Gun store vs. d**k's sporting goods?

Question

I am looking for my first shot gun, being a woman I was liking at the youth models. I went to d**k's and they really only have one gun for youth and couldn't give me much information on it. So should I just buy it- have my father teach me how to use it and call it a day since it's $250. Or should I go to a gun store and check out different models? My husband thinks a gun store will be outrageous cost wise.

Make a long story short- we are moving out to a very rural area and the police don't come out quick.... I grew up with a shot gun at the front and back door so it makes me feel safe. So the gun won't be getting a lot of use- other then target practice. My husband thinks I should just the cheapest model and call it a day.

What do you think?

Answer 1

You pay extra at a gun store (usually) because the people there live and breathe what they are selling.

Even and d**k's and other such places, the gun section is usually run by someone who knows what they are doing.  However, their selection might be limited at a corporate level.

Used might be the way to go.  You aren't in competitive target shooting, so go for a well-maintained used one.

A SPAS.  Hah!   Nothing says "home protection" like a SPAS.

Answer 2

Find the gun that fits you best. Go to a gun shop and look for the model you saw at d**k's. Try it out and ask any questions you might have. If you like it, buy it at the cheapest source. As for ammo. 000 buckshot will make the bad guy go away pretty quickly.

Answer 3

If it's just going to be a door gun, go to a flea market and pick up a used one in good shape. At close range accuracy isn't a  consideration.

Answer 4

Gun stores are always better, because guns are what they specialize in. You should get a SPAS 12! lol

Answer 5

The average gun store won't be more than 10-20% more than the cost at a  "big-box store". If you are using it for protection, I'd never go with the cheapest model, nor would I go with the most expensive either. I would choose a proven name brand for reliability.  Think Remington, Mossberg, or even a Winchester ( they make an excellent "Ranger" that is their youth model).

Since you are a female and haven't shot much, you may want to consider a 20 gauge shotgun with a shorter barrel. That will be easy to manuever in a defensive situation, and the 20 (when loaded correctly) will provide you enough punch to stop an intruder/threat.

Please also remember this: Lighter is not always better!!!! The weight of the weapon will absorb some of the recoil, so the lighter guns actually tend to kick worse, which can lead to some bad shooting habits, such as flinching, hesitation, and fear.

Congratulations on your decision to defend yourself, and remember to get out there and practice, practice, practice. Picking up that weapon and racking a shell into it should become as natural to you as brushing your hair or riding a bycicle.

Answer 6

Years ago, I worked for a close friend of mine in a gun store. This store sold guns, bows, fishing and huntind equipment. The store really struggled when a Walmart opened nearby. Walmart was selling Remington products for what we paid for them.

Often times people would come in and become educated on a gun, then order it through Walmart.

The big stores are often staffed with people that barely know how to operate a register, let alone know the downside/upside of a particular gun.

I always tell people if you want a pro, go to the pro shop.

That said, a gun shop may be 10 percent higher at best, so in your case about 25 bucks more for the same gun. But are you sure its a good choice? And if you have a problem, who do you turn to. At least the gun store owner knows where to send the gun for factory repair.

Now if you walked throught the doors of my former shop, I would be a good guy, compliment your hair do, and tell you that what you need is a youth model 20 gauge pump Remington 870, or Mossberg 500; my first choice being a Remington. The cheepest does break!!! Don't buy the tool that you depend on to keep you safe, based upon price.

A 20 gauge will be plenty to kill the 2 legged critters you fear. Also a larger gun shop may have some youth models in stock that are used. This is ok. A great new gun makes a great used gun. Most youth guns are bought and sold after the lad/lass has graduated to a larger gun. I would feel very confident with a used Remington.

And finally, I would direct you to the internet, Guns of America, its the E-Bay of the gun world. Also Gun Brokers.com. Both will require a store to recieve the gun, and most will do it for about 25 dollars. You may save 50 to 100 doing this. If this did not find you a gun quick, I would order a bright shiny one from the factory, and present it to you for a reasonable price, again complimenting your hair do. Isn't this worth the extra 25 bucks?!

Whatever you do, take your time and buy quality. Its an investment you can bet your and your famelys life on.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

check out gun stores and find one that you are comfortable holding, other wise what is the use if it doesn't fit your arm or is too heavy to hold for a long period of time?  After all, you are getting it for you.

Answer 8

Sporting goods stores are fine if (1) they have what you want in stock, and (2) if you're an average-sized person. A gun is not something you'll use up and buy again like a gallon of milk. Amortized over your entire lifetime, the difference in price won't amount to a penny a day for the same model, but they may have something much more suitable. Besides, window shopping at gun stores is a nice pastime on its own.

Answer 9

If the gun is for you to use and feel comfortable with get what you like. Of course go to gun stores and look and ask lots of questions. You may very well find something you like better that is less expensive. You also may not. At which point you can always go back to d**k's and get the one you saw there.  

Answer 10

I feel you should get exactly what suits you..... The guy at the gun counter at d**k'sSporting goods has a master catalog of what he is allowed to order from his wholesale supplier.... You dont have to purchase whats on his shelf..... Look his catalog book over. The Remington 870 express youth model should fit you fine. Another excellent choice is the Mossberg 500

Remington 870 Express Junior.... Have the choke changed to accomodate slugs and buckshot...

http://www.remington.com/products/firear...

Or this Remington 870 express youth model in 20 Gauge...

http://www.remington.com/products/firear...