1st Time Gun Buyer

So i got my 1st home last year and now feel the need for a firearm more than ever. I have the right to protect whats mine and I will if needed. That said... any pointers on a good first timer gun or a good store that will definitely provide me with excellent customer service? Thanks in advance guys

Grabagun in Coppell << Grabagun.com >>
Their website will tell you if your choice of weapon is in stock or not and I believe they have the best overall prices in the area.

Another note, don't be a Glocktard....if you like one after checking it fine, but don't just buy one because lots others say they're great or have one. They've been popular because their police pricing is very low and cities like cheap. Many localities are now switching to Smith and Wesson M&Ps as their cost is quite competitive and they build a better weapon. If Glock truly was "Perfection" as they advertise, why are there so many after market items available for them?

As you're in Plano, check at the Bullet Trap on Plano Rd. They have a range and rental guns so you may try various pistols to see what you might like. The people there will point you in the right direction and there is no obligation to purchase from them.

c.a.

Cabela's, Gander Mountain, and Bass Pro Shops are the largest retailers in the area that will offer a wide selection of firearms and in general an informative staff. With that said though I would purchase a handgun from none of these guys as they will sell for the max price as well as having to pay the sales tax on said weapon. If anything go there to handle the weapons that interest you and get the staff's take on said weapon as it would pertain to home defense. As for manufacturers you can't go wrong with Glock, CZ, Beretta, Sig Sauer, Walther, Heckler & Koch, or Springfield Armory. When you get an idea as to what you may want head out to a local gun range like Eagle (Lewisville), Bullet Trap (Plano), or Dallas Gun Club to rent the firearms of interest and test them out for comfort and feel. When you have made a decision make your purchase from one of the larger online wholesale retailers like Buds Gun Shop or Kentucky Gun Co. They literally carry everything at discount prices. Shipping is free to an FFL and you get to skip out on taxes which can be a savings of hundreds of dollars. Cheapest FFL in the North Dallas area is Lewisville Pawn Shop ($10). This would be my suggestion to you.

+1 for Bullet Trap gun rental. Try as many as you can, different calibers and price points to see what fits. You may even have a friend or two that can help. We shoot there about once a week to stay proficient.

So i got my 1st home last year and now feel the need for a firearm more than ever. I have the right to protect whats mine and I will if needed. That said... any pointers on a good first timer gun or a good store that will definitely provide me with excellent customer service? Thanks in advance guys Originally Posted by johnnypaycheck

Shotgun , best home defense. Point it towards the sound and pull the trigger. Chances are when the threat here's the sound of the shotgun bring cocked they are going to flee. With a hand gun you have to worry about actually hitting your target and over penetration. No matter what you buy do your homework.

Cabela's, Gander Mountain, and Bass Pro Shops are the largest retailers in the area that will offer a wide selection of firearms and in general an informative staff. With that said though I would purchase a handgun from none of these guys as they will sell for the max price as well as having to pay the sales tax on said weapon. If anything go there to handle the weapons that interest you and get the staff's take on said weapon as it would pertain to home defense. As for manufacturers you can't go wrong with Glock, CZ, Beretta, Sig Sauer, Walther, Heckler & Koch, or Springfield Armory. When you get an idea as to what you may want head out to a local gun range like Eagle (Lewisville), Bullet Trap (Plano), or Dallas Gun Club to rent the firearms of interest and test them out for comfort and feel. When you have made a decision make your purchase from one of the larger online wholesale retailers like Buds Gun Shop or Kentucky Gun Co. They literally carry everything at discount prices. Shipping is free to an FFL and you get to skip out on taxes which can be a savings of hundreds of dollars. Cheapest FFL in the North Dallas area is Lewisville Pawn Shop ($10). This would be my suggestion to you.

Originally Posted by grail

Good way to get local gun shops to go out of business. There is something to be paid about patronizing a local business.

If you buy a handgun, I strongly recommend you take a concealed handgun carry course and get your license. You'll learn proper gun handling and other techniques that are valuable in handling and using a firearm. You should also check out where the nearest gun range is 'cause you're gonna want to shoot that sucker to get used to it.

TargetMasters in Garland is an affordable great place to rent many many types of pistols and rifles. You can even fire shotgun and AR/AKs on the indoor range. Try before you buy.

Good way to get local gun shops to go out of business. There is something to be paid about patronizing a local business. Originally Posted by Boltfan

Well they need to go out of business when they're gouging people an extra $100-$400 for the same firearm. Perfect example is Cheaper than Dirt. Local gun shop with maxed out prices. And when there was an ammo shortage a few years back instead helping the consumer their doubled ammo prices across the board. And they still have some of the highest prices around town. But if you're wanting to support local businesses then go to one of the gun shows held about once a month then. At least then you may be able to haggle with the price.

If you're just going to keep a gun at home, not intending to carry, get a short barreled shotgun.
You still have to aim a shotgun. A 12 gauge 1 1/4 oz. of #4 (pheasant/duck load) will get the job done if bad things happen.
Whatever you choose, please get some instruction on how to run the gun and practice on a regular basis.

Good information here. Gunbroker.com is the eBay for weapons. All purchases from out of state must transfer through a FFL- Federal Firearms Licensee - ie a gun shop. They will charge a transfer fee, which you pay instead of state taxes.
CHL- is primarily classroom and a Test of firing competence at a range. Learn your weapon before you go to CHL class. Go to a range and hire a certified instructor to teach you about your weapon. No time at a CHL class to teach you basics about your weapon. They will send you home if you are not competent and accurate at the range test. . Learn the 10 commandments of gun safety by heart. Learn to clean and maintain your weapon.
Practice with your weapon regularly at a range. You must be comfortable with your weapon to use it in self-defense.
Learn the laws about gun ownership. Tx statutes available free - Search Tx. gun laws. Easy to read.
Think hard about what it means to use deadly force. If you are not ready to protect yourself from a threat to your life with your weapon, do not buy one. If not used, a criminal intruder into your home may take it from you and use it on you. Understand and be very thoughtful about the consequences of deadly force in your hands.
Understand the laws and limitations of a CHL - the class will help with this. Know that if you violate the laws and regulations, you may be charged with a crime.
The privilege of owning a firearm is somewhat taken for granted in this country. It is a serious privilege and responsibility to own a weapon under our Constitutional second Amendment.
Think carefully about what it means to defend yourself/your family in your home, and in doing so you end a life to stop a threat to your own.
You have a lot to consider - do it carefully and seek outside help in your learning. Take care.
oeb11

home protection - Mossberg 500 Tactical shotgun with pistol grip. 30" length / 12g / 8 shot.

Lots of good information given by the posters here. I second the recommendation to try different firearms from the various big makers Glock, S&W, Sig, Colt, Springfield etc. Try different guns to feel the balance and weight and shoot them to feel the trigger pull and recoil tolerance. Some guns have a gritty or mushy trigger that can smooth out after hundreds of rounds or after an upgraded trigger job. You will not practice with a gun that you don't enjoy shooting thereby decreasing proficiency. For a HD pistol I would recommend a full sized model with at least a 4.5 to 5 inch barrel. I know a lot of people love the 1911 platform because it shoots a big 230gr ball and is an American icon. I have 1911s and love them but they are only for the range. I prefer striker fired polymer guns for the Casa specifically 9mm loaded with 124 JHP+p. At home invasion ranges there is very little difference in wound channels between 9mm, .40 cal and .45acp with premium self defense ammo. There is no such thing as "knockdown" power in a handgun, that is Hollywood. A pump action shotgun is king and would be my first choice. The venerable revolver is great as well. A medium to large frame wheel gun with a 4 inch barrel and loaded with 38 spc +p or 125 grain .357 is bad medicine for a criminal.

http://rayssportinggoods.com/

Whatever you choose make sure you take a class to get the most out of shooting fundamentals and maintenance and safety. A locally owned store with a vast inventory is Ray's Sporting Goods in Dallas. Great knowledgeable staff and fine gunsmiths. I find their prices are on par with the big box stores and they have a large used firearms section where you can save more money. Good luck with your purchase.

If you buy a handgun, I strongly recommend you take a concealed handgun carry course and get your license. You'll learn proper gun handling and other techniques that are valuable in handling and using a firearm. You should also check out where the nearest gun range is 'cause you're gonna want to shoot that sucker to get used to it. Originally Posted by Prolongus

Agree completely. You must become very familiar, skillful and very comfortable with the gun.
Shotguns are great and certainly will get the job done, but they are bulky and can jam.
I would recommend a revolver because they don't jam and if you wake up in the middle of the night, they are ready to go. Waking up from a deep sleep and having to work the slide to chamber a round in a automatic could be problematic.
I don't like to leave a round in the chamber with the hammer cocked.
A Taurus Judge or S&W Governor will shoot .410 shotgun shells, and the 45 Long Colt will blow a hole in a buffalo.
There are pros and cons with all and of course you must consider your own situation.

There are a lot of opinions and options. Do a lot of research in the area of "over penetration" as well. Surprisingly, there are a lot of studies out there indicating an AR, particularly with frangible ammo, is less danger to your neighbors than a handgun.

If home defense is the sole purpose get a shoulder fired, short overall length gun. Control is everything and hitting is safer than missing. Particularly with an inexperienced shooter a shoulder fired weapon is less likely to get pointed at the wrong think, like yourself. Learning to shoot with a long gun is a great idea before learning a handgun.