Gun Owning Smokers

[ndv21]

Thanks everyone for all your advice. I was planning on taking a gun safety course before even purchasing a handgun. Based on everyone's responses I am leaning a little bit more towards the 9mm based on the availibility of ammunition (and the fact that I just want it as a weekend toy).

I will let everyone know how it goes when I take the gun safety course. Again, thanks for all the input.

[ndv21]

I had the pleasure of going to the range with a buddy of mine and we got to shoot several guns.

.22 / 357 / .40 / .45 / 9mm

Man that was a lot of fun! I really like the .22 since it was just a fun gun to shoot but being realistic, for home defense I think I will have to go with a 9mm.

The range master was also very cool and took the time to give me some shooting pointers like stance / breathing / aim / grip / etc.

I put up a new target for my last 5 shots of the day just to be able to see how I could do. I was really amazed at the fact that I hit the bullseye from 7 yds! Sorry if that doesn't mean much but I was pretty exited. I took the target home and I will post a picture of it soon.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I will be going to a gun show this weekend so I am looking forward to that as well.

[Shelby07]

Just after the fall of the Berlin wall I was able to obtain a Makarov PM that was previously in the employ of the East German Stasi police. It fires a 9mm Mak (Makarov) 9X18 round and is stamped with the East German manufacturing mark.

I took it out a few days ago when I was watching a documentary on the wall just to look at it again. I haven't fired it in a while, but it used to be my carry gun and if you can find one it might just fit the bill. Ammo used to be generally hard to get, but I had a source. Took a look around the web and it seems to be fairly available and reasonably priced. It's small, accurate, powerful enough for protection and never jammed on me in probably 1000+ rounds.

[MarineOne]

Just after the fall of the Berlin wall I was able to obtain a Makarov PM that was previously in the employ of the East German Stasi police. It fires a 9mm Mak (Makarov) 9X18 round and is stamped with the East German manufacturing mark.

Oh you prick ..... I'd give my eye teeth for a piece of history like that.

[VictorMJR66]

I had the pleasure of going to the range with a buddy of mine and we got to shoot several guns.

.22 / 357 / .40 / .45 / 9mm

Man that was a lot of fun! I really like the .22 since it was just a fun gun to shoot but being realistic, for home defense I think I will have to go with a 9mm.

The range master was also very cool and took the time to give me some shooting pointers like stance / breathing / aim / grip / etc.

I put up a new target for my last 5 shots of the day just to be able to see how I could do. I was really amazed at the fact that I hit the bullseye from 7 yds! Sorry if that doesn't mean much but I was pretty exited. I took the target home and I will post a picture of it soon.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I will be going to a gun show this weekend so I am looking forward to that as well.

That's great that you are proud of your shooting!
I have shot just about every round available in the U.S.. and I still bring a good target home for the wall in my garage!

i personally like the .40 S&W for plinking and self-defense. I reload, so I don't know about ammo availability. Going to the gun show will give you a better idea of ammo availability in your area. If you do find the 9mm a better choice (available or not, the .40 will cost more) you won't be disappointed. Pick up every pistol you can and find a quality made gun that best fits YOUR hand.
You are about to join a wonderful sport/hobby!
Do take a class or two.
Good luck!