Starting a new hobby.... with a bang!

nguyendot

So my brother and I have been talking about getting some home protection for a while, basically a new hobby. All my friends are ridiculous gun nuts, including all my coworkers. I'm really the only one left behind. Anyways I've been doing quite a bit of work out at a new gun range here and while there I've become more interested and listened in on many of their conversations. You may have heard of this range, as it's one of the first of it's kind to serve alcohol and have a range (Wilshire Gun Range).

Anyways, in a few minutes our new AmSec safe is being delivered, and we'll be bolting that down to the floor. Funny, my wife was always uncomfortable with getting a gun or even talking about it - to the point of changing the subject when my brother and I would discuss. After the realtor was kidnapped and murdered last month, her office had a conceal carry class hosted for all the employees and she came home saying "well let's go get a gun". Funny how peer pressure works better than spousal pressure.

My main requirements for that were 1. we must have a safe my daughter cannot open and cannot tip on her, 2. we will not "play" with our weapons in the house - that is what the range is for, 3. we will all be fully trained for most importantly safety in handling, usage, and situational awareness. Seem logical for me, and I don't want anyone especially my daughter ever put in harms way because of our hobby. Now those are becoming fulfilled. Classes in 2 weeks and plenty of range time.

Any suggestions on what to get? I'm looking at a Remington 870 for a shotgun, my friend will be helping me build an AR-15 for "fun", and probably a PPQ for CCW. I really liked the HK P30 we shot at the range, but it's almost $900..... so maybe later?

I know we have plenty of enthusiasts, and I welcome your suggestions.

chumlie

870 is all you need for home. Just hearing the slide will pause anyone.

Msabot1

First rule of thumb...alcohol and firearms do not mix....Second rule....firearms are not toys under any situation or locale..be it at your home or the range. You need to enroll in a firearm instruction class before actually acquiring a weapon...

cnh

Good luck with that. Most guys here have a small arsenal in their homes. lol

Personally, I'd just invest in an actual Home Security system. I'm not a hunter or a gun enthusiast, but there's nothing wrong with being one. I have relatives who own restaurants, and I believe, almost everyone of them is packing something at the business? As for me, I've never owned one nor fired one. A life of the "mind" tends to be a little more ethereal!

cnh

drumminman

Did some research on pump shotguns after we were broken into 10 months ago. The Remington 870's have issues according to most of what I read. The Mossberg (can't remember model number) is suppose to be way better quality wise, not jamming, etc.

BTW, one of my beliefs was proven to be not true. The sound of racking a load apparently is not a deterrent according to most experts. If you chamber a round you need to be prepared to shoot.

MrBuhl

You'll probably see that Mossberg 500 recommended a lot as a home defense shotgun. Fine for that purpose - in fact many say the best for it for the $$. If you plan on other uses - you may not want just a dedicated HD weapon though.

You're doing the right thing - never, ever unlocked and out of the safe, take classes and learn the laws in your specific area, and get lots of range time. Things that go bang can be a great deal of fun, I am what most would call an enthusiast - but exercising caution and restraint are the name of the game.

Like audio - you will find that it's an expensive hobby if you pursue it long, with plenty of the same "upgrade-itis" wants and needs along with brand name bias. OTOH there are also the same rewards and appreciation of a device well executed.

Enjoy and be safe.

Msabot1

Older 870's are fine weapons...so are old Ithaca's....

Pastor Bill

I am a firearms and concealed weapons permit instructor. Given my druthers, I'd opt for the Mossberg 500 over the Remington 870. Pursue your training with vigor and for sure use a gun safe in the home with children. Also, train your children...removing the curiosity involving firearms is the first step. Get familiar with the local laws - and police are usually NOT the best source...your local attorney general's office is the place to start, closely followed by the NRA.
Now to dispel some myths - "racking" a slide is not really a deterrent, as has been mentioned. Shotguns are not wide pattern devices at the distances in your home and they will penetrate walls, etc. just as well as rifles or handguns. It is most legally defensible to take up a stationary position in the home and wait out an intrusion..."clearing" the house or room makes you an aggressor in the eyes of the law. Once you've brought any type of firearm into action...they are a poor threat. If you display it, be prepared to use it. Finally - train, train and TRAIN! The law treats every shot fired as an "aimed" shoot...there is no room or forgiveness for mistakes.

I'd recommend reading "In the Gravest Extreme," "Gun Proof Your Children" and "The Truth About Self Protection," all by Massad F. Ayoob to get the real scoop on self defense.

As to the rest of your post...the purchase and ownership of firearms is the function of about 50 percent knowledge/wisdom and 50 percent the function of various glands....

[Deleted User]

Gentlemen, I can appreciate the interest in a new hobby, we do ask that members refrain from posting weapons related posts, however. Perhaps a PM will be a better way of offering advice.
Thanks, Ken

Mikey081057

Knew that was coming

rooftop59

I will say that although I tend to be against firearms, this has been a reasonable and polite discussion and I have found it informative. BUT sooner or later (most likely sooner) the conversation will degrade into shouting and political posturing, which is what the forum wishes to avoid I am sure. But thanks for the info...

dromunds

Okay, I won't comment on weapons, only on the lunacy of providing alcohol at a range.

TNTsTunes

PM sent.

nguyendot

Thanks for the advice. Sorry for the post Ken, I wasn't aware the topic was taboo here. I'll take the discussion to pm.

As for the range, you can only shoot then drink. They have you tagged twice via arm band and scanning your drivers license. One you take a sip you are barred from any weapons play or even being a spectator for 24 hours as those require the two factor authentication as well. Nothing will prevent someone from drinking then coming in, but that is true of any venue.

gdb

Don't second amendment your fingers while cleaning like J. Canseco did !

dromunds

In retrospect, I used to shoot trap in leagues and I seem to recall some clubs in the early '90's that would allow drinking in the clubhouse after you shot. Nowadays, you need some pretty tight rules like you mention at a range especially.

gudnoyez

drumminman wrote: »

Did some research on pump shotguns after we were broken into 10 months ago. The Remington 870's have issues according to most of what I read. The Mossberg (can't remember model number) is suppose to be way better quality wise, not jamming, etc.

Since this thread has not been closed yet I have to put my two cents in first of it was the Remington 1100 auto that was proned to jam, not the 870 they are a pump. The Remington 870 Express are junk but the Original Remington 870 Wingmaster is the shotgun of shotguns a Ithica or Mossberg could never compete with a 870 Wingmaster and any enthusiast will tell you the same. I own two 870 Wingmasters a 20 & 12 guage best darn shotgun made hands down. I guess for home protection a ratty old Ithica or a Mossberg with the barrel sawed off would be intimidating plus your not losing out on much shorting the barrel on those or a 870 express.

As far as drinking at a firearms club bad Idea, glad I'm not a member sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen.