Thread: New to the gun world

Welcome!

Originally Posted by xxtacofishxx

I want to start shooting at a local range and hopefully take some classes to learn the proper way to use a gun and see what feels right in my hand.

Taking classes is a very wise idea. It's by far the fastest route to competence.

I am not quite sure what kind of gun I should be looking at. I have been looking around and heard lots of good things about glock and the glock 19 caught my eye. I have read in a few places that a 9mm is a good gun to start out with. Is this true?

It depends on your intended use for the gun. For a beginner who is just shooting at the range, a .22 is the best choice, probably followed by an adjustable-sighted .38 or .357 revolver. The latter can double as a fine defense gun, and if you choose the .357, an outdoorsman's gun as well.

9mm pistols are great for defense and some limited types of competition (www.idpa.com). Of the full-sized autoloaders, I think 9mm is the best pace to start, if you must buy a fighting gun right off the bat. Glocks are fine pistols, and are my preference, but there are many good pistols out there.

I will leave the questions on MS law to someone who lives there.

You should be able to get some info here. http://www.handgunlaw.us/
Also, on the home page, scroll down to find people in your state.

So bisicly if I am reading this correctly, I can buy a handgun without any sort of permit/licence to take to the range and have in my house. I would only need to obtain one if I wanted to carry one around with me.

Welcome to the forum.

You should only need a permit to carry. I don't know anything about the laws in Mississippi. Judging from your questions it seems you should be able to do what ever you want except carry. Up where I live (ND) its very simple to get a permit compared to what I've heard about everywhere else. But you shouldn't have a problem getting one.

First off welcome, your question will find answers when you start taking the classes. The instructor should be able to tell you what your state laws are how to get a carry permit as well as basic pistol safety. .22 cal. is a great target or plinking gun, cheap ammo for shooting, reasonable priced guns. A .357 ith a 4" barrel is also one of the best all-round handguns. It can shoot .38 spl. for targets or full load .357 mag. for hunting or just field carry.
Self defense it is seen good service with military, police, and civilian use for years. Auto loaders require more training to use properly. Enjoy the world of shooting.

1. Always keep the muzzle (end of the gun bullet comes out of) pointed in a SAFE direction.

2. Keep your gun on safety until READY to shoot.

3. Know your target and what is BEYOND it.

4. Keep your finger OFF of the trigger until ready to shoot.


Do these things to the letter, and all will live happily ever after. You will have many wonderful years without a bad incident.

Those are 4 good tips. haha.

I talked to a friend who has been trap shooting professionally for a few years now about guns the other day. He said the same thing you all are about getting the .357. He said the exact same thing as tony did in that I can use the cheaper .38 spl rounds for the range and .357 mag for hunting/carry. And not to mention that you can SEE if there are any rounds in the gun.

I just yesterday found out that a large hunting supply store is located about 3 minutes from my house so I will be going in to look around and find a close range to start practicing at.