Gun Question

Lots of good advice and opinions. The Mars leg just doesn't fall into the practical or useful category, especially for ones first firearm. If you really want a cowboy rifle, pick up a Henry Big Boy chambered in .357, later you can pick up a Ruger or Smith .357 wheel gun to partner up with the rifle. Personally, I would get a revolver as my first gun and go from there.
 
on the flashlight front I already own a TK15 . right now my home defense is blinding with the flashlight and a tap to the dome with my shillelagh
 
SilentJohn,
As more focus goes to home defense- I will share good advice given by a security pro to me.

Security comes in layers- a gun is the last layer.
Outdoor prevention comes first- dusk to dawn lights, even small lampost or porchlights are turned into duck to dawn with a ceahp adapter that screws into the socket and bulb screws into that.

Good doors and window locks. Trim bushes back and down from windows.

Have a plan in case of being woken up at night. 911 call, even if you drop the phone after dialing- if you dial and do not respond, they send a car, if they hear a strugle, they send it fast.

Light- flashlight is good but even better is to install strong floodlights and have them controlled by a lighted switch in your bedroom. They serve to identify your target and will also help to light the home for evacuation in case of fire.
I have a ranch style house and the light at the end of the hallway is 6'6" off the floor and points down the hallway.

As to "clearing" your house. His advice was do not. Stay put, protect your family from your bedroom and wait for the pros to clear your house.

If it is just a bump in the night. Still light the house, still dial 911 and stay on the phone until your are sure you are OK.

Just passing on what I was taught and hoping you find something useful.

Bill
 
First time potential gun owner, huh?

Go to school. Really learn basic gun safety and handling.

Trying to be self-taught on something that could kill you, your love ones or bystanders is a very bad strategy. You will own every bullet you'll ever fire and what it does before it stops.
 
Sid Post said:
Really? The newbie needs credible information, not false speculation.
Click to expand...

I've seen it first hand when someone was breaking into my home 11 years ago. What is not credible? The fact that a shotgun being racked is almost universally recognized? Or the fact that a 12GA shotgun is the most popular home defense choice and has been for years?
 
RevDevil said:
I've seen it first hand when someone was breaking into my home 11 years ago. What is not credible? The fact that a shotgun being racked is almost universally recognized? Or the fact that a 12GA shotgun is the most popular home defense choice and has been for years?
Click to expand...

The thief didn't warn you that he was going to break into your house, steal your things, violate your privacy and feeling of safety. Why should you warn him you're going to defend it?
 
PJ Garrison said:
Stay away from the .44 magnum "Dirty Harry" gun for your first gun. Once you're an experienced shooter, you may want to pick up a .44 but it's not a good choice for somebody who is just getting into the hobby. The recoil can be unpleasant (or downright nasty), and the ammo is ridiculously expensive if you don't reload your own ammo. You won't need that much power anyway unless you're dealing with the bigger bears
Click to expand...

This entirely depends on the person. Some people like kick. My first handgun was a .41 magnum and it didn't beat me up, and it's quite fun. .44 mags aren't bad, it's not the wrist breaker forehead smacker that some believe. Same with a .50AE Desert Eagle. It's not a gun that kicks your ass, the people on youtube who get owned by one are worthless. Hell, even a 500S&W and the .460 isn't bad. Once again, I think they're pretty fun.

And a .44 is a light for bear IMO when it comes to me living or getting my ass ate by a large mean critter, .44s can make good range guns.

not2sharp said:
That short rear stock is a complete waste. If you do get one of these, you should consider replacing it; otherwise you will soon discover what getting hit in the face during recoil feels like.
Click to expand...

.45 Colt kick isn't a forehead smacker. Most loads are toned down cowboy loads because everyone is worried about making a high powered round and sticking it in an older Colt and blowing their hand up. Also, replace the stock with what? A regular stock? That would require paying a tax stamp and registering it as an SBR.


rj1974 said:
Pistol grip only shotguns are not fun to shoot for any extended amount of time and aiming with them can be problematic if you like your teeth . The old saying " you don't have to aim with a shotgun " is far from the truth
Click to expand...

Problematic if you like your teeth? Really? I've shot skeet with a Serbu Super Shorty before, just playing around, and the kick was like a 44 mag load.

Once again, not bad. But that is the truth, you have to aim with shotguns.



Anyway, for a first gun, I think a Mare's leg would be a terrible choice, but hey, it's your choice, do what makes you happy. When you get into handguns, just get something that fits your needs and wants. Also, don't worry about kick and power of a round. First round or two you just shoot it, learn how the gun feels in your hand during recoil, after that, you can aim and you'll be good.


Since this turned into a mini rant, for the record, it's .45 Colt, "long" was never part of the name, just something that makes my skin crawl.
 
and on the moss 500 i wasn't going grip only. this is what i was looking at

3-mossberg-500.jpg
 
00ChevyScott said:
The thief didn't warn you that he was going to break into your house, steal your things, violate your privacy and feeling of safety. Why should you warn him you're going to defend it?
Click to expand...

Don't get ahead of yourself. You don't know what happened after I discovered the house was being broken into. I'm merely suggesting a shotgun to the OP. I'm not disagreeing with you per se, but when you are in a situation like that are your adrenalin is flying high things are slightly different than when at rest. ;)
 
I had the Ruger Ranch Hand in 44 magnum. It is a Mare's Leg gun and here is the deal. It is neat but aiming it well is nearly impossible. To hold it up to eye level the stock actually works against you as it is two short to shoulder and to long to comfortably hold out. The whole point of them was to be able to shoot a huge round through them at close range. 45LC is not a bad round to shoot out of a pistol. And it even works well in a carbine. But, skip the mare's leg and get a normal pistol.
 
SilentJohn said:
guess I'm still a big kid wanting to be a cowboy
Click to expand...

It seems to me that you already made up your mind and you just was us to support your decision. Go ahead and buy it.
You can always sell it for a huge lose later.
 
UffDa said:
It seems to me that you already made up your mind and you just was us to support your decision. Go ahead and buy it.
You can always sell it for a huge lose later.
Click to expand...

that was unnecessary


also this is kind of badass
timthumb.php
 
Last edited:
SilentJohn said:
that was unnecessary


also this is kind of badass
timthumb.php
Click to expand...


Sometimes the truth hurts. ;) Having worked in the gun business for the last 15+ years, I have found that people rarely listen to knowledgable advice. They make a decision and
then want that decision validated. We see that all the time here.

Go ahead and buy a mares leg, but consider it a toy. It is probably one of the most impractical firearms ever made.
 
For a fun gun? I love the caliber, but .45 Colt is a little pricey to shoot for fun. I have a S&W Mountain gun in that caliber, but I load for it. For a first gun, .22 LR is way cheap to shoot.

For a first handgun that is for HD? A wheelgun in .357 Mag, or an autoloader in 9mm is the way to go here..... Glock, S&W M&P are good choices here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top