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  #1  
Old 05-01-2013, 6:01 PM
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Default New to guns, Any help appreciated

Hey everyone,

I guess I'll start with some background on myself. My name is John. I am currently 20 years old but I am turning 21 on May 22 and once I am old enough, I want to purchase my first pistol. I go to Cal Poly SLO as a Construction Management major but my hometown is Laguna Hills in Orange County.

I have shot my brothers SIG P226 .40 and with his .22 conversion kit, as well as his AR15 with all the bells and whistles. From what I understand, as a first time owner I should probably get a .22 so that I can practice and work on my aim for relatively cheap. I really like the idea of a conversion kit so that I can practice for cheap, but I have the option for a larger caliber also. Other than that, I really have no knowledge of what I am getting into. What guns other than a P226 have .22 conversion kits?

I am fully aware that guns are not something to be taken lightly, especially in a college environment where there is a lot of alcohol flowing. I will be living by myself so drunk roommates won't be a concern. I already have a safe that only I know the combination to, and it will stay in there unless out at the range/desert.

Hope you guys can teach me a lot of information so that I already have some knowledge before I "pull the trigger" and purchase my first firearm.


Also, what is a popular/reputable website to start looking at all the different options?

Last edited by ssick92; 05-01-2013 at 6:20 PM..
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Old 05-01-2013, 6:19 PM
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Your best bet is to go to a gun range that rents different types of firearms. This way you can try multiple guns and find out what feels right for you.
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Old 05-01-2013, 6:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Re1apse View Post
Your best bet is to go to a gun range that rents different types of firearms. This way you can try multiple guns and find out what feels right for you.
None of the ranges around me rent guns, I have to bring my own...
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Old 05-01-2013, 6:22 PM
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Welcome!

A .22lr is a good place to start (except for ammo availability). Also, I would call local ranges and inquire about classes. The NRA first steps is a good place to start.

As for websites, there are many. Since you must go through an local FFL to purchase, it won't hurt to look at as many as you can. There are web sites that have links to the major manufacturers, such as

http://sportsmenssupply.com/guns.html, among others.

They also have a link to the DOJ website for more legal info.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, you can go to your local gun shops (LGS) and/or to check pricing;

gunbroker.com
gunsamerica.com
budsgunshop.com

Or just search for the models you like to check the prices.


Good luck!


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Old 05-01-2013, 7:23 PM
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Welcome to Calguns SSick, glad you are here.

I vote for, get what you want. You have shot some good guns, might as well. Figure out what you are going to use the weapon for, target, self defense or home defense. If in doubt, I'd do like Re1apse suggested, even if you have to venture to a neighboring town to rent some guns. Have fun with it, I'm jealous
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Old 05-01-2013, 7:30 PM
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Old 05-01-2013, 7:38 PM
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Old 05-01-2013, 8:38 PM
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welcome.
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Old 05-01-2013, 8:45 PM
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welcome! I will second the idea of finding a basic firearm safety course to take. If you haven't had a lot of time with firearms or any formal training, it should be one of your first steps.
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Old 05-01-2013, 8:48 PM
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Old 05-01-2013, 9:09 PM
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Old 05-01-2013, 9:22 PM
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welcome to the forum.
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Old 05-01-2013, 9:34 PM
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Old 05-01-2013, 9:37 PM
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Old 05-02-2013, 9:27 AM
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Old 05-02-2013, 9:37 AM
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Welcome. First of all congratulations for doing your research before purchasing. As for a good website to starrt? You found it!

Both the AR15 and Sig P226 are both excellent platforms to start with and will last you a lifetime. I own both. Since you are already familiar with these guns they might be a good place to start regardless, since you don't have the option of trying any others out before you buy. Both of the guns mentioned are available to for purchase in 22lr and can be upgraded to larger calibers. However, I believe the the sig is off roster. As for the AR you can buy the 223 and get a 22lr conversion kit to go with it. Some like it. I didn't, it was only accurate for short range so just built a 22lr upper. Good luck!
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Old 05-02-2013, 9:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssick92 View Post
None of the ranges around me rent guns, I have to bring my own...
Range Master on Higuera Street in SLO advertises they have 40 different guns for rent!
http://www.rangemastertacticalgear.com/shootingrange

Go rent em all.
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Old 05-02-2013, 11:57 AM
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Old 05-03-2013, 8:55 AM
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Welcome to the community!

Consider the Kahr P380 for your first pistol. Great all-around gun. We did a review on it here.
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  #20  
Old 05-03-2013, 12:16 PM
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Here is another question. Is there any sense in getting an AR before getting a handgun?

Either way I am going to get both once I can, but all along I was thinking that it would be smarter to start with a handgun for a first gun. Any thoughts?
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Old 05-03-2013, 12:24 PM
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I started with a handgun then got an AR. Doesn't really matter though. Depends if you planning on buying a complete one or taking the time to build one too. If complete buy whatever first. If you're gonna build, buy a pistol first so you have something to shoot.
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Old 05-03-2013, 12:25 PM
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Welcome...

My two cents to your situation would be to look for a gun that has a .22 conversion kit availiable. CZ-75 9mm & a .22 kadet kit.. Or a Sig Mosquito .22.

In the end, get what feels right with you.
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Old 05-03-2013, 1:13 PM
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Old 05-03-2013, 2:19 PM
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Well, the nearest range that rents handguns wouldn't let me shoot it until I turn 21 but after holding the M&P, Beretta 92fs, Springfield XD, and Glock 17, I am leaning towards the 92fs, and the fact that it has a .22 conversion is a huge plus.
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Old 05-03-2013, 2:28 PM
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Old 05-03-2013, 6:05 PM
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Old 05-03-2013, 6:06 PM
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Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes!

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Old 05-03-2013, 6:14 PM
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welcome! Kimber has a .22 conversion if that 1911 bug bites you.
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Old 05-03-2013, 6:40 PM
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Old 05-03-2013, 7:10 PM
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Welcome and stay safe. Rent guns at a range before deciding. There a lot of conversion kits for Glocks and some 1911's. IMO, conversion kits cost as much or more than just buying a .22 handgun. Just get a separate .22 and one in a bigger caliber. If you want similar platforms, look into the M&P22 and its bigger brothers.
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Old 05-03-2013, 10:04 PM
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Welcome, test more pistols before you purchase. Its a pretty penny you will be spending. And what each individual likes is what each individual person likes. Good luck!
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Old 05-03-2013, 10:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssick92 View Post
Well, the nearest range that rents handguns wouldn't let me shoot it until I turn 21 but after holding the M&P, Beretta 92fs, Springfield XD, and Glock 17, I am leaning towards the 92fs, and the fact that it has a .22 conversion is a huge plus.
In my opinion, a full size handgun is your best bet for starting out. Something that is easy and fun to shoot at the range, but also handles home defense. Set aside a few extra bucks for the "extras" you need- range bag, earmuffs, glasses, etc and something secure to store it in at home.

A 92fs is a great first gun, and you won't "outgrow" it. You won't outgrow a .22 either, but after your first outing at the range you'll be wanting something bigger and I don't know if your finances will allow that. The 92 has some heft so its easy to shoot and the recoil is subdued. Magazines, parts, and accessories are readily available and interchangeable with the Military version M9.

9mm is easier to find at a reasonable price than .22 right now. I've had luck finding it for around .28 per round lately. Somebody had 9mm in stock a couple days ago for $250/1000 but I missed it.

Keep your eyes open for a deal on Winchester white box or similiar for range practice, and step up for a few boxes of Cor-bon for home defense. You'll be set for a while.
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Old 05-04-2013, 1:15 PM
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I would het an AR 1st. The government's not trying to ban pistols yet, you should still have plenty of time for a hand gun.
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Old 05-04-2013, 4:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffyhog View Post
In my opinion, a full size handgun is your best bet for starting out. Something that is easy and fun to shoot at the range, but also handles home defense. Set aside a few extra bucks for the "extras" you need- range bag, earmuffs, glasses, etc and something secure to store it in at home.

A 92fs is a great first gun, and you won't "outgrow" it. You won't outgrow a .22 either, but after your first outing at the range you'll be wanting something bigger and I don't know if your finances will allow that. The 92 has some heft so its easy to shoot and the recoil is subdued. Magazines, parts, and accessories are readily available and interchangeable with the Military version M9.

9mm is easier to find at a reasonable price than .22 right now. I've had luck finding it for around .28 per round lately. Somebody had 9mm in stock a couple days ago for $250/1000 but I missed it.

Keep your eyes open for a deal on Winchester white box or similiar for range practice, and step up for a few boxes of Cor-bon for home defense. You'll be set for a while.
Lots of good info there, thanks!!

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Old 05-04-2013, 4:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Re1apse View Post
I would het an AR 1st. The government's not trying to ban pistols yet, you should still have plenty of time for a hand gun.
I've decided I don't really have the funds for an AR set up the way I would like (2k+), but I will after my internship this summer so I'm going to go with (probably) a 92fs now and an AR after a summer of work.

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Old 05-05-2013, 10:32 AM
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Old 05-05-2013, 12:35 PM
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You guys actually have 9MM in stock????
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Old 05-09-2013, 10:27 AM
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Old 05-09-2013, 10:46 AM
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