Gun Love II

Yes, without question. It’s fun as hell and honestly the responsibility that comes with owning, storing and caring for a firearm is an incredible feeling. The research is quite simple and entertaining. Think about it, these firearms are made so someone without an education can use them. [quote=“magick, post:439, topic:205435”]
or am I going to be spending upwards of 1k on a giant piece of metal
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You could easily spend 2k on an AR, lmao. Particularly when you figure in glass/red dot. Shit a cheap Aimpoint is like $400.

You could also get a $500 M&P in 5.56 and get good with your irons.

What I would do if I were you however: get a 10/22 Ruger® 10/22® Carbine Autoloading Rifle Models

And learn how to shoot. Ammo is cheap as hell, they eat anything, and they have such an abundance of aftermarket parts, if you are a “tinkerer” you’ll be in hog heaven.

The 10/22 is an American tradition, and Ruger a good company with killer customer service. I would look into a “take down” version so you dont’ fuck up your crown while you’re learning how to clean the rifle. Although bore snakes have helped in that area.

These are a couple hundred bucks, and will be a good starter to let you know if you like it, and dont’ look scary and evil in the off chance your pussy friends find out you’ve decided to learn how to shoot.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022/overview.html

Use this link instead, I just linked to the “carbine” version, you can get any version I think.

Ha ha. The liberal friends thing was a bit of a joke.

I really could care less what they think about this particular hobby.

Thanks Countingbeans for a really informative post.

The Takedown sounds awesome. I have little to no space in my room as is, so a gun where you can take the barrel off sounds great.

I’ll have to do some further research on gun laws in CA and such before I commit to anything. But if I do, any suggestions on how to buy a gun? Local store? Find one nearby that’s reputable?

You’re going to need to pass a BGC so yeah, local store. The hassle of ordering one off the web and having it shipped to your local FFL is annoying.

Everyone should have a 10/22 in stock, but avoid big box stores. My understanding is they get the shit ends of the run. I can’t prove that to be true, but I like to support mom and pop’s anyway.

Even though Cali is anti-freedom, you should still be able to own a 10/22, and if you can’t, burn your state to the ground man, it sucks.

In fact I forgot you’re in cali. Fuck an AR out there man, you need a shitty bullet button, etc. Blows. Look into scout type rifles that are bolt action, or a ranch version of a mini-14. (Mini’s are a bitch to breakdown and put back together, so be warned.)

First and foremost, as much as I can disagree with you and Push regarding political issues, it’s always a pleasure to read your posts regarding guns and gear. Do you own any handguns? Not sure about the law of the land in the Socialist Republic of Massachusets, but do you conceal carry? I pack a Springfield XD Mod.2 9mm subcompact myself. Double stack, 13+1 rounds plus a 16 round backup mag. Usually 4:30 carry position.

It’s only the “assault-style” rifles that people have a stick up their ass about I think.

What concerns me is the security measures required to own a gun. I have no space for a gun safe. From what I read, a gun lock will work as well, but I need to find out more (particularly which brand of gun lock is actually good- if they’re anything like normal, run of the mill locks in quality then I need to be really selective).

Would a pistol be better than a rifle for a first-time buyer? I spent some time shooting what I recall to be a Glock (that’s all I remember), but I really didn’t like it all that much. The AR felt much more stable and comfortable.

That all depends on your intended use. If the answer is simply “fun”, there is no right or wrong answer. Get what you want and don’t look back.

In CA I believe you will also have some restrictions on your handguns. I don’t believe you can even use your factory mags in most Glocks, but must instead opt for a 10 round magazine. I love my Glock but being forced to limit yourself to 10 rounds eliminates a key feature that makes it such a great defensive pistol.

Another consideration is ammo availability. There has been a 3+ year shortage of .22 long rifle here in Maine. Other than a few boxes of high-priced specialty rounds, I haven’t seen bricks of it on a shelf in years. I actually want one of those Ruger 10/22 breakdown rifles really bad but there’s just no point if I can’t get ammo. To my knowledge .22 is the only ammo in short supply right now.

Yeah man, same here.

I have a G17
Ruger SR1911
Ruger SR22
Security 6 .357
Charter Target .22 revolver

And I’ll be picking up a VP9 Saturday.

I suck with a pistol. I can CCW, but I don’t. I can’t to work, because they would flip the fuck out if god forbid I printed etc.

In my experience? Yes.

When ever I teach I give people rifles long before the handgun. A rifle is a natural extension of a person’s torso, like your arm (much like a bow and arrow), where a pistol is what you use to fight back to your rifle.

But the real answer is like TwoJar said, it’s really up to you.

Locks: Get a “high school locker” type safe, bolt it into the floor and wall behind in the closet, and have one of the sensors for your home alarm attached to the upper portion of the door to the safe.

Jesus man, do you live in the sticks?

It’s been back pretty good around here for awhile now. Now sure how far this would be for you but:

and Riley’s Sport Shop down the street (no website

I guess I do. I haven’t looked anywhere besides big box stores and my local gun stores. Maybe there are just handful of yahoos buying it all up here. Even Cabellas had limited supplies last time I checked, which was a few months ago.

I may have to poke around online. Thanks for the eye-opener.

It’s not like it once was around here either, but generally I can find it when I need to.

There is a store out my way that always has a variety of 22lr and 22wmr in stock at reasonable prices. Not pre-panic prices, but very reasonable for this day and age. If you’re going to be in VA in the near future hit me up and I’ll give you their info.

I haven’t seen any 22lr in a big box store in years. I suspect the managers are selling it all to their friends or brother-in-laws, or some such for re-sell.

Picked up a VP9 the other day. Haven’t been out to shoot yet. (Tax season, so when I’m not at work I’m hanging with my daughter)

Dying to get this bad boy out to the range and plink some tin cans.

Polymer refined