Advice for a novice: What is the best gun to carry in an RV?

[arkie guide]

Before you buy anything please study about hand guns a bit and then go to a gun shop with a shooting range and under supervision see what it is like to shoot a handgun. With no training or experience you could be your own worst enemy.

A pistol is not right for a lot of folks - may I suggest a 410 ga,

 

[Headhunter]

The thread regarding favorite handguns and the events taking place in our country peeked my interest in possibly starting to carry a gun on our trips. Neither my wife nor I have ever owned a gun. There are probably other members here in a similar situation...

Today I visited 2 local gun shops hoping they might provide an education and steer me towards an intelligent purchase decision...that didn't work. I did observe that gun shops are very busy these days mostly serving customers who already know what they are looking for. I'm confident the trusty (or is it crusty?) members here can steer us novices in the right direction.

Some questions...
- Is there an easy answer to the best starter gun for a novice to carry in an RV for self-defense?

Because it is your FIRST handgun, I suggest to keep it simple. A Revolver, self defense at least a .38 Cal or minimal .22 Magnum, for recoil sensitive person.

- Is there a gun that can be carried in all 50 states?

NO

- Do I need a permit? What kind?

Depends on your state. You don NOT need a permit in PA to purchase a firearm, as in many states.

- Where in the RV is the best place to keep it? I'm thinking under the fold-up part of the bed?

If you hide it well you will never reach it when you need it.

- Any other thoughts/ideas appreciated.

Many thoughts and lots of advice. You have received some excellent advice so far. First let me explain that I was a certified firearms safety instructor. Not to mention I have my own Gun Shop for 13 years. I personally trained hundreds of people in firearms safety. And YES there are some people that definitely should not have a handgun.

Practice is paramount. A good instructor is worth his weight in gold. You have to get used to the feel of the weapon, the handling and operation, and perceived reaction of actually pulling the trigger and the bang the first time. With enough practice you get mussel memory. First time shooters who never fired a handgun before, especially a pistol are sometimes intimidated by the insertion of the magazine, the racking of the slide to chamber a round, the release of the safety if the handgun has one. With a revolver, you just load, aim and squeeze the trigger. Remember you are a novice with a weapon that can take a human life. You can't call that bullet back after you pull the trigger. Another FYI, the smaller and lighter the firearm, the harder it is to shoot.

Feel free to PM me with any questions. I do believe you live in FL. I believe you don't have to have a permit to purchase a handgun. But you do to get a concealed carry permit. You can only purchase a handgun in the state you reside. You can purchase a handgun out of state, but it would have to be shipped to an FFL in Florida. Then you would have to have the firearm transferred into your name

Sadly not all Gun Shops are good on giving advice to new shooters. My motto is above all else Quality & Service. . We spend a lot of time with first time shooters, and take the responsibility very serious.

HH

Thanks

 

[Russellvh]

Head hunter reply #77 above X2