Newbie with alot of ?s

[a81lp]

Hi, I just found the site while whie I was doing some searching online. I dont own a firearm yet, but am looking to get one soon.
First any suggestions for a first handgun. Primarliy is going to be for home defense, but I would like to go to a shooting range and actualy use, instead of waiting to see IF I have to.
Have been considering a 357. Most things ive read state a revolver is best for defense. And you need somthing with some stopping power. And I like the idea of being able to go to a shooting range and being able to use 38 rounds which i believe are less expensive.
Also anything I need to know about the purchase proces, laws in maryland, or rights in general. I did read a thread on here how the state police tried to raid a gentlemans house based on ammunition he bought using his ID and signing some sort of log.
Sorry for the long posts. I just want to do things right. Any and all suggestions, and comments are welcome and apreciated.. Not sure if I posted this in the right place, if I didnt sorry, but i am in harford county.

 

[a81lp]

Also can you folks recomend a store in or around harford county to purchase? Thanks!

 

[txiyo]

Also can you folks recomend a store in or around harford county to purchase? Thanks!

http://www.gunconnectionmd.com/

Dan is very nice, usually had the best prices in Maryland, and should take care of you. He knows what he is doing.

There are also a lot of other dealers in the dealer part of the forum.

 

[3rdRcn]

Welcome a81lp!

Gun Connection is down 40 in the same strip as Courtland Hearth, next to the old house of rock I think it was called, it's called something else now.

 

[fivepointstar]

Welcome!!!

Also from Harford Co....Not sure where in Harford you are but there are several stores nearby

Gun Connection in White Marsh- they are on this forum
Doc's in Churchville
Continental in Timonium (indoor range)

just a suggestion....there is a gun show in Pikesville next weekend. This might give you a chance to feel out some different revolvers. But its a good idea to go to the range and try a few out.

As far as buying....21 year old, MSP App, and the waiting period should take care of it.

enjoy!!

 

[K31]

next to the old house of rock I think it was called, it's called something else now.

This reminds me of when of when I asked a local on Veterans Highway for directions: "Turn right where the Texaco used to be."

 

[a81lp]

Thanks Guys! Im in Abingdon. I was just on the Gun Connection website, think I might take a drive down there tomorrow.

 

[Jaybeez]

Hi, I just found the site while whie I was doing some searching online. I dont own a firearm yet, but am looking to get one soon.
First any suggestions for a first handgun. Primarliy is going to be for home defense, but I would like to go to a shooting range and actualy use, instead of waiting to see IF I have to.
Have been considering a 357. Most things ive read state a revolver is best for defense. And you need somthing with some stopping power. And I like the idea of being able to go to a shooting range and being able to use 38 rounds which i believe are less expensive.
Also anything I need to know about the purchase proces, laws in maryland, or rights in general. I did read a thread on here how the state police tried to raid a gentlemans house based on ammunition he bought using his ID and signing some sort of log.
Sorry for the long posts. I just want to do things right. Any and all suggestions, and comments are welcome and apreciated.. Not sure if I posted this in the right place, if I didnt sorry, but i am in harford county.

Welcome to MdShooters!

You are doing the right thing by researching first. The only stupid question are ones that aren't asked.

You will get alot of different answers on what makes a suitable handgun. Everyone has a different opinion. To me practice is important. You are right that some .357 revolvers can also shoot .38 ammo which is cheaper than .357, but it is still relatively expensive in comparison to other calibers. Its said that more people in the US have been killed with .22's than any other handgun caliber, i dont know if thats true, but it goes to the point that the most important factor is shot placement. Making your round go where you want it to go. The only way to be confident in your ability to put rounds where you want them is to practice. Practice means literally putting 100's of rounds downrange, which is easy to do if you can afford it, plus its alot of fun.

Just about anything larger than .380 auto is considered a good defensive handgun load. I prefer the 9mm. It is a capable round. Its is uses by Law enforcement and militaries all around the world. Its used in handguns and rifles. Its considered a full size round, so there are alot of full sized guns chambered in it, unlike the .32 or 380. But becasue its small than say a .40 or .45, 9mm handguns can hold alot more rounds. You can go into any walmart or dicks or sporting goods store and buy 9mm ball ammo (for target or practice) for a little over $20 per 100.

Its also important that you actually like you gun , can handle the recoil, and you feel confident in operating the controls. The best way to be sure of this is to actually shoot it. Continental arms in timonium has an indoor rifle range and at least 50 handguns you can rent. Try them before you buy them. Sometimes rentals can be a little "worn out", but you cant judge a gun until you shoot it. When my friend wanted a .40 ruger i took him to continental. We rented the smith and wesson, sig, glock, and ruger in .40. Turns out, for my friend, he liked the ruger the least. He ended up buying the Smith and Wesson, and avoiding a $500+ mistake. That being said, try the revolver before you actually buy one over a semi. You'll enjoy the rental experience.

Gun and ammo price are high right now, and potentially going to go alot higher. Factor that into your selction of caliber too.

In order to buy a handgun in md you will have to watch the md gun safety video. You can now do it online, and print the card when you are done. it'll save you from having to do it in store, and with gun store being mobbed this week, you be glad you did. One half of the card gets mailed to the state police and one half you keep.

Once you make a purchase , the dealer will have you fill out a few forms and you'll have to wait from 7 to 14ish days to take possession.

Md has some strict transport laws in regard to handguns.

Good luck, and if you have any more questions , dont be afraid to ask.

 

[a81lp]

Any of you guys do business with Horst & McCann, I read they have a shooting range and rent guns.

 

[FIREHAWK]

+10 for continental arms and gun connection

welcome to the board

 

[a81lp]

http://www.mdgunsafety.com/
is this the right video?

 

[Jaybeez]

Any of you guys do business with Horst & McCann, I read they have a shooting range and rent guns.

Yeah, been there once. Kinda pricey.

Plus, nobody from that shop is here on this site answering your questions, or offering you sales prices on firearms. Even though they could if they wanted to. I try to support the companies that help members here.

 

[Jaybeez]

http://www.mdgunsafety.com/
is this the right video?

Yep, thats the one.

 

[novus collectus]

Welcome to the sight.

Have you put your C&R application in yet?

 

[slayr15]

welcome!

 

[coolhand567]

Welcome. You won't do better than Gun Connection. Dan's a great guy and will take care of you.

 

[a81lp]

Welcome to the sight.

Have you put your C&R application in yet?

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the C&R application?

 

[novus collectus]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the C&R application?

A Federal Firearms License to collect curios and relics across state lines. With it you can order a C&R firearm from out of state and have it sent to your door. It is a license created for collectors of curios and relics back in 1968.
There are some requirements like having to keep a bound book of acquistitions and dispositions of the firearms, but it is not too bad.

Basically you become a type of FFL and it gives you some advantages for purchasing the non-licensee does not have.

 

[Fordracer2082]

Welcome!

 

[Jaybeez]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the C&R application?

What novus said, but for the time being just ignore him, it has no bearing on your selection of a handgun, and is not required for purchasing a handgun in MD. Let's get your feet wet first before we start showing you how to go deep sea diving.

A C&R license allows you to buy guns over 50 years old (called a curio or relic) from out of state, without having to go through a dealer. There are a few c&r firearms that are newer than 50 years old, but most are foreign and use uncommon calibers. They are fun to collect, but it can be addictive, and lead to an empty savings account.