Looking To Buy My First Rifle...

[TorpX]

For self-defense:

Rifles- are bulky and clumsy in close quarters, present richochet hazzard (bullets go through target), difficult to retain control of in a struggle. My choices would be M1 Garand, M1 carbine, or maybe SKS/AK-47 clone. Unfortunately, all but the Soviet bloc models are apt to be expensive.


Shotguns- good stopping power, and minimal richochet hazzard. Share drawbacks of rifles otherwise. If you opt for one make it one with a shoulder stock, the pistol grip only ones are difficult to shoot.

Handguns- portable and compact, but less powerful. They require skill to use well. My choices would be M1911 type or Browning High-Power, but individual preferences dictate your choice here. Some like the autos, some like revolvers, but I wouldn't rely on anything less than .38 caliber. DO NOT USE A .22 FOR THIS. They are notoriously poor choices. One should have confidence in their choice.

It would be a good idea to get hold of an instructor, who could teach you the basics and let you fire a few different types before you but any. Then you have a better idea what you need. Also, I would stay away from any exotic/ obsolete arms, unless, you only want it for a collection. Ammunition is expensive, and likely to become more so in the future. If you are going to rely on any firearm, you should at least shoot it enough to develop a minimal level of skill with it. There a lot of fun, too.


Just my two cents.