Hello I am new to the site and seeking information

[Waynejr83@gmail.com]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site. I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning all the great things this forum has to offer. A little about myself....I am 30, and live in Northeast Philly. When I lived in West Virginia for a year, I had the opportunity to learn and shoot a variety of guns. I enjoy shooting pistols and am looking to purchase my first one. I would like anyones opinion on a good starter gun. I also plan on taking a pistol course to refresh myself and learn about them. I am looking for something to take to a range but also to have for protection in the home. Things around me have been getting worse and worse lately. Thank you for your time, sorry this is long.

Wayne

[M&P Chris]

Hi Wayne,
Welcome! What caliber are you leaning towards? Full size or compact?

These few questions will help us help you.

[Democrat Gun Owner]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site. I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning all the great things this forum has to offer. A little about myself....I am 30, and live in Northeast Philly. When I lived in West Virginia for a year, I had the opportunity to learn and shoot a variety of guns. I enjoy shooting pistols and am looking to purchase my first one. I would like anyones opinion on a good starter gun. I also plan on taking a pistol course to refresh myself and learn about them. I am looking for something to take to a range but also to have for protection in the home. Things around me have been getting worse and worse lately. Thank you for your time, sorry this is long.

Wayne

First, welcome to Pennsylvania and the forum, and once you've been here awhile, you'll realize your post wasn't long at all.

Initial gun purchase...you said you've had the opportunity to shoot a variety of guns. What ones have you liked? That's where I'd start if I were you. Go to a local gun shop and window shop. Don't be intimidated to go to a small LGS rather than a big box store. The people in them are usually a lot more knowledgable about their wares than the kid making minimum wage at the big box store.

If you're looking for suggestions for what to buy, one can never go wrong with a Glock or the Ruger SR series. Both of these come in a variety of sizes and calibers. Have you considered what caliber you want?

Also, I'd suggest getting a License to Carry Firearm LTCF), that's what a conceal carry permit is called in PA. Even if you're not planning on carrying the gun, there are weird laws about transporting firearms in vehicles in PA that are made much easier to follow if one has an LTCF. With that said, unfortunately, you live in Philadelphia, so you're going to have to jump through some hoops to get one. In Philly, the police department is the issuing agency whereas the county sheriff department is the issuing agency for the rest of the state. The Philly PD busts balls in the process. There are also different carry laws in Philly vs the rest of the state. Use the search bar at the top of the forum page, and I'm sure you'll locate more specific information on these topics on various PAFOA threads.

Just a word of warning...buying your first gun is like opening a can of Pringles, "once you pop, you can't stop". I bought my first handgun in March 2012. A mere 2 1/2 years later, I have 9 of then, two AR's, and a .22 rifle.

[GonzoGeezer]

Welcome Aboard. The prior posts' suggestions are all good ones. If your intent is to use the handgun for range and home defense, then one gun can serve both purposes. It you add a carry requirement then things could get a little more complicated because concealability and style of carry can lean towards a smaller unit than a home defense gun. Cost of operation will also enter into the calculations; it's cheaper to run a 9mm than a .45ACP, etc. Personally, I decided on a shotgun for primary home defense duty because I'm not as good a shot with a pistol at zero dark thirty, barefoot in my skivvies, but that's me. But I also keep a .45 hidden within arm's reach of the front door.

Try to find a public range with gun rentals so you can try different types. Don't be afraid to buy a used gun from a reputable dealer. And don't be afraid to ask questions up here. You will need to develop a bit of a thicker skin for some 'advice' but generally the members try to be helpful. And if you ask five shooters for the best gun choice you will get at least six answers(!).

Enjoy your time up here. And welcome to PA. It's mostly as pretty as WV and most areas have a common opinion on gun ownership.

[Waynejr83@gmail.com]

Thank you all for your responses so far. As I said I was in West Virginia but only for a year. I was born and raised in Lansdale, PA. I'm leaning towards 9mm to start. I think that was my preference in WV. My home address on my license is still my dads in North Wales but I'm in philly with my girlfriend. Were gonna be moving into a bigger place soon so didn't wanna change anything. Should I get my license before I change address? Is it easier that way? I'm not worried about the background or anything. I work in Surveillance at a casino and own a gaming license. So no worries. Eventually I'd like to focus on a specific pistol and attempt competitions. I saw a friend and went and it looked like a lot of fun. For not being around guns a whole lot I have been told I shoot well. Thanks again for all your help

Wayne

[Frenchy]

Wayne, best suggestion I could give you, Look for a group shoot, meet people and get a chance to try out many guns, then make your decision.

Not sure Philly still has group shoots, but you can probably get a few guys to meet up as a group, if not, it may be a 5 hr drive, but Pittsburgh has one coming up again, Probably the best 5 hours you will spend on getting to know guns.

Oh and welcome to the crazy whacky world of PAFOA

[elweasel]

My first suggestion is move out of Philly.

The northeast (far northeast) is not as bad as other Philly areas. But you are smart to look for some protection. In 9mm, I would go with a Glock 19 Gen 3.

As for ranges Delaware Valley Sports Center or Classic Pistol

While you don't need a License to Carry a Firearm (LTCF) to own a firearm nor to go the range, you should get one ,Just in Case. You will have to go to 10th and Spring Garden for that. If you search around the forums you will find the procedures you need to follow to get the LTCF in Philly. This is were your location really matters. You will need to go there at least 3 times and you should get it in about 45 days or less. If you lived in Bucks, it would be cheaper and faster , only $20 AND 20 minutes. Welcome and have fun.

Oh and don't ever mention shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods. Even for non-firearm related items.

[jthrelf]

If his address on his license actually says North Wales wouldn't he apply at the Montgomery Sheriff? Would be a bit easier than Philly too.

Also to answer your question, no you do not have to change your LTCF's information if you move. However a lot of people recommend notifying the issuing sheriff in case he were to send a letter of revocation. Obviously carrying on a revoked license when you don't even know it is a bad situation.

I would also get a 9mm striker fired pistol. It's a good start and very versatile. Glock 19, Ruger SR series, Smith&Wesson M&P series - take your pick.

OH and don't travel into NJ with any firearms except under VERY limited circumstances.

[lemko]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site. I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning all the great things this forum has to offer. A little about myself....I am 30, and live in Northeast Philly. When I lived in West Virginia for a year, I had the opportunity to learn and shoot a variety of guns. I enjoy shooting pistols and am looking to purchase my first one. I would like anyones opinion on a good starter gun. I also plan on taking a pistol course to refresh myself and learn about them. I am looking for something to take to a range but also to have for protection in the home. Things around me have been getting worse and worse lately. Thank you for your time, sorry this is long.

Wayne

Hi there! I'm also from NE Philly! Welcome to the forums! My first handgun was a used Smith & Wesson Model 10 which is chambered in .38 Special. It is a solid, reliable handgun that is very affordable used. I paid only $225 for mine and it is still a solid shooter and one of my favorite firearms. The ammunition is relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

For a starter pistol course, I suggest the NRA Pistol I course. My wife and I took it two years ago and it covers just about all the basics. It is an eight-hour course and we had a great instructor. I suggest you check out this site if you are interested in a great basic firearms course:

https://www.facebook.com/phillyguntraining

[hawkinsje]

My first suggestion is move out of Philly.

Always says the guy, not from Philly.