Gun 101
1. Which guns don't have any kick, jump or recoil?
There are three basic rules that determine recoil:
- The mass of the gun – All things being equal, a heavier gun will have softer recoil.
- The mass of the projectile – All things being equal, a lighter bullet/shot will have softer recoil.
- The speed of the projectile – All other things being equal, a faster bullet will have heavier recoil, and the recoil will feel subjectively ’sharper’, since the recoil happens more quickly.
Generally a lower caliber gun will have less recoil. We recommend handling several guns to see what feels comfortable and best fits your hand. Once you have narrowed down your choices we have rentals available to allow you to try similar guns.
2. Where can I buy a gun?
We sell a wide variety of guns here at Knob Creek. Stop in and have our staff show you our selection.
3. What kind of pistol is good for a woman?
Guns in the 38 cal. to 9mm are popular with most women. Of course the most important issue is to practice with it and feel comfortable and confidant handling your firearm.
4. How do I load my handgun?
If you have a revolver you need to push the cylinder release forward or back, depending on what brand revolver you own and swing the cylinder out to the left side of the gun. Put your ammo into each cylinder hole. Push the cylinder back into the revolver and you are ready to fire. If you have a semi auto magazine fed pistol you need to remove the magazine, load the ammo into the magazine by pushing the ammo down into the magazine with slight pressure to the rear. Repeat until magazine is full. Insert magazine into the pistol and you are ready to fire. If you have a derringer, most of those have barrels that hinge up or down. Release barrel and open, insert ammo into the open chambers and close the barrels up. You are ready to fire.
5. What kind of safety features do they have?
There are several safety features on guns and some have more than one. The most common is a safety lever or button that will lock the trigger. Another feature is a “grip safety” that ensures the gun cannot be fired unless it is being held properly. Some models also have the "Ultra Safety Assurance" or "USA" trigger system that requires a proper finger position on the trigger to avoid accidental discharge.
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6. What is considered a concealed weapon?
Firearms, knives, batons, throwing stars and other items that could cause injury or even death to another person.
Classes for being issued a Concealed Weapon permit are required by Kentucky law. We offer the CCDW classes here at the range on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of the month starting at 9am, and the last Saturday of the month too.
7. What’s a good starter gun for an adult/child?
Smaller caliber guns with less recoil are better starter guns. We recommend that you spend time on the range to find what feels best.
8. Where can I get firearms training?
The instructors that do our CCDW classes are also available for personal firearms training. You need to contact one of them to schedule a time for your training. We also have a company called Iron Sight Group that is usually available on the weekends for training. Their phone number is 270-668-7345.
9. What gun is not so loud when it is fired?
Generally smaller caliber ammunition is quieter.
10. Do I need a long barrel gun or a short barrel?
This depends on how you intend to use the gun. The longer the barrel the more accurate the gun will be. The shorter the barrel the easier the gun is to conceal. Ultimately, you will have to decide if you want to have a gun that is a balance of the two or have different guns for different activities.
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11. Blue or Stainless?
Stainless steel is less subject to wear and corrosion. Blue steel is less noticeable and it is les reflective which reduces the glare when using the site.
12. How do I store it safely as I have young children in the house?
Unload it and lock it up. Consider a gun safe and / or gun lock. Always store the ammunition separately from the gun. Talk to your children about guns. For information on how to talk to your children about guns look at the site http://www.kidsandguns.org
13. What gun do I need for Concealed carry?
Most always a smaller gun is preferred for concealed carry. They are available in most calibers and its best if you hold several different ones to see which one is more comfortable in your hand.
14. What caliber firearm do I need?
Most women and smaller framed shooters prefer a caliber with less recoil. That would be .22 lr., .32 acp, .380, 9mm and .38 special.
15. When I get my concealed carry license can I shoot anybody and not get in trouble?
No. Concealed deadly weapon (CCDW) license are for self defense. The CCDW class spends a considerable amount of time discussing when use of deadly force is justifiable.
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16. What kind of gun do I need?
Are you looking for a personal protection gun, target practice or something for competitive shooting? Stop by our store and we will be happy to show you guns that fit your personal needs.
17. What’s the difference between personal protection firearms and target shooting firearms?
For personal protection look for a firearm you can use easily. Again smaller framed guns are usually more desirable for concealed carry purposes. Revolvers, being the easiest guns to function, are highly recommended for first time gun owners.
18. Do I need a high capacity firearm?
That is just a personal thing. Most of the high capacity guns have larger grips and are usually hard for small hands to hold.
19. What are the basics I need to know before owning a gun?
Different states have different laws; you need to check with your local police or sheriff’s office as to the laws in your area. Do not carry concealed unless you have a valid concealed carry permit. Kentucky does have open carry, but be careful, some officials might not think to highly of you packing a pistol out in the open. Remember that there are certain places where you cannot bring your firearm so check local ordinances before carrying your handgun there.
Gun safety basics:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Keep muzzle of gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Never hand a loaded firearm to anyone.
- Remove the magazine from semi autos and check the chamber to see if it is loaded.
- Know your target and what’s beyond.
- Keep ammo and firearm separate where children can't reach them and always use a trigger lock.
- Never horseplay with firearms.
- Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Always check the barrel for any obstructions before firing.
- No alcohol or drugs ever with guns or anything else for that matter.
Clean your firearm after every use to keep them in top working condition.
- Always use hearing and eye protection when shooting.
Taking care of your gun:
- Firearms must be cleaned after every use.
- For the most thorough cleaning, field strip the firearm following the owner’s manual and clean each part separately.
- If possible clean the barrel from the breech end of the firearm using a bore guide.
- Clean your firearm on a cleared table or bench.
- Keep your attention solely on cleaning your gun.
- When using cleaning solvents make sure to use them in a well ventilated area.
The different basic types of guns:
- Handguns are revolvers or semi auto pistols
- Rifles are single shot, bolt action, pump action, semi auto and full auto which are also known as machine guns
- Shotguns are single shot, pump action, bolt action and semi auto.
20. Why should I own a gun?
Personal protection
Sport shooting
Hunting
Competition
Just because the Democrats don't want you to have one.
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