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Hi everyone,
I am looking to buy my first firearm. I grew up in the Seattle area and spent most of my youth as an active Boy Scout. Consequently, I had lots of opportunities to shoot rifles and shotguns at scoutcamp.
I have never owned anything but a BB gun. But now that I have a family of my own and am worried about their safety, I would like to purchase a firearm for self defense. I would also like something that I can take to the range and help my wife and daughter use to work on their skills.
I have been to the range a number of times in the past year, having gone with some friends of mine who own various rifles and pistols and have a pretty good idea of the types of guns I would like to buy. This is where I need some help and sound advice. I am considering a few different guns and could use some help:
1. The classic Ruger 10/22
My friend has let me use his Ruger 10/22 which I absolutely loved. It brought back memories of scout camp when I was younger. I think it is a great rifle. My wife has used it and enjoyed shooting it too. I've been told it is a tank and can handle a lot of abuse. If that is true, I think I wouldn't mind purchasing a used one unless someone has a good reason to buy new. Also, since I am also a student, money is fairly tight so I'd like to know that I am getting a good deal. Does anyone have an idea of what is a "good" price for a used Ruger 10/22? My friend said about $100-$150 sounds about right, but I think that might be a little low in our market here in Seattle. Walmart sells them. Should I buy a new one there? Are there advantages/disadvantages?
2. Ruger SP101 Revolver (357 mag)
I love to take my family backpacking and we try to get up into the woods every opportunity we have. But in recent years, I have began to become concerned about my safety in the backcountry. From bears to cougars to wierd naked hikers, I have encountered a number of less than savory creatures in my years. I'd like a gun that is fairly lightweight, compact, foolproof, and durable to use for home defense as well as defense while on the trail in the backwoods. I have been admiring this gun recently and figured it would have enough power to stop or deter any creature that I might find (two legs or four) here in the pacific northwest. Now, I know I need to go try it out at the range to make sure it is a good fit for me, but I have been eyeing the hamerless version since it would draw fairly easily and not get snagged. So, is this a good gun to purchase used? And if so, what is a "good" price?
3. Springfield Armory XD9
So, this is the gun I fell in love with at the range. I enjoyed shooting it and so did my wife. It fit my hand well and just felt good. In addition to the .357, I think this would be an excellent gun for home defense. I have noticed that Springfield put a thumb safety on the .45 version and I think if they put that same safety on the 9mm, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Although my wife enjoyed going to the range with me, with kids at home, my wife is a little nervous about having a gun in the house. So I know that having an extra level of safety would be a good thing. Does anyone know the likelihood that SA would put a thumb safety on the 9mm version of the XD?
So, these are my questions. If you have any advice that you'd be willing to impart - either on topic or off, I am all ears.
Thanks
I am looking to buy my first firearm. I grew up in the Seattle area and spent most of my youth as an active Boy Scout. Consequently, I had lots of opportunities to shoot rifles and shotguns at scoutcamp.
I have never owned anything but a BB gun. But now that I have a family of my own and am worried about their safety, I would like to purchase a firearm for self defense. I would also like something that I can take to the range and help my wife and daughter use to work on their skills.
I have been to the range a number of times in the past year, having gone with some friends of mine who own various rifles and pistols and have a pretty good idea of the types of guns I would like to buy. This is where I need some help and sound advice. I am considering a few different guns and could use some help:
1. The classic Ruger 10/22
My friend has let me use his Ruger 10/22 which I absolutely loved. It brought back memories of scout camp when I was younger. I think it is a great rifle. My wife has used it and enjoyed shooting it too. I've been told it is a tank and can handle a lot of abuse. If that is true, I think I wouldn't mind purchasing a used one unless someone has a good reason to buy new. Also, since I am also a student, money is fairly tight so I'd like to know that I am getting a good deal. Does anyone have an idea of what is a "good" price for a used Ruger 10/22? My friend said about $100-$150 sounds about right, but I think that might be a little low in our market here in Seattle. Walmart sells them. Should I buy a new one there? Are there advantages/disadvantages?
2. Ruger SP101 Revolver (357 mag)
I love to take my family backpacking and we try to get up into the woods every opportunity we have. But in recent years, I have began to become concerned about my safety in the backcountry. From bears to cougars to wierd naked hikers, I have encountered a number of less than savory creatures in my years. I'd like a gun that is fairly lightweight, compact, foolproof, and durable to use for home defense as well as defense while on the trail in the backwoods. I have been admiring this gun recently and figured it would have enough power to stop or deter any creature that I might find (two legs or four) here in the pacific northwest. Now, I know I need to go try it out at the range to make sure it is a good fit for me, but I have been eyeing the hamerless version since it would draw fairly easily and not get snagged. So, is this a good gun to purchase used? And if so, what is a "good" price?
3. Springfield Armory XD9
So, this is the gun I fell in love with at the range. I enjoyed shooting it and so did my wife. It fit my hand well and just felt good. In addition to the .357, I think this would be an excellent gun for home defense. I have noticed that Springfield put a thumb safety on the .45 version and I think if they put that same safety on the 9mm, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Although my wife enjoyed going to the range with me, with kids at home, my wife is a little nervous about having a gun in the house. So I know that having an extra level of safety would be a good thing. Does anyone know the likelihood that SA would put a thumb safety on the 9mm version of the XD?
So, these are my questions. If you have any advice that you'd be willing to impart - either on topic or off, I am all ears.
Thanks