in the process of getting a concealed carry lisence in florida

[nydru90]

hey everyone i am currently in the process of getting my concealed carry in the state of florida.. i know nothing about guns i never held one or shot one...

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Harryball]

Take a class, learn the fundamentals. Then decide which kinda of gun. Shoot as many as you can. Make an educated choice rather than a spur of the moment choice...JMO

[KimBobTex]

That's like asking:

"hey, I'm getting a job & need a car, what kind of car should I buy?"

Take some basic classes at a range that offers rentals. Your instructor will be instrumental in this area, try different sizes, calibers. Will you open carry, conceal carry, IWB, OWB, your size, grip size, budget, etc., etc., etc.

Goodluck & happy shopping.

[Yankeejib]

Get a Glock.

[P95]

Since you have no experience with a deadly weapon....take several gun safety classes...learn how to use one...then buy one. Start with a .22.....something small.

[GhostMaker]

Personal preference is always the deciding factor for someone. Having retired from a law enforcement career that spans the time police officers transitioned to the semi-auto I still have a soft spot for a good revolver. Generally speaking the manual-of-arms for a revolver is easier to learn than an automatic. If you are not the type of person who spends large amounts of time a the range l would be tempted to say a 5 shot revolver would work well for you. If you are not comfortable with a semi-auto pistol then you will be less likely to carry it. However, if you are comfortable with a snub nose then by all means go that route. Just remember, a snubby revolver is primarily a close quarter handgun and designed for "personal space" confrontations. Very few people can use one effectively at longer ranges. You simply must devote the time to master it and become able to score hits where they count.

[retsupt99]

from Central Florida!

Start off with a class...
Don't buy a gun 'alone', find someone (with some gun knowledge) to go to a gun shop WITH you.
Some gun shops will sell you their poor sellers.
After you look at and hold a lot of guns, buy the Glock.

ret

[archer51]

Welcome from Virginia.

There is much more to defensive carrying of a gun, then just getting your permit and buying a gun. Since you have never held or shot a gun, first thing you need to do is take a basic firearms class. That's even before taking the CC classes that are required for your permit. Find a local shooting range, that rents guns. Try the different makes and models available. As someone pointed out already, don't rule out a revolver. Your going to find out, if you do it properly, getting your permit is not inexpensive. Between training classes, fees for your permit, range and ammo fees , gun rentals (to find the right gun) , and finally buy a gun, and becoming proficient with it. Well your looking at probably several thousand dollars at least.

[ccw9mm]

in the process of getting a concealed carry lisence ... know nothing about guns ...

Ditto on the suggestions the others have been making.

BTW, here's a previous discussion about the same issue: Is it reasonable to get your CCW/Permit before even choosing a firearm?

I would find a decent indoor gun range that rents firearms and holds classes. Tell them what your goals are, and what your starting point is. I would recommend first taking a class and learn about safety, handling, basic parts of a firearm and their function. Start with a simpler, smaller gun to get the feel of it all. Once you're comfortable and safe with a given gun, try out one or two others.

When starting from scratch, by far the worst thing you can do is to just wing it. Find someone competent to give you a safe-and-sane initial introduction to what they're all about, how they work, how to safely handle them. It's not so much that a lot can go wrong, but it's that if something does go wrong it can be deadly, not only to you but others around you as well. Far better to get a good introduction.

Get a copy of Massad Ayoob's book, In The Gravest Extreme. It's probably the best concise overview of going down the path of dealing with the use of deadly force in self-defense. Highly recommended. IMO, it should be required reading for anyone new to firearms and considering carrying.

Some questions to ask yourself, if contemplating acquiring a defensive deadly-force tool: To Carry or Not to Carry -- What thinking did you go through?

AFTER you've gotten comfortable and reasonably competent, and AFTER you're aware of the various statutes and pros/cons that will apply to you as a lawful carrier of a deadly weapon, THEN consider a concealed weapons license.

Good luck with everything.

[BugDude]

To echo what others have said, Education and Training first, then get a gun and your permit. Much more to learn than just the technical aspects of shooting. Things such as:

- Self defense
- Non-lethal measures
- Situational awareness (avoid and de-escalate)
- State laws regarding carry and use of lethal force

Once you have a good foundation of understanding of these items in conjunction with the technical aspects of handling, cleaning, carrying, and shooting a firearm, then you're prepared and not just armed.

[rdpG19]

from Central Florida!

Start off with a class...
Don't buy a gun 'alone', find someone (with some gun knowledge) to go to a gun shop WITH you.
Some gun shops will sell you their poor sellers.
After you look at and hold a lot of guns, buy the Glock.

ret

+1 on the above quote, Glock or a Ruger

[P95]

from Central Florida!

Start off with a class...
Don't buy a gun 'alone', find someone (with some gun knowledge) to go to a gun shop WITH you.
Some gun shops will sell you their poor sellers.
After you look at and hold a lot of guns, buy the Glock.

ret

While the Glock is a great gun for the experienced person....not for a beginner. Not a lot of safety built into one.....jmo.

[Hiram25]

First gun, I'd probably start with a revolver. Check out an SP101.

[Yankeejib]

While the Glock is a great gun for the experienced person....not for a beginner. Not a lot of safety built into one.....jmo.

All you need is two: the one between your ears, and the bang switch.

[DoctorBob]

Owning a fiddle does not make you a concert violinist...

It is not a problem to take your CWFP class without owning a gun. After you get your CWFP, protect your life and limb by taking some one-on-one instruction from a qualified instructor. I'd say 6 to 12 hours worth but YMMV. THEN consider buying a gun after shooting several different ones at a local range that rents. By all means, read Ayoob's In The Gravest Extreme (you can find it on Amazon) and maybe several other of his books. He also has classes in Live Oak, FL. I've been shooting for a few years and I'm going to take his course this fall. Also, read Jon Guttmacher's Florida Firearms Laws, Use & ownership and join the FCC Florida Concealed Carry Forums

This is not an inexpensive hobby. You will probably own several guns, a drawer full of holsters, send lots of ammo down range, etc.; be prepared