(04-16-2012 01:04 PM)BLEEDITRED Wrote:  I'm still looking to purchase my first gun. I've never had much experience with em, so I've been trying to do some research to see what would be a good fit. I think I'm leaning towards a Ruger .357/.38. I think it's a GP100, or some sort. Bought a house recently, so I'd like something to have in the house, but at the same time, I'd like something to make for some fun gun range visits and that my wife would also be comfortable using (which is mainly why I'm leaning towards the revolver route). I was thinking about also maybe getting one of the cheaper pump action shotguns. I constantly see adds in the Academy sales paper for various pump actions selling for $150-300. Recommendations and thoughts?

A .357/.38 revolver is an excellent first choice for a handgun. Remington 870's are awesome multi-purpose shotguns and you should be able to pick one up brand new for around $200. Some people prefer Mossberg but I have never had any trouble with any Remington firearm. Don't bother spending the extra money on a 3 1/2" chamber shotgun. You really only need that for turkey/duck/goose and those can be a little more annoying to deal with when you rack the pump.

A .357 revolver is a fantastic gun. I grew up learning to shoot with a .357 revolver. However, if you are that new to guns then I would suggest a smaller caliber, semi-automatic handgun. A Berretta 9mm or a Springfield would be better. Especially for your wife.

My mother-in-law has a compact .38 revolver which is a fun little gun.

Like I said, the Walther PK380 would be ideal, and probably cheaper than a Springfield or Berretta.

Cool, thanks for the replies.

So, stupid question . . . Do I just walk into a gun shop/range and say "Hey, I want to look at and shoot a Walther PK380." I guess what I'm getting at is should I go in to a shop looking more for caliber or exact model. I'm trying, and going to try, not to look any more stupid than I already am/will.

(04-17-2012 04:04 PM)BLEEDITRED Wrote:  Cool, thanks for the replies.

So, stupid question . . . Do I just walk into a gun shop/range and say "Hey, I want to look at and shoot a Walther PK380." I guess what I'm getting at is should I go in to a shop looking more for caliber or exact model. I'm trying, and going to try, not to look any more stupid than I already am/will.

Look and see when the next gun show is in your area. You'll get to see so many more guns and better prices.

(04-17-2012 04:04 PM)BLEEDITRED Wrote:  Cool, thanks for the replies.

So, stupid question . . . Do I just walk into a gun shop/range and say "Hey, I want to look at and shoot a Walther PK380." I guess what I'm getting at is should I go in to a shop looking more for caliber or exact model. I'm trying, and going to try, not to look any more stupid than I already am/will.

Yeah go in and ask to see a specific model. Academy, Bass Pro, or another larger retailer will have the best selection.

Just be aware you can fire .38 special as well as .357 magnum out of a .357 revolver. That's why I love them so much. Cheap plinking/training ammo and a heavy round for business. Not that a .38 special wouldn't do the job...

BLEEDITRED have you chosen a model yet?

Currently own a Benelli Supernova, 28", 12ga, MAX4. Amazing gun. Picked it up about a year ago for Skeet/Trap shooting, and also getting into duck hunting with some buddies.

Also own a Winchester Model 97. It was a gift from my father in law. He personally restored it. So it stays in the safe most of the time, coming out occasionally to shoot a handful of clays.

Wife has a Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm, compact. Very smooth gun, but being a compact its a little small in the hands for shooting lots of rounds.

(04-18-2012 07:22 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  BLEEDITRED have you chosen a model yet?

Sorry, I forget to check over on this board routinely. No, haven't really even gone shopping yet. Hopefully soon. I'll let you guys know.

I haven't bought .380 ammo in a while. Is it still outrageously expensive? I wouldn't get a .380 for anything but concealed carry (pocket carry really). 9mm is cheaper and packs a better punch.

In a .380 you also don't have to spend a fortune. My Kel Tec was under $300 and it's been incredibly reliable. It is what it is though...a deep conceal carry piece.

I just picked up a gun I've been longing for for about 2 years now, a Polish P-64.



This is the commie equivilant to the Walther PPK, only slightly simplified and it fires the 9x18 Makarov round. I'm such a proud papa today.

So, after talking to many people, I did finally decide on that Ruger GP100 .357 Mag 4" barrel. Going to get it this afternoon!

Meets all of our needs. Want something to target/range shoot with, so being able to by .38 special can keep the cost down, and then I'll buy some .357 hollow points to load at home. Plus, all have said that my wife shouldn't have an issue with it. Was thinking about going with the LCR, but decided not to with folks saying that the recoil may be a little tougher on that one (again, keeping my wife in mind until we look to get "our own" guns).

Found online at Bass Pro Shop they have a box of Winchester .38 special 100 count 130 grain for 39.99. Pretty good price right? Especially just for target practice. They also have a box of Winchester .357 hollow points 20 count 130 grain for 24.99.

In talking to folks, most recommended a middle ground grain, 125 or 130, saying that if you ever did have to use it for home defense, those grains are more likely to expand, and less likely to penetrate and exit and continue on to an unintended target. Does that sound right?

Hollow points are less likely to rip through someone and continue on. They are made to flatten out and expand on contact.

(10-01-2012 10:19 AM)BLEEDITRED Wrote:  So, after talking to many people, I did finally decide on that Ruger GP100 .357 Mag 4" barrel. Going to get it this afternoon!

Meets all of our needs. Want something to target/range shoot with, so being able to by .38 special can keep the cost down, and then I'll buy some .357 hollow points to load at home. Plus, all have said that my wife shouldn't have an issue with it. Was thinking about going with the LCR, but decided not to with folks saying that the recoil may be a little tougher on that one (again, keeping my wife in mind until we look to get "our own" guns).

Found online at Bass Pro Shop they have a box of Winchester .38 special 100 count 130 grain for 39.99. Pretty good price right? Especially just for target practice. They also have a box of Winchester .357 hollow points 20 count 130 grain for 24.99.

In talking to folks, most recommended a middle ground grain, 125 or 130, saying that if you ever did have to use it for home defense, those grains are more likely to expand, and less likely to penetrate and exit and continue on to an unintended target. Does that sound right?

Academy usually has ammo pretty cheap, check there before going to bass pro.

(10-01-2012 11:14 AM)Tiguar Wrote:  

(10-01-2012 10:19 AM)BLEEDITRED Wrote:  So, after talking to many people, I did finally decide on that Ruger GP100 .357 Mag 4" barrel. Going to get it this afternoon!

Meets all of our needs. Want something to target/range shoot with, so being able to by .38 special can keep the cost down, and then I'll buy some .357 hollow points to load at home. Plus, all have said that my wife shouldn't have an issue with it. Was thinking about going with the LCR, but decided not to with folks saying that the recoil may be a little tougher on that one (again, keeping my wife in mind until we look to get "our own" guns).

Found online at Bass Pro Shop they have a box of Winchester .38 special 100 count 130 grain for 39.99. Pretty good price right? Especially just for target practice. They also have a box of Winchester .357 hollow points 20 count 130 grain for 24.99.

In talking to folks, most recommended a middle ground grain, 125 or 130, saying that if you ever did have to use it for home defense, those grains are more likely to expand, and less likely to penetrate and exit and continue on to an unintended target. Does that sound right?

Academy usually has ammo pretty cheap, check there before going to bass pro.

They had that same box of .38, but 50 for 21.99. So, about the same for that.

Just called to make sure they had the Ruger before I drove out there, and of course they don't. Damn.

Boom sauce. Called around, and found that one of the little local shops had my Ruger in stock. And for $50 less at that. Drove right on over, and picked it up. Welcome me to the club, boys!

(10-01-2012 02:56 PM)BLEEDITRED Wrote:  Boom sauce. Called around, and found that one of the little local shops had my Ruger in stock. And for $50 less at that. Drove right on over, and picked it up. Welcome me to the club, boys!

Nice. Always good to have one more!

I just picked up my 2nd AK. Also a Norinco.

(10-01-2012 03:04 PM)Paul of Troy Wrote:  I just picked up my 2nd AK. Also a Norinco.

Is this one a standard configuration or another Hunter-style?

Is it a Type 56?

(10-01-2012 04:02 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  

(10-01-2012 03:04 PM)Paul of Troy Wrote:  I just picked up my 2nd AK. Also a Norinco.

Is this one a standard configuration or another Hunter-style?

Is it a Type 56?

It's a standard design. It even came with a flash supressor.

I'm not sure what a type 56 is...