Guns and Treasure Hunting....

[pegleglooker]

hey gang,
First thing I would like to say is that I'm not necessarily a gun advocate... But I have heard that many of the Thr's do carry guns when out in the field. So I have been thinking about getting one ( just for varmint's- snakes, etc ) just in case. I'm not out to cause bodily harm to anyone, just to protect myself against nature if needed. So I am looking for the " cheapest " and best option.... Any suggestions ?? I don't think I need a big caliber.. maybe a 22 is all I need ??

PLL

 

[snake35]

Go to a shooting range that rents handguns and try a few diffrent ones out. I recommend 9mm Glock!!! Accurate, reliable and lightweight.

 

[Kentucky Kache]

.22 is the cheapest ammo. .38 is a fun gun.

 

[DigginThePast]

Hello,
While I am a gun advocate I always suggest that anyone new to firearms seek training by a qualified instructor and if you are not personally comfortable with the responsibilities of gun ownership then don't purchase one.
That being said I think a .22 revolver would suit your needs. I'm including a link to one I found on-line, I know nothing of this particular gun but it is a good representation. This particular revolver is a fairly high quality inexpensive gun. It is both single and double action meaning it can fire by simply squeezing the trigger (double action) or by cocking the hammer and then squeezing the trigger (single action). Single action is almost always more accurate due to less pressure needed to squeeze the trigger. A semiautomatic pistol is another option but a little more complicated for the casual user, if that interests you I can look for a link to suitable pistol. The .22 offers many options as far as ammunition goes including what is called ".22 shot or shotshell". The cartridge that is is referred to as "shot" is filled with several small pellets which is an excellent option for what nature may throw at you such as snakes etc.
I see that you are located in California which will lessen your options but shouldn't really affect your situation. Why not visit a local gunshop and ask questions. Perhaps there is a range within driving distance that you could rent several guns to see which feels best to you.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120569202

 

[TheHarleyMan2]

I agree with Diggin on some aspect. I am also a gun advocate. I would recommend finding a semi automatic handgun 22 caliber as well, with a magazine of snake shot and at least 2 mags of lead rounds. When you DO purchase a handgun, READ over ALL the safety information on it, how to take it apart for cleaning and maintenance. If you have friends familiar with guns, have them teach you the basics and have them go with you to a gun range to get familiar with the handgun, or sign up for a gun safety class as well, but the classes are usually a 1 day deal of mostly gun safety, laws, etc, and only about 1 hour of actually shooting a firearm. Then go to a range shoot about at least 5 boxes of ammo so you can get comfortable with the gun and it's firing capability.

Finding the right gun that fits your needs will be beificial for you. I think everyone in America needs to at least OWN 1 gun, because things happen and people don't want to be caught off guard with someone wanting to cause bodily harm or even death to them. Having the firearm and the know-how on using it is ALWAYS a good thing with this day and age.

I prefer semi auto's as it is quicker to change out a mag than it is to re-load a revolver. But for your case, look at both semi and revolvers and decide. It is YOUR hands and YOU that have to be comfortable with holding and shooting it. You should be able to find a good 22 caliber for about less than $200.00 depending on make.

Good luck, when you decide to get one let us know what you got, I love seeing firearms as well as going to a gun range 1-2 times a month!

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

lol SWR...how'd you know how i load my pistols?
love snakeshot...discourages more than snakes.
i am still partial to bear spray...it weighs less.

 

[SomeGuy]

.357 with shotshell (snake shot) in the first two chambers, hollow-points in the third, fourth and fifth chamber. The traditional $20 bill in the sixth chamber.

Can't buy much of a funeral with $20 these days. I'd rather another HP as I couldn't care less what happens to my corpse. Modern revolvers are safe to carry fully loaded.

 

[aa battery]

yes

 

[bigjohn835]

25 caliber with birdshot. If snake is in rocks, be careful of shot coming back at you.

 

[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

pegleglooker,

"just for varmint's- snakes, etc "

Well you most certainly could shoot any “varmint's- snakes, etc”,
or you could just walk away.

Not any kind of anti gun person. Illinois is a no carry state but I
maycarry a handgun. Not for, “varmint’s-snakes”,
but for bad folks.

If, as you say, “just to protect myself against nature”, perhaps
you should reconsider your need of a handgun.

Just my two cents; certainly is all your call.

I would think the 22 caliber with snake shot would meet your needs.
I would also consider a revolver over a semi-automatic; Blockages
and malfunctions from dirt or grim will be less with a revolver that
is kept in with your gear.

all have a good un.......
SHERMANVILLE

 

[smurf-42]

Have you checked to see if you need a permit to carry a gun in your state? I do carry a pellet gun when I am out MDing, which I do not need a permit to carry. Before buying a gun, I would check the laws first.

Sue

 

[pegleglooker]

hey gang,
Thankx for all the advice, I was thinking of the possibility of a 32 ( just in case the varmints get a little bigger than snakes. But I had no idea that there was a thing like " snakeshot " so maybe I'll stick with the 22 then. I have 9 yrs in the military and know how to shot but will attend a class anyway just to refresh everything. Laws in California... yes you need a permit and I think it's a 3 day wait as well. Diggin, THANK YOU for the link, there are a bunch of guns that would fit the bill.. I was also curious just what if any people were carring while they were out..

Thankx all
PLL

 

[EDDE]

Go to a shooting range that rents handguns and try a few diffrent ones out. I recommend 9mm Glock!!! Accurate, reliable and lightweight.

and NEVER USE RELOADS ONLY FACTORY AMMO

reloads

 

[DigginThePast]

Pegleg -
You welcome. That site is a tremendous source for all things gun related. You can also search by state and may be able to find items/people close to you. As for my carry "piece". Depending on the circumstances I'll carry anything from the tiny Seecamp in .32 ACP to a Colt gov't model gold cup chambered in .45 ACP. When I'm in the woods and I want to light weight but have some oomph behind a shot I'll carry my Glock model 36 in .45 ACP.

 

[Monty]

I'm a gun advocate I suppose since I would be described as owning an arsenal if I lived in Kalifornia. But here in Oklahoma I am just one of the guys. Most everyone I know owns at least one gun. The incidence of first degree burglaries (breaking into an occupied dwelling) are very small here 'cause there's about a 50/50 chance of getting shot! Anyway, I discovered that if out MDing, I need something small and easy to get at if I ever needed it. I tried carrying my .45 pistol Mexican style, but it kept pulling my pants down and there was danger of exposure to plumber's crack , especially in the summer time! Oh, Mexican style is carrying it just tucked down into the back of the pants. Don't know why they call it that? And if I tried a holster and found it was always getting in the way when I bend down and/or try to swing my detector. So, I found the best way to carry is to slip my old Colt 32 ACP into a back pocket or jacket pocket. It's a so called "mouse gun", but I don't really carry it for snakes or varmints , just two legged varmints. Don't know if it would finish the job, but loaded with modern hollow points it would sure sting a mite. So, if you feel you must have a gun look for something compact and thin and easy to carry. To go to a gun range and try a few is a real good idea. Seacamp makes a line of very small but effective stainless steel handguns. Don't necessarily go cheap if you must have one, it's like anything else, even metal detectors. Monty

 

[TheHarleyMan2]

When I am out I carry my 1911 Colt 45. Yes, it isn't as light as the Glocks, Glocks are good as far as light wieght goes, but the grip feel doesn't feel right in my hands. My 1911 has Pachmyer Grips and fits comfortably, and also I use 165 gr (10.7 g) Federal Premium Low Recoil JHP which travels about 1,060 feet per second, 412 foot lbs of force. It isn't as fast as other calibers but it has stopping power Every once in a while I will carry my Barreta 9mm. Anything gets hit with a 45 caliber especially at close range kills any tissue and surrounding organs within 8 inches in diameter of the impact area.

And yes, unless you re-load your own ammo, don't buy ANY RELOADS unless you KNOW the one re-loading YOUR ammo PERSONALLY.

Little varments, I don't worry about because most of them are more scared of you than you are of them. Usually if I come across a snake, especially if it is poisonous, I usually walk the other direction or throw a rock at them to make them go away in another direction. If i was in a cave and found some rattlers, (which I haven't been to a cave yet), I would probably take a very long heavy. stick with me to beat them with.

 

[TheHarleyMan2]

Go to a shooting range that rents handguns and try a few diffrent ones out. I recommend 9mm Glock!!! Accurate, reliable and lightweight.

and NEVER USE RELOADS ONLY FACTORY AMMO

reloads

DANG EDDE! What did you do, use too much grain? Re-loads are not bad if you are the one doing the re-loads and know how to do it. I generally do mine if I am going target shooting for practice. I learned a long time ago as I had one that blew in hte chamber and realized the walls on the casing were getting too thin after about 5 re-loads on a casing. After that and talking with expert reloaders, they told me they only re-load the same casing no more than 3 times. It is harder for them to really decide how many times a casing is used if they are getting them in bulk from other shootists. Usually BRASS casings are only good for at least 3 maybe 4 uses but cheaper than buying factory ammo. According to the bill passed after July 2009 ALL ammo will be coded ammo also there aill be no more re-loading supplies available for US re-loaders because OUR FAMOUS government are planning on taking away OUR ammo because they CAN'T take our guns. And after 2011 ALL ammo that IS NOT CODED must be destroyed. Yeah, I don't think I am going to DESTROY MY GOOD AMMO unless I am using for a special reason.

 

[SomeGuy]

.357 with shotshell (snake shot) in the first two chambers, hollow-points in the third, fourth and fifth chamber. The traditional $20 bill in the sixth chamber.

Can't buy much of a funeral with $20 these days. I'd rather another HP as I couldn't care less what happens to my corpse. Modern revolvers are safe to carry fully loaded.

Alas, my old sixshooter is pre-transfer bar. #6 is always empty ::onders::: That's one fancy five-shooter i've got!

To quote the late, great, Emily Litella (played by Gilda Radner) "Oh, well that's very different then. Never mind".

A few decades ago I read a "don't let this happen to you" article written by a guy who shot himself in the leg with a .44 Mag. He was out hunting in very remote country, with his single action revolver holstered on his right hip and his rifle slung over his left shoulder. After hiking several miles, he shifted the rifle over to his right shoulder, but the sling slipped out of his hand and the butt of the rifle struck the hammer of the revolver.

He survived to write the article, but just barely.

 

[TheHarleyMan2]

.357 with shotshell (snake shot) in the first two chambers, hollow-points in the third, fourth and fifth chamber. The traditional $20 bill in the sixth chamber.

Can't buy much of a funeral with $20 these days. I'd rather another HP as I couldn't care less what happens to my corpse. Modern revolvers are safe to carry fully loaded.

Alas, my old sixshooter is pre-transfer bar. #6 is always empty ::onders::: That's one fancy five-shooter i've got!

To quote the late, great, Emily Litella (played by Gilda Radner) "Oh, well that's very different then. Never mind".

A few decades ago I read a "don't let this happen to you" article written by a guy who shot himself in the leg with a .44 Mag. He was out hunting in very remote country, with his single action revolver holstered on his right hip and his rifle slung over his left shoulder. After hiking several miles, he shifted the rifle over to his right shoulder, but the sling slipped out of his hand and the butt of the rifle struck the hammer of the revolver.

He survived to write the article, but just barely.

This is the reason I use my thigh holster as I am in the military as well and that is what we use. No wieght on your hip and you can still move about.

 

[Mighty AP]

Pegleglooker..........I might take a lil crap fer this but look into Hi-point. They make composite carbines & pistols, real cheap! If you just want something to take out into the hills for protection & price is an issue, you can get a new .357 for bout $175. I have a couple buddies who own & love them, I tease them mercilessly bout owning a "plastic pistol" but they say they have less recoil & are more accurate. Ive shot em a few times & they aint all that bad. Lifetime garantee, they make a .38, 9mm, .40 & .45 cal. I believe the .38 sells for around $125 new. Im not an advocate for them but you might take a look.