Newbie Needs Advice

[blueheeler]

I just joined and need advice:

1) I bought a 38-special in Texas around 1977-1978. It's never been registered. Do I need to register it in Tulsa, OK, my current residence, after all these years?

2) The gun has only been fired once, as a test. It's got a little rust, and I'm concerned that it needs a good cleaning/oiling. (I've never maintained it --- just ignored it all these years.) Who in Tulsa do you recommend for refurbishing?

3) I also want to learn how properly to use this gun. Who in Tulsa offers good training?

4) Which shooting range in Tulsa do you recommend? I want to become proficient and responsible.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations.

 

[shootermcgavin]

I can't really answer any tulsa questions, except no registration of the gun is necessary.

 

[Shifty]

Registration is not necessary.

Is the rust inside the barrel? Or just surface rust on the outside of the gun? Depending on the extent of the damage, and what kind of gun you have, you might be better off replacing it.

TDSA is a GREAT group to train with.
http://tdsatulsa.com/

 

[TKNO1015s]

I'd start out by making sure the gun is safe to use. If you're not comfortable making the determination as it sounds, take it over to OPS. The guys there are easy to work with and can go through the gun. I understand also that they are also about to open a new indoor range. Have fun and stay safe.

 

[Rod Snell]

Forget registration, there isn't any in OK.

Eric at OPS in Tulsa and Marshall at TDSA will take care of all the other and have you beating me in IDPA/SSR in no time.
http://www.opstulsa.com/
http://tdsatulsa.com/

 

[Old Fart]

Got nothing to add but welcome to OSA.
Plus good to hear you're gonna get some training.

 

[Jefpainthorse]

Several good gunsmiths work in the Tulsa area.. and hang out here.

I have not seen your gun so take this as an opinion... but I have seen a few old police revolvers that we had to drift cartridges out of to unload. They had been carried by police officers for years... never fired and never cleaned.. and they still worked. Smith and Wessons are pretty hard to kill... and a little rust can usually be fixed.