Howzit everyone 

My wife and I are moving to Oahu later this year, and I need some advice. My background in shooting started with learning from my Dad, I was about 6 at the time and he was a fantastic teacher who set me up with all the basics on safety and basic marksmanship. In high school I was in the shooting team, it was basically an army funded initiative to train recruits early based on ability and was supposed to be a feeder for the army when we were old enough. Out of school hours I went to Lord knows how many practical training courses, basic self defense mixed with something that now that I look back on it, resembled practical pistol comps. Our family moved to the UK when I was about 18, and funnily enough I had no idea about their gun bans, and seeing as I wanted to become a gunsmith I felt a bit stupid to say the least. I have only been able to shoot whilst on vacation, but you know how rental guns can be, had AK's that would keyhole so bad it looked like you had stabbed the target instead of shot it. Long story short, I know Hawaii's gun laws are pretty severe compared to the mainland US, but at least you can still own them, and I cannot wait to start a collection again. I've read the FAQ's here, and was impressed enough to join the forum to hopefully get some knowledge from all of you.

My main question is, how do you find the experience of owning, buying and the registration process? I'm aware of what you have to go through as far as all the back and forth from the police station, I was looking more for what your overall experience is. I hope that makes some sense.

I appreciate your time, mahalo 

Not that I'm okay with having to go through what I feel is an unconstitutional process, but I feel it's all worth it to be able to have firearms to protect myself in my home (and hopefully soon, out in public!).

I thoroughly enjoy going to the range...not just seeing how well I can hit the center of my target, but the whole experience--meeting new like-minded people, running into old friends, helping out the new guy at the range, learning from the experiences old guys, etc.

Being able to teach and see excited new shooters get into handguns is one of the most enjoyable of them all...The best was when someone was dragged to a class by a significant other, then had a complete change in attitude about handguns and training.  I bought two handguns for the sole purpose of giving new shooters a bigger opportunity of trying different styles of handguns.  No regrets!!...well, other than the Sig Mosquito.  That thing was a POS 

Nice to meet you hnl.flyboy, and I agree with you that protecting yourself and your family is important. I sure hope Hawai'i get's concealed carry, I think it's a fantastic idea.

Time at the range sure is fun, the more like minded people you have with you the better. I introduced my wife to shooting a few years back, we were on vacation and heading to a range in Vegas. She was a little unsure at first when I suggested she try it out, but man once she started shooting she loved it! It's kinda funny because we were visiting the range I wasn't allowed to be the one to give her any tips, and the range supervisor had all these call of duty badges on his cap and I was like oh man this is gonna be fun to watch  I just miss proper time at the range, where you can bring your own guns, your own ammo and just enjoy the time. I love learning new things, and I'm always happy to listen to those who have more knowledge than me.

I think being an instructor would be rewarding, I personally feel that the safe, responsible handling of firearms should be one of those skills everyone should be able to learn. Good training is often worth spending more on than the gun sometimes. Are there any shooting academies on Oahu like ShootRite on the mainland? When I start my collection again, I'd like to get some more training, for both my wife and I. I already know a fair bit, but I'm humble enough to acknowledge there is a whole world I don't know about. It's almost impossible to remain proficient when you only get to shoot for say two or three days per year. Might as well just punch holes in the target to draw a smiley face 

Funny I haven't heard that much about the Sig Mosquito, did a google search and man there are some seriously ticked off people reviewing them! Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. 

during normal periods, the registration process isnt bad.

now, you're still seeing the tail ends of the buying panic, so its worse.

I think by the time we get over there hopefully the panic buying will be over, I appreciate your input!

as far as gun laws being restrictive, the major things are the lack of concealed carry, and the pistol magazine restriction to ten rounds.  with the exception of SBR's and a handful of pistols, there isnt really anything banned.  we certainly arent california or new jersey, or new york. 

and we have people in court working to overturn the CCW laws.  so maybe, in the future, we may be just about on par witht he rest of the nation, sans pistol magazine restrictions.


and panic buying should be over soon.  atm, there's nothing left to buy!

For me nowadays, if I have to go to the PD to register a firearm, I'm going to buy AT LEAST another one to make my time worth while. It might not be on the same day, so maybe I'll buy one at a store and not pick it up till I find something else I want to buy. Then I'll pick everything up at the same time and register them at the same time. Shops have been cool so far with me not picking it up till a later time.

I definitely feel strongly about the second amendment, and I welcome the day when law abiding citizens can carry concealed. Haha Xer21, I've seen YouTube videos of gun stores completely cleaned out, people were walking out with the remaining P Mags like they were the holy grail Good idea dirsh, I imagine the local gun stores appreciate the difficulty regarding registration, and it's in their interests (if not merely morally right) to help you out with combining purchases. I can't wait to finally get settled over in Oahu and maybe meet some of you some time in the future.

Acquisition experience.
Everyone I've met at the gun stores has been really cool to talk to and very helpful. But the multi-trip registration process is a major pain in the ass that serves no purpose.

Shooting experience
Shooting is always fun. Driving to Kokohead is kinda far for most people on this island, and sometimes traffic getting there really blows. We need another public range. Facilities are run down and we need more shooting lanes with longer hours. Rifle side is always crowded. Pistol side always has a slot open. I like shooting right after lunch because I can't wake up for mornings on the weekend. Trap/skeet shooting has never seemed overly crowded whenever i went but its only open on weekends.

Ownership in general:
I love it. 

Another thing to keep in mind when you move here. It rains daily in certain parts of the island and we're surrounded by ocean, rust and corrosion can occur within days if you're not careful.

Hey Duckfat!

Thanks for the info, it's nice to know that the people at the gun stores are cool, sure helps! Yeah I read the multi trip registration process to my Wife and she though it sounded ridiculous too. I hope that the initiative to get registration done at any police station will become a reality, I bet the people working the counters can't possibly enjoy the massive queues any more than the people standing in them? Range access is always a big issue, all I want from a range is to pitch up, practice and take however long I want (obviously not prohibitively long). Do you ever go as group to the range? I'm an early bird, I dig getting up before the chickens start yelling

I actually grew up in a small town very much like Waimanalo, rust and I are old friends

as long as you are prepared for the hoops you have to jump through,
its a pill thats easier to swallow.
now when i need to register something, i plan to take a whole day off from work. 
should be less stress that way.
welcome. 

Hey Duckfat!

Thanks for the info, it's nice to know that the people at the gun stores are cool, sure helps! Yeah I read the multi trip registration process to my Wife and she though it sounded ridiculous too. I hope that the initiative to get registration done at any police station will become a reality, I bet the people working the counters can't possibly enjoy the massive queues any more than the people standing in them? Range access is always a big issue, all I want from a range is to pitch up, practice and take however long I want (obviously not prohibitively long). Do you ever go as group to the range? I'm an early bird, I dig getting up before the chickens start yelling

I actually grew up in a small town very much like Waimanalo, rust and I are old friends

I should be more specific with the stores. I'm only speaking of the stores I've been to and bought something from OGC Tactical, SEC (Security Equipment Corp.), Young Guns, X-Ring, and Gun Source.

I've been to two other stores but didn't really have any interaction with the staff so I can't speak to their service. I used the overpriced range at Magnum/Honolulu Firearms once, took a quick stroll through the store, saw the outrageous prices, and never went back. Went to Windward Guns Store once when I forgot targets on the way to Kokohead, in and out in less than a minute, all I asked was "where's the targets?" lol

The police station usually isn't as bad as it is now with the panic buying and maybe Christmas sales/gifts(?). Longest line I ever waited in was about 20 min there. Many times there was no line at all.

If you want to shoot off a bench on the rifles side, be prepared to get there by 5:00am. Otherwise you may as well avoid the waiting list and go after lunch, or shoot something else in the morning and then go to rifles in the afternoon.

I always go with at least one other person (GF) and sometimes my friends go too. It's always nice to have a spotter/someone to compete with.

Mahalo @Stangzilla for the welcome, and the advice to take the whole day off, definitely less stress than having strict time limits!  I appreciate the info DuckFat, I'm just as happy shooting rifles as I am shooting pistols or revolvers - I'm just happy to be having responsible fun with what has been a hobby and interest for 28yrs! Are the prices locally competitive for guns, or do you do alot of FFL transfers from buying online at places like gunbroker? I know things on the islands usually cost more because it all has to be shipped or flown in, just curious. Have an awesome day everyone 

Mahalo @Stangzilla for the welcome, and the advice to take the whole day off, definitely less stress than having strict time limits!  I appreciate the info DuckFat, I'm just as happy shooting rifles as I am shooting pistols or revolvers - I'm just happy to be having responsible fun with what has been a hobby and interest for 28yrs! Are the prices locally competitive for guns, or do you do alot of FFL transfers from buying online at places like gunbroker? I know things on the islands usually cost more because it all has to be shipped or flown in, just curious. Have an awesome day everyone 

from what i've looked at, as long as you arent at MAgnum, you most likely will be paying under MSRP, and just a tad over general gun broker pricings.

i scored my rifle from OGC for less than anyone had it on gunbroker, and, about 200 under MSRP.

Mahalo @Stangzilla for the welcome, and the advice to take the whole day off, definitely less stress than having strict time limits!  I appreciate the info DuckFat, I'm just as happy shooting rifles as I am shooting pistols or revolvers - I'm just happy to be having responsible fun with what has been a hobby and interest for 28yrs! Are the prices locally competitive for guns, or do you do alot of FFL transfers from buying online at places like gunbroker? I know things on the islands usually cost more because it all has to be shipped or flown in, just curious. Have an awesome day everyone 

All my guns have been purchased from local stores and I research everything before buying. To expand on what xer said, you usually can get the widely available modern firearms for a little below MSRP, and while gunbroker prices might be a little lower it is negated by shipping and FFL transfer fees. Also, most stores do consignment sales where you can score some awesome deals. If you want something rare, unique, old, or exotic then you'll probably have to buy online. Just avoid Magnum/Honolulu Firearms and you won't be ripped off.

Gunfu, are you military? Security Equipment has Military discount on selected items. I got a military discount on my AR.

Gunfu, are you military? Security Equipment has Military discount on selected items. I got a military discount on my AR.

I wish, but I'd like to thank you for your service  To be honest I'm going to be so stoked to actually be able to visit a gun store again, after nearly 12+ years of being in a country where you practically can't own anything let alone dare to protect yourself! I'm excited, I grew up with guns and never thought I would have to be without for such a long long time. I worked in forensics for a good few years and it's funny how a country with a handgun ban still has them coming in thick and fast to the criminals  This is a great message board, I like it here!