Are there any FinalGear gun enthusiasts?

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Just as the title states, I was wondering if there were some FG'ers that enjoy their guns!

I finally got to go clay shooting a few day ago with some friends, and had an absolute fucking blast! I'd never shot a gun before in my life, I scored a 26/50 (apparently, that's pretty good for a first-timer) and had a ton of fun. I used a borrowed Remington 870 Express Synthetic, for what it's worth.

So, anyway, I'd like to get more into shooting, but that's going to require some equipment to get started. I'm not well-versed on guns, are there any good, reasonably priced 12-gauges out there? I'm just a poor student, so I'm looking for something economical but reliable - nothing fancy.

Feel free to use this thread for your own purposes as well, I'm just trying to start it off.

[Angst]

Not an enthusiast, I only shot two times. It was a friend's USP. Quite difficult to use, or am I noob?

[Austere]

I'm interested in guns but I've never bothered exploring my interest because the gun laws in this country are too damn restrictive.

Once I went to a indoor firing range and I really enjoyed it but that's my only exposure to guns so far...

[Redliner]

I like shooting. I shot a .380 pistol a few times and I've got an air rifle myself. I'd like to have a firearm, but in recent years laws got more restrictive so it's expensive and complicated.

[mgkdk]

I've been clay shooting once, hit 3 out of 24
My bf is really into all sorts of shooting and tuesday I went to a terrain-shooting-training with him, first time for me, he's been doing it for years, and I was just as good as him with the 22 cal. but I was crap with the 9mm glock and .357 S&W, going again on tuesday

[Peter3hg]

My dad shoots clay pigeons most weeks. I went once but got a crap 10/50 and couldn't see that much enjoyable about it. I have, however, become very interested in air pistol target shooting and have acquired a reasonable second hand match pistol. I currently shoot approx 85-90/100 so still some way to improve.

Edit// My dad uses a Beretta 682 Gold E Double Trap, it's approx £1600.

[Spectre]

Me - I'm what these crazy Europeans here call a "gun nut". (Translation - I own more than two guns, and all of them work.)

For a starter 12 gauge shotgun, there are many options - Mossberg 500 (a personal favorite), Remington 870, Winchester 1300. They come in many configurations and lengths, and all three of those start for under $200 USD. They can be configured out to cost over $1000 USD if you go nuts with options and extras - but a good basic shotgun will be around $200. Used, they're even cheaper. There are other options available, depending on budget and intended use.

You will also need good ear and eye protection, and you will need to observe all local laws pertaining to the conduct of firearms.

Angst: You are a noob, but the USP comes in many different configurations - some harder to use than others. Some people, yours truly included, do not understand HK's logic in placing the safety lever where it is, as it can be difficult to operate with one hand. That said, you have evidently discovered the truth behind handguns - it is moderately difficult to competently use one without quite a bit of practice, and they're not so "easy to shoot and instakill people with" (/gunbanneridiocy)

[Angst]

Originally Posted by Spectre

Angst: You are a noob, but the USP comes in many different configurations - some harder to use than others. Some people, yours truly included, do not understand HK's logic in placing the safety lever where it is, as it can be difficult to operate with one hand. That said, you have evidently discovered the truth behind handguns - it is moderately difficult to competently use one without quite a bit of practice, and they're not so "easy to shoot and instakill people with" (/gunbanneridiocy)

I don't know what kind of a USP was it, that's my friend's gun, and I don't know if I can legally shot, also in a indoor firing range. However, do really people there have all guns? Or that's an Italian misbelief?

[watto]

I haven't shot for many years but when I was younger I shot a cow in the arse (accidently) with a .22. I've also shot a double barrel shotgun, the name of which escapes me. And when I was an Army Cadet I shot the F88 Steyer and F89 Minimi.

The Minimi was an absolute blast!

[KaJuN]

Some friends have convinced me to get into target shooting. The gun I'm thinking about is an old Russian Mousin (I think that's the name.) I went to a gun show with them and there were lots of those rifles for about $120 or so. I've always loved shooting bb guns so I figure this would be some good fun. The only real gun I've shot is an AR-15. That was awesome!

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally Posted by Spectre

Me - I'm what these crazy Europeans here call a "gun nut". (Translation - I own more than two guns, and all of them work.)

For a starter 12 gauge shotgun, there are many options - Mossberg 500 (a personal favorite), Remington 870, Winchester 1300. They come in many configurations and lengths, and all three of those start for under $200 USD. They can be configured out to cost over $1000 USD if you go nuts with options and extras - but a good basic shotgun will be around $200. Used, they're even cheaper. There are other options available, depending on budget and intended use.

You will also need good ear and eye protection, and you will need to observe all local laws pertaining to the conduct of firearms.

Thanks for the suggestion, I was looking at the 870 and 500 but didn't know about the Winchester. If I can find a used one, that would be even better. Any particular reason you like the Mossberg over the other two?

As far as safety goes, I've got that covered already. Gun laws are pretty basic here (lock them up, either with trigger locks or in a cabinet) and we have a gun registry. Registry seems to be phasing out, as it's been a huge federal money-waster anyway.

What guns do you own, BTW?

[Spectre]

Originally Posted by Angst

I don't know what kind of a USP was it, that's my friend's gun, and I don't know if I can legally shot, also in a indoor firing range. However, do really people there have all guns? Or that's an Italian misbelief?

In short, no, people here do not all walk around with guns. A majority of people here do possess them, but perhaps one in one thousand (that are not police) do lawfully carry a gun upon their person. That percentage is increasing, as it has been shown by numerous studies that the more law-abiding citizens that carry guns the more crimes against persons are reduced.

It should also be mentioned that in many US cities, police response time can be 8-15 minutes or more - mostly due to the large geographic areas that they occupy. In rural areas, it can be *hours*, so you can see why someone would not wish to rely on the police coming to one's aid in time. A common joke over here about big-city police response times:

"Think you can depend on the police to get to you in time to save your life? Try the following exercise (at your own risk, of course): Call the police and report a crime. Call Dominos (a US national pizza delivery restaurant chain, which is famous for delivering in less than 30 minutes or the pizza is free) and order a pizza. See who shows up first. Hint: have change for the pizza boy." (The implication is that the pizza will get there first, and the police will get there much later - and usually they're right.)

Originally Posted by BerserkerCatSplat

Thanks for the suggestion, I was looking at the 870 and 500 but didn't know about the Winchester. If I can find a used one, that would be even better. Any particular reason you like the Mossberg over the other two?

As far as safety goes, I've got that covered already. Gun laws are pretty basic here (lock them up, either with trigger locks or in a cabinet) and we have a gun registry. Registry seems to be phasing out, as it's been a huge federal money-waster anyway.

What guns do you own, BTW?

An aside - I'm assuming that you are looking at these shotguns for sport and not for home or self-defense, right?

The Mossberg differs from the Remington and the Winchester in that instead of having the safety control ahead of or behind the trigger guard, it is on top of the "tang" - right where you can see it and right where your thumb can easily actuate it and check its status by touch. I prefer this layout above those of the Rem or the Win.

As for what do I own? I stopped counting when I got to 30 weapons - and that was some time ago. My current favorite (and most recent addition) is a Saiga-12 shotgun - a semi-automatic (meaning NOT A MACHINE GUN AND ONLY FIRES ONCE PER TRIGGER PULL) magazine fed shotgun made by the Kalashnikov people.

Originally Posted by KaJuN

Some friends have convinced me to get into target shooting. The gun I'm thinking about is an old Russian Mousin (I think that's the name.) I went to a gun show with them and there were lots of those rifles for about $120 or so. I've always loved shooting bb guns so I figure this would be some good fun. The only real gun I've shot is an AR-15. That was awesome!

I would avoid the Moisin for a first rifle. I'd get a surplus Yugoslavian Mauser 98, which sells for about the same amount, has one of the best actions ever developed for a bolt action, fires a round that is relatively cheap and plentiful, and has great aftermarket support.

If you want more bang for the buck, or just a turn-key system, take a look at the Remington 710 series. They're simplified versions of the famous 700, and they come with a bipod and a decent little scope for about $400. The action isn't nearly as smooth as the parent 700, but they're a heck of a buy for someone just starting out who wants to get involved in rifle matches.

(Thanks for merging these posts for me, Quik)

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally Posted by Spectre

An aside - I'm assuming that you are looking at these shotguns for sport and not for home or self-defense, right?

The Mossberg differs from the Remington and the Winchester in that instead of having the safety control ahead of or behind the trigger guard, it is on top of the "tang" - right where you can see it and right where your thumb can easily actuate it and check its status by touch. I prefer this layout above those of the Rem or the Win.

Yeah, just for sport.

That's a good point about the safety, I'll take that into consideration, thanks.

[jetsetter]

I've been thinking about buying a basic .22 or .17 rifle. What I have shot so far are .22s, .38s. and .45s.

[Spectre]

Originally Posted by jetsetter

I've been thinking about buying a basic .22 or .17 rifle. What I have shot so far are .22s, .38s. amd .45s.

For the cheapest, most basic .22 rifle, look at a Marlin model 60 or similar. If you have a little more cash, get the Ruger 10/22.

[jetsetter]

I am looking at a Remington Model 597 in .17HMR or .22 Long Rifle but I will also check out your suggestions.

[Spectre]

A 597 is also a good choice.

[Redliner]

Originally Posted by Peter3hg

My dad shoots clay pigeons most weeks. I went once but got a crap 10/50 and couldn't see that much enjoyable about it. I have, however, become very interested in air pistol target shooting and have acquired a reasonable second hand match pistol. I currently shoot approx 85-90/100 so still some way to improve.

Edit// My dad uses a Beretta 682 Gold E Double Trap, it's approx £1600.

May I ask what air pistol you have?

[BlaRo]

I haven't done much, but I'd like to. The most I shot was a .22 to get my Rifle Shooting Merit Badge, something I'm kinda proud of, haha. I was good enough that the crazy old guy let me use a scope. 8)

Either way, I'd like to take part sometime.

[Blind_Io]

It's late for me and I'm knackered so I will just say "Yo!" *raises hand*

I'll be back to talk firearms later.