Young new beginner trying to start out but seems impossible
- Thread starter MTAR
- Start date
File the paperwork for the permit and don't make a decision of a handgun for a while. Shop around & figure out what you want so when the permit is approved you can go get it. Don't worry about the SAFE law, it's days are numbered, hopefully it will be repealed, if not the courts will take care of it. I would definitely not write off the S&Ws or Rugers both companies make great guns. Pre lock S&Ws are no where near as expensive as the Colt Snake guns so finding one in your price range shouldn't be an issue, you've got plenty of time to find one.
Stu
Stu
Never realized it was that bad. Thankful I am born and bred AZ.
I say leave NY to the people that want the government to tell them how to wipe there butt. I agree moving is harder the longer you wait.
The only reason to have a Permit in AZ is so you skip the less than fifteen minute 4473 process before leaving gun in hand. I don't mind the 4473 or the extra few minutes.
As for pistol eh get what you want. Nothing wrong with Smith, Colt or Ruger. It's your money and your baby. Don't settle just because you have to save longer. I learned that growing up when I got a mini 14 instead of an AR15 because I could afford to get it now rather than saving longer for what I really wanted.
I say leave NY to the people that want the government to tell them how to wipe there butt. I agree moving is harder the longer you wait.
The only reason to have a Permit in AZ is so you skip the less than fifteen minute 4473 process before leaving gun in hand. I don't mind the 4473 or the extra few minutes.
As for pistol eh get what you want. Nothing wrong with Smith, Colt or Ruger. It's your money and your baby. Don't settle just because you have to save longer. I learned that growing up when I got a mini 14 instead of an AR15 because I could afford to get it now rather than saving longer for what I really wanted.
9ballbilly
New member
44 AMP, thanks for the clarification. I'm not an expert on gun laws and it didn't occur to me back then that it was a discrepancy between state and federal law. I was much too happy just having my permit approved at the age of nineteen. Good luck again to the OP!
No, there still has not been a clarification as to 8 round revolvers. The law does not say semi automatic. It merely defines the rule thus: 23. "Large capacity ammunition feeding device" means a magazine, belt,
drum, feed strip, or similar device, [manufactured after September thir-
teenth, nineteen hundred ninety-four,] that (A) has a capacity of, or
that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten
rounds of ammunition, OR (B) CONTAINS MORE THAN SEVEN ROUNDS OF AMMUNI
TION, OR (C) IS OBTAINED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CHAPTER OF THE
LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN WHICH AMENDED THIS SUBDIVISION AND HAS A
CAPACITY OF, OR THAT CAN BE READILY RESTORED OR CONVERTED TO ACCEPT,
MORE THAN SEVEN ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION; provided, however, that such term
does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and
capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition OR A
FEEDING DEVICE THAT IS A CURIO OR RELIC.
There is no mention of type of weapon.
I did not mention this casually, again, neither my state senator nor assemblyman had an answer to this question.
It's not easy to comment on a law until you have read it yourself.
Additionally, there needs to be a clarification on whether 7 in the mag and one in the pipe is legal. This issue, again, was actually raised by my assembly person, and no one could or would give him an answer.
drum, feed strip, or similar device, [manufactured after September thir-
teenth, nineteen hundred ninety-four,] that (A) has a capacity of, or
that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten
rounds of ammunition, OR (B) CONTAINS MORE THAN SEVEN ROUNDS OF AMMUNI
TION, OR (C) IS OBTAINED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CHAPTER OF THE
LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN WHICH AMENDED THIS SUBDIVISION AND HAS A
CAPACITY OF, OR THAT CAN BE READILY RESTORED OR CONVERTED TO ACCEPT,
MORE THAN SEVEN ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION; provided, however, that such term
does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and
capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition OR A
FEEDING DEVICE THAT IS A CURIO OR RELIC.
There is no mention of type of weapon.
I did not mention this casually, again, neither my state senator nor assemblyman had an answer to this question.
It's not easy to comment on a law until you have read it yourself.
Additionally, there needs to be a clarification on whether 7 in the mag and one in the pipe is legal. This issue, again, was actually raised by my assembly person, and no one could or would give him an answer.
Corey Jacobs
Inactive
Move kiddo!
stephen426
New member
I hate New York in general. I would move out as soon as possible and go some place that doesn't restrict my rights so much or tax so much. I can't understand why anyone would pay the rents in NYC or live in that insanity. Florida has no state income tax and the gun laws here make a whole lot of sense. 
Spats McGee
Administrator
Welcome to The Firing Line, MTAR, and good luck in your search!
Veteran TFLers, all this noise about moving out of NY doesn't help MTAR in getting his questions answered.
Veteran TFLers, all this noise about moving out of NY doesn't help MTAR in getting his questions answered.
As many other posters have chimed in, DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!!! I live in Chicago, not the pillar of gun rights, and I can't own everything I want but I do just fine with what I can. There are many ways to purchase what you want through private sales (is a permit required for private transfers in NY?) and by knowing all the ins and outs of NY gun law. While there are some great experiences posted for you to read, you should also consult the source of your queries, New York's published gun laws. These will probably be online. Read them in entirety. This is a natural part of your research phase into gun owning. Concealed carry can come at a later time. Get your butt on a range with a rented gun (semi or wheel, doesn't matter) and use everything you've read in real life. I would never recommend owning a gun before first having fired a few because you will have NO IDEA what you're getting yourself into. We can all tell you to get a .357 magnum, but I can tell you in my experience that although I own one myself, it is somewhat unpleasant to shoot anything but .38s out of it. I am not extremely recoil sensitive and love my .30 caliber rifles and 12 gauge shotguns, but I'm just not keen on what feels like a grenade going off in my hand and gas blowback. This is not everyone's experience with .357s, but wholly mine.
I didn't come from a gun owning family and pursued the hobby on my own time. I was very nervous at first, because I believed the hype surrounding gun control in Chicago without ever really reading the law. I did my research, shot a few rented guns, and a few years later bought my first .40 caliber Beretta (a fine gun). It was a double stack (I exclusively own and shoot single stack with it comes to semis) and I would never purchase a double stacked pistol again (perfect in a high capacity ban area). I can't stress enough; Don't buy blind. Do your homework.
I didn't come from a gun owning family and pursued the hobby on my own time. I was very nervous at first, because I believed the hype surrounding gun control in Chicago without ever really reading the law. I did my research, shot a few rented guns, and a few years later bought my first .40 caliber Beretta (a fine gun). It was a double stack (I exclusively own and shoot single stack with it comes to semis) and I would never purchase a double stacked pistol again (perfect in a high capacity ban area). I can't stress enough; Don't buy blind. Do your homework.
PatientWolf
New member
+1 for Seven's response.
I lived in NY for most of my life. Moved to PA a few years ago, but i still work in NY (Orange County). If you are 21 and you are not legally barred from owning a gun, you WILL get a pistol permit. Some counties are "May Issue", and some are "Must Issue" regarding concealed permits, but you will get a pistol permit when you are 21. While some idiot jude MAY tell you you don't need to carry for protection, NOBODY is going to say you can't shoot at the range. And using a range gun for home protection is fine as long as you tell the cops that you heard the noise and then loaded your gun. Bad guy is either gonna be dead or not believed anyway.
As for gun choice, if i still lived in NY, as far as semi autos, I'd go for a 1911 first. Classic gun that belongs in every collection and it complies with the law. After that, a new semi auto that is standard 7 rounds like the M&P Shield. But a revolver is a GREAT first gun to buy, and as others have said, do NOT overlook the Ruger GP100. For a NEW revolver, there is no better. New S&W revolvers have the lock, the frame mounted firing pin, and the MIM parts. Sure, they work, but they're not up to par with the older ones. You can get a PRISTINE used 686 for about $650 if you must have a S&W.
And i agree the fees can be steep, but put it into perspective. How much you spend on your cell phone every month? bet you have a game system and several games, too. Spend the cash if you need to.
As for gun choice, if i still lived in NY, as far as semi autos, I'd go for a 1911 first. Classic gun that belongs in every collection and it complies with the law. After that, a new semi auto that is standard 7 rounds like the M&P Shield. But a revolver is a GREAT first gun to buy, and as others have said, do NOT overlook the Ruger GP100. For a NEW revolver, there is no better. New S&W revolvers have the lock, the frame mounted firing pin, and the MIM parts. Sure, they work, but they're not up to par with the older ones. You can get a PRISTINE used 686 for about $650 if you must have a S&W.
And i agree the fees can be steep, but put it into perspective. How much you spend on your cell phone every month? bet you have a game system and several games, too. Spend the cash if you need to.
H.W. French
New member
Go west young man!
Find a job, pack a bag and go.
I left the east coast when I was thirty and moved to Texas. Spent a little time there and slipped over into New Mexico. Wow what a difference. Some of the most chill people, great food, low cost of living and all the open public land you could stand.
Contrary to what you hear on the news back east life is pretty good on the border. Totally changed my perspective.
Since then I've lived all over the southwest and now have made my permanent home in Idaho (you can open carry in our capitol!), though I still get to hit the road for work sometimes.
You can always move back home and continue to fight the good fight, but do yourself a favor and do some living and shooting out here.
Then you'll really be peeved about the 2A conditions in NY.
Also an undergrad or masters can be a lot less expensive out here as well if that can motivate you. But for me it was being able to hop in the truck and drive in any direction for 30 minutes pull off the road and be shooting in the middle of nowhere.
Find a job, pack a bag and go.
I left the east coast when I was thirty and moved to Texas. Spent a little time there and slipped over into New Mexico. Wow what a difference. Some of the most chill people, great food, low cost of living and all the open public land you could stand.
Contrary to what you hear on the news back east life is pretty good on the border. Totally changed my perspective.
Since then I've lived all over the southwest and now have made my permanent home in Idaho (you can open carry in our capitol!), though I still get to hit the road for work sometimes.
You can always move back home and continue to fight the good fight, but do yourself a favor and do some living and shooting out here.
Then you'll really be peeved about the 2A conditions in NY.
Also an undergrad or masters can be a lot less expensive out here as well if that can motivate you. But for me it was being able to hop in the truck and drive in any direction for 30 minutes pull off the road and be shooting in the middle of nowhere.
I'm in a similar boat as you. I'm 29 and decided about two years ago that despite growing up in a strict anti-gun home I wanted to learn to shoot. My girlfriend and I have moved around a bit after college so I've finally been in Saratoga county long enough, one year, to put in my paperwork in March. About 6 months ago I took a 3 hour drive to VT where I took the NRA Basic Hadgun Course. I was able to lay hands on a pistol for the first time in my life and it was incredibly instructive. You'll still have to take the NY handgun course for your permit but this is much better in the interim. Sportsman's Club of Franklin CountyMTAR said:
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I agree with the GP100 recommendation
I'm going to chime in with the others who said not to overlook the GP100. I've gotten to shoot a few really sweet Smiths that were owned by friends, but a 4" GP100 is the only gun I've ever bought on impulse. I walked into the local gun shop and it was in the window, so I asked to dry fire it. That gun just spoke to me, and I told the owner, "Set it aside. I'll be back tomorrow with cash."
It's a great revolver. I've got two SP101s, one in .22lr and one in .357, and they're comparably stiffer (especially the .22lr), but that GP100 is just a peach.
I'm going to chime in with the others who said not to overlook the GP100. I've gotten to shoot a few really sweet Smiths that were owned by friends, but a 4" GP100 is the only gun I've ever bought on impulse. I walked into the local gun shop and it was in the window, so I asked to dry fire it. That gun just spoke to me, and I told the owner, "Set it aside. I'll be back tomorrow with cash."
It's a great revolver. I've got two SP101s, one in .22lr and one in .357, and they're comparably stiffer (especially the .22lr), but that GP100 is just a peach.
22-rimfire
New member
I don't have a particular problem with the S&W lock other than I don't like it. But operationally, I have never had a problem.
You're starting out and appear to want a revolver. I would look for a sligthly used S&W M617 or M17, or M18 which are 22LR's and go from there. Nothing wrong at all with a new M617 and if you go that route, I prefer the 4".
Colt Python's are fine guns, but not the end of the world. Many actually prefer Smiths. If you are thinking 357 mag, the S&W M686 is a very good choice or the larger framed M27. The 686 is about the same size as a Python which is why I brought it up.
Do not dismiss the Ruger GP-100 without actually looking at one. They are real nice guns.
The Ruger Mark II/III and 22/45's are excellent 22 semi-auto pistols with their 10-round mags. Somehow, I expect 22's to be excluded from the 7-round limit, but maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part.
I like Glocks. I feel sure they will be sold with the 10-round mags as before and you can just load 7 in them. Frankly, I often only loaded 8 in the 10 round mags anyway.
Check out the Ruger lineup of pistols. They have some good ones in 9mm and 40 S&W.
You're starting out and appear to want a revolver. I would look for a sligthly used S&W M617 or M17, or M18 which are 22LR's and go from there. Nothing wrong at all with a new M617 and if you go that route, I prefer the 4".
Colt Python's are fine guns, but not the end of the world. Many actually prefer Smiths. If you are thinking 357 mag, the S&W M686 is a very good choice or the larger framed M27. The 686 is about the same size as a Python which is why I brought it up.
Do not dismiss the Ruger GP-100 without actually looking at one. They are real nice guns.
The Ruger Mark II/III and 22/45's are excellent 22 semi-auto pistols with their 10-round mags. Somehow, I expect 22's to be excluded from the 7-round limit, but maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part.
I like Glocks. I feel sure they will be sold with the 10-round mags as before and you can just load 7 in them. Frankly, I often only loaded 8 in the 10 round mags anyway.
Check out the Ruger lineup of pistols. They have some good ones in 9mm and 40 S&W.