GUNS/RLTD Best easy gun for newbie?

Cascadians

Cascadians

Leska Emerald Adams
Yes it's late, very late, but still possible by a squeak.
My circumstances have dramatically changed in the last couple weeks. All my life I've been legally blind. Extremely clumsy from autism, etc.
But recovering from both eyes' cataract surgery and for first time can SEE. The fumbling and nausea are GONE.
I think I can handle a gun now. Believe there's a true dire need to be armed.

What is the best easiest gun for a newbie as the world is about to end and the robbers, addicts and zombies are about to scavenge?

My criteria: Easy, not too heavy, not too hard to clean or learn how to use.

Intend to practice and take classes after this emergency is over, if I survive, but will need to be able to use the gun ummm immediately.

What type of ammo should I buy? Willing to buy 2 guns if it would be better to have say a shotgun and hand gun.

Also please tell me any other related gear I should buy and a safe reasonable place to go to buy guns. There's plenty of stores here near Portland Oregon but I will choose something smaller and more out in the country if possible. The virus is saturating everything here, close to Ground Zero in the USA. There's a Cabela's but it's smack in the epicenter and has been extraordinarily busy.

PS. I know absolutely zero about guns and am terrified of them.
 
end game

end game

Veteran Member
Winchester SXP defender 12 gauge usimg low recoil #4 buck. This model is set up for replaceable chokes. Use Modified or Full choke. You will need a flashlight to attach to the shotgun. The sxp comes with a fiber optic front sight which is easier to see.
 
G

Greybeard7

Veteran Member
"My criteria: Easy, not too heavy, not too hard to clean or learn how to use.
PS. I know absolutely zero about guns and am terrified of them."

My first recommendation is to ask the gun store for instruction on firearms safety and handling. If responsible, they should be more than happy to help you learn about firearms and firearms safety.

Second, for easy to clean and use, a revolver is about as easy as it gets. A .357 magnum revolver will be heavy but that will help mitigate recoil. The magnum ammunition might be too much for you to shoot comfortably, but decent .38 special ammunition for self defense is available. Both calibers will safely shoot out of a .357 magnum revolver. Find one that is comfortable in your hand. Although not the best for concealed carry, a 4" barrel is generally a good choice.

Rent one and shoot a box of .38 special ammunition that is suitable for self defense. If you want to try the higher power .357 magnum, with significantly higher recoil, buy a box and try it. If it's too much, then buy a couple of boxes of good .38 Special self defense ammunition.

And my personal recommendation is DO NOT go cheap on the revolver or buy used. Expect to pay $400 to $600 plus sales tax. Remember, you will probably have this gun for the rest of your life, make a good investment.
 
Cascadians

Cascadians

Leska Emerald Adams
For sure will buy new. Not too worried about cost since I think money will become worthless soon. But do want reasonable, not 1000s of $$$$. Thanks everybody!
 
Cascadians

Cascadians

Leska Emerald Adams
I figure I can google and watch a bunch of safety etc youtube videos after purchase since there won't be time to go to classes before LOCKDOWN.
 
H

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
If you're looking at a new revolver, check out Armscor...https://armscor.com/firearms/ria/revolver-series/ as well as the other players.
 
Snyper

Snyper

Veteran Member
I'd suggest a revolver for ease of operation and maintenance.

A 38 Spcl or a 357 Magnum with a 4" barrel makes a good home defense weapon with manageable recoil, and offers a wide range of loads that will work.

Handle as many as you can to find one that fits your hand, and keep in mind grips can be changed.

Any good gun shop can help you find what you need.
 
Doc1

Doc1

Has No Life - Lives on TB
If you are a visually and physically challenged female I will give you recommendations suitable for a complete newbie, yet sufficient for self-defense purposes. These are not the 'best' defensive armament recommendations, but they are (mostly) foolproof for a beginner and are easy to learn to use.

For your handgun, get a .38 Special double-action revolver that is both small enough for your intended purpose and large enough for maximum effectiveness. What I mean is that if concealed carry is part of your intentions, the handgun must be small enough to be able to fulfill that mission. You get a bit more power and accuracy with longer barrels. Also, very short barrels, such as are found on snubnose revolvers tend to produce snappier felt recoil. Go to a gun shop and try handling a few models. If you don't intend to carry concealed, 6 shot revolvers with 4" to 6" barrels become more practical. Remember that .357 Magnum revolvers can chamber and shoot .38 Special ammunition, but not the other way around. You can buy a .357 revolver, but start learning with the less powerful .38 Special ammunition.

I don't believe in beginning shooters using semi-automatic pistols. Stick with a revolver to start with. They are easier, safer and simpler to learn.

For your shotgun choice, consider a double-barreled 20 gauge shotgun. If you feel very confident and are willing to learn responsibly, you might consider a pump shotgun. Why no12 gauge? If you are a rank beginner and by your own admission "terrified of guns" you will not like the felt recoil of any 12 gauge load. The smaller 20 gauge will be challenging enough. As far as effectiveness goes, a chest or belly full of 20 gauge buckshot will prove to be satisfactory.

Ideally, the gun shop you patronize will have a range where you can try out your purchases and ideally get some basic instruction.

Hope this helps.

Best
Doc
 
Dosadi

Dosadi

Brown Coat
Bad vision newley corrected, worried about firearms.

OK

1. you must get some basic safety / use training with all firearms. Take ya a couple hours plus any familiarization time ya spend.

Note: I"m not aiming to make your super warrior, can't happen over night, i'm gonna start you down a road with a couple recommendations and questions.

First question can / will / have you mastered fear of these tools sufficiently to use them effectively under high stress? If not work on that before ya obtain anything. You don't get a second chance, there can be ZERO mistakes with a firearm, ever, under any circumstances. (I could say it's like a chain saw or a airplane, or 100 other tools) Remember many tools are dangerous, it is the individual that makes them safe or dangerous in actual use.

Second question: Are you willing to use these tools to destroy a life. Do you know what happens in a shooting and what /how the cops are going to react if you dial 911. (Massad Ayobe) has a book "in the gravest extreme" that covers a lot of the aftermath of a fatal shooting. Killing may seem easy, but it has it's baggage, and ya gotta be prepared ahead of time to handle it. Esp if ya 911 in panic mode and cops come and see you holding your legitimately used weapon and shot ya outta that stupid cop safety mind set so many carry.

OK, so ya got the housekeeping done in your mental locker. Keep working on that. You are about to become the weapon, any firearm is just a tool in the weapons arsonal along with everything else you as the human operator might employ be it location, light, etc.

I would love to get you up to speed on a revolver, but early on about the onlly thing that might work would be something like a tarus judge in .410 shotshell. (Also fires .45 ACP ammo from same revolver so ya have both pistol AND shot shell options. Far from optimal, but if ya feel the need for a always on your person weapon it is a starting point. Assuming your eyes are up to it, you can master most revolvers in a week or two of shooting and possibly 2 - 10 thousand rounds of practice. (Did I mention it aint cheap. The one hand gun is the quisential individual combat self defense weapon, but mastering one is IMHO on the scale of mastering the long sword / Katana. Good long term goal, slow as in years to get near master status. Basic beginner reasonably in a couple months. Mind set a journey of a lifetime.

So look at the judge for a right now hand gun and get more training if that is your journey.

Look at a semi automatic 12 gauge shotgun. (Why semi auto, reduced recoil / easy of combat use. Why 12 gaug: Most effecient fighting shotgun gauge, don't handycap yourself with less than what works best for general purpose. Even reduced recoil ammo is available for early use while mastering the weapon and the 12 gauge shotgun is the single most versital home / self defense weapon for anything short of war fighting. A 18 - 20 inch barrel is what i'd suggest not the extend just to get a couple more shells in the magazine. The remington 1100 / 1187 are good starts. Benellis are way pricy, and have thight tollerances that ya have to deal with so skip them till more training.

If you want to go super fancy street sweeper sagia 12 gauge semi shotguns using box and drum magazines may have a place.

A shotgun can use very light bird shot which at 10 or 20 feet can be just as leathal as 00 buck shot full mag loads.

A few rounds on a sporting clays / skeet range will familiraize ya lot on basic use.

A combat shotgun course is well worth the extra training.

****

So my early on sight unseen reccomendation.

Set a goal of a nice revolver and sufficient training to make you capable of being armed 24 /7 / 365 with a one hand gun and learn to fire it both one handed and two handed if possible. Set 3 months for minimal skill and plan on several thousand rounds of practice plus training and holster nad spare ammo and eye and ear progection, and cleaning / maintaince items.

Immidiate action

Semi automatic 12 gauge shotgun, basic use / training, ammo both bird and buck shot and perhaps some slugs for those cases where they may be optimal. learn what ammo fits which possible problem, also how to make less than best do in a pinch.

Cleaning gear and carry gear and case.

****

Bit more advanced, but I always list the basic four for someone interested in becoming a individual warrior capable of fighting with a firearm as part of the whole package.

1. A self defense hand gun

2. A 12 gauge shotgun

3. A center fire rifle capable of killing the most dangerous thing you may need killing at the maximum range you are capable of engaging it and the weapon is still capable of delevering performance. (i. e. for many an AR 15 in .556 nato is the current flavor. I tend towards a 7.62. 51 nato main battle rifle.)

4. A .22 long rifle training / foraging / plinking / practice weapon.

****

Good luck, remember the weapon is between your ears alongside your wisdom. All else are just tools.

DO NOT MESS UP OR MAKE A MISTAKE< there are no second changes / do overs / or respawns.
 
Thunderbird

Thunderbird

Veteran Member
I'll second Doc's recommendation.
I have a Bersa, and it is one of the easiest semiautos to learn and use but. It requires some dexterity and strength to disassemble for cleaning.

I have semiautos for my personal use but I used to own a tuned 4 inch 586 S&W. Wonderful gun.
 
P

Publius

TB Fanatic
Really there is no best gun and you need to go into some of the local shops and inquire about arms instruction and it will cost some money to get this training or maybe not depends on who you connect with and they understand what you said above and have no working knowledge about firearms. Many suggested a revolver and I lean in that direction for a first handgun and I see them as easy to learn and hit what your aiming at, but it does take some practice to get familiar with it so it becomes somewhat second nature handling it. Best of luck and most of all have fun I think you will.
 
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Greybeard7

Veteran Member
Cascadians said:
I figure I can google and watch a bunch of safety etc youtube videos after purchase since there won't be time to go to classes before LOCKDOWN.
Click to expand...
Watch those videos now, before you purchase. You can also find some about the various recommendations made here.
Don't treat this lightly as in "I can watch a bunch of safety videos later". If you ever have to pull the trigger, YOU are responsible for that bullet and whatever it hits. Once it leaves the barrel, there is no calling it back. If you intend to shoot at the range before you purchase, you'd better know the safety rules BEFORE you start.
Even experienced shooters can get lax and have a dangerous lapse of safety procedures.
You are planning on getting a tool that you might have to make a life and death decision about using.
Give that a lot of thought.
 
rafter

rafter

Since 1999
Totally agree about getting a revolver. I handle them constantly in competition. Clips are too hard to get clicked in...or at least for me. Maybe a woman thing. ;)
 
Lone_Hawk

Lone_Hawk

Resident Spook
Well, opinions are like A holes. But based on years of helping beginner customers for home defense, here is my recommendation.

Revolvers are good, low maintenance, simple to use, and dependable.

But I would recommend a Mossberg 500 bantum in 20GA with a 22 inch barrel. It has a shorter length of pull that most women need. This means that it is easier for you to hold and shoot. A 20GA has a lighter recoil which will be easier for your to handle. You are looking at about $360ish.

As a pump shotgun, the sound of a pump being jacked is a sound that all criminals know and it is the international language for "Get the hell out!"

It is low maintenance and easy to clean and maintain. The equivalent is the Remington 870 youth model, but it is heavier. That may be an issue for you.

Contrary to what you see in movies, sheet rock walls do not stop bullets, so your rounds from a 357 (an excellent round) will go completely through your house, and maybe into your neighbors. 00 Buck in a shotgun is just as bad. For home defense I recommend #4 bird shot. At the ranges you are talking about in a house the shot spread is only a few inches, and #4 will go through leather jackets like butter. A shot to the chest of an intruder, tell the cops when you call to bring a body bag. But, #4 will not penetrate sheet rock walls with enough energy to do major damage, so you don't have to worry about collateral damage to innocents as much.

Unfortunately most gun stores are not friendly to female shooters which is very stupid. But look for a ladies shooting group in your area, if you need help finding one, PM me and I will help you find one, and they will be able to recommend a store that is female shooter friendly and will help you. If we can't find one for you, I will be more than happy to help you over the phone.
 
Cascadians

Cascadians

Leska Emerald Adams
Good to know some stores have practice areas. I didn't know that. I'll look for it.

Found a great fruit / vegetable stand out a bit in the boonies but still ok travel time from here and they have organic produce. Will look for gun store near there.

THANK YOU everybody so much for explaining all this. Very helpful. I do intend to master this art if / after things get back to 'normal.'
 
Cascadians

Cascadians

Leska Emerald Adams
Thank you. That's interesting, look for a ladies shooting group. I will do that. My body has rather radically changed. Not only can I now see, but I've lost 158 pounds with 27 more to go, and my entire upper torso was sliced off and lifted above shoulders in radical cancer surgery. So not as strong yet as I will be (if I survive) but eyes healing well, only 2 more days before I have zero restrictions on exercising, yea! Of course now my pool membership is worthless since pool shut down, but have new toys for exercising.
 
rbt

rbt

Veteran Member
A lot of good advice in previous posts it is very hard to recommend a gun to someone not familiar with fire arms. I bought my wife a 380 pocket gun there small ( thought recoil wold be light) she didn’t like it. Son is sheriff he carry’s a glock 17 she didn’t like that, he had a 19 with a few upgrades she though it was great go figure bought her a glock g45, witch is a 9mm with 19 slide and 17 handle news sights and she is happy, bought her BB gun to match.
 
H

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
Cascadians said:
Thank you. That's interesting, look for a ladies shooting group. I will do that. My body has rather radically changed. Not only can I now see, but I've lost 158 pounds with 27 more to go, and my entire upper torso was sliced off and lifted above shoulders in radical cancer surgery. So not as strong yet as I will be (if I survive) but eyes healing well, only 2 more days before I have zero restrictions on exercising, yea! Of course now my pool membership is worthless since pool shut down, but have new toys for exercising.
Click to expand...

I would look for a martial arts studio near you as well, starting with Tai Chi/Wushu/self defense. Those styles will build up your balance and spacial orientation without being too high impact on your body. ETA: Of course that's for later...
 
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end game

end game

Veteran Member
Doc1 said:
If you are a visually and physically challenged female I will give you recommendations suitable for a complete newbie, yet sufficient for self-defense purposes. These are not the 'best' defensive armament recommendations, but they are (mostly) foolproof for a beginner and are easy to learn to use.

For your handgun, get a .38 Special double-action revolver that is both small enough for your intended purpose and large enough for maximum effectiveness. What I mean is that if concealed carry is part of your intentions, the handgun must be small enough to be able to fulfill that mission. You get a bit more power and accuracy with longer barrels. Also, very short barrels, such as are found on snubnose revolvers tend to produce snappier felt recoil. Go to a gun shop and try handling a few models. If you don't intend to carry concealed, 6 shot revolvers with 4" to 6" barrels become more practical. Remember that .357 Magnum revolvers can chamber and shoot .38 Special ammunition, but not the other way around. You can buy a .357 revolver, but start learning with the less powerful .38 Special ammunition.

I don't believe in beginning shooters using semi-automatic pistols. Stick with a revolver to start with. They are easier, safer and simpler to learn.

For your shotgun choice, consider a double-barreled 20 gauge shotgun. If you feel very confident and are willing to learn responsibly, you might consider a pump shotgun. Why no12 gauge? If you are a rank beginner and by your own admission "terrified of guns" you will not like the felt recoil of any 12 gauge load. The smaller 20 gauge will be challenging enough. As far as effectiveness goes, a chest or belly full of 20 gauge buckshot will prove to be satisfactory.

Ideally, the gun shop you patronize will have a range where you can try out your purchases and ideally get some basic instruction.

Hope this helps.

Best
Doc
Click to expand...
Son does 5 stand, kids in the group say the 20 kicks as hard as the 12 using the same target loads. Low recoil #4 buck and a buckstock recoil reducer pad should mitigate any recoil issues. I'd say that a properly gassed AR might be a better choice than a handgun.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9AfhdKLNDA&t=94s
 
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Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
ThevBersa has a very light trigger pull. Further, the slide is the easiest to operate of any semi-auto I’ve ever tried. It’s the perfect gun for someone who’s strength impaired.
 
hiwall

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
A lot of members have suggested you get a revolver and I almost did say that too at first. And it still might be a good choice for you. But after further thought I instead recommended the S&W EZ in either 9mm or .380. No matter what you buy, you will have to learn about it. And I think the auto will be easier for you to handle once you start learning.
 
dstraito

dstraito

TB Fanatic
It is a very personal choice. Everyone has an opinion or a favorite.

I tried a Rossi .357 with a 2 1\2 inch barell. I did not like the trigger pull or th inaccuracy of a 2 1\2 inch barrel.

I tried a ruger .380 and did not like the trigger pull.

I liked the Springfield Armory .45 but it was not an easy weapon to carry.

I liked the Judge which shot .45 Long and .410 shotgun shells. Good combo gun but not a good carry weapon.

Most shooting ranges allow you to rent weapons and ty them out. Some even have a ladies day where range fees and rentals are reduced.

The key to any weapon is to be comfortable with it and to practice. Also you need to clean it so a revolver would be easier. As you get comfortable with one, you can try another
 
D

Dozdoats

On TB every waking moment
What is best is whatever works best FOR YOU. Advice may be good , bad or indifferent but you are the arbiter of what feels best and works best for you.

I too think a long gun and a handgun are a good combination. Handguns are VERY individual items, however, and you need hands-on handling and shooting time before you decide what to buy.

I have a different recommendation for a long gun than most on this thread so far. And some here will ridicule my suggestion, but hear me out.

I suggest you look at/handle/range fire if possible a HiPoint Carbine. Welcome to Hi-Point® Firearms

They may be the UGLIEST firearm ever designed. They are ridiculed by gun snobs, their pistols are bricks but their carbines are jewels IMO. Their main drawbacks are lack of a reasonable capacity magazine for a defensive firearm, and a certain amount of corner-cutting in construction. In return you get a surprisingly ergonomic carbine of good simple design, reliability and ease of use.

Don't get lost in the wilderness of accessories and camo patterns available for it however. A couple of spare magazines and a buttstock mounted magazine clip or pouch should do it in the accessory department. I'd stay away from any save standard factory magazines of standard capacity however.

A white light weapon mounted light is IMO a needful thing since it's dark about half of every day. I like Streamlight's offerings in that department. Weapon Mounted Light & Flashlight Products | Streamlight

The carbines now come in a variety of calibers, back when there was only 9mm. That will still do fine but there are other flavors now if you want to flounder some more :D.

Stay safe, and find a good local trainer who will work with you to master new hardware and skills.
 
NoDandy

NoDandy

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Doc1 said:
If you are a visually and physically challenged female I will give you recommendations suitable for a complete newbie, yet sufficient for self-defense purposes. These are not the 'best' defensive armament recommendations, but they are (mostly) foolproof for a beginner and are easy to learn to use.

For your handgun, get a .38 Special double-action revolver that is both small enough for your intended purpose and large enough for maximum effectiveness. What I mean is that if concealed carry is part of your intentions, the handgun must be small enough to be able to fulfill that mission. You get a bit more power and accuracy with longer barrels. Also, very short barrels, such as are found on snubnose revolvers tend to produce snappier felt recoil. Go to a gun shop and try handling a few models. If you don't intend to carry concealed, 6 shot revolvers with 4" to 6" barrels become more practical. Remember that .357 Magnum revolvers can chamber and shoot .38 Special ammunition, but not the other way around. You can buy a .357 revolver, but start learning with the less powerful .38 Special ammunition.

I don't believe in beginning shooters using semi-automatic pistols. Stick with a revolver to start with. They are easier, safer and simpler to learn.

For your shotgun choice, consider a double-barreled 20 gauge shotgun. If you feel very confident and are willing to learn responsibly, you might consider a pump shotgun. Why no12 gauge? If you are a rank beginner and by your own admission "terrified of guns" you will not like the felt recoil of any 12 gauge load. The smaller 20 gauge will be challenging enough. As far as effectiveness goes, a chest or belly full of 20 gauge buckshot will prove to be satisfactory.

Ideally, the gun shop you patronize will have a range where you can try out your purchases and ideally get some basic instruction.

Hope this helps.

Best
Doc
Click to expand...

VERY good advice Doc !!!
 
Turret Buster

Turret Buster

Gruntpa
Snyper said:
If you can afford more than one firearm, I'd suggest a 20 GA Youth Model Remington 870 loaded with buckshot.
Click to expand...

This. This. This.

It shouldn't cost more than $250.00 bucks at almost any Walmart - when the current crush is over - and I personally like it a lot. It's light wieght, easy to clean and maintain, and takes a relatively cheap - yet highly effective - ammo. Ammo for it is available damn near anywhere, and it's highly effective at problem solving. We have around 800 or so rounds for it currently, and it only took us less than two years to reach that point.
Oh yeah, a six year old can pick it up too. :)
Mya with 20 gauge.jpg
 
H

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
Turret Buster said:
This. This. This.

It shouldn't cost more than $250.00 bucks at almost any Walmart - when the current crush is over - and I personally like it a lot. It's light wieght, easy to clean and maintain, and takes a relatively cheap - yet highly effective - ammo. Ammo for it is available damn near anywhere, and it's highly effective at problem solving. We have around 800 or so rounds for it currently, and it only took us less than two years to reach that point.
Oh yeah, a six year old can pick it up too. :)
View attachment 187120
Click to expand...

Yup.

20 Gauge Slug Penetration Test
Run time 3:45
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNXo6_dmSvA
 
SmithJ

SmithJ

Veteran Member
I say a small revolver like the Ruger lcr. Get the 357 and shoot .38 specials through it. It’s very simple to operate and very reliable.

I wouldnot recommend a shotgun with your upper body issues.

Don’t make it more complicated than it is. A small revolver will do.
 
H

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
Snyper said:
Slugs are overkill for indoor work, and have the most recoil.
Even buckshot is going to penetrate multiple layers of sheetrock.
Click to expand...
I know. It was the first video I came across as a demo, then I got sidetracked by my incarnation of the meat world. Mia culpa....
 
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