bikesandbeers

I'd like to try that one out, still looking for a range that offers one for rental! If I can find one, I'll try it out. Thanks, I'll take a closer look at the S&W Model 617, and perhaps back of the Model 63. I'm not looking for a "big gun", but I do wear an XL men's glove, and was wondering how some of the smaller guns would fit in my hands. Also a reply to siderman: I need to some research on the .22 conversions. Lots of people in this thread have suggested it, but I don't know anything about it. I'll do some reading and think on it. Thanks all.

Hello! Thanks for all the replies and advice! Heritage Guild in Easton offers an $80 package that includes 30 minutes of range time, rental of 4 guns, a $40 credit towards the purchase of a gun, and a salesman with you on the range. This seems like a good deal to me and I think I'll try it out. I'm planning on going with the .22 and am considering these models: S&W Model 63 S&W Model 617 S&W MP22 Ruger SR22 Ruger Mark II, III, or IV Ruger SP101 Walther P22 Browning Buck Mark Contour URX @WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot, I appreciate the suggestions, the Model 63 looks great, but the Model 41 is out of my price range. I'd love to try some at Easton F&G, hopefully we get some unseasonally warm weather this month! I don't know much about guns and am unsure about buying used. I don't think I'd have the knowledge to discern a good deal from a piece of junk. Does it make sense to go for a used gun? Or shell out the extra money for a new one? I've heard tons of great things about revolvers and semi-automatics, so I'll try a few of both and think about it. I'm hoping to make it out to the range sometime this week or next.

Thanks for the replies! I've applied for my Firearm Purchaser ID and my Permits to Purchase a Pistol, as well as paid the state to fingerprint, background check, and otherwise deeply scrutinize me. I'm not sure how long it'll take to come back, but the officers I spoke with were friendly and prompt when I was there, so here's hoping that carries through to the processing of the application. Fortunately, as Taipan said, I'm not too far from the Heritage Guild in Easton, and I can rent a firearm and some range time there while I wait for the FID to process.

Hello! I'm looking to buy a handgun for target practice and recreation. It's something I've always wanted to become proficient in, rather than simply "vaguely aware". I don't intend to use the weapon for home defense, I live in a neighborhood with no crime, and I don't have expensive things to steal anyway. I've started the process of applying for an FID and P2P in Hunterdon County, NJ, and am beginning to research what kind of gun I'd like to buy. I applied for two permits because the detective recommended it, and there's an off chance my great aunt will give me an old gun that belonged to my great uncle (she offered once, then decided she wasn't ready to part with it, and I didn't push the issue). I'm not counting on that, and am planning to buy one. I'm drawn to a .22 for a few reasons: 1. The gun I've used the most was a .22 and I liked it 2. I've heard it would be easier to learn than a larger caliber handgun with more kickback 3. The ammunition is inexpensive My partner owns a S&W compact 9mm, which I think is a nice gun, but it's too small for me to use. On the plus side, we already have a gun safe so I don't need to buy one. I'm open to a 9mm as well. I'm not sure about whether to look at a revolver or a semi-automatic, and I have no real brand preference. I'd prefer to buy from a company that manufactures in the United States. My current plan is to get some feedback first, make a short list, and rent a few contenders at the Heritage Guild in Easton, PA or Tactical Training Center in Flemington, NJ. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!

Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum, the state of New Jersey, and the firearms community. Just moved here from California and I grew up in Ohio. I like riding bikes, drinking beer and whiskey, hiking with my dog, reading old sci-fi books, and going on road trips. Since this is the internet, I'd like to include a biased opinion; I think that the BBC's Planet Earth series narrated by David Attenborough is the finest work documented in film. I grew up around firearms but haven't owned one, and I joined the forum hoping to get some advice on acquiring a gun. I learned to shoot with a Ruger .22 revolver, and think I might like something similar. I don't know much about different manufacturers or calibers and am open to suggestions. Thanks