From a former believer in gun restriction...

[AscottW]

I guess you can say I'm back from the dark side . I used to believe that gun laws actually made things better. However, I am starting to see our rights go out the window one by one. Most recently with the UN proposition to ban blasphemy in its member states (the US being one of them). Which would effectively ban free speech in the United States.

I have come to this realization through that and also the fact that I'm not only Gay but Atheist as well so I'm at a higher risk for violence exacted towards me. I am living in Harrisburg and the recent crime has got me a bit concerned about my own safety.

I'm only 20 years old and understand that I will have to wait to purchase a firearm and license myself. However, I would like some info on how to prepare for owning a firearm.

What types of lock-boxes would I have to get to make sure my weapon is secure (for both my apartment and my vehicle)? What type of weapons training would you suggest? Basically, what should I do first, second, third, etc.

Now, I know that groups like this are predominantly conservative and as such me being Gay on a Gun support forum is kind of odd so I ask that there are no negative comments towards my sexual and religious orientation. (as I have gotten this a lot from people on blogs).

Thanks!

-Andrew

[Pa. Patriot]

You might be pleasantly surprised.
Gun ownership requires no subscription to any religious, racial or sexual preference.
You are among friends here.

Welcome home

[kadar]

First training suggestion is Hunter safety
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/v...a=461&q=167457
That will get you the basics
Best part is its free

[IV_Warrior]

First, welcome to the site. I think you'll find we're generally a pretty good group of people and I hope you enjoy your time here.

If you know nothing about handguns, start with a basic pistol course. Check with local ranges in your area to see if they offer anything or know of someone who does. I know they occasionally do a class at my club (Lewistown Pistol Club but it's probably an hour or so drive for you.) Be sure to ask about requirements for taking the class like if you need to have your own firearm, or if there's an age requirement.

After you turn 21, and have experience handling/using handguns, NRA's "Personal Protection inside the home" and "Personal Protection outside the home" would be good, as well.

Go to the NRA's webpage about training and you can see overviews of their courses, and there's a link there to find a class. There are Basic Pistol classes coming soon in both Gettysburg and Lancaster according to that website.

[Philbert]

I'm only 20 years old and understand that I will have to wait to purchase a firearm and license myself. However, I would like some info on how to prepare for owning a firearm.

What types of lock-boxes would I have to get to make sure my weapon is secure (for both my apartment and my vehicle)? What type of weapons training would you suggest? Basically, what should I do first, second, third, etc.

Welcome. There are many options for securing weapons. I would invest in a safe, what kind depends on your budget, where the safe will go and also what guns you want to own. I don't think any vehicle safes would make me happy about leaving a gun in a car, and I would avoid doing so if possible. But if I had no choice they are better than nothing.

The first thing I would do is make a budget. Everything costs money. Training is paramount, even if it's a short course it's better than nothing. If you are going to carry, you need to invest in a good quality holster and belt. Then there's the storage, the ammunition, range fees, safety equipment, cleaning supplies, and other accessories. Oh, and the guns.

You don't have to spend all the cash in one day, of course. But it's good to plan now rather than drop $900 on a gun and then be short on something you need.

In order, I would do the following

1. Turn 21
2. Apply for an LTCF (it's good to have even if you're not ready to carry right away)
3. Choose a gun, get some kind of safe, and book training. These kind of go together
4. Practice and use what you learn in training to make future decisions

For training, there are various options, including the NRA basic pistol / rifle / shotgun or NRA first steps. First steps is short (four hours total) and focused on your particular gun. Basic pistol etc cost more time and money but you'll learn more. Ask around (including on here) for tips on good courses and instructors.

[Pa. Patriot]

Speaking of NRA basic pistol courses...
AscottW, since you are within semi-local (less than 2-hours) distance, if you PM me I'll give you one FREE slot in any of my upcoming NRA Basic Pistol (8 - 10 hours / $100 value) ~or~ Home Firearms Safety courses (4 hours/$50 value)

Because you took the responsibility to ASK for help.

[kpw]

Welcome and congrats on returning from the "dark side". I'm not from the Harrisburg area so I don't know what's available in your area. There may be some info about that in the training forum. I don't know what your exposure has been with firearms in the past but basic pistol courses that cover safe handling practices as well as general shooting skills are what to look for.
I wouldn't recommend storing a firearm in your car unless you have to but there are a few companies that market small, mountable lock boxes for that purpose. I have a Secure It box, about $30.
As for the other stuff, I doubt many would care. Afterall, that's your business.

[Pector55]

Welcome to the forum and I think you may be suprised to see how many of us are less "conservative" and more "libertarian." Some of us recognize that all men are created equal and oppression from government and/or church is what stirred the creation of the greatest nation on the planet. Many of us would like to see that greatness recovered and only an ignorant fool, or a coward with a fear of the unknown would turn you away due to your age, sexual preference, or religious preference.

Your uninfringed gun rights will always assure your equality and that your freedom of speech allow you to openly discuss any of your other choices in life. To each his/her own.

Gun Locks: PA State law requires that guns be sold with a gun lock but there are not qualifications as to what that gun lock has in terms of quality. I have received a rather ellaborate lock with my Ruger 10 22, a basic cable lock with my SIG Mosquito, and I've received cheapo plastic locks with some other rifles. There is no documented standard. Also, there is no requirement by law that your firearm must have a lock on it. I have two children so this has been a moral delimma for me because I want to have quick access to a loaded firearm to protect them but I want to assure there will never be a firearm accident. I cannot tell you what the absolute best option is, just consider all options. Other than one firearm for personal protection, all of my firearms are locked in a safe, or locked in gun racks on the wall.

As you read the site, you will be able to familiarize yourself with many of the laws concerning open carry, concealed carry, purchasing and selling, etc.

[mak47]

First of all, congratulations on not falling into the mold that most people assume you would fit in, and thinking for yourself!

I think as the current political situation wears on we will see more and more people like you, who come to respect gun rights from a totally different perspective than most of us have.

I'm also sorry to hear that you've had negative experiences elsewhere.

You've essentially walked into a room full of angry, God-fearing men with guns and told them that you are an atheist, and gay. That takes some serious guts, and I commend you for it.

That being said, most gun owners, particularly those who are vocal advocates for the 2nd Amendment, don't really give a damn one way or the other what or who you do or don't worship, or who you sleep with. Individual freedom is individual freedom, that's what most of us believe in and it would be pretty hypocritical to condemn somebody else for exercising their own.

I remember growing up and being surrounded by left-wing friends, and hearing all the horror stories about gun-owners, how they're all crazy, they're all racists, and they all hate everybody that's different from them.

I personally only got seriously interested in Guns and the 2nd Amendment about a year or so ago. Since then, I've been in at least one gun shop every week, to the range at least as much, and to a half a dozen gun shows. I still haven't seen the militia training for the "race war" or plotting ways to rid the world of any particular group of people. The TV told me I'd see those things, but apparently it must have gone to a different gun-club.

Anyway, you really asked about taking some first steps. For me, I found it was best to start by going to the range with a friend and learning the basics that way. I wasn't crazy about going to a hunter's safety course and making an ass out of myself in front of a bunch of kids.

If you've got a friend that shoots, see if you can go along. You'll quickly learn all the range ettiquette (even if you don't shoot) and will get more comfortable all around.

Once you've got a basic understanding of what you're getting into, then take a hunter's safety course, or even a beginner's defensive handgun course.

As far as licensing etc...To own a gun, you need no license. To carry one, you need a license to carry, which realistically you will get. If you are able to buy a pistol, you're going to get your carry permit. I know there are some exceptions to this, but they are few and far between. I would recommend applying for the license to carry on your 21st birthday. It makes life as a gun owner a lot easier.

You must be 21 to purchase a handgun in PA, but not a rifle or shotgun. For those, you must only be 18 (I could be wrong there, but I don't think so).

In light of that, if you have an immediate home defense concern, go out and get a "tactical" or HD shotgun. Google Mossberg 500 Cruiser, Mossberg 500 Persuader, or Remington 870 to get an idea what I'm talking about. They're not particularly expensive, and they're fairly easy to handle. Being under 21 I believe yours must have a shoulder stock, not just a pistol grip. But no big deal, most of the Mossbergs have folding stocks anyway. If you do get one of these, don't keep it loaded and ready til you've been out to shoot it. They're not hard to handle, but realistically will be "shot from the hip", you want to get a good feel for where your shot is going before you keep it ready to rely on.

There is also no "21" requirement for evil "assault" rifles either. (I believe the shoulder stock rule applies here as well) So if you've got an itch to own an AK or an AR-15, you're good to go.

I'm getting into rambling mode here, hope this was helpful in some way.

[mak47]

That offer from PA Patriot seems like a very good place to get started!