First time firearm applicant, Handgun for self defense.

**Errol500** · 01-02-2012, 10:13

Hi all,

Figured I could post my progress here.
As I have no family history of firearms to speak of, no sport history etc. I am truly a first time applicant.
As such, my motivation cannot be backed by 5000 rounds in competition, or hunting photos with Pops.
I will all be from scratch.

I am doing my compentency test on Friday, if all goes to plan.

I will be joining a shooting range, and SAGA.

I thought this post could be usefull to other firearm noobs...

Lets hope for a relatively smooth process, even if it takes some time...

**ramius35** · 01-02-2012, 10:23

Welcome... Best of luck!

**Bundu Ric** · 01-02-2012, 10:31

What you planning on licensing, rifle or handgun?

**Skaaphaas** · 01-02-2012, 10:39

Membership of SAGA won't necessarily help with your application, but it is very good organisation to be a member of.

For SD licence, you don't need any hunting pics or sport shooting history, etc. You just need to motivate why you need a handgun for SD. Therefore crime stats, previous crime committed against you, security concerns at work, home, and your commuting route, and the security precautions you have taken prior to getting a FA are important.

**gizmo16** · 01-02-2012, 10:53

I was in the same shoes you are in a few years ago. No firearm history nor any family or (then) friends that had any interest in firearms. I have since obtained many licenses without hassle by putting in a bit of effort (which becomes much easier with time).

It can be done. A great way to set yourself up is to take part in either IDPA or IPSC in your area. Not just a vehicle for licensing, it will be a fun way to build up your skills. Get your dedicated status and retain it.

**Errol500** · 01-02-2012, 14:00

Looking at a handgun.

Was set on the G17 untill I held it, the grip is too small, specifically, the area beneath the trigger guard and first ridge on the grip is too small.
So now contemplating either the CZ75 or M&P 9. Both Feel comfortable, haven't fired them though.

I've started putting together a motivation, looking for crime stats, going to speak to people in my road and hopefully get their case numbers relating to house breaking etc. etc. to add in there. Along with photos of walls, gates etc. Still have to put the safe in, actually still have to buy the safe...

Figured the hunting/sport wouldn't help specifically with SD, but would show some level of competentcy/responsibility, if I had them.

**gizmo16** · 01-02-2012, 15:42

I don't quite understand the problem with the grip being too small... maybe my brain is tired.

**Psychosis** · 01-02-2012, 16:03

Hi Errol (Welcome)

Including some motivation towards sport in your SD application will only help you.

My SD license back in the day was denied, and I appealed on the basis of membership to an IPSC club (SD firearm would "double" as a sporting FA), and the appeal was upheld. The license still says Section 13, which is SD... which is what you are after in any event.

So, in a nutshell, join a club, and include same in your SD application\motivation... it will strengthen your application. Take your SD FA and participate in your chosen FA sport...

Then, buy further FA's for specifically sport use later on... and you WILL, cos' the sport is so much fun, and you get hooked!

**Errol500** · 03-02-2012, 09:37

@ gizmo16: I have big hands, yes I wear big gloves

, my middle finger (although not like a pork sausage) does not rest in the space available between the trigger guard and the first ridge on the grip (see attached image). It rests against the guard and on the ridge = rather uncomfortable. Yhis also makes the rest of the grip feel kak.

@ Psychosis: Thanks for the advice, I will certainly keep it in mind!