I'm new and need advice!

[Jules]

Hi guys, new member here. I have been considering this for a while but I'm not sure what the first step would be in purchasing a handgun. I know nothing about guns. So if anyone has any advice about what to buy I would really like to hear from you. Thanks for your help!

[Howard Bullock]

The first step is determining your wants and needs followed by reading to gain some knowledge about the subject. Go to a reputable firearms dealer and ask some questions and hold some guns.

Follow that up with more reading and participation in discussions on the subject to understand various points of view.

[zachomega]

As Howard Bullock stated, determine your needs. If it is for home defense and carry, consider size and caliber. If you just want to go to the range and put holes in paper, get a nice .22. The ammo is cheaper and the same basic principles of shooting a larger handgun still exist...but with less recoil.

Where in Bucks are you? There are some good gun shops in the area.

-Zach

[Jailkeeper]

Hi guys, new member here. I have been considering this for a while but I'm not sure what the first step would be in purchasing a handgun. I know nothing about guns. So if anyone has any advice about what to buy I would really like to hear from you. Thanks for your help!

Jules ~ Do you have any friends who have handguns? If so you might want to ask them about going along to the range the next time they go.

You will want to visit a range or 2 that rents pistols so you can try different models and calibers to determine which ones suit you best.

Beyond that you will want to get some serious training.

Be safe.

[Jules]

As Howard Bullock stated, determine your needs. If it is for home defense and carry, consider size and caliber. If you just want to go to the range and put holes in paper, get a nice .22. The ammo is cheaper and the same basic principles of shooting a larger handgun still exist...but with less recoil.

Where in Bucks are you? There are some good gun shops in the area.

-Zach

Well I would say yeah, it's for defense and I will probably keep it with me when I leave the house. I live in Warminster.

[Jules]

Jules ~ Do you have any friends who have handguns? If so you might want to ask them about going along to the range the next time they go.

Unfortunately, no.

[normanvin]

Are there any shops ear you that have a range that you could rent some handguns to try out. They may also offer some training in proper handling and safety.

[Jailkeeper]

Unfortunately, no.

Well then I must say you are lucky in that you probably just found the friendliest firearm form in existence.

You may have to travel a bit, but find a group shoot as close to your home as possible.

Everyone on this forum is very friendly and will help in any way possible. At least that's been MY experience here!

[PisnNapalm]

Start with a .22 pistol. Too many people start with a larger caliber handgun and then they develope bad habits. Learn to shoot with a .22 and build good habits. Plus you can afford to shoot more often.

Check into local gun clubs about memberships, NRA Basic Pistol classes, etc... Educate yourself.

Oh and welcome to the forums.

[Dave_n]

Jules. in Warminster there is a very good gun shop/range very close to you, Classic Pistol (check the web). They will be able to help in detail and have a range at the place. Dave_n