Paging Gardiner

[struan87]

Hey Gard (and everyone), how ya doin'?
I have another question about guns: remember when I went shooting that one time? After hearing about it, my dad wants to try it. I was thinking I'd get him some rounds for xmas as a symbol of "let's go shoot sometime". This might freak out the rest of the family, but that's my problem. The question is about buying bullets. Can I just go to Walmart and get a box of .38 Special (or whatever), then take them to the range and put them in any .38 Special gun? Or do I need to know what gun I'm buying them for?

Also, is there anything I should know about buying bullets (legal issues, storage, etc)?

Thanks!

[GZire]

Laws on purchasing ammo will vary by the State. Since you're in Texas I think it shouldn't be any problem.

I would first select where you are going to shoot and then talk to that range. Some ranges will only let you shoot their ammo. Along with a gun rental fee, it's the way they make their money.

If you go to something like a silouette (metal plates) range, you can probably shoot your own ammo.

Now as far as the ammo you buy, it is extremely important that you know what gun you will be shooting. You mentioned a 38 special.......38 special ammo will fit in a 357 magnum wheel gun. If you stick the 357 magnum ammo in a 38 special (the ammo does fit), then it is a dangerous situation. If you are buying from the range you are shooting at this won't be an issue since they'll sell you the correct stuff.

Another option is to get a gift certificate from the gun range you are going to. Have fun and shoot safe Struan.

[struan87]

Thanks, GZire. I thought about getting a gift certificate, but the range is quite a drive, so I'd rather get something closer.
They let you shoot your own rounds, so I guess I'd like to get the size that is compatible with the most (beginner) guns.

[GZire]

The most common ammo out there is probably 45 auto, 9 mm, & 22. 40 might be common now too, but I haven't been shooting much lately.

[[]D [] []V[] []D]

.45 acp is beutiful thang.

[Gardiner]

If the range will let you shoot your own ammo in their gun and you want to shoot a 38 special then any standard pressure 38 special will work. A 357 magnum will not fit in a 38 special unless somebody reemed out the chambers to make them deeper. Target loads are usually lighter to shoot than defense loads

If you are over 21 you should have no problem buying pistol ammo.

Good luck and have fun.