Hi,

 

As a beginner and going through the long process of obtaining a FID/Permit, I have been watching dozens of You Tube reviews for various handguns. When I started my reseach, I was debating

between my first hand gun being a revolver or semi auto. After MUCH research and reading and viewing video clips, I have decided I will start out with a revolver, as I really love the classic,

old school look of silver revolvers.

 

Its seems like the perfect caliper for me would be the .38 caliper, as this should proof to be a nice balance between great home defense and fun range shooting. So im very interested in touching, feeling and handling and than shooting the Smith and Wesson Model 67,which is chambered in .30 only. It seems to be .357 to just to crazy to really be fun and enjoyable to shoot

as target practice and general range shooting.

 

I know it is of some guys opinion that I should start out with a .22 caliper, but .22 caliper certainly seems not recommended for home self defense. Although im sure it is blast to shot for

the range.

 

Do you think I am going in the right direction with my thoughts on the .38?? I really dont see why I would ever need to shot .357 caliper. I see clips of guys shooting with .357 caliper and they ALL look like its more of a chore than fun!

 

Also, anyone here own the S&W Model 67?? It seems like a beautiful revolver that strikes the perfect balance for home defense and fun range shooting.

 

Thanks

Caliber, not caliper

You could get a 357 magnum and shoot 38spl through it, and when your ready you could shoot 357. Revolver is a great first gun in my opinion. Easy to maintain and there are a wide verity of revolvers out there to choose from. A Smith and Wesson 686 or Ruger GP-100 may be just what your looking for.

FYI

 

CALIPER

 

VARIOUS CALIBERS

 

Beyond that, a revolver is a good start. As others have said, a gun than is chambered for 357 can shoot 38 special all day long. Furthermore, the larger the frame, the more recoil it absorbs. A snubby (short barreled revolver) chambered in 357 is painful while a 4", 6", or 8" barreled pistol shooting the same 357 feels much milder.

A revolver is a great 1st choice.. partial to the 686..

A revolver is a great 1st choice.. partial to the 686..

 

What he said, 4" for HD, 6" for range fun.

What he said, 4" for HD, 6" for range fun.

 

Yup, 4 or even 3 for defensive perposes, any bigger and it's too big. Any smaller and your using it for concealed carry. Revolvers are an excellent choice for defense and don't count out 38 specials for that role.

You could get a 357 magnum and shoot 38spl through it, and when your ready you could shoot 357. Revolver is a great first gun in my opinion. Easy to maintain and there are a wide verity of revolvers out there to choose from. A Smith and Wesson 686 or Ruger GP-100 may be just what your looking for.

 

My first time to the range about 6 months ago, my first time shooting was a GP-100. First I shot the 38spcl and then some 357 mag and then I shot a .45ACP semi. Get the 357mag and shoot 38spcl with it.

 

Just to be clear, a 38spl and 357 mag are the same diameter. A 357mag gun will shoot a 38spl round. But they make it so a 38spl gun will not shoot a 357mag round. The 357mag gun is heavier duty.

Thanks!

 

But, I have to admit, all the You Tube clips I see of guys firing the .357, they really dont look like they are having fun...more a chore.

 

So, isnt .38 a much more fun caliber to shoot??

 

If the purchase of my handgun is STRICTLY recreational, why would I really need to fire a .357 caliber?

.38 is more fun. You might never need to shoot the .357 caliber but you could. It just gives you the option. Who knows, 10 years from now you might want the option. Or you just might get curious one day a the range when you see other guys shooting larger caliber ammo. You might just want to buy a box of 357 just for the experience.

I vote GP-100. Shoot .38 all the time and keep a speed loader of .357 handy. Get a .22 also, they are more fun than a .38 but good to have both.

Some great advice...thanks!

I have decided I will start out with a revolver,

 

Great choice as if you master the DA revolver everything else is easy.

 

I guess I'm +20 or something to get a 357. A 4" 357 is about the best all around handgun you can do just about anything with. GP100 or 686 don't get a small frame revolver as a first gun.

686 FTW

 

If you don't want a large frame revolver I recommend a Smith and Wesson Model 60 Pro series. It's my next gun on my list which will be for the g/f to shoot

I'll be the odd man out and recommend the Ruger Speed Six. I love that damn gun.

 

A gun shop owner I spoke to strong recommends against the 686 for a TOTAL beginner.

Everyone is going to recommend something different, based on their own experiences. It's okay to consider other people's recommendations, but you have to handle and shoot as many different guns as you can get your hands on, and pick the one that fits and works best for you. There's a lot of guns to choose from, from a lot of different manufacturers, at a lot of different price points.

 

A gun chambered for .357 will shoot .38 with no problems. If you start with a .38, and decide in the future to move up to the larger caliber, you'll need a different gun.

I have decided I will start out with a revolver, as I really love the classic, old school look of silver revolvers.

 

 

Boy, now I really feel old - don't think I've ever heard anybody refer to "the classic, old school look of silver revolvers", unless they were talking about nickel-plated guns. I already had more than a few guns when stainless became popular. My point is that you should consider a nice blued version as an alternative to SS. The equivalent blued model to the S&W model 67 is a model 15, which you may be able to find for less money. Either the 67 or the 15 will be less money than 586 (blued) or 686 (SS). If you have the urge, down the road, to shoot .357's, then buy a .357 at that time - always nice to have an excuse to buy another gun.

 

One other thing that you'll learn is that advice from counter guys at the gun store is usually worth about what you paid for it - of course the same could be said about here, except we don't have a vested interest.

 

Good luck and have fun. My model 15 is shown below.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

Thanks, Ken...

 

Good advice and something to think about. Now all I gotta do is get Robbinsville Twp Police to return my call about obtaining the permit!

 

I have called 3 times, and all 3 times put in different officers voices mail with no return call. I asked the dispatcher if I can just stop

in and was told no, you have to first discuss this with a detective on the phone first.

 

Is this the wall its handled in Robbinsville Twp??

Are you just trying to get the forms?

 

If so, here...

 

http://www.njsp.org/...rms/sts-033.pdf

This is the application for the FPID. You can get pistol permits to purchase at the same time, just indicate so in the appropriate place on the form. You can fill this one out on your computer and then print it out. (You may want to save the filled-out form on your hard drive - saves time in the future for additional Permits to Purchase)

 

http://www.njsp.org/...arms/sp-066.pdf

This is the Mental Health Records Check. It, too, can be filled out on your computer and printed out (likewise, save this also). Do not sign it. It must be witnessed by a sworn officer, so sign only in their presence.

 

Since this is your first time, you will need to be fingerprinted. Some local police still do their owm, others farm it out to Morpho Trak (Sagem Morpho). Not sure what Robbinsville does. In the future (once your prints are on file) all you'll need will be a form 212A - non-criminal background check. This form is only obtainable at your local police department.

 

This should be all you'll need. Note, I said "should be". A lot of departments illegally add form and/or content to the process. Up to you if you want to "go with the flow" or make waves, but the above is a good place to start. Have no idea why a detective would need to "talk to you", unless it's strictly instructive.

 

Good luck.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Thanks Bob,

 

So I print these 2 forms out, complete them and then turn them into whom?? Robbinsville Police, State Police?? I wonder if this is a good idea

since Robbinsville Police tell me my first step is to speak to a detective first.

Thanks Bob,

 

So I print these 2 forms out, complete them and then turn them into whom?? Robbinsville Police, State Police?? I wonder if this is a good idea

since Robbinsville Police tell me my first step is to speak to a detective first.

 

Since no one is answering the phone I would do exactly that. Print out the forms and drop them off at Robbinsville PD.

I don't know why everyone is saying that revolver is a perfect first handgun. Unless shot single action, revolver trigger pull will prove extremely frustrating to a starting handgun shooter.

Thanks Bob,

 

So I print these 2 forms out, complete them and then turn them into whom?? Robbinsville Police, State Police?? I wonder if this is a good idea

since Robbinsville Police tell me my first step is to speak to a detective first.

 

 

As Jon said - yes do exactly that. I'd just take them in - forget trying to call them. Ask the dispatcher / desk personnel whether they fingerprint there or have Morpho Trak do it. Ask if the detective is available, speak to him if he is - be pro-active.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

If you want a revolver to shoot .38 spl, I agree to look at the S&W 686. It will also shoot the .357 mag, and it is not that hard on the hands. I have the 686 in 6" barrel and it is a lot of fun at the range shooting both .357 and .38. I would suggest you go and rent some to try the different models and manufactures. Shore Shot has a good selection of rental guns and better to try them out and get something you like.

Thanks,

 

I will do this!

One other question,

 

For the 2 references I need to list, these are people who I should ask first and make them aware?

One other question,

 

For the 2 references I need to list, these are people who I should ask first and make them aware?

 

Absolutely speak with the references first. You don't want them saying something stupid that will have you ending up in court on a denial appeal.

Thats what I thought....thanks!

I've got a few outstanding citizen type buddies that we just keep bouncing our references off each other. Also you may want to think about any indescretions youmay have had in the past, anything from an outstanding parking ticket to stabbimg someone in the eyeball.Getting denied first time around and then having to deal with that can be a real pain in the azz.My first gun vote also goes to the GP100-great gun, pulls double duty as 38/357 and built like a tank and would make a great club! Is priced favorobly against the 686 too. Was my first handgun and still my favorite.