Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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neverthoughtiwould wrote:Thank you all for the prompt replies and good information. I am in Portland Oregon. I definitely want to take some classes and get some training. I would be looking for a gun that is good for self defense and is easy to use. It sounds like it is not possible to buy a gun that doesn't help the NRA unless its used. Sounds like an opportunity for some entrepreneur. Thanks for all your advice. And yeah, I never considered being a gun owner until I saw all the frothy right wing demagoguery that is spinning around. And since im not planning on leaving anytime soon, I might as well not make it easy for someone to try to make a victim out of me. Thanks again.

I’m from The Portland area as well. Completely understand where you are coming from. Especially when we have members of our State Senate jumping to Idaho and saying things like, “make sure you send bachelors,” in reference to sending Sate Police officers without a wife or children (another thing that pissed me off about that was the assumption that only male officers could be sent, in his mind. But that’s another tangent that would go forever). I’m also very liberal and anti-NRA, but what I have found, especially since the NRA is upside down right now, that there is a clear distinction between the rhetorical NRA and the actual NRA members themselves.

In my own interactions, most people involved in the firearm training and safety side of the NRA membership, are completely reasonable with legislation that promotes a balance between safety and having armed citizen’s constitutional rights not be infringed (Your concerns of a tyrannical government is the entire reason why we have the 2A in the first place).

NRA members have been great resources for me and I would encourage you to reach out to someone that has had their “Come to Jesus” moment as the NRA falls apart.

But welcome! Sounds like you have found some like minded folks here.


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Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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i see that never is still here, logged in today. it's probably taking some time to absorb and sort through all the well-intended advice. don't hesitate to ask for advice, never! just remember that every one of us has an opinion, and most of us have several. bring a grain of salt, and when you do get something, we'll want to hear all about it, preferably with pictures! :)
i'm retired. what's your excuse?

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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Here is another revolver to consider, the EAA "Windicator" 6-shot in .357/.38SP they're built like tanks and won't be as "pretty" as a Ruger or S&W, but for $300 or less?
They are made in 2" and 4" barrels in both blued and stainless, I have the blued 2" model and I love it.

https://eaacorp.com/guns/handguns/windi ... hrauch-112
EAA Vindicator.jpg
Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable.

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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I don't see how trying to avoid a manufacturer that does not support the NRA is a sound plan. Personally, when it comes to decisions regarding self defense all that stuff is out the window IMO. Not all guns are equal and if this is your first firearm, I strongly recommend a pistol. You can look into getting a rifle later. That is just my opinion anyways. The top three pistols that have a reputation for shooting alot of lead down range without catastrophic failure (Generally speaking anyways) are Glocks, Beretta 92's, and Sig 226. If you noticed all three firearms have significant usage in both military and law enforcement. That is for a reason. Not saying there are no other guns out there that might be able to match the durability of these firearms, but one would be hard pressed to find one.

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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MaxwellG wrote: Sun Jul 21, 2019 10:50 am Here is another revolver to consider, the EAA "Windicator" 6-shot in .357/.38SP they're built like tanks and won't be as "pretty" as a Ruger or S&W, but for $300 or less?
They are made in 2" and 4" barrels in both blued and stainless, I have the blued 2" model and I love it.

https://eaacorp.com/guns/handguns/windi ... hrauch-112

EAA Vindicator.jpg
Revolvers are decent hunting options, but for self defense IMO are antiquated. The handling in short barrel is terrible for 357 (not to mention more difficulty in follow up shots), plus you have deal with the limited capacity. If that is the only thing one has then it is what it is, but if options are available I would go with a semi auto each time for self defense. Preferably in 9mm with a higher capacity.

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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hey, sable, why don't you start your own thread and tell us about yourself! you've made some pretty bold statements above, and it might help us to know where you're coming from.
ETA: let me rephrase that. who the hell are you, and why should we care what you say?
Last edited by lurker on Wed Jul 31, 2019 12:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
i'm retired. what's your excuse?

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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This is a fantastic thread, but I fear that the OP has fled. If I could figure out how to quote a thread into a new one, I might put a duplication of this discussion in another thread. I think there are more baseline questions we need to have answered before a good answer can be given. Is this going to be an only gun? Is a basic trainer an option before moving up (i.e., would this be a shift to long-term ownership?) Is defense around the home the only desire, or is there a fear of more general carry need?

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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featureless wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2019 1:14 pm One more thing on firearm selection and then I'll shut up. Rifles are far easier to learn than handguns--they are easier to aim and recoil is less of a problem because it's going into your shoulder rather than wrists). If you have close neighbors like a lot of city dwellers, there is a concern with over penetration (the bullet either missing or passing through your target, then the wall, then the neighbor--obviously bad). Believe it or not, the .223/5.56 (the bullet the much maligned "high powered death ray" AR-15 and generally accepted Mini-14 both shoot) is one of the least likely to do that because the bullet itself is so light it tends to not go as far after striking something solid. It's counter intuitive, but that's what real research rather than internet lore shows. All of this shit can be overwhelming. There are a lot of educated folk here willing and able to help.
agree entirely on rifles.
I had heart surgury last year and an automatic defibrilator was installed. I am left handed left eye dominant but I was told I could not shoot left handed.
Well. time to learn to shoot right handed. I had actually taken a break from shooting at the time but I hate being told I can't do something.

I bought a Marlin 795 on sale for less than $150, scoped it and taught myself to shoot right handed. It was fun, and I've learned a lot. I was feeling pretty down after the operation and it really gave me a goal. That cheap little marlin is fun, accurate and in a pinch, will help make many a squirrel stew. It will feed any 22lr I've put through it, while a lot of 22's are finicky and have a favorite brand.


I haven't found any link between Marlin and NRA, btw, to address that original post. I'm not saying there isn't one. just not one I'm aware of.

If you want a larger rifle and are looking for something used, any old bolt rifle will do, domestic or surplus.

If you want something more modern than a bolt but want to stay used, Type 56 Chinese rifles (SKS copies) can still be found under $400

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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neverthoughtiwould wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2019 2:31 am Hello
As my handle implies, I never thought I would consider buying a gun but I am now due to the increasingly troubling rhetoric I hear from the right wing. I want to be able to defend myself if someday some far right crazy militia tries to kill me in my home or what not. Not interested in being like the people who were rounded up in Nazi Germany. So I want to buy a gun potentially but I have a dilemma: I do NOT want to buy a gun from any manufacturer and/or vendor that supports the NRA or other rightwing power groups. So can anyone point me to a manufacturer or information about where i could find a gun manufacturer that meets this criteria? Does such a thing even exist? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for any info you might be able to provide.
Hi! :) IMO the first step towards protecting yourself is not placing yourself in a situation that liars have created for you. Let me explain: as you can tell from my user name I’m not going to share the exact same beliefs you have. I ended up on this forum to meet unique people. I’m a unique person. I do not like religion; I’m mostly a Republican. I do not like a government that puts restrictions on gay marriage. Again: I’m mostly republican. You might guess a lot of republicans don’t like me. I thought: let’s see what liberal gun owners are like. I might find out they are great people and think like I do. The most forgiving and understanding boss I ever had was a “dirty liberal”. Some of the nicest people to make me feel like I fit in are “socialist liberal scum”. We have got to stop fallowing these false notions that politicians or others that enjoy chaos generate. You should question who has guided you to believe people will break into your home and hurt you because you vote differently. Fear generates unnecessary violence.

The concept of self defense should be from a clear mind. A person is a threat or they aren’t. We can’t allow ourselves to see skin color, sexuality, or politics. This is our individual responsibility to each other.

Any gun you buy will in someway support the the nra to some degree. I shop at stores that support gun control. I think if we nitpick everything we will drive ourselves mad. Buy a gun because the second amendment is here to protect you. That’s all it’s here for. No need to over complicate it. :)

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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I have not left, just a lot of information here. I would like to meet other people to get some experience seeing which gun is a good fit. As far as posts saying that i should not be worried about getting a gun to protect myself from some white supremacist militia group, I have to kindly disagree. I am not willing to be like the Jews that were slowly deprived of property and rights and herded in to ghettos. I have read enough history and I kindly reject the reasoning of 'Hey im a nice conservative and thus nothing bad could happen to you'. That argument failed to carry any water after the election of this president who is clearly a racist demagogue intent on selling hate and racism to poor people so he can give more tax cuts to rich people.

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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featureless wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:06 pm Glad you're still here. We can come on a little strongly....

Reach out to your Oregon peeps in the Oregon forum. I'm sure someone in your area will be happy to help with some hands on.
I can imagine the firehose of responses if this question had been posted at arf com. :shock:
It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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neverthoughtiwould wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:02 pm I have not left, just a lot of information here. I would like to meet other people to get some experience seeing which gun is a good fit. As far as posts saying that i should not be worried about getting a gun to protect myself from some white supremacist militia group, I have to kindly disagree. I am not willing to be like the Jews that were slowly deprived of property and rights and herded in to ghettos. I have read enough history and I kindly reject the reasoning of 'Hey im a nice conservative and thus nothing bad could happen to you'. That argument failed to carry any water after the election of this president who is clearly a racist demagogue intent on selling hate and racism to poor people so he can give more tax cuts to rich people.
The right gun depends on a few things. Go to a range that has rentals. I look forward to reading about what you like.

As for my post: it wasn’t merely a ‘hey I’m a nice conservative nothing bad will happen ‘. It was advice. Society is believing the garbage that is spun by not only politicians but people who form rallies. If you expect violence will be there, why go? It’s clear to me people on both sides have lost sight of freedom of speech. If you’re up for it try watching or reading opposing view points. There’s idiots on both sides. Trump is a slime ball and from what I can recall reading what’s true, his dad was a kkk member. He’s done more harm than good.

What I feel you’re missing is there are people who you wont agree with but will stand with you if trump did pull anything. We have to be careful not to fall victim to media and conspiracy sources encouraging us to put our blinders on and not listen to another perspective. For decades republicans have accused democrats of being Nazi like for wanting gun confiscation. Yet if I compare what republican sources claim say about Bernie to what Bernie actually says in his entire interview; you will see a troubling trend of lies.

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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SaneConservative wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:56 pm
neverthoughtiwould wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:02 pm I have not left, just a lot of information here. I would like to meet other people to get some experience seeing which gun is a good fit. As far as posts saying that i should not be worried about getting a gun to protect myself from some white supremacist militia group, I have to kindly disagree. I am not willing to be like the Jews that were slowly deprived of property and rights and herded in to ghettos. I have read enough history and I kindly reject the reasoning of 'Hey im a nice conservative and thus nothing bad could happen to you'. That argument failed to carry any water after the election of this president who is clearly a racist demagogue intent on selling hate and racism to poor people so he can give more tax cuts to rich people.
The right gun depends on a few things. Go to a range that has rentals. I look forward to reading about what you like.

As for my post: it wasn’t merely a ‘hey I’m a nice conservative nothing bad will happen ‘. It was advice. Society is believing the garbage that is spun by not only politicians but people who form rallies. If you expect violence will be there, why go? It’s clear to me people on both sides have lost sight of freedom of speech. If you’re up for it try watching or reading opposing view points. There’s idiots on both sides. Trump is a slime ball and from what I can recall reading what’s true, his dad was a kkk member. He’s done more harm than good.

What I feel you’re missing is there are people who you wont agree with but will stand with you if trump did pull anything. We have to be careful not to fall victim to media and conspiracy sources encouraging us to put our blinders on and not listen to another perspective. For decades republicans have accused democrats of being Nazi like for wanting gun confiscation. Yet if I compare what republican sources claim say about Bernie to what Bernie actually says in his entire interview; you will see a troubling trend of lies.
Pretty much any "conservative" friend or acquaintance I know has decided I am a liberal and won't speak to me. Between relatives, we are all civil. We just don't discuss politics very much. The guys (relatives) talk about guns or sports. We talk mostly about dogs or work.

Friends or acquaintances just rarely speak to me anymore (unless they think I am not a liberal). I was always a liberal in the closet, but if I don't agree with them about Pence or Trump (they like Pence much more than Trump), I am immediately branded a liberal and shunned.
It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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K9s wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 5:21 pm
SaneConservative wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:56 pm
neverthoughtiwould wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:02 pm I have not left, just a lot of information here. I would like to meet other people to get some experience seeing which gun is a good fit. As far as posts saying that i should not be worried about getting a gun to protect myself from some white supremacist militia group, I have to kindly disagree. I am not willing to be like the Jews that were slowly deprived of property and rights and herded in to ghettos. I have read enough history and I kindly reject the reasoning of 'Hey im a nice conservative and thus nothing bad could happen to you'. That argument failed to carry any water after the election of this president who is clearly a racist demagogue intent on selling hate and racism to poor people so he can give more tax cuts to rich people.
The right gun depends on a few things. Go to a range that has rentals. I look forward to reading about what you like.

As for my post: it wasn’t merely a ‘hey I’m a nice conservative nothing bad will happen ‘. It was advice. Society is believing the garbage that is spun by not only politicians but people who form rallies. If you expect violence will be there, why go? It’s clear to me people on both sides have lost sight of freedom of speech. If you’re up for it try watching or reading opposing view points. There’s idiots on both sides. Trump is a slime ball and from what I can recall reading what’s true, his dad was a kkk member. He’s done more harm than good.

What I feel you’re missing is there are people who you wont agree with but will stand with you if trump did pull anything. We have to be careful not to fall victim to media and conspiracy sources encouraging us to put our blinders on and not listen to another perspective. For decades republicans have accused democrats of being Nazi like for wanting gun confiscation. Yet if I compare what republican sources claim say about Bernie to what Bernie actually says in his entire interview; you will see a troubling trend of lies.
Pretty much any "conservative" friend or acquaintance I know has decided I am a liberal and won't speak to me. Between relatives, we are all civil. We just don't discuss politics very much. The guys (relatives) talk about guns or sports. We talk mostly about dogs or work.

Friends or acquaintances just rarely speak to me anymore (unless they think I am not a liberal). I was always a liberal in the closet, but if I don't agree with them about Pence or Trump (they like Pence much more than Trump), I am immediately branded a liberal and shunned.
That’s too bad. You would think some plinking would give y’all some quality time together. :)

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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K9s wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 6:10 pm We used to shoot at least once a week. I still see them there, but no eye contact or talking anymore.
That's lame. I can get along fine with most conservatives, provided we stay away from politics. Most of the one's I know (not a whole lot of 'em) would give someone the shirt off their back, as long as the government didn't tell them to! Weird how that works.

Re: I have a question about gun ownership

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Lots of good advice here. Before you actually buy a gun, take a course. Learn gun safety. Learn to shoot. Get the feel of it. When learning start small. By that I mean don't start out with a large caliber. Start with something like a 22. Learn sight alignment, breathing, placement, proper grip, and so on. You can do that by renting. Then after you have gotten to know what you are doing try out other calibers, 380, 9 mm, 38. Then try some of the bigger calibers, 357, 40. 45 ACP, Then decide what you want to have. If it's mainly for defense that will be the focus of your choice, but if you want to take up target shooting you may want something completely different. If you can't handle the recoil of larger calibers (nothing to be ashamed of, a lot of people can't stand it) go with something milder. But the most important thing is being comfortable with the gun you choose. It has to be like an extension of your hand. If you aren't comfortable with it you won't shoot it often enough to be proficient with it.

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