Looking To Buy My First Rifle...

TorpX · 07-13-11, 10:32 PM

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.

Anthony W. · 07-13-11, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

Okay, I'm going to buy a military bolt action rifle (or Garand if I get a good deal) for collection, and a shotgun for keeping under my bed.

TorpX · 07-13-11, 10:50 PM

Take your time, think about it a little, you don't have to buy it today, right?

Anthony W. · 07-13-11, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorpX

Take your time, think about it a little, you don't have to buy it today, right?

Yeah, I've got a year.

Would a recent history of clinical depression (post traumatic stress disorder) keep me from getting a conceal carry permit?

antikristuseke · 07-13-11, 11:57 PM

It might and it probably should, just my two cents.

Anthony W. · 07-14-11, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antikristuseke

It might and it probably should, just my two cents.

I'm over it now, but I HAD it - not anymore - my twin bro died right in front of me in 2008 so I had to deal with that up until last year.

antikristuseke · 07-14-11, 01:35 AM

I am not fit to judge anyones mental well being, let alone over the internets after a brief encounter. What I was getting at was that if a person is still suffering from post traumatic stress that then they should not be issued a concealed carry permit.

If you have gotten over your loss or not is really no place for me to judge.

TorpX · 07-14-11, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony W.

Yeah, I've got a year.

Would a recent history of clinical depression (post traumatic stress disorder) keep me from getting a conceal carry permit?

You would have to check into your state's laws to know. In Illinois, we must get a FOID card to buy or possess any firearm. There are questions related to mental illness and other things. It has been a long time since I bought one, so I can't remember what they are (and the laws have changed). Also, no one in IL can carry. We are the only state now, according to the press, that doesn't have concealed carry. The FOID merely makes it legal to buy/ own a firearm and ammunition. You may also have local laws that are more restrictive. Until very recently, Chicago more or less, prohibited ownership of firearms, altogether.

07-13-11, 10:32 PM	#1
TorpX Silent Hunter Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 3,975 Downloads: 153 Uploads: 11	Firearms 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.

07-13-11, 10:50 PM	#3
TorpX Silent Hunter Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 3,975 Downloads: 153 Uploads: 11	Take your time, think about it a little, you don't have to buy it today, right?

07-13-11, 11:57 PM	#5
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	It might and it probably should, just my two cents.

07-14-11, 01:35 AM	#7
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	I am not fit to judge anyones mental well being, let alone over the internets after a brief encounter. What I was getting at was that if a person is still suffering from post traumatic stress that then they should not be issued a concealed carry permit. If you have gotten over your loss or not is really no place for me to judge.