Curious on owning a pistol (Glock 17/19/21)

[TheMarchingMule]

Hi guys, I decided to start a new thread instead of de-railing the "Gun-Fi" thread.

For about a year or so, I was thinking of owning a pistol, specifically a Glock model. I like the way it looks, and how from reviews/testimonial/etc. it seems to be very a reliable gun.

A quick search shows that 9mm (Glocks 17/19) has more accuracy, while .45 (Glock 21) has more stopping power (which does make sense). I plan to use it at a shooting range for target practice; recreational thing, but maybe also have a concealed weapons permit in the future, for safety's sake, if you understand. So having some more stopping power may come in handy in case something happens to me.

So I guess the cliff notes of this post would be:

1.) What Glock model do you think I should go for?
2.) Any gun sites/forums I should check out and study?
3.) Wouldn't it be better to buy in a store rather than online, esp. since this would be my first gun purchase?
4.) I've heard obtaining a concealed weapons permit is very hard to obtain. I know a few Gun-Fi members have these permits (as per mentioned in the Gun-Fi thread), but I was thinking that instead of PM'ing them, they can explain it in detail on this thread for specific future reference.

Thanks guys, and I know how much responsibility it takes to own and use a gun, so I'll keep checking in this thread and take all your advice to heart.

 

[funniecow]

I know if you want to get a Glock there is a type that can switch from, semi-auto, burst, full auto. Basically a sub-machine gun for the price of a pistol. I'm not sure if they are legal in the states though, I mean if you're going to defend yourself might as well spray and prey. (jokes jokes)

 

[synaesthetic]

I can answer your questions.

Quote:

1.) What Glock model do you think I should go for?

Depending on what caliber you want, go for either the full-size frame or the compact frame. I'm personally partial to the Glock 19 (9x19mm, compact frame) because I have little-girl hands and it's already hard for me to hold anything with a double-stack magazine, but your mileage may vary. The compact models are nice because they're small enough to carry concealed if you so desire, but big enough to be fun for punching holes in paper at the range.

Quote:

2.) Any gun sites/forums I should check out and study?

I tend to avoid these, because gun fanatics are crazy. Amusingly enough, Something Awful's "The Firing Range" sub-forum is the most sane gun discussion forum I've ever seen online.

Quote:

3.) Wouldn't it be better to buy in a store rather than online, esp. since this would be my first gun purchase?

If you buy it online, you'll need to have it shipped to an FFL (Federal Firearms License) holder, which boils down to having it shipped to an authorized local dealer. FFL transfers usually run between $10 and $25 depending on the place. Not a bad deal considering how you can find some great deals on used or unusual models online.

Quote:

4.) I've heard obtaining a concealed weapons permit is very hard to obtain. I know a few Gun-Fi members have these permits (as per mentioned in the Gun-Fi thread), but I was thinking that instead of PM'ing them, they can explain it in detail on this thread for specific future reference.

Getting a CCW in California is indeed extremely difficult, if not impossible depending on where you live. In other states, it is much easier. I live in Oklahoma, which is a "shall-issue" state; meaning if I want to get one and I don't have any felony convictions that would prevent me from owning a firearm, they have to give it to me. Unless you're extremely adamant about it, I wouldn't bother.

Actually, living in California, I wouldn't even own a gun for defense. Chances are if you kill someone in self-defense you're going to be well and thoroughly hosed in that horrible state (and it'd be almost as bad if you didn't kill them). I'd just get a good baseball bat and stick it under the bed.


@funniecow: The machine pistol variant (Glock 18) is legal in some states but as a Class III item, they're regulated heavily and are very, very expensive. And you can't use them for self-defense at all, totally illegal.

Since the OP lives in California, there's no way he could ever own one.

 

[PerformanceFirst]

You have to be 21 to buy one from a dealer.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Thanks funniecow and synaesthetic for the quick replies. Yeah, the Glock 18 is banned from civilian use,for obvious reasons.

So if I can't really obtain a permit (I thought California would be really hard to get one from anyway), then is it still legal for me to have it stored in say, my glove compartment, and not loaded, but with a magazine next to it?

As for online purchases, I thought everybody had to do some kind of multiple-choice test and pass it before they were allowed the purchase of any kind of gun?

EDIT: 21? Shoot, I thought it was 18? Oh, here's the article concerning age of purchase:
A person must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a rifle or shotgun. To buy a handgun, a person must be at least 21 years of age, and either 1) possess an HSC plus successfully complete a safety demonstration with the handgun being purchased or 2) qualify for an HSC exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions - Public - Bureau of Firearms - California Dept. of Justice - Office of the Attorney General
Crud...

 

[PerformanceFirst]

21 for handguns. It's federal law.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Well, I guess I have a thread I can still refer to 3 years from now.

 

[synaesthetic]

I don't think you can carry them in the car without having them unloaded and locked up in a gun bag or box, either.

My advice to you if you're serious about a gun hobby is to move away from California. Not joking. "The Golden State" should really be called "The Nanny State."

Edit: I've heard that CA is also pushing for a mandatory ammunition-microstamping law that would require the gun to be made in such a way where it stamps a unique serial number on each cartridge case it fires. The implementation of this is pretty much impossible and it's just a way of sneaking a gun ban under the 2nd Amendment. Most gun manufacturers would just stop selling pistols in CA if it went through.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Well, my girlfriend has fantasized of moving to Oregon in the distant future, and I guess I'll dragged along as well.

 

[feh1325]

man that PM took a long time to write

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by feh1325 /img/forum/go_quote.gif man that PM took a long time to write

Ha, I just got it. That was the exact thing that went through my head when I checked the length of the PM.

Starting to reply to it right now.

 

[feh1325]

i didn't have the common sense to look up california's laws on firearms before starting it

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by feh1325 /img/forum/go_quote.gif i didn't have the common sense to look up california's laws on firearms before starting it

lol It's all good; I think at this point, buying a handgun in CA is not worth the trouble. Heck, stuff like this is what spurns people to do online piracy (not meant to de-rail this thread).

 

[plaidplatypus]

IMO a pistol chambered for the inexpensive .22LR would be the best way to go for target shooting. The best way to choose a weapon is to "try it on for size", find a range that rents and get some range time. I own a "Standard" size Glock but would probably get a "Subcompact" Glock if I was looking for a CC pistol.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule /img/forum/go_quote.gif So if I can't really obtain a permit (I thought California would be really hard to get one from anyway), then is it still legal for me to have it stored in say, my glove compartment, and not loaded, but with a magazine next to it? As for online purchases, I thought everybody had to do some kind of multiple-choice test and pass it before they were allowed the purchase of any kind of gun?

There are few online gun sales - your purchase HAS to go through someone with a FFL. If you buy online, it has to be shipped to someone with a FFL. If you're not buying a lot of guns, you're better off ordering through your local dealer. It might cost more, but is worth it in terms of hassle and extra costs. If you're thinking of buying several, a FFL isn't that hard to get. You'll be able to buy at wholesale, as well.

California is tight on permits. If you really want to carry concealed, become a reserve officer. You'll have to go through the police academy and the background check, et al. Oregon is much better with permits - I used to live up there and they'll issue to most without felony convictions and mental stability issues.

DO NOT carry a gun in your glove compartment, loaded or not. The law varies by state, but generally, they want it outside of your "wingspan" which means nowhere you can easily reach it. The safest method of transport (which I do) is unloaded in a locked case in your trunk. If you get pulled over while transporting a firearm, always tell the officer. It won't be a problem (it is legal to transport them, and they will appreciate you telling them) but it'll probably make the stop longer.

As for Glocks.... I'm not crazy about them. I've shot several. They handle well and are accurate enough, but they have an internal hammer and the only safety is in the trigger. Those are personal preference things for me, not defects. Personally, I like having a safety or two so it can be carried "cocked and locked" and the ability to decock the gun with the safety. I like being able to c0ck [apologies for circumventing the filter] a hammer manually, too. You can't do that with a Glock and that makes me uncomfortable. A lot of people love Glocks, though, but be aware of the safety features and have the shop go over a few other brands so you get an idea of what's available.

As for the caliber, get a 9mm if you want to do a lot of target shooting. Much less recoil and still a fair round for self defense. If you're mostly interested in defense, get a .45. Just as accurate and as my grandfather said, it's "like hitting someone with a barn door." He was infantry and served in Europe during WWII. He knew of what he spoke and swore by his 1911.

My current handgun is a Heckler & Koch USP .45, and I keep it loaded with fairly hot hollowpoints. They're nothing you want to get hit with, but the main reason I keep those is that they won't go through walls. They'll flower open and stop. My neighbors are fairly close in and I *don't* want any strays if I have to use it.