Handgun Question

[Q9]

Quote:
A shotgun probably is the best choice for a starter weapon, the only issue being nasty recoil if using a 12 gauge. IMO, the awe-inspiring power is worth it. You do NOT want to be anything short of a rhino if one of those things is pointed at you.

Tenneesse, I'm pretty sure the limit is only for hunting. Here in NC, it's a two-round limit. We just took the plug out of our 870, as it's for home defense. Shooting a 'yote harrassing your birds probably wouldn't count, but you probably only need two or three shells for that, anyway. I would advise keeping all buck - that'll solve anything from coyotes to Nazi stormtroopers.

A slug, IMHO, mostly defeats the purpose of a shotgun. If you want a powerful bullet, just get a good bolt rifle. My shoulder is still sore from the 8mm Mauser I tried yesterday.

 

[Tenneesse]

Ive never been a real slug enthusiast for field and agree the 12ga is probably more versatile. Some states don't allow buckshot and restrict deer hunting to slugs (yuk) as far as taking out the plug, if you drop an intruder with an illegal firearm especially in firearm unfriendly states like NY your going to face felony charges. NC is a far more predictable than NY.
Mauser 98 is a great rifle and the 8mm has taken a lot of big game in North America. I used 12ga sslugs a lot in Fla when Bore hunting and another favorite is a Ruger .44 mag. for pigs. I had a friend do some bore hunting in NC last year and did real well. He used an older M77 Ruger in 30/06.

Now a days Im very careful about unplugging a shotgun if it is used for home defense. The courts just don't see things like we think they should anymore. Even buckshot is highly looked down upon. Its gets into the excessive force thing as stupid as it sounds. To me dead is dead but.....

 

[Junkmanme]

For VERY "close-range" work....against perhaps a coyote (within 20 yards), I would suggest that you consider a .22 caliber "pellet rifle" (pump-up type air rifle). AFTER becoming comfortable AND proficient AND SAFE with that firearm...you could THEN "move-up" to something more potentially deadly.

just my opinion...(not knowing the Original Poster at all). Just a "generic" answer to the Original Query.
(I'm SHY of recommending firearm alternatives to "novices"

)

-Junkmanme-

 

[Junkmanme]

Quote:
The courts just don't see things like we think they should anymore.
Unquote.

Yep. No "clear-cut" lines anymore. Everything is illegal under certain circumstances...depending on the makeup of a Jury.

In the USA, you can have all the "Justice" that you can afford.

-Junkmanme-

 

[Q9]

Quote:
My take is, if somebody is using force against you, reason dictates that you respond with equal or greater force. Preferably greater. Guy comes at me with a knife after breaking in, he WILL most assuredly find himself staring down the barrel of the shotgun or the .22 rifle I keep handy when alone. If he keeps coming, I will know he's either drugged up, drunk, or insane, and he will most assuredly be shot - repeatedly if necessary, which it will be with a .22. Looking to upgrade to an AK soon, though. Rule #1 in self defense with a firearm - make sure the judge only gets to hear your side of the story. There's no such thing as excessive force, just the force you can lay hands on. If a drugged-up crazy comes running at me, I will grab whatever firearm or blade, or even club, that happens to be handy, and USE IT ON HIM.

Oh, wow, major thread hijack. Sorry! For deer hunting, I wouldn't want to bother with 12-gauge slugs. A bolt rifle like a Remington 700 in .308 is much more accurate, with perfectly suffecient power for gamegetting. If I had to suggest an ideal rifle for dealing with 'yotes, it would be a Remington 700 in .223. I would still prefer a pump shotgun, though.

 

[Lifesong Farm]

IMO before you get ANY guns there needs to be a safety course taken.

I agree with everyone else on check your local laws about discharging a weapon. I also agree with everyone about staying away from a handgun. They are much harder to learn. I have been shooting since I was 5. 25 years later and I still have trouble with a handgun.

 

[Jarheadred]

What kinda area is the OP talkin about to begin with, I don't think he's hunting, just defending. Is his yard a typical in town backyard, a suburban half acre lot, or is he out in Gods country and can see the animal comin a mile off? We can give opinions all day but without more information from him, this is just interesting banter. What else is he wanting to do with the gun? I wouldnt start out real small if its not gonna do the job, get the gun you need and get use to it. There are plenty ranges around here that let you rent almost any style handgun and shoot them on their ranges, just like buyin a car, you should give it a test drive before you take it home. I dont know too many that do the same for long guns though. But to give useful suggestions, we should hear more about his situation.

 

[Junkmanme]

MY Theory:

NEVER pull a gun...unless you are pulling the trigger at the same time.

(a "threat" just allows your assailant TIME to overcome you and PERHAPS use your own weapon on YOU.)

my 2 pesos worth,
-Junkmanme-

 

[Q9]

Quote:
I dunno - a pump-action 12 gauge seems like a pretty universal solution to me.

 

[Tenneesse]

Handgun hunting is really a specialty sport and requires a lot of self discipline and practice. I wouldn't recommend not going with a handgun to begin with but a serious commitment to proper training and willingness to practice is paramount. Everyone who shoots a handgun was a beginner at some point in time and I don't think beginning with a long gun adds anythings. One is as lethal as the other. If your goal is proficiency in firearms get in touch with your local law enforcement agency to point you to a GOOD program and the NRA and get involved. It doesn't take years of practice to be accurate or safe with a handgun. It does require a lot of common sense and a strong willingness to get GOOD instruction and be willing to follow the instructions. Practice practice practice.

There are so many venues nowadays in the shooting sport and it has become really sophisticated whether hunting or target, plinking and competitive shooting, There are many indoor ranges that provide the opportunity to mix with fellow shooters who are always happy to share their expertise (and lack of) the point is an indoors range allows you to shoot and learn in a controlled environment and most offer classes with certified instructors either private or group so you get a proper understanding of what handgun handling is all about.

A good gun club again helps minimize the development of bad gun handling habits that are easily picked up from watching too many action movies. Just take your time and investigate what the options are in your neighborhood. An evening a week at the range with a certified instructor will have you handling your handgun with confidence and doing it safely. Don't rule out handguns as it may be more opportune considering what is available to you. Don't try to teach yourself because its the recipe for a disaster.