Help with First Purchase

Hi fsfty,
6 months? That's a long time. It seems as if your state doesn't want its citizen to own guns. I live in Austria/Europe. We also have quite strict gun laws, but the whole process of getting a permit for two handguns took me only 6 weeks. However, your choice with the Glock as your first gun surely is a wise decision, and I'm not only saying that because I am Austrian ;) It also seems wise to purchase a .22 for practice. That's what I am planning to do, in order to economise on the ammunition.
Greetings from overseas, Sassoon
 
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Congrats. You made a couple of good choices. Don't let that .357 sit too long. When you first start shooting it, using some .38 specials will help you get the feel of the gun without the recoil of the .357 round.
 
If it wasn't for the two-gun-restriction of the Austrian gun law, my second handgun would also have been a .357mag. It's beautiful, it's iconic, it's reliable, it's mighty. And on top of that you can shoot it with cheaper .38 ammo. What more do you want? But only being allowed two handguns, my choice is a .22. I willl have to apply for an extension of my permit soon, because something just drags me towards a .357mag revolver :D
So congrats again to your choice!

Greetings from good old Europe!
 
Sassoon - nice to hear from you, greetings to you ! :)

Many Americans (especially guys from our Western states) don't always appreciate the freedoms we have here. When we hear from folks in New York or in Europe about the restrictions they have on gun ownership, it has to make us more aware.

I'm fortunate enough to own several 357 revolvers and I agree with you - theyre a very versatile handgun. The S&W 686 that I own has a wonderful smooth trigger and is very accurate. Best regards, - -
 
fsfty - - congratuations on your new handguns. I think you'd like the .22 conversion kit for your Glock. Check these guys out:
www.advantagearms.com

I have a S&W 686 and it is a terrific revolver. You 'done good' in terms of your first handgun purchases (after getting your NY pistol permit).

BTW - - - does this permit allow you to carry a pistol concealed, or is it for just being able to own one ? Are you in NYC ?

Regards, - -
 
pointshoot, without knowing your laws exactly, I'd assume you won't get a concealed carry permit in NY that easy, as far as I heard. Must be about the same as in Austria, where you have to proove a concrete threat to your personal security and property.
 
Hello Sassoon - - no, I live in a 'shall issue' state. The rights under the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution are fully recognized here. All one does is fill out the application - - if they have no criminal issues - - the carry permit must be issued. No 'justification' by the applicant is necessary. Its an easy and relatively quick process.
Adults can buy rifles, shotguns or handguns without a permit. They must pass the instant background check which is called in at the time of purchase. Those you do not have carry permits must wait a few days to take possession of their new handgun. (No waiting for longguns). Those with carry permits may take handguns with them from the store right away. There are no limits on the number of firearms one may own. There are some additional fees and paperwork for ownership of fully automatic weapons and silencers. (I know of no instance where the later legal type weapons/accessories were used in a crime.) Regards, - - -
 
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Pointshoot, that's indeed amazing. Where do you live? Are there other states with such a liberal interpretation of the constitution?
 
Sassoon, since Pointshoot hasn't answered you yet: The situation described by him is widespread among the states of the US. Only a handful have restrictions on gun ownership, and I believe the count is 39 of the 50 states are "shall-issue," meaning that the state is obligated to issue a permit for concealed carry to anyone who is not disqualified by statute.
 
I believe the count is 39 of the 50 states are "shall-issue," meaning that the state is obligated to issue a permit for concealed carry to anyone who is not disqualified by statute.
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..... most also require a training course and some a practical qualification. The courses are not terribly hard, and are a good idea, IMO..... The qualification test, at least in my state, is very easy for someone who has shot a pistol even a little. We had 24 students in my last CHP qualification class, a few of which looked as if had never shot handguns before ..... IIRC, the course of fire was 36 rounds.... I am sure there was over a 90% hit rate, and only 75% was required.
 
Just like fsfty, I am pretty new to shooting with my private guns (meaning that I had already done "some shooting" earlier, in my active service time in the army.) I only got my weapons permit 8 months ago and just like fsfty I very much relied on the help of guys like you in gun forums. However, Austria's gun law is quite ok, compared to the German or the British one. For instance, I collect old military service rifles, which anybody can buy (and shoot) in Austria without any special permit. Very nice! Actually I had started collecting and shooting them before I got my permit, which I needed only because I wanted to shoot full metal jacket ammo and on top of that I longed for shooting pistols again :D
 
Nice choice fsfty.

I too own a S&W 686 .357 mag, which was part of my 2nd joint purchase (picked up a Sig 1911 .45ACP too that day:D). My first was a S&W M&P 9mm. I looked at the Glocks and didn't like how it fit in my hand. I usually bring all 3 out with me when I go to the range and can never not shoot any of them. .38 special is nice to shoot, It would be rough firing .357 all day, it packs a nice punch.

I was wondering if I may ask a couple of questions, what county are you in? Was that 6 months from paperwork being submitted and accepted, or 6 months from your interview. I only ask because my wife is still waiting. I had mine in 4 months from submitting the paperwork to SCPD.

Good Luck with them, Both excellent choices.
 
..... most also require a training course and some a practical qualification.
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Quite correct, and a worthwhile addition to the information that I gave. To enhance Sassoon's understanding, it might also be useful to add that the courses are quite readily available and inexpensive, providing little barrier to ownership of a defensive arm to those who are willing to learn a little bit about the subject.
 
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