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paz9x

paz9x

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Im looking to purchase a handgun.
Can anybody knowledgable offer some advice on where to purchase?
I plan on spending some time in a gun store but are stores better than purchasing online?
is it usually better to purchase at a show?
is there anything specifically i should look out for when making the purchase?

Im not looking for shotgun suggestions or really suggestions on models.
I have experience with guns, just not in buying them.

tia
 
I'd buy from a local dealer, personally. You get to handle the weapon before you buy it, and you have a physical place to take it back to if a problem arises. Also, when you buy online, you have to pay for dealer fees on the shipping end as well as the receiving end, and that can get pricey (only licensed gun dealers can ship and receive weapons, so you have to pay the guy who ships for your seller, as well as the guy who receives the weapon for you). Not to mention the fact that it is a headache to arrange all that, especially for a first time buyer.

I wouldn't buy at a show, simply because the prices usually aren't that much better.
 
[quote name='Ender']I'd buy from a local dealer, personally. You get to handle the weapon before you buy it, and you have a physical place to take it back to if a problem arises. Also, when you buy online, you have to pay for dealer fees on the shipping end as well as the receiving end, and that can get pricey (only licensed gun dealers can ship and receive weapons, so you have to pay the guy who ships for your seller, as well as the guy who receives the weapon for you). Not to mention the fact that it is a headache to arrange all that, especially for a first time buyer.

I wouldn't buy at a show, simply because the prices usually aren't that much better.[/quote]

I couldn't agree with Ender more, local dealers are by far the best - especially for any questions you might have about the handgun your about to buy.

Also, don't forget to get a RE4: Handcannon with unlimited ammo for any future zombie outbreaks. ;) (Resident Evil 4)
 
OP, is this gun going to be for home protection?

Have you ever shot a pistol before if so?

What's your budget?

I also agree with Ender about a local dealer. Depending on the gun however, you can occasionally get a deal or two online...
 
Especially if this is your first gun, DO NOT buy online. Go to a local dealer, they will allow you shoot it and at least you give you some basics on shooting it.

Also, remember that you do not need a hand cannon for self defense. A .22 would be fine in most cases and you have no reason to go above a 9mm until you get used to firing the lower caliber pistols.
 
I agree with one of the prior posters. You need to have your motives in line before you buy a gun.

If it's strictly for home defense and you don't plan to train with it every few months then i'd strongly recommend a shotgun (won't punch through multiple walls and you don't need to aim as easily which equates to safer for you).

If it's again just for self protection but you will train with it a wheel gun is a nice option. Anything goes wrong with it you just pull the trigger again. You could leave it in a drawer for 25 years and still trust it works (no magazine springs to wear out etc).

If you insist on a semi-automatic and it is for home defense only don't go cheap and don't buy into the hype that the dealers will spew at you. Go for what feels comfortable and natural to you.

If it's for recreation I suggest starting off with a small caliber or a rifle (Mark III or AR-15).



Do you have anyone else living with you? Do you live in an apartment or a house? (important factors to consider before you buy anything).
 
The only reasons to buy online are if they have a much cheaper price, better reputation than your local shops, or the model you are looking for that no one locally can supply.
 
[quote name='Noodle Pirate!']The only reason to buy online is if they have a much cheaper price, better reputation, or the model you are looking for that no one locally can supply.[/quote]
So as not to thread hijack, I'll add a recommendation. If this is your first handgun, consider a .357 magnum, excellent stopping power-inexpensive piece-great for the other reasons for wheel guns listed above, and you can train with the cheaper .38 ammo. Give yourself some practice before you expect to be able to hit live targets.
 
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[quote name='neocisco']Just remember, guns don't kill people. Three quarter inch holes in the torso kill people.[/quote]
And remember also:gun control means putting two bullets in the same hole.
 
I would stick with a local dealer. Yes you may find the gun cheaper online but when you add in shipping, the FFL transfer fees to a local gun dealer and the possibilities of there being a problem with the gun and the hassle of the subsequent return/exchange I don't there being a net savings to you when all is said and done.

As far as handguns go, do you have a specific model in mind? I've got a couple Walthers, a .40 P99, a .380 PPKS and a .22 P22. I just use them for range shooting every now and then but all have served me very well over the years. You can get the P22 for under $350 all over the place. If you want to go high end look at HK, simply some of the best handguns ever made.
 
[quote name='darthbudge']
Also, remember that you do not need a hand cannon for self defense. A .22 would be fine in most cases and you have no reason to go above a 9mm until you get used to firing the lower caliber pistols.[/quote]

I disagree with this. There are numerous stories about .22 caliber rounds not killing attackers, and of them rounds bouncing off of the skull if the angle of the shot is not right.

I say go ahead and get either a .357 magnum revolver (practice with .38 ammo, but use some .357 mags to get used to the kick), or a .40 semi-auto. The Smith & Wesson M&P40 is affordable, reliable, and very well-balanced.
 
man, some of you dont read the posts youre replying to.

to those who read my post and replied accordingly thank you very much.
I spent an hour in a shop tonight, and i was very pleased with the intial salesman. he was helpful knowledgable and was looking to fill my specific needs.

i will be buying locally. i spoke to a friend who was echoed by several of you, in his opinion that buying locally is the best way to go.
Ill be going to the range probably monday to shoot a few different guns.
im undecided on calibur between 9mm and .40 leaning 75% towards the 9mm
ill shoot a couple sigs and a glock 19 and 23
i really like the sig p229 i like it a LOT though with the price difference ill probably go with either of the glocks.

thanks again for those who replied.
 
Gun shows are great for looking at and holding many guns, not usually many great deals. Buy from the local guys if you can, but you can also often times save some pretty good money buying online, even after the transfer and shipping fees.
I'd recommend looking at budsgunshop.com for good deals.
If you have the option, got to a range and rent some various handguns if you don't have friends that have them.
Caliber is really up to you, depending on what you want to do with it. 9mm ammo is about 20% cheaper than .40 right now, and ammo prices are only going up.
Sigs are great, make sure you handle the glocks before you buy them. I completely respect their reliablility, but they don't fit my hand very well and are ugly as sin.
I prefer Berettas, the older models mostly.
 
I absolutely LOVE my Sig P226. A strong consideration for you is if you get a Sig you can swap between .357 and .40 by swapping barrels and converting to 9mm you swap barrel, spring and magazine.

If it's good enough for the secret service it's good enough for civilian use.
 
yeah if money was no object id buy the p229 its hard to justify roughly double the $
i actually dig the look of the glock. specifically the middle frame models.
it fit my hand well. i think the m&p 40 might have fit the best out of the composites i looked at.
but yeah, the p229 is a very nice gun. it feels like something special.
It seems like locally its about $30 more for the glock 19 than buds before dealer fees.
im pretty much set on buying local after the input ive gotten and my experience at the shop.
unless i find something ridiculous online.

the guy was telling me he frequently gets sig p225 in at around $300.........if he had one in i probably would have bought it.
anyway. im perusing ammo right now.
im getting the impression that amo is worth buying online.
 
Gun shows. Absolutely best place to buy ammo. Ammo at gun shows is 60% the cost of online usually.

I think if I had to go for a more affordable gun the Px4 (beretta) is a fantastic buy. Check it out if you haven't yet. The S&W is nice as well but I haven't cared for their feel. I hate polymers on guns. Some like the lighter weight though so to each their own.
 
I wouldn't get a Glock. Personally I think they are a bit dangerous for a new user because of how the safety works, and also because some people find them uncomfortable.

I honestly would get a Sig or H&K pistol. They are always the highest quality in my opinion.
 
[quote name='darthbudge']I wouldn't get a Glock. Personally I think they are a bit dangerous for a new user because of how the safety works, and also because some people find them uncomfortable.

I honestly would get a Sig or H&K pistol. They are always the highest quality in my opinion.[/QUOTE]

I definately like the sig best. its twice the $ of the glock. While you, "get what you pay for" the glock is a very capable gun.
I disagree with your opinion on the glocks safety. While i prefer the piece of mind
of a straight up safety switch, if the person handling the gun is taught properly i dont see it as much of a risk.
To note, I am a service member and shoot regularly. My wife however does not. Her dad is a gun nut and shes been around guns her whole life and has an understanding based on that. She will have training and will practice regularly.

I really appreciate the opinions in this thread.
 
I'd hold out until closer to Christmas and see if you can get a deal going on the guns. BTW; compare online prices to whats in the store and try haggling (works best at mom and pop stores). I was quite happy to haggle down the price on my 226 a few bills.

The biggest thing going against haggling is the huge amount of gun purchases occurring since the election so those need to taper off. Too bad gun dealers don't have BF deals.

Which model glock are you looking at?
 
im deploying shortly and want to get the gun soon, to allow as much time as possible to work with the mrs.
I understand this is sort of a high demand time period and ill be paying for that slightly, but thats ok.

im looking at the glock 19.


no lilboo im not buying a gun in response to obamas election,
im buying a gun in response to prop 8

it really aggrevates me that people dont bother to read a thread when replying. i get not reading 20 pages of posts but 1 page? its obvious some posters didnt even read my OP, actually it may be that reading comprehension is just that bad.
 
Is this gun going overseas as a sidearm? If so I strongly suggest the investment of the SIG. Plus a proper gun will outlast you so spend a little extra now and enjoy it 40 years down the line.
 
I know more about rifles than handguns. But I keep a 357 around the house. Before anyone says anything, no kids, and the wife has had numerous lessons.

From what I have seen the Glock 19 is a great handgun, and of course as long as you keep it cared for, you should have it for a long time.

Also, it is my duty to ask you to join the NRA, if you are not a member already.
 
If it's not going with you then go with what you feel comfortable and happy with. Or if you test fire it and you crack a smile then you know it's the one.

I think my next handgun, if I can get the cash together, will be a Kimber 1911 eclipse or a S&W 460xvr.

If only Heston could command the NRA from beyond the grade...
 
there are some 1911's that are pretty darn nice. i cetainly wouldnt mind owning one at soem point.

why did you reccomend the sig if i was taking it with me?
 
[quote name='paz9x']there are some 1911's that are pretty darn nice. i cetainly wouldnt mind owning one at soem point.

why did you reccomend the sig if i was taking it with me?[/QUOTE]

You wouldnt be able to take and use your own sidearm when you deploy, you'll get issued an M9 like everyone else.
If you want to get hands on practice with what you will be using, I highly recommend a Beretta M9 or 92FS. Great guns, ridiculously reliable. It may be a good idea anyway just so you could use your own mags instead of the not so great issued mags.

Anyway you go, sounds like you want something quality and aren't going to be making any rash cheap decisions.
By the way, thank you for serving!
 
[quote name='levi333']You wouldnt be able to take and use your own sidearm when you deploy, you'll get issued an M9 like everyone else.
If you want to get hands on practice with what you will be using, I highly recommend a Beretta M9 or 92FS. Great guns, ridiculously reliable. It may be a good idea anyway just so you could use your own mags instead of the not so great issued mags.

Anyway you go, sounds like you want something quality and aren't going to be making any rash cheap decisions.
By the way, thank you for serving![/QUOTE]

haha yeah im well aware i cant go toting my own guns around. its not my first rodeo =)
i was just curious why he had asked that, he must have some opinion.
i have plenty of guns at work. the only hand gun i shoot is the 92fs.
the new gun is for my wife to practice on and for home/personal defense.
 
For the wide ehh? Try a Wlather P99. It's a good fir for a smaller hand and also comes in a 40 cal if you'd prefer to a 9 mm. I personally use my 40 P99 as my personal day to day carry and never have a problem with concealment or it being uncomfortable. Plus it's about the sweetest firing pistol I've ever had the pleasure to shoot.

Also, It's Bond's gun so you can't beat the cool!
 
[quote name='SpeedyG']For the wide ehh? Try a Wlather P99. It's a good fir for a smaller hand and also comes in a 40 cal if you'd prefer to a 9 mm. I personally use my 40 P99 as my personal day to day carry and never have a problem with concealment or it being uncomfortable. Plus it's about the sweetest firing pistol I've ever had the pleasure to shoot.

Also, It's Bond's gun so you can't beat the cool![/QUOTE]

I have a P22 that I bought just for target shooting/playing around as the ammo is so damn inexpensive and becuase of its small frame my wife can use it if needed. I love it; that gun is so fun to shoot (even my buddies that all have Glocks, Sigs, Springfields love shooting it).

My next gun will definetly be a Walther 40 P99.
 
well ive spent 2 sessions at the range the .40 is too much for my wife. im glad i took her because i was 10 minutes from buying a sig p229 .40 and she would have hated it.
i also had weaseled my way into buying a 1911 for myself and had decided on a dan wesson compact bobtail. i called several places aksing if they carried them and was told no by one place, no by another because theyre too expensive to carry regularly, and the third place told me no theyre not legal in california.......i laughed and told him they were the third place i had called and neither of the previous mentioned they werent legal. youd have thought thatd have been the first thing out of their mouth.

anyway. im going to purchase a glock 19 tomorrow morning. looks like im going to have to wait on the other gun.

the walther p22 was nice in hand, it felt similar to the m&p.
the h&k usp9c is also an extremely nice gun.

thanks again for everyone whos replied, i appreciate the opinions.
 
If you're going to buy your first gun buy something cheap like a hi-point. They actually are pretty good guns. I own a Hi-point 45 acp. It's a good starter gun to get use to using a 45. And it comes with a no question ask life time warranty that actually beats the industry standard. They also make a fine 9 mm and carbines. Definitely check them out if all you want is a gun to fire at the range or home defense. You should invest in a nicer gun when you feel more comfortable as a gun owner. Also nicer model 45's are real pricey with the exception of the hi-point which is around 200 bucks most will set you back 450 (for a real sh1tty one I'd get the hi-point over any gun in this price range and they'll perform in the same way) and all the way to 900 bucks. I will add however .45 caliber rounds are pretty pricey. For the same amount of cash as a 100 rounds you can get nearly 4 times that for a .22 caliber gun. If you want something for home protection something like a 9mm would suit you just fine. A 45 is a fu@king cannon and it will go through home walls like a hot knife cutting butter. So keep that in mind. You also might want to get a riffle or shot gun if you want something for the home. Just sound of a shot gun loading is enough to get someone out of your home or apt.

If you just want something to go shooting with for sh!ts and giggles or to practice. I'd recommend getting a .22 caliber gun. A real nice one will only set you back 200 to 400 (super high-end). Granted they aren't very powerful, but I know a ton of hobby shooter (that are really good shooters) use them because the rounds are dirt cheap (you'll get tired of reloading your gun before you run out of ammo) and because they make good practice.

Some advice I'll have is narrow down what you want to use your gun for...(target practice, home defense, collection, ect..) i.e. if all you want to do is shoot all day get a .22 gun.

Then, pick a style of hand gun, i.e revolvers, acps, ect.. A word for the wise if you do go with a .22 gun get one thats fashioned off the .45 ACP, because that's most likely the next gun you'll get. A ton of manufactures make .22's that are essentially mini-45 ACPs. These are typically around 200 dollars for a really nice gun they'll usually have ACP in the title or say there in the same style as one. Just ask a sales associate. Also a good deal of gun shops (at least by me) don't sell .22s or if they do they'll have 2 models but I've noticed a lot of big box sporting goods retailers that sell guns carry a nice variety of them.

Next see what's in your price range (for me I went cheap on my first gun, but I'll up grade to a colt 1991 or a 1911 in the very near future. This is going to be my big purchase after I get a new laptop and pay my tuition)

Lastly if you want some of these higher caliber guns with big brand names attached to them you can always by used. Most guns are perfectly fine to buy used. One of my friends only buys used guns. Still a good used gun will run around 400 to 600 dollars sometimes more. So they're still kind of pricey.
 
I appreciate that you took the time to write that lengthy post but did you even read this thread?
99% of your post is completely irrelevant.
my last post i mentioned purchasing a glock and a dan wesson and youre reccomending a hi-point?
i get you like your gun, but if youd read the thread at all youd have realized thats not what im in the market for.

[quote name='Sk']If you're going to buy your first gun buy something cheap like a hi-point. They actually are pretty good guns. I own a Hi-point 45 acp. It's a good starter gun to get use to using a 45. And it comes with a no question ask life time warranty that actually beats the industry standard. They also make a fine 9 mm and carbines. Definitely check them out if all you want is a gun to fire at the range or home defense. You should invest in a nicer gun when you feel more comfortable as a gun owner. Also nicer model 45's are real pricey with the exception of the hi-point which is around 200 bucks most will set you back 450 (for a real sh1tty one I'd get the hi-point over any gun in this price range and they'll perform in the same way) and all the way to 900 bucks. I will add however .45 caliber rounds are pretty pricey. For the same amount of cash as a 100 rounds you can get nearly 4 times that for a .22 caliber gun. If you want something for home protection something like a 9mm would suit you just fine. A 45 is a fu@king cannon and it will go through home walls like a hot knife cutting butter. So keep that in mind. You also might want to get a riffle or shot gun if you want something for the home. Just sound of a shot gun loading is enough to get someone out of your home or apt.

If you just want something to go shooting with for sh!ts and giggles or to practice. I'd recommend getting a .22 caliber gun. A real nice one will only set you back 200 to 400 (super high-end). Granted they aren't very powerful, but I know a ton of hobby shooter (that are really good shooters) use them because the rounds are dirt cheap (you'll get tired of reloading your gun before you run out of ammo) and because they make good practice.

Some advice I'll have is narrow down what you want to use your gun for...(target practice, home defense, collection, ect..) i.e. if all you want to do is shoot all day get a .22 gun.

Then, pick a style of hand gun, i.e revolvers, acps, ect.. A word for the wise if you do go with a .22 gun get one thats fashioned off the .45 ACP, because that's most likely the next gun you'll get. A ton of manufactures make .22's that are essentially mini-45 ACPs. These are typically around 200 dollars for a really nice gun they'll usually have ACP in the title or say there in the same style as one. Just ask a sales associate. Also a good deal of gun shops (at least by me) don't sell .22s or if they do they'll have 2 models but I've noticed a lot of big box sporting goods retailers that sell guns carry a nice variety of them.

Next see what's in your price range (for me I went cheap on my first gun, but I'll up grade to a colt 1991 or a 1911 in the very near future. This is going to be my big purchase after I get a new laptop and pay my tuition)

Lastly if you want some of these higher caliber guns with big brand names attached to them you can always by used. Most guns are perfectly fine to buy used. One of my friends only buys used guns. Still a good used gun will run around 400 to 600 dollars sometimes more. So they're still kind of pricey.[/QUOTE]
 
[quote name='paz9x']I appreciate that you took the time to write that lengthy post but did you even read this thread?
99% of your post is completely irrelevant.
my last post i mentioned purchasing a glock and a dan wesson and youre reccomending a hi-point?
i get you like your gun, but if youd read the thread at all youd have realized thats not what im in the market for.[/QUOTE]
Yeah sorry I read the title and got all too excited someone else wanted to be a gun owner. I didn't read your last post sorry. Also the quality of some models of glocks are questionable. My bestfriend's jams all the time and he keeps his in great shape. That's just my experience thus far (I'm sure the quality of models varies and if all their guns sucked no one would buy them). Just based off my expernce with them I'd get the dan wesson they make some sick guns! Sorry I didn't see you wanted to spend some serious money on a gun. For sure, if you have the cash get a better gun than a hi-point. I wouldn't be upgrading to a colt if I thought the hi-point was better.

[quote name='SpeedyG']I'd never trust my life to a Hi Point.[/QUOTE]
I do and I would. Its a fine gun just not the best. I think the suspiciously low price point makes people think the only thing it's good for is being a door stop. Truth be told the gun is ugly as sin, top heavy, and made of crappy plastic parts. Still this sucker has never jammed (and I mean never no exaggerations and I treat it like sh!t). So you can't beat that.
 
Do it:
17999.jpg


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/17999

I don't have any experience with the Dan Wesson, but I've got a 4" Kimber that I love. Out of all my handguns I shoot my 1911 the best.
 
No worries. I can understand the enthusiasm.

[quote name='levi333']Do it:
17999.jpg


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/17999

I don't have any experience with the Dan Wesson, but I've got a 4" Kimber that I love. Out of all my handguns I shoot my 1911 the best.[/QUOTE]

dude tell me about it. That gun does it for me. That's the model I actually want but with fiber optic font sight. Only problem is it's not on the calfornia approved list. I'm gonna see what I can do. I might get an Arizona relative to buy it for me, but I need to check into the legal issues. I may end up having to wait until I leave the state orfne another model I fall in love with.
I bought the glock 19 this afternoon.
 
[quote name='paz9x']No worries. I can understand the enthusiasm.


I might get an Arizona relative to buy it for me, but I need to check into the legal issues. [/QUOTE]

"Technically" not legal, called a "straw purchase," even if you aren't a criminal and can own guns.
Stupid law.

By the way, I feel sorry you living in Kalifornia, when it comes to gun laws. Sooo many cool toys you can't have.
Move on up the the green side and you can have suppressors and machine guns. As well better gun laws.
 
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