May 15, 2013

How to Shop for a Gun
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Related Topics: Basics 101 Buyers Guide Firearms How To    

There is one thing we women know how to do with certainty—and that is shopping! However, if you are anything like me, shopping for an item you don’t know much about, like cars or electronics (in my case), can be daunting and exhausting. I’m skeptical of salespeople and mechanics pulling the wool over my eyes, selling me something overpriced or that I don’t need. If you are new to the gun world, you might not know exactly where to start when shopping for a gun. To make things a little easier, let us look at shopping for guns like shopping or clothes or shoes—by occasion, size, price, and looks.

Occasion

I love to shop just for fun or when I want something new. However, there are plenty of times I hit the mall for a special occasion. What you buy for a bachelorette party will not be the same outfit you pick out for your niece’s graduation. Guns are the same way. While many guns serve more than one purpose, designers usually have one specific task in mind.

Semi-Auto Pistols and Revolvers

To narrow your choices, first figure out the primary reason you want to purchase a gun. If it is for self-defense in the home, you will want to start narrowing your choices by calibers suited for protection. This means you need a gun that shoots a bullet powerful enough to stop a threat. Experts and self-proclaimed experts—including salespeople at the gun store—do not 100 percent agree on which caliber is best for self-defense. Most agree, though, the .380 ACP is the absolutely smallest round adequate for self-defense. Other calibers to try are .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

If you plan to carry the gun, whether open or concealed, the size of the gun will matter. Fortunately, there are plenty of thin, smaller handguns on the market that are easy and comfortable to carry and conceal.

Many swear by shotguns for home defense.

Many swear by shotguns for home defense.

Shotguns

Many swear by shotguns for home defense. A 12-gauge or 20-gauge pump-action shotgun is easy to use and has the knock down power to stop a threat. If you are interested in expanding your shooting to include hunting, shotguns serve a dual purpose.

Rifles

The AR-15, chambered in .223 Remington, is becoming increasingly popular for home defense. Further, the AR-15 is good for competition, target shooting and hunting. Typically, other rifles, such as a bolt-action or lever-action in traditional rifle calibers such as .308 Winchester or .243 Winchester are not used, nor recommended for home defense.

Size

The way the gun fits and feels in your hand, along with the placement of the controls on the gun, will affect how well you shoot. Just like that blister-inducing pair of patent leather purple stilettos you bought for your cousin’s wedding, if your gun doesn’t feel good, you aren’t going to want to use it. Training with your gun is one of the most important aspects of gun ownership—especially if you are buying a gun for self-defense. The gun you buy needs to be pleasant to shoot.

When you grip the gun in your hand, it should feel secure. Further, the safety and magazine or cylinder release should be reachable without having to maneuver the gun much. It shouldn’t take two hands to have to manipulate any of the controls. Much like shoes, you will have to try quite a few different guns to find the perfect fit.

Looks

My mom shops for cars with one thing in mind—is it red? As long as the car is reliable, safe and within budget, I find nothing wrong with narrowing down the choices by looks. Personally, I think its okay to turn down a gun because you think it is ugly. Gun designers not only think about functionality but aesthetics as well when designing new firearms. Do you like angular lines like the SIG P239 or the Beretta PX4 Storm with its unique robust bubbly roundness? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We all have our own individual tastes. Just because the guy at the gun counter thinks you should like the look of a pink gun, doesn’t mean you do. If you like how the Glock looks, then pick the Glock.

You can switch out stocks and furniture on long guns. After-market accessories come in a wide variety of different colors, like pink, camo, neon green, and skull patterns. So if you find a gun that you like, but don’t like the black, you can change out the stock for something different. Grips on many pistols and revolvers are also interchangeable.

Budget

Decide how much you can spend on the gun of your choice. Having a budget will narrow your choices further. Guns range in price from several hundred dollars to thousands.

Another thing to consider is the price of keeping the particular firearm you choose in good functioning order. Will it have to go to the gunsmith for repairs or upgrades? Does it require cleaning after every range trip to function properly? Have you ever purchased a cute shirt at full price just to get it home and find out it is dry clean only? Annoying isn’t it?

This picture shows a wall of guns at a gun shop.

To make things a little easier, let us look at shopping for guns like we would shop for clothes or shoes.

You will need to feed your gun ammo. If you are buying the gun to plink or join a shooting league, then .22 Long Rifle is cheap and easy to find. However, depending on market fluctuations, for example currently and in the past, certain calibers can be expensive or difficult to find.

When I have to purchase something, like a new bag or a new dress, that is considerably more than I normally spend on clothes or shoes, I like to justify my purchase by breaking down the cost per wear. If I spend $350 on a new Coach purse that I will carry for over a year, it is less than a dollar a day. For a top-quality accessory, the price is worth it. Think about your gun the same way. You aren’t going to skimp on your wedding dress or engagement ring. Your gun is the same. Invest in a high-quality gun, because what you put in to it will be worth it in the end.

What kind of roadblocks have you hit in shopping for a new gun and how did you overcome them? Do you have any shopping advice for newcomers? Tell me about it in the comment section.

For more information about purchasing your first gun read the following blogs:

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!

May 10, 2013

Wiki Weapons Test Fires 3D-Printed Handgun
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Related Topics: Firearms General Gun Rights Industry News Legal Issues Manufacturers News Technology    

The Wiki-Weapons project by Defense Distributed, which has been striving toward creating a fully functional 3-D-printed gun, has succeeded in the first tests of a firearm created using only a 3-D printer, TheBlaze reports

Although much of the project up until now has been showing off plastic printed components for rifles and magazines, the gun tested last week was a .380 handgun, which Defense Distributed founder Cody Wilson told TheBlaze in a phone interview Monday was always the goal to develop.

The Texas-based group’s project is to make 3-D printable designs for firearms available to anyone with a 3-D printer.

The group’s purpose, according to its website is

“To defend the civil liberty of popular access to arms as guaranteed by the United States Constitution and affirmed by the United States Supreme Court, through facilitating global access to, and the collaborative production of, information and knowledge related to the 3-D printing of arms; and to publish and distribute, at no cost to the public, such information and knowledge in promotion of the public interest.”

Wilson said that while they were waiting for their federal firearms license request to go through, something which was granted to them in March, they worked on printing the gun parts they legally could in the mean time. For weeks, the parts of the handgun were tested individually, but on May 1 it all came together for its first shot.

As a safety precaution, it was test fired remotely at first.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) immediately called the 3-D gun concept “stomach churning.” The Liberator may look like a toy, but “this gun can fire regular bullets,” Schumer said, calling for legislation outlawing the technology’s weapons potential.

What do you think? Tell us in the comment section.

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!
The Cheaper Than Dirt! Community Speaks
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Related Topics: Ammunition AR-15 Blackpowder Firearms General Handguns Industry News Legal Issues Pistols Reloading Rifles Second Amendment    

There’s a lot of experience and good common sense residing in the 1.3 million Cheaper Than Dirt! subscribers who receive the Chronicle e-newsletter, and sometimes, our readers share their wisdom in the comment section of various articles in the Shooter’s Log and in the Forums. Here are some recent comments that caught our eye because of their timeliness, technical depth, attitude, or insight. If you’ve got something to add, please jump into the comment string and expand the discussion.

Wicked Quick: AR-15 Shoot Fast! With Jerry Miculek

shoot-fast-ar

Comment (1) by mach37: I’ll say it again: emphasizing rapid-fire capabilities of the AR-15 does not create good press for the NRA or Cheaper Than Dirt!. Rapid fire is exactly what anti-gunners are claiming for “assault weapons,” likening them to machine guns. You guys need to cool it with pushing “shoot fast.”

Comment (12) by Andrew: This guy is really talented and I found this video very fun to watch. For you guys criticizing the fact that he does some rapid fire demos, if the liberals think this guy, who is basically a professional shooter/hobbyist, is going to go on a mass shooting, they are even more idiotic than I already thought they were.

Powder Attack: The Next Wave of Gun Regulation

powders

Comment (7) by Mike: Smokeless powder is not an explosive, it’s classified as a propellant. Black powder is an explosive. This bill is nothing but more hogwash coming from the Liberal side. So now the pack of bottle rockets that I buy the kids for the 4th of July will require a background check. Just another roadblock for law-abiding citizens to purchase legal items.

Springfield Armory’s XD-S 9 Wins Handgun of the Year

XDS9

Comment (8) by Dan: The only way this gun makes sense to me is if you are recoil-sensitive and can’t handle .45 ACP in such a small package. Otherwise, why choose a handgun that’s the exact same size and has the same ammunition capacity in 9mm?? Would you rather have 5+1 in .45 ACP or 5+1 in 9mm?

Comment (20) by Surly: It would be wonderful if the polymer Springfields were built in the USA. Many of us would have more respect for the brand than we already do. However, if you put the Croatia thing aside for a minute you realize that the best-selling polymer handgun in this country is also foreign-made, and Springfield has absolutely blown it out of the water. Flashback: with minor interest in the XD 45 Tactical, I wrote off the whole XD line as a Glock clone. But with the XDM, Springfield took everything that was wrong with the Glock and made it right. Most companies would have stopped there and let the money roll in, but Springfield went on to develop the perfect CC pistol: the XDS. I’ve held one and can vouch for the fact that it’s unbelievably thin for the caliber, and even someone with large hands will find it comfortable to grip. So before complaining that it isn’t made in the USA, first consider your options, then consider the design and quality of these pistols (which you can’t fully appreciate until you hold one in your hand and compare it to the competition). My only complaint is that they aren’t making them fast enough. The demand for polymer framed CC handguns in this country is insatiable, and Springfield should seriously consider opening another factory or two. I’ll own an XDS someday, it’ll be the perfect counterpart to my XDM40 (which shoots like a SA with a PRP trigger installed BTW). Have a blessed day.

Comment (33) by Dave Hammond: What Springfield really needs to do, is to convince another manufacturer to produce an AR platform in 9, .40 & .45 that accepts XD magazines. I’m sticking with my Glocks because of the offerings from Just Right Carbines.

Considerations for Concealed Carry Handguns

1911_others

Comment(29) by Bud Springer: Just as you said, “ask 10 gun store folks what is the best concealed carry gun and you will likely get 10 different answers”, the same holds for all we readers. Fat, thin, tall, short, heavy clothing, little clothing – it all matters as to what weapon size and shape works for each of us…and as some point out, seasonal changes and day -v- night place us in different carry outlooks. The perfect answer is obvious: There IS NO perfect answer. What works for you is what is best for you, although the caliber argument could go on forever.

PTR Industries to Leave Connecticut by Year End

PTR91SC

Comment (522) by HammerOfCrom: All the people who care bout the Constitution and the companies that support it or depend on it are being forced south, save the ones with big FEDERAL contracts. The country is starting to be forcibly divided along roughly northern and southern lines again, with some notable holdouts such as New Hampshire. It doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that there will be a fracture between states that support the Constitution, and states that want to rewrite it.

Are You Buying Guns? Tell Us Why

Comment (972) by Queendvrs: “A million armed freemen, possessed of the means of war, can never be conquered” – Andrew Jackson

New Jersey Senate Committee Passes Remaining Gun Bills

Comment (1) by horselips: The opportunities for further restrictions and abuses existing within these “common-sense reforms” is terrifying. Apparently, Governor Christie has abandoned all hope of ever receiving the GOP nomination for the presidency. I’m glad we were able to see this RINO for what he is, before it was too late.

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!
Mossberg Model 500 — 10 Million Strong and Growing
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Related Topics: Firearm Collecting Firearms General History Industry News Shotguns    

A Closer Look at Mossberg Firearms

Firearms expert, turned author Victor Havlin’s book for Mossberg gun enthusiasts, titled “More Gun for the Money” takes us through the creation and evolution of the popular Mossberg firearm dynasty. All the while helping us shake the dust off a few memories with the phrase “My first gun was a Mossberg.”

This expression really does ring true for many of us—myself included. For me it was a Mossberg 500 pump-action 20 gauge shotgun named Wilhelmina, which translates into “will-it-mean-I-fill-my-tag or not.” She received her name during my inaugural pheasant hunt to South Dakota. After numerous attempts to hit a flushed bird, I quickly realized the problem was my lack of skill shooting wild birds on the fly; thus Wilhelmina was born. The name stuck, and to this day every time I take her out hunting I find myself asking that same question. Although she has a few scuffs and scratches and her age is starting to show, she is still my reliable, trusty friend in the field. I would like to think she is happy over my improved shooting abilities.

Mossberg-500-Classic

Who hasn’t owned a Mossberg 500? With over 10 million produced I suppose there are still a few people, but no to worry — Mossberg isn’t finished with the 500 yet!

Perhaps the reason so many of us have Mossberg memories is the fact Mossberg is really good at putting out quality firearms at affordable prices. Case in point, this year Mossberg is celebrating a historic marker in the company’s long career in producing its most notable gun, the 500 pump-action. It seems only fitting the 10,000,000th model 500, pump-action shotgun to be produced will be proudly displayed at the National Rifle Association Firearm Museum in Fairfax, Virginia.

Mossberg Brownie

This classic piece of firearm history (Mossberg Brownie) features four barrels and has a street price of around $500.

Collectors everywhere will most likely have their eyes fixed on 10 more ’500 pump-action guns in the “10 Millionth” guns series. These elite guns will carry distinctive serial numbers, and will be given out within the firearm industry.

The Story

It all began when Swedish emigrant Oscar F. Mossberg arrived in Massachusetts and began tinkering with some of his firearm designs. In 1919, the O.F. Mossberg & Sons firearm company was born. Now, it is the oldest family-owned firearm manufacturer in the United States.

Oscar first found success with his uniquely designed four-shot pistol called the Brownie. He then ventured into the land of long guns to manufacture a hammerless .22 rifle. However, it was World War II that proved to be a pivotal time for this company. Mossberg quickly grew to become a major provider of firearms to our troops with such models as the .22 caliber bolt-action rifles as well as the improved Model 42 M and Model 44US.

Mossberg 500 Lisa Methany and Turkey

The author and “Wilhelmina” with a Missouri gobbler.

Today, the company calls New Haven, Connecticut home and has over 100 designs and patents, which include rifles and shotguns that meet high military requirements. However, it is perhaps the classic affordable models used by shooting sports enthusiasts around the world that keep Mossberg a leader in the firearms industry.

In just a few short years, the Mossberg Firearm Company will be celebrating 100 years as one of this country’s top firearm manufactures. Wilhelmina and I plan to return to the fields of South Dakota to celebrate and to prove she has indeed taught me a few things over the years.

For more information on Mossberg visit them online at www.Mossberg.com. If you are interested in learning more about the National Mossberg Collector’s Club or would like to order a copy of Victor Havlin’s “More Gun for the Money” collector book check out www.mossbergcollectors.org.

Do you have a favorite Mossberg memory? Tell us about it in the comment section

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!

May 8, 2013

When the One You Love Doesn’t Love Guns
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Related Topics: Firearms How To    

I have a practice of laying my guns out on the table—figuratively. It isn’t the first thing I mention when I meet someone new, but it follows by a close fourth or fifth. If you dislike guns, then you and I probably aren’t going to get along. Fortunately, living in Texas means that even if you don’t own a gun personally, you’re kind of cool with them. More than likely if someone grew up in Texas his or her grandfather, father, uncle or brother, had a gun around the house. There is no mystery that us Southerners like our guns. Sometimes, though, when one goes off to university or starts life in the real world, their views can change. Making a decision about guns is often one of those changes—especially in the current political climate. People feel passionately about guns and that is why I tend to let people know soon after I’ve met them—especially if I want the relationship to go further—that I am a gun owner.

I haven’t dated anyone who disliked guns. However, sometimes stuff happens. Maybe you got into guns later in life or you happened to fall head over heels for a guy or a gal where your shooting or hunting hobby just never came up (I’m not exactly sure how that happens, though). Regardless, you think it is about time you introduce guns to your loved one or guide your significant other to learn to love guns as much as you do. Number one: do not expect to convert a gun hater to a gun lover. To avoid heartache and frustration, make it your goal to only take the fear of guns away and educate them about your sport.

A woman sits piggyback on a men's back, both are holding guns.

Illustration provided by SuperRawX

Take it Slow

The way to introduce your guns and hobby is by talking about it. Explain to your honey what you love about shooting and why you chose to own a gun. Center the conversation on things such as, “Learning to shoot has helped increase my confidence, concentration and patience.” Avoid statements like, “It makes me feel powerful.” Fear comes from when we feel unsafe or do not know what is going to happen. More than likely, your significant other is feeling fear when they think about or see guns and have developed a preconceived notion about what a gun owner is like. Red flag words like power, in control or assertive can be intimidating to someone who has gun anxiety—especially if they have been a victim of violence in the past. Try your hardest to avoid arguing. If your significant other starts to protest and spout incorrect facts about the safety of guns, calmly lead them to the free PDF download Gun Facts. I reference Guy Smith’s Gun Facts often. I like it because the statistics presented come from objective organizations such as law enforcement agencies, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Defense.

After you feel like your boyfriend or girlfriend has recognized and understood your point of view, even if they don’t necessarily agree, ask them if they would like to see and touch your gun. Before bringing the gun out, tell them the four golden rules of gun safety. Without any ammunition in the same room, show your sweetie your unloaded gun. Start by showing them it is completely empty and there is no ammo in the room. Break down you gun describing each part. A gun is a machine, just like their car and has different working parts that make the gun work. If they feel comfortable, let them touch it and pull the trigger.

Introduce them to your other gun-owning friends in a neutral setting. As I mentioned before, your significant other probably has an ill-conceived idea of what a gun owner is like. Throw a barbecue, hit happy hour or go to a baseball game. Keep the conversation away from guns and politics. Tell jokes and just have a good time. Hopefully this shows your significant other that gun owners don’t necessarily fit into any one box.

The Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal is to get your partner to the range. However, do not nag them or keep asking repeatedly. Ask once and if they say no, let it rest for a while. Pursue other interests with them, but don’t forget to spend time on your own to keep shooting. Be open and honest about your time at the range. Hopefully after a few months they will want to see why you like to go so often.

They might prefer taking an introductory class from a certified instructor first, before going with you. Ask them if they are interested in doing so. If they are, offer to pay and go with them if the class is coed. Women might feel more comfortable in a women’s-only class. Check with your local shooting ranges to see if they have women only classes or find a women-only clinic on the NRA women’s network or women’s NRA training programs.

Taking a class or clinic can also come after you take them shooting for the first time. Once they have agreed to go with you, I highly suggest taking them to an outdoor range or a friend’s property for their first time. The shooting range can be a scary place for newbies. Being outside cuts down the sound and smells of guns firing which may make some people nervous.

Start out with a .22 Long Rifle where sound and recoil is minimal. Only move up in caliber when they are ready. I remember the first time I shot a full-sized .357 Magnum S&W revolver. My friend loaded one round. This was very smart thinking. The first time your honey shoots, even a .22 LR, load one round before giving them a fully loaded gun.

Hussey's general story sign reads "guns," "wedding gowns," and "cold beer."

Quite possibly the perfect place for a date!

A Note to the Ladies

Though it is changing considerably, shooting, hunting and gun culture has been a stereotypical male-dominated realm. Do not question your guy’s masculinity if he doesn’t like guns. Boys grew up playing rough with BB guns, paintball and laser tag. It’s implied they are supposed to want to shoot guns. Many guys feel like it should be an innate ability to shoot a gun. We know it isn’t. Don’t make your man feel like a whimp because he doesn’t know how a gun works. Tread lightly!

Show your man the basic functionality of your gun and go over the safety rules. We ladies know many men don’t take instruction well, so make sure he’s safe, then let him figure out the rest himself.

Many men were taught to shoot and hunt by their father. If your brother, dad or good friend shoots, have them take your man to the range with them.

Avoid the Situation All Together

I get it. The dating world is a tough game and you have to compromise. However, as I stated before, I lay my guns out on the table usually right away. Typically, by the second date, if not the first, you discuss your passions, hobbies and interests. Make shooting guns one of the first topics you discuss. You’ll be able to judge if they are into it or not by their reaction.

If you are on a dating website, add that you shoot or hunt on your profile. Chat up cuties at your local range or take coed classes to meet like-minded people.

Though I have not tried them, gunloverspassions.com, dateagunlover.com and kwink.com/dating-community/gunlovers are all dating sites that cater to gun nuts.

Are you dating or married to someone who doesn’t or did not like guns? I would love to hear your stories and suggestions on how you dealt with the situation. Post them in the comment section.

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!
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