Online Purchase or Gun Store?

Krossinc · 04-30-2008, 06:02 PM

Hey, quick question for many of you. I've decided to purchase a 12 gauge shotgun for self-defense in the home. Recently, our neighbors dog was actually shot (Dachsund, by a .22) and then thrown over our fence to try and make it look like our dogs had mauled it. It's occurred to me that I'm not comfortable with the situation so I am purchasing a firearm. While that story was unnecessary for the question I'm still pretty rocked by the fact someone would kill a dog for no reason.

A few questions. I'm looking at a REMINGTON 870. The gun will occasionally see target practice but will generally be for at-home defense (bird/buck shot). From what I've read it seems like a solid choice, I was just looking for opinions.

Also, I've noticed prices differ greatly. I've seen things like 'express super magnum,' 'marine magnum, 'tactical,' 'express self-defense'. The Express Self-defense is the cheapest so tell me to get that one! Also, buying online. Why is it so much cheaper and is it worth buying online or should I stick to a store/show.

**brackis1** · 04-30-2008, 06:18 PM

If you can find a better deal online; go for it. Don't forget about the FFL transfer fee to go pick it up when shipped is gonna cost 20-75 dollars depending on the shops around you.
If it's just for beat around/home defense then getting something used might also be wise to save money.

Quintessons · 04-30-2008, 06:25 PM

If you're just looking for home defense and don't want to spend much, try a gun shop they might have used shotguns. Also even WalMart sells some Mossbergs pretty cheap. I recommend you go to a shooting range and try different types, and see which one you like better. I was at the range yesterday, and I didn't shot a shotgun, Im buying a rifle, just to shoot and go hunting.

Krossinc · 04-30-2008, 06:26 PM

I've used firearms in the past but never had one of my own, so I'm not familiar with all the fees that you mentioned. If there's any further information about that I'd love to hear it. I'd prefer to buy new.

Quintessons · 04-30-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krossinc

I've used firearms in the past but never had one of my own, so I'm not familiar with all the fees that you mentioned. If there's any further information about that I'd love to hear it. I'd prefer to buy new.

When you buy online, the weapon cannot be transferred to you. They have to send it to an FFL dealer, like your local gun shop. And they usually charge a fee for the transfer. The fee can vary from shop to shop.

Krossinc · 04-30-2008, 07:11 PM

Thanks, I'll find out that in the morning.

Krossinc · 04-30-2008, 07:42 PM

Actually a bit more help is required. Called up a local dealer to compare prices and waiting periods and such for this state. Ran in to a roadblock.

The state I am in is not my state of residence. I am finishing up my last few months at college but am a permanent resident of Virginia, not Georgia. They're not allowed to sell the gun to someone out of state. How does this work with online sellers? Would I be able to ship it to the FFL dealer and pick it up, even though I am not a resident of this state? How does it work? I assume people purchase firearms outside of their own state all the time while traveling, how is it usually done?

Flexwave2003 · 05-01-2008, 12:18 AM

Do not buy anything you cant evaluate first hand before the purchase.

**brackis1** · 05-01-2008, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krossinc

Actually a bit more help is required. Called up a local dealer to compare prices and waiting periods and such for this state. Ran in to a roadblock.

The state I am in is not my state of residence. I am finishing up my last few months at college but am a permanent resident of Virginia, not Georgia. They're not allowed to sell the gun to someone out of state. How does this work with online sellers? Would I be able to ship it to the FFL dealer and pick it up, even though I am not a resident of this state? How does it work? I assume people purchase firearms outside of their own state all the time while traveling, how is it usually done?

You aren't as far as I know. Sorry

**hunto** · 05-01-2008, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krossinc

Hey, quick question for many of you. I've decided to purchase a 12 gauge shotgun for self-defense in the home. Recently, our neighbors dog was actually shot (Dachsund, by a .22) and then thrown over our fence to try and make it look like our dogs had mauled it. It's occurred to me that I'm not comfortable with the situation so I am purchasing a firearm. While that story was unnecessary for the question I'm still pretty rocked by the fact someone would kill a dog for no reason.

A few questions. I'm looking at a REMINGTON 870. The gun will occasionally see target practice but will generally be for at-home defense (bird/buck shot). From what I've read it seems like a solid choice, I was just looking for opinions.

Also, I've noticed prices differ greatly. I've seen things like 'express super magnum,' 'marine magnum, 'tactical,' 'express self-defense'. The Express Self-defense is the cheapest so tell me to get that one! Also, buying online. Why is it so much cheaper and is it worth buying online or should I stick to a store/show.

If I may, please don't even consider bird shot. It doesn't deal a lethal blow. You need buckshot. 00buck is .32cal pellets, 000 is .36.
The Box O' Truth - Ammo Penetration Testing
The Box O' Truth #3 - The Shotgun Meets the Box O' Truth - Page 1 is the shotgun test against drywall

On that site the guy tests different rounds against water jugs, which simulate the impact on a human. He also does tests against drywall, sand, brick, and more.

Quote:

We have done tests with various birdshot loads. Birdshot penetrated through two pieces of drywall (representing one wall) and was stopped in the paper on the front of the second wall. The problem with birdshot is that it does not penetrate enough to be effective as a defense round. Birdshot is designed to bring down little birds.

A policeman told of seeing a guy shot at close range with a load of 12 gauge birdshot, and was not even knocked down. He was still walking around when the EMTs got there. It was an ugly, shallow wound, but did not STOP the guy. And that is what we want... to STOP the bad guy from whatever he is doing. To do this, you must have a load that will reach the vitals of the bad guy. Birdshot will not do this.

In fact, tests have shown that even #4 Buckshot lacks the necessary penetration to reach the vital organs. Only 0 Buck, 00 Buck, and 000 Buck penetrate enough to reach the vital organs.

Unless you expect to be attacked by little birds, do not use birdshot. Use 00 Buck. It will do the job.

HTH