Originally posted by: CardioKing
Date: December 06, 2015 at 03:35 AM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/my-1st-gun-purchase.67913/
So, although I'm a little torn by all the talk of gun violence, I'm seriously thinking about buying my first handgun. In my home state all you need is a FBI background check. No need to register your gun and you can take a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) class to apply for a CCW license. And you can openly carry w/o special permissions.
Why?
Ironically, I'm more concerned about legal gun owners as opposed to criminals. I like the idea of having access to an "equalizer" to some so-called law abiding citizen who thinks he can whip out a gun anytime he feels threatened.
As a hobby. Go take some courses. Hang out a range on the weekends.
Maybe for home defense, although the only time my house has ever been robbed, I was obviously not at home, and it was a contractor I hired to do work. So a gun wouldn't have made a difference.
Because guns are bad ***.
Come to the aid of others in distress.
Why not?
I don't want any inflated sense of self. That "I wish you would try me" bulls--- I see from some gun owners. I think even conscientious gun owners can develop a chip on their shoulder that they don't always recognize.
I don't want to be affiliated with dipshits that get on the internet posing with guns, challenging ISIS to visit their double-wide trailer park or suburban neighborhood.
I don't want to obsess with where I put it so I can reach it, but it can't be found by strangers, visitors, thieves, my kid, etc.
The likelihood I could ever reach it when I needed it, is slim. And if I can go home or to the car to get it, then I don't actually need it to defend myself and I may be possibly committing a crime at that point.
Even with a concealed carry, I couldn't take it into most buildings and because I'm not into imposing any of views or beliefs on others, I probably wouldn't want to.
Legitimately coming to the aid of others could still result in me getting shot by a officer or someone else who doesn't know I can legally own or doesn't acknowledge my right to open carry.
Advise:
What are the pro's/con's of gun ownership (no political, constitutional rights s---.)
What are 5 pistols under $600 worth owning? (I'm currently considering S&W M&P9 Shield, see photo below. I see one for $372 online + $25 FFL fee)
How much should I budget for a year in firing range, ammo, training to become competent user, but not "operator". lol