Mega Rad Gun Thread

[Bear Powers]

For handguns, I would suggest, if at all possible, going to a range with a friend who has a bunch of different guns, or rent out a whole bunch of different guns. After a certain price point most of the major big name manufacturers are going to be more or less equally reliable, so it really just becomes a matter of how well you shoot with it. You may find yourself being dead eye Dick with one gun and Mr. Magoo with another. My first handgun ended up being a Glock 19 not because of the brand name or because it’s what everyone says to get or anything but simply because it was the one I was the best shot with, noticeably. I like revolvers but I’m not a great shot with them by any means. You might end up being the opposite of that, or the same, but it’s important to find out.

e: whobustank made essentially the same point I did, I skimmed over the post oops. Seriously try before you buy. Handguns are a very different world from long guns and some handguns just do not work for some people no matter how highly recommended they come.

 

[break these cuffs]

@Null if you're interested in taking a shooting class once you get the basics down. I would recommend Voda Consulting. He is definitely not a fat retard.

For handguns, I would suggest, if at all possible, going to a range with a friend who has a bunch of different guns, or rent out a whole bunch of different guns. After a certain price point most of the major big name manufacturers are going to be more or less equally reliable, so it really just becomes a matter of how well you shoot with it. You may find yourself being dead eye Dick with one gun and Mr. Magoo with another. My first gun ended up being a Glock 19 not because of the brand name or because it’s what everyone says to get or anything but simply because it was the one I was the best shot with, noticeably. I like revolvers but I’m not a great shot with them by any means. You might end up being the opposite of that, or the same, but it’s important to find out.

e: whobustank made essentially the same point I did, I skimmed over the post oops. Seriously try before you buy. Handguns are a very different world from long guns and some guns just do not work for some people no matter how highly recommended they come.

Picking a gun you like to shoot is important because it means you will shoot it more. Whether it's more comfortable or you're more accurate, whatever. Things like grip angle and grip size can affect your marksmanship early on, but at a certain point it's moot. You just have to shoot the fucking gun. Executing proper fundamentals of marksmanship and recoil control should allow you to shoot a non-retarded pistol competently. Over many years a lot of fuss has been made about grip comfort, trigger jerk, etc and a lot of it is shit.

John McPhee has some guru shit around him that I don't particularly like, but he teaches his classes in a very different manner than any other instructor. It's 1 on 1 instruction using slow motion filming to make adjustments primarily to your grip, stance. What you think you're doing and what you're actually doing can be very different. He does a demonstration in the pistol class where he has a co-instructor hold on a target. He inserts a ratchet handle into the trigger and cranks away. The co-instructor's group is fine. Anticipating recoil, ie flinch, and weak grip are often diagnosed as all kinds of other stuff. Your trigger press should not be able to overcome your grip. It's being performed by your index finger.

 

[The Man With No Name]

I have carried a .357 Magnum snub-nose revolver in the past. I don't recommend it these days, especially for newbies. It's a very hot round being shot out of a relatively light gun. Before the age of the so-called "Wonder-Nines" a snub .357 or .38 revolver could very easily be argued for being the best newbie friendly Concealed Carry Weapon.

That isn't the case anymore as the snub .357 revolver has some major drawbacks: The high recoil, low round count, and God forbid, if you have to reload in combat.

Your average "compact" 9mm semi-auto will act as a man-stopper just as well as a snub .357 Magnum. With the advantages of having a higher round count, a far easier reload, and a better recoil profile. That is in addition to potentially mounting a weapon light, and/or a red dot sight.
__
Just for general advice, I do typically caution against a "sub-compact" semi-auto, for new guys. It may be slightly easier to hide, but the recoil starts to become a problem again. That is in addition to many of these sub-compacts go down to a single stack magazine, thus lowering the ammo count significantly. All that for only a moderately smaller handgun. If you find that you can't conceal a "compact" sized handgun, then you may want to start considering the sub-compacts. I Conceal Carry full-size handguns, people really don't notice unless you are flashing it.

I can conceal a full size pistol comfortably 3 seasons out of the year but when it's summer time out here in balls hot American southwest I'm going with a subcompact pocket carry for around town.

Only exception is longer trips, I'm going to go full size no matter what for that.

 

[Polyboros2]

ok, this is my list

DanielDefense 5.56 NATO, 16"
https://www.primaryarms.com/daniel-...16-mid-length-17-mfr-xs-15-0-02-128-02081-047

Mossberg 590A1, 12ga
https://www.primaryarms.com/mossberg-590a1-12-gauge-shotgun-xs-sights-m-lok-forend-20in

Full Pistol: Glock G45 9mm
https://www.primaryarms.com/glock-g45-9mm-full-size-17-round-polymer-frame-handgun-black

Compact: S&W M&P9 9mm
https://www.primaryarms.com/smith-wesson-m-p9-shield-plus-9mm-pistol-bugout-bag-bundle

Only have experience with the Shield, that's great with 4 of the 13 round mags, I have big hands and it's a good grip with that magazine, my wife prefers the smaller magazine for her grip. You have options but I'm betting even with not huge hands you'll appreciate those 13 rounders for the grip.

There rest are things in not familiar with, but aren't weird red flags like Keltec that makes cool but impractical stuff that you probably don't want as your "basic defense" package.

One other point I wanted to bring up, gun people often will over emphasize having the most tactical option available. While I'm not saying they are wrong, the majority of your time spent with the gun is going to be on the range, and likely never needed for self defense. You have good conceal carry in the shield, and good longer range engagement civil unrest option in the AR. But you should get something you just like. I personally hate the 1911, but I don't want to disuade you from a gun that you'll appreciate. I have a Colt Single Action Army, I can defend myself with it, but it's more about liking the history and mechanics of the gun. It's single action, slow as fuck to reload, but it's one of my favorite guns to just go shoot. Get a gun you are going to enjoy having and shooting cause that's the majority of what you're going to do with it, especially if you have your reasonable defense guns situated.

Edit: One more point, I know you're plan is to purchase and store until you move back to the States, and it might not be an immediate option, but a lot of Gun stores with a range have a set of Try Before You Buy rental guns of the most popular brands, largely pistols. If you're unsure about a gun, and are going to wait on the pistols, you might want to wait until you are in the States and can shoot them in store before deciding.

 

[Cpl. Long Dong Silver]

Most issues with pistols can be fixed with practice and proper grip. Check this guy out for fundamental practice:

Also your list looks pretty good but make sure to get some sights for your rifle.

As others have said, a lot of shooting is personal preference, but Pat Mac definitely is a dude worth listening to.

 

[GeorgeHWBush]

As others have said, a lot of shooting is personal preference, but Pat Mac definitely is a dude worth listening to.

I subbed to his e-classes for a month on MakeReadyTV and they are very nice

 

[Rose Breeder]

Our merciful overlord, Josh Moon, has asked for guidance on selecting two firearms, a rifle and shotgun, to procure for when he inevitably returns to the Republic. The arms in question are preferably ones prospected to be victims of an attempted prohibition.

I am confident he'd be curious to hear your enlightened conclusions to the stated question.

 

[Archie_Kimkicker]

Our merciful overlord, Josh Moon, has asked for guidance on selecting two firearms, a rifle and shotgun, to procure for when he inevitably returns to the Republic. The arms in question are preferably ones prospected to be victims of an attempted prohibition.

I am confident he'd be curious to hear your enlightened conclusions to the stated question.

It's difficult to recommend a firearm to someone who currently does not have the means or access to try them out beforehand, so in lieu of that, I'd recommend his trustee get something chambered in 5.56, like an entry-level AR. As to shotgun, I will leave that to someone else since I am allergic.

 

[Corn Flakes]

Our merciful overlord, Josh Moon, has asked for guidance on selecting two firearms, a rifle and shotgun, to procure for when he inevitably returns to the Republic. The arms in question are preferably ones prospected to be victims of an attempted prohibition.

I am confident he'd be curious to hear your enlightened conclusions to the stated question.

Any AR-15 for the rifle, and a Saiga for the shotgun. Really, anything polymer, black, and scary-looking.

 

[Puff]

Speaking of carry guns, I have long gorrilla arms and a standard belt holster setup is not a great fit for me. Anyone have a solution for this? I normally just set up a standard holster for cross draw if I'm open carrying. Appendix or iwb holster in pocket with a compact for concealed.

 

[Sleazy Car Salesman]

Our merciful overlord, Josh Moon, has asked for guidance on selecting two firearms, a rifle and shotgun, to procure for when he inevitably returns to the Republic. The arms in question are preferably ones prospected to be victims of an attempted prohibition.

I am confident he'd be curious to hear your enlightened conclusions to the stated question.

For the shotgun just get yourself either a Benelli Nova or a Mossberg 500 if you want a pump, or get yourself a Benelli M4 if you want a semi.

 

[GeorgeHWBush]

Speaking of carry guns, I have long gorrilla arms and a standard belt holster setup is not a great fit for me. Anyone have a solution for this? I normally just set up a standard holster for cross draw if I'm open carrying. Appendix or iwb holster in pocket with a compact for concealed.

I mean as long as you practice the draw, arm length shouldn’t matter too much I would think. If you mean for a duty belt setup, maybe a Safariland holster with CUBL low ride plate with one of their leg straps around it. They make a drop leg holster (6004 series) however many people don’t like how floppy they are.

 

[Puff]

I mean as long as you practice the draw, arm length shouldn’t matter too much I would think. If you mean for a duty belt setup, maybe a Safariland holster with CUBL low ride plate with one of their leg straps around it. They make a drop leg holster (6004 series) however many people don’t like how floppy they are.

It's FINE, I just wish it were lower. I'll end up with a drop leg for my larp setup eventually, but they're not something you can wear around town.

 

[break these cuffs]

It's FINE, I just wish it were lower. I'll end up with a drop leg for my larp setup eventually, but they're not something you can wear around town.

Your options are limited by your beltline or shirtline if you're OWB for anything concealed. I don't know that there is anything out there you haven't already considered for that. An alternative for droplegs are kydex drops/adapters/whatever a company calls them. They're kydex pieces that go between the loops and the holster to drop the holster X.XX". They're easy enough to make yourself since you don't need to form kydex, just put some holes in it. I have them on my larp gear and an inch made all the difference.

 

[HumptiDouji]

Gonna second the AR15, something like an M&P15 (worked great for Kyle), and for a shotgun the Mossberg 500 is a good all rounder, 590 Mariner if you want stainless steel and a full length magazine. Either way don't get a shotgun which doesn't have a stock you can shoulder, they're much harder to shoot and require a lot more practice.

Saiga shotguns are cool, but they're import banned so they're expensive, also they can apparently be pretty finicky about ammo until you ream out the gas port on them or something like that (ergo gunsmithing).

 

[Sleazy Car Salesman]

Saiga shotguns are cool, but they're import banned so they're expensive, also they can apparently be pretty finicky about ammo until you ream out the gas port on them or something like that (ergo gunsmithing).

If I remember correctly a lot of the issues with the Saigas stems from people leaving the magazines loaded. From what I was reading they were designed to use shot shells with a full brass case and so the magazine spring is strong enough it'll deform plastic hulls after a relatively short while of leaving them loaded. I could be wrong on that though.

 

[WhoBusTank69]

Our merciful overlord, Josh Moon, has asked for guidance on selecting two firearms, a rifle and shotgun, to procure for when he inevitably returns to the Republic. The arms in question are preferably ones prospected to be victims of an attempted prohibition.

I am confident he'd be curious to hear your enlightened conclusions to the stated question.

He posted in the gun thread as well.

If I remember correctly a lot of the issues with the Saigas stems from people leaving the magazines loaded. From what I was reading they were designed to use shot shells with a full brass case and so the magazine spring is strong enough it'll deform plastic hulls after a relatively short while of leaving them loaded. I could be wrong on that though.

Can confirm that the magazine construction, at least on early examples, wreaks havoc on plastic. I hadn't let mine sit long enough to cause malfunction but they were starting to squish.
Man, that makes me realize how old Saigas are. Mag-fed auto shotguns were such a novelty then.

 

[Bassomatic]

Null don't you listen to none of these wippersnappers.

Let me tell you something, the 1911 is BACK TO BACK WORLD WAR CHAMP. You know why it's in 45? They don't make a 46. Now boy, listen good to me, when the brits lost all them islands to the japs, they had them low powa pistols 9mm. Some metric CRAP. The japs used them ninja swords to swat them down and then stabbed them away. This really happed boy, don't you dare speak up I'm telling you about how John Moses (pbuh) Browning made himself a good gun, the 1911 is just the gun you need. Anyone else selling some TUPPER WARE plastic glock is just one of those losers who think call of duty is real.

Unless you're trying to shoot up a school you don't need more than 7 rounds, you hear me? You claim you want to be safe so that's ALL you need and if the NRA doesn't fight a mag ban, that's because they know what's best for us - life member since 1962.

Spoiler

I felt like shit posting, but seriously, the 1911 is not what I'd suggest to most starters for a lot of reasons, tuned up they are amazing pistols, I own one that's a family heirloom and ventilated a lot of people but that's another story.

For real, go test what you feel best about, as told to me by better shooters than myself, hitting with a weaker or smaller bullet less times beats not hitting with more. Same idea of any gun beats none. Now I HATE to suggest a "perfect" because everyone has different needs and wants, but if you get a glock 19 you're going to be happy they are just a jack of all trades and master of most trades! They are just great pistols.

 

[Puff]

Your options are limited by your beltline or shirtline if you're OWB for anything concealed. I don't know that there is anything out there you haven't already considered for that. An alternative for droplegs are kydex drops/adapters/whatever a company calls them. They're kydex pieces that go between the loops and the holster to drop the holster X.XX". They're easy enough to make yourself since you don't need to form kydex, just put some holes in it. I have them on my larp gear and an inch made all the difference.

I was running my H&K in a leather holster I made that put the grip just below the beltline. It was not nearly stiff enough to work with the formed friction hold style. A pouch style might work, but now I carry a Glock when I go full size and am very picky about protecting the trigger. Might make a low grip holster and see if I can throw in some reinforcing to make it stiff enough. Right now I just roll cross draw that sits about at my off-side hip pocket. As far as concealability I'm not running full size unless I'm not too concerned with printing. I spend about half my time in one of the more gun-friendly areas of the rural south so unless I'm concerned with worrying the Wal-mart greeter it's normally fine.

And I've done automotive work with kydex. I'm not normally using plastics, but damn it's easy to work with. Should probably start doing some of that at home.

Null don't you listen to none of these wippersnappers.

Let me tell you something, the 1911 is BACK TO BACK WORLD WAR CHAMP.

For rifle do a 3011. Three world wars.

Available with rifle length barrel too.

 

[Kendall Motor Oil]

Our merciful overlord, Josh Moon, has asked for guidance on selecting two firearms, a rifle and shotgun, to procure for when he inevitably returns to the Republic. The arms in question are preferably ones prospected to be victims of an attempted prohibition.

I am confident he'd be curious to hear your enlightened conclusions to the stated question.

I'm expecting people to email suggestions consisting of meme guns instead of common ones.
Paul Harrell has a video about which gun to choose consisting of him crapping on those who give suggestions.
There are actually people out there who suggest shit like AKs in the US or a five-seven because its better on paper....