Hey there!

**jessabelle** · 08-13-2007, 10:24 PM

Since I am new to the boards, I figured I would stop in and introduce myself. I'm also brand new to the world of guns, and this seemed like a good place to start. By "brand new" I mean I don't own a gun (yet!), have never shot one, and really haven't a clue as to how all this works just yet.

I have visited my local store twice now and signed up for a class two weeks from now. After finishing the course, I hope to have a better idea of what type of firearm to purchase. Any suggestions any of you seasoned veterans may have for someone like me would be greatly appreciated, since there isn't exactly a "where in the hell do I start" forum here!

I am a single mother living in Tennessee. The only kind of protection I have right now is a slightly crazy, mostly stupid chow whose bark might scare someone off, but that's about all she would do! I am going through a kind of nasty divorce after leaving an abusive husband, hence the reason for my newfound interest in personal protection.

Ok, so this way probably way too much information for an introduction, but here you go anyway! Thanks for reading if you made it this far and I hope I won't be too much of a pest around here asking a million questions!

**Shipwreck** · 08-13-2007, 10:40 PM

Welcome to the site!

Here is a good "sticky" I made months back that has some advice for beginners.

Newbie to guns? Need help? Where to start?

**JimmySays** · 08-13-2007, 10:43 PM

Welcome aboard from Texas. I hope you find answers to all your questions. Think safety!

**neophyte** · 08-14-2007, 06:20 AM

jessabelle: I'm new to this Forum; I believe we picked a good one to subscribe to.
Shipwreck has pointed you to good thinking:
Watching TV's approach protection? It isn't correct.
For around the house protection;
my first reach will always be a shotgun.
A gun/shooting place that rents different handguns would/is the best way to find out which unit you'll like best.
Once you have your new unit
Practice Practice Practice

Keep it Safe; and Good Luck

**Mike Barham** · 08-14-2007, 07:39 AM

Welcome! Congrats on the decision to take responsibility for your own safety. I think you'll find most folks here friendly and eager to help by sharing their knowledge.

**Wandering Man** · 08-14-2007, 08:21 AM

Welcome aboard. Good luck in your hunt for your first gun. Enjoy the ride.

And congratulations on not staying in a bad situation.

WM

**TOF** · 08-14-2007, 11:08 AM

What wandering Man said.

Welcome from Northern Arizona.

**drummin man 627** · 08-14-2007, 11:58 AM

Welcome from the sandpile. Check out this site. It's by a woman, and offers a womans point of view.
Click here: http://www.corneredcat.com/
Also on the home page there are listings, by region, for each state. Check there for more localized info.
Jump in. Enjoy.

**jeffie** · 08-14-2007, 04:49 PM

Hello from Belgium,

Jeff

**Charlie** · 08-14-2007, 06:24 PM

Welcome.............and Howdy from Texas!

**stormbringerr** · 08-14-2007, 08:07 PM

welcome from Austin, glad you are here,if you`re thinking of getting a semi auto pistol i believe you should stick to 9mm for now.it is a good defensive round without a lot of recoil and muzzle flip.don`t even think about starting out with a s&w 40cal. like i did.

**tony pasley** · 08-14-2007, 08:30 PM

Welcome from the mountian top in North Carolina. There a lot of info and help from those who hang out here. Good luck and shooting on your new adventure.

**jessabelle** · 08-14-2007, 10:39 PM

Wow...thanks for all of the replies! I will check out the links that a couple of you provided. Thanks for the information.

Since I am looking for something to carry on me pretty much 24-7, that kind of rules out a shotgun. Although that would deliver the message pretty efficiently, I would probably end up in jail in record time from walking around downtown with a shotgun slung over my shoulder.

At my local shop, one of the guys there recommended a Bersa 380 or a .38 for my first purchase. The .38 seemed kind of bulky with the...um...revolver/chamber thingy. God, I sound like such a girl. So I am leaning towards the semi-automatic since this is going to be something I plan on wearing holstered most of the time.

One of the reasons I plan on carrying is because I have a long walk from the parking lot to work. I also have a small child that I do not want having any kind of access to the weapon. Finally, I want to be able to take the trash out at my house and not have to worry about not being able to defend myself if someone jumps out of the bushes.

I have been researching the Bersa, and I have read a lot about jamming problems and wear and tear. It kind of doesn't sound like the greatest choice for a long term piece. I figure I will go back down to the shop and discuss my concerns with the guys, rent whatever they suggest, and see how it feels like some of you mentioned.

Thanks again for all the welcome and the information!

**jeffie** · 08-16-2007, 04:10 AM

Hey Jessabelle, i am a fan off you

Jeff

**Baldy** · 08-16-2007, 06:42 AM

Welcome from down in the swamp Ms.Jessabelle. Jump in and enjoy.

**doncameron** · 08-27-2007, 06:17 PM

Welcome from the Upstate of SC.
continue with the class and go to a few different gun shops and ASK
QUESTIONS!
The only DUMB question is the ONE not asked!!

get different veiws on everything and PRACTICE!

**VegasEgo** · 08-28-2007, 03:02 AM

Hello from the City of Buffets and Stripclubs. Make sure you ask all the questions that you have because the one question you dont ask, could make all the difference. The bersa is a great concealed carry. We are all here willing to help..

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