Firearms advice

taurus g3c. effective and you can get 2 for price of say a springfield xd or glock.

 

Good advise above ^^^. When starting from square one, seek certified professional instruction. No range rat bullshit to wade threw that way.

 

Just as a heads up, if you wish to purchase a pistol in NC you will need to obtain a pistol purchase permit from your county sheriff. I would do that first before looking into any sort of CCW classes, as you obviously need a gun to use in the class. Once you get a CCW you can buy any handgun you want without another pistol permit.

If you just want a rifle, you can go anywhere right now and buy one. No special permit required. They will run a background check in the store.

 

Lots of bad advice here, lots of good. The problem with a new shooter is that they can't tell the difference. Find a friend or relative locally that will let you shoot what they have so you can get a feel for what you're comfortable with.

Like anything else most shooters need to start simple and then work up to more advanced weapons. I have no trouble with an AR or just about anything. The recoil from a shotgun loaded with buckshot will exceed 300 WM rifle recoil. It doesn't bother me and can be effective. But maybe not the best choice for novice shooters.

Normally I'd suggest starting with a 22 caliber rifle and hand gun. Once you get comfortable with that them move on to more advanced weapons. But we live in crazy times and you've got to go with what you can get.

 

Haven’t seen any great advice.

Not a single “voice of experience” has asked anything about the OPs living situation, but suggestions like a shotgun or an AR are plentiful.

For all you know he lives in an apartment or has a kids room down range of his most likely chokepoint where they’d plausibly be shooting from. Way too many replies are out of their lanes, unless you’re ignoring completely the concept that bullets don’t stop like they do in movies or in your imaginations. Suggesting they, as new shooters, buy something that’ll clear 4 walls each time the trigger is pulled is totally irresponsible for all but the least experienced gun owner and they shouldn’t feel inclined to give advice.

 

If you see a problem with the advice I gave, please let me know. I can take it without getting into a pissing match and maybe refrain from answering this type of post in the future. PM me if you like.

 

Children are curious, get a gun safe.

 

Not to mention, I don't want to come home and get shot with my own gun.

 

A pistol (semiauto) is my go to, as its simple, has a good capacity, and can be managed with one hand, which is important when you have to manipulate doors, light switches, hold a child, or call 911. I have a Surefire light on mine, just upgraded the x300 to the XC1-B. Not to get specific, as there are many brands that are good, but I tend to stick to striker fired pistols such as the Glocks, S&W M&Ps. 9mm just for the sake of more controllable recoil. I enjoy shooting larger caliber handguns, including the 40, 44 mag, even the 500 S&W but you want a caliber you can shoot consistently and quickly with, even with one hand and off hand.

For a long gun, I prefer my ARs over a shotgun. As much as I love the Remington 870, to me its not practical in many cases. Even with a proper choke the spread can miss and strike something, or more importantly, someone that you don't want to harm. And its been proven that those buckshot pellets can over penetrate as much, in many cases more than a tiny .223 bullet that tends to wobble, keyhole, and frag with the slightest contact. Plus, you get more capacity with an AR. Typically, I believe the number one failures of any gun is the magazine. With an AR, you dump the mag and insert another. With a shotgun... you are fudged, except if you have a small shell holder mounted on the gun so you can manually feed one in. I've had more feed failures with the 870 than with the ARs, until I replaced the factory tube.

Its far better to hit someone with a rifle round than a pistol round, they pack in more energy and effectiveness but are hard to manipulate in a home.

Definitely get a safe for your guns, with or without kids. I wouldn't buy one that scans fingerprints (biometric) only. If they are anything like phones or laptops, that technology sucks, more often than not it doesn't work. Get something with a combo, or at least get one that offers both unlocking options. You could even get something like they use in police vehicles, a Santa Cruz or Tufloc. It would keep the kids from playing with the guns but they don't conceal the guns at all. Typical gun safes don't conceal guns either, but are more difficult to tamper and break into. I really like those concealment gun safes, but its a matter of finding one that not everyone else has, thieves already have an idea on what to look for.

Those that want to argue about shotgun buckshot probably never bothered testing their guns and ammo at the range to see the spread. It varies greatly. And those that will suggest birdshot... should just go take a nap or something.

 

A small AR-9 has the small maneuverable size of a pistol, but also the stability of shouldering a rifle, more options for optics/lights/etc, higher magazine capacity, more accuracy, ease of use, etc. of an AR-15.

Best of both best options. Don’t see a down side but willing to listen if anyone does.

 

For training, the NRA does offer some good beginner classes.

I'd avoid asking the local shooters for advice, there is a reason why many ranges have safety officers, because in general gun shooters are just typical dummies that make mistakes and claim they know it all.

For advanced training, there are quite a few good schools out there. If it turns out into something you enjoy, or feel strongly about, it would be a great thing to do with your wife for a 2 day class, which typically runs around $400.

Also, since I believe NC (I think I saw NC in there somewhere) requires a permit and most likely a class, that would also be a good starting point.

 

My advice; K.I.S.S. (keep it stupid simple)

My .02

 

Only downside is you are shooting a less effective cartridge compared to a 223. But you'll save your ears some. Tinnitus sucks.

 

You’ll have to google the Concealed Carry laws in your state but in South Dakota we get our CCW from the sheriff’s office. You go down and apply. I’m not suggesting you get a CCW for home defense. But (here in SD at least) that’s also where you can ask about classes. They recommend trainers if you want to get a more advanced CCW but also trainers for different courses. I’d call your local Sheriff’s Office (or whomever issued CCWs in NC) and ask them about beginner firearm owner classes and go from there.

At a class you can try different firearms. Different ammunition. Ask questions pertinent to your State and any questions that pop up on the fly as you learn, etc.

 

I don't know how you keep a rifle or shotgun secure from children or thief's yet readily accessible for home defense.

 

Lock it up everyday and take it out once you come home from work. That's what I do.

 

Not for me. PITA.

 

Combined time probably takes me... 30 seconds a day to lock up and then retrieve when I get home.

Different strokes for different folks I guess. I don't surf the web when I shit so I make up for the time there.

 

If you want serious training, check out the courses at The Sawmill Training Complex in Laurens, SC. I hear Tactical Response in TN is good too.

Dependable handgun for everyday carry, good holster. Ar15 for home defense.

Maybe also but a youth .22 rifle to help in the teaching your kids safe handling and shooting.

Good on you for finally realizing this is important now.