First time gun owner

[ajlantz]

Hello all! I am looking to get my first firearm, a snubbie revolver. right now i am looking to get a ruger lcr. since this will be my first gun, i do not have many of the things that i will need, i am expecting to pay around 900-1000 for everything, (revolver, locking safe, holster, etc.) i am just looking for recommendations on things like the safe (i prefer keyless) holster (I do not plan on carrying often, but i may every now and then) and anything else that would be useful for me as a beginner. also comments about the lcr or other snubbies would be appreciated as i have not bought yet, but will be within the next month.

Thanks to all.
Andrew

 

[DaveL]

Maybe add some training into your budget. Several good trainers on this site.

 

[ajlantz]

Dave, that is one thing i have already planned on outside of this budget. I do fully intend on doing an NRA training course, i just have yet to pick out which one i will go with, any recommendations in the east-side of indy?

 

[Phase2]

Welcome to

Definitely figure on good professional training.

ACT and IndyGunSafety are two that I feel comfortable recommending.

 

[spitfire51]

If you want to do the NRA course, you can't go wrong with Indy Gun Safety. If you're looking for a keyless safe try looking at one of the options from GunVault

 

[DaveL]

I took the NRA course from a great instructor. It is VERY basic and just didn't go deep enough. I am now going to take some one-on-one from ACT to address my specific weaknesses and needs. Mine have all been on the west side of Indy out toward Terre Haute.

 

[NWIeng]

Gun Safe

If you're only looking to own a single handgun, at least at this point, I would highly recommend GunVault products. They carry keyless models that are programmable 4-button models, as well as biometric (finger print I'm thinking...) models as well.

 

[Dr.Midnight]

Others have chimed in about the the safe and training, so I'll give you my two cents on your other topics. The LCR is a nice revolver with an outstanding trigger pull. It's accurate and affordable. Another option you may want to look at are Smith and Wesson J Frames. I have two model 642's. They are smaller than the LCR and are therefore easier to conceal. The trigger pull is not nearly as good as the LCR, but I find I shoot as accurate with this as I do my Ruger. If you go to the right shop, you can walk out with a 642 around $390 brand-new. I carry both of these snubbies in a Desantis Nemasis pocket holster. Inexpensive holster that holds up very well.

 

[Bill B]

Lifetime LTCH is a must

 

[Liberty Sanders]

AJ,

I haven't handled the Ruger snubbie, but I recommend staying away from the super-lightweight small revolvers.

They're tempting when you handle them at the gun counter but they have horrendous recoil.

I'm a pretty hardcore pistolero (I routinely carry two big-bore N-frame Smiths) and I would never own one of the things.

Holsters are a personal choice with many styles (belt, ankle, shoulder, IWB, pocket, fanny pack). You may have to try a few before you decide. I've always had a thing for El Paso Saddlery.

 

[EvilElmo]

I recommend a Crossbreed Supertuck for the LCR. My wife just got one and loves it.

 

[gungirl65]

AJ,

I haven't handled the Ruger snubbie, but I recommend staying away from the super-lightweight small revolvers.

They're tempting when you handle them at the gun counter but they have horrendous recoil.

I'm a pretty hardcore pistolero (I routinely carry two big-bore N-frame Smiths) and I would never own one of the things.

Holsters are a personal choice with many styles (belt, ankle, shoulder, IWB, pocket, fanny pack). You may have to try a few before you decide. I've always had a thing for El Paso Saddlery.

Liberty Sanders is right about the super-lightweight revolvers having more recoil. I have a Taurus model 669 357 Magnum and it produces less recoil than a lightweight snub nosed 38 special. I hated shooting the 38 special. If I ever buy a 38 Special for myself it will be a stainless one.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Interesting that you should bring up recoil. I carried a Charter off duty for years, and just recently had it done in pink duracoat for the eldest daughter. My father in law recently acquired a 36 in Scandium, and wanted to try a few rounds on Christmas day. I swear, it had less recoil than my Charter! The point being, not all snubbies are created equal.

 

[bikeman]

If you are set on a small frame revolver the S&W Bodyguard would be worth a look. It's the size of the J-frames with a much better trigger. As others have pointed out you will get more recoil with a small frame. I have a Bodyguard but it is not my go to gun when I just want to go shooting. I use it as a carry gun only. I take it out once a month just to stay familiar with it. Ruger and S&W both make some really good medium frame revolvers that you might want to consider. Good luck with and welcome to gun ownership.

 

[dcahsr23]

walmart(as much as I hate it) had the standard model keyless entry gunvault 1000 for 80-90dollars before christmas. dont know if they have them now. they might be in the clearance isle. Good safe fast open and can secure to wall with screws or has cable option. budsgunshop has some good safes on it to. Gun Safes, Personal Safes, Document Safes for Sale

 

[LarryHoosier]

The Ruger LCR with Crimson Trace grip is my carry gun. I really like it although have only owned it for 8 months. Trigger is excellent and the CT grip makes it easy to get on target quickly and accurately. Recoil with 38spl is nothing to worry about, but the 357 version might be a hand full.

 

[DaveL]

Is there any particular type of pistol (auto or revolver) that is perferred in a NRA training course?

Ones that go "BANG" every time .... Seriously, no, there was a wide variety at my training and the instructor had one of every flavor to show/loan. Most brought 9mm though ... not sure that is SOP.

 

[LPMan59]

AJ,

I haven't handled the Ruger snubbie, but I recommend staying away from the super-lightweight small revolvers.

They're tempting when you handle them at the gun counter but they have horrendous recoil.

.

beat me to it. i was directed towards a snub for my first. i ended up getting a S&W 642 and I really did not like shooting it at all. If you want a revolver, I would suggest getting one with a 4 inch barrel.

 

[VERT]

Dave, that is one thing i have already planned on outside of this budget. I do fully intend on doing an NRA training course, i just have yet to pick out which one i will go with, any recommendations in the east-side of indy?

If you want to do the NRA course, you can't go wrong with Indy Gun Safety. If you're looking for a keyless safe try looking at one of the options from GunVault

Indy Gun Safety in Fishers would be a good place to start. They offer the NRA basic pistol course, sell guns and handle the Gun Vault products.

Is there any particular type of pistol (auto or revolver) that is perferred in a NRA training course?

Simple answer is no. The NRA basic pistol course covers both revolvers and semi automatic pistols. Many courses even offer loaner guns.