Posted: 2/15/2009 1:19:27 PM EDT
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I'm in the current market for a handgun. This will be my very first time buying a handgun and I do not have much experience behind them besides shooting my boss's 357 SW snubnose and a .22 revolver.
Theirs a bunch of parameters that need to be met. It needs to be a used handgun. I am under 21 so it has to be a FTF sale. Price range would be about 300-500 depending on the gun. Doesn't matter if its a semi automatic or revolver. Pefer anything over .22 or 9mm. A pistol is 100 times easier to go shoot since their are pistol ranges about mile down the road. Rifle ranges are usually 40 minutes out. Id rather have convenience of taking hr out of my day instead of planning a whole day for shooting. I am aware I need to Pistol Purchasing Permit. I believe their is a test I need to take. Is the test at all challenging. Basically do you recommend taking a course before hand. All tips are appreciated. |
Take a basic pistol safety course first and foremost. As for a pistol there are alot of nice used glocks for the 350-450 range. For a compact over 9mm Id go with a Glock 23 (.40 cal) or if you want to use a 9 mm use a glock 19. I have and use both. I dont buy into the whole (9mm isnt big enough). Just preference I guess.... Good luck 
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You cant go wrong with a Glock 23 or 19. I have both also. The test is a basic T or F 20 question test on gun safety. If you have any comon sense what so ever youll pass. Take a safety course, buy your pistol and PRACTICE. Being able to consistantly hit your taget with a $350 gun beats not hitting shi_ with a $1000 custom gun. Put a box of shells or two through the gun every month. Learn to keep it clean and functional. |
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Take an NRA First Steps Pistol class. They are $30.00 and you can borrow a .22 pistol for the class from the instructor.
If you are near Fenton, there is one this Sunday, Feb 22, at Fenton Lakes Sportsmen's Club. Daniel, who oversees classes, is a good guy. I shoot with him and help out at the classes. Here is his web site. |
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I bought a Springfield XD 9mm last year. 16 rd. mags, 5" barrel (they also come in 4", .40 cal, or .45.) I'm not buying into the whole "9mm doesn't have enough stopping power" argument either. I believe it's big enough based on the ballistic tests I've seen, but I've been fortunate enough to not test it myself on anyone. 9mm rounds are cheaper, and like Massad Ayoob says, "You want to hit your target, not your 14 year old son behind the target trying to help you, or your neighbor across the street." Everyone will have a different opinion on this. Most of my friends have .40 or .45 cal.
I paid $450 (new) total from gunbroker.com. That included transfer $25, and shipping $25. They usually go for about 525- 550 in Michigan gun stores. They also make 30 rd. mags for the XD 9, just in case. I saw them in "cheaper than dirt" for about $75. It's very light for 16 rds., being composite. Unique safety features and very accurate. It also has a rail system for lights or lasers. As you probably guessed, I'm in love with the little bastard. My wife is jealous.  I bought an XD mousepad for crying out loud.
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You don't really say what the gun will be used for....think about that. If it's for target, that's one parameter, for self-defense - that's another. Is the gun going to end up as a carry gun? If so, size is important as well as form (hammerless, etc.... would be in order).
I strongly suggest you spend some time at a range that rents guns...This way you can get a feel for what you like. Have someone go with you who knows the in/outs of shooting semi-autos vs. revolvers. There are many good handguns out there...take the time to use a few to learn the differences and that will be time well spent, I assure you. Also consider the cost of ammunition...if this is your first gun, you want to spend plenty of time at the range practicing...and ammo ain't cheap. 9mm is a lot cheaper than .45....some used guns in more rare calibers (10mm) may be more difficult to find ammo for. |
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If the gun is for concealed carry self defense and will be your only gun, I'd say get something in 40 S&W if it is compact enough to fit your needs. 40 S&W is a nice compromise between 9 mm and 45 ACP, and is used by many police depts.
There are many excellent semi auto pistols these days. Try out friends' guns. Rent at the range. Get an idea of what feels good to you and won't be too heavy or bulky for carry. Quality costs, so be prepared to pay for it. The test is a no brainer but, as suggested, a hand gun course is a good idea anyway. Best of luck with whatever you decide. |