of .357's IMHO.
You don't say whether you have any experience with firearms in general or revolvers in particular. Would also suggest an NRA course in order to build your confidence and instill proper handling of the weapon.
Unsure of what to say about the neighbor issue other than take good care.
Sorry, don't mean to preach!
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04-01-2012, 08:19 PM
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Southern Maine
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Greetings from Maine. Welcome aboard!
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04-01-2012, 08:25 PM
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Welcome from Va.
__________________
Roger
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04-01-2012, 08:50 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2012
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Welcome to the forum neighbor. I'm afraid I don't have input for you on the two guns you mention. Find something you're comfortable with, get some instruction if needed and stay safe.
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04-02-2012, 10:21 AM
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Welcome from Texas Shelia. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.
As others have previously stated, firearms ownership is an awesome responsibility. From your post I will presume you have not shot much, if I am mistaken, I apologize.
Just learning to shoot whatever sidearm you choose is only a small part of the process. Knowing when to use deadly force and the consequences that will befall, even if you are absolutely right, is another huge issue.
Get as much training and education as possible.
This is not intended to scare you off from your decision, rather to make you aware of some of the issues you will face.
Remember, the joy is in the quest.
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I am a sheep dog!
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04-02-2012, 05:18 PM
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Thank You for the welcomes & advice.
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04-02-2012, 05:35 PM
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Re questions:
I am new to using a gun. I doubt the Civil War musket loader I own would shoot, even if i tried it.
The class I signed up for is NRA certified, is both classroom & shooting range, 100 rounds each of the two days. They furnish a variety of guns, if we want to try any. You can also bring your own gun, they help you to fully undrestand it. The couple & others that run it sound very very good at what they do.
I do want to try other guns, it would be great if I could get into the class immediately. Since the crazy neighbor can pop up at any time, getting gun first is the safer choice. I am going to a shooting range, will learn a bit from them, more in the class.
It is a big responsibility, daunting. I wish I had learned how to shoot for fun, not waited till it was "necessary" to feel or be safe.
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04-02-2012, 06:33 PM
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Sheila, welcome from North Carolina.
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04-03-2012, 03:09 PM
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I agree with the above suggestions. Here is another perspective.
As a long time LEO, many times inexperienced persons contacted me about having their first handgun. I always tried to assist them.
One thing I have noticed is that after a newby gets their first handgun, they find that the price of ammo may restrict their desire to practice. In fact, over the years, with my own children (now all adults) my grand children and my Great Granchildren, I started them all out with a .22 revolver. I have a S&W K22 that has had thousands of rounds fired from it since 1958 by my family and also persons who came to me about having a new handgun.
I suggest that you might like to have a .22 handgun to do most of your practicing. You will become a better shot and your skill will transfer to your carry firearm also while saving a whole lot of cash.
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04-03-2012, 03:19 PM
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Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your decision to enroll in an NRA course. I cringe when someone tells me they want to buy a gun but aren't willing to devote the time to get instruction. You will get a lot of good advice here. Again, welcome aboard!
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04-03-2012, 03:47 PM
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US Veteran
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Greetings neighbor. I have a 638 and carry it more than any other. For you, you must go with what is comfortable and works for "you." Get training and good 125 gr JHP +P ammo.
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04-03-2012, 04:50 PM
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Welcome from Tampa. May want to check out the 686 2 1/2 " Nice weapon with some heft. Will make recoil more managable to a new shooter.
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NRA Bene Life, SWCA 2372
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