new, or pawn shop?

[ProactiveReactionary]

dont laugh now...i'm looking for a gun on a meager budget, around 300-350. all i have is 350 bucks (at the moment might go up to 450 soon) so im thinking either going with a S&W SW9VE which is around 300 bucks or some smaller than 9 mm which i dont want to do. so i have to keep it cheap for a new gun or i can take my chances at a pawn shop and look at maybe a glock 17 as i know pawnshops always have glocks on hand.

if i get an extra 100 soon i'll probably just go for a new CZ75B but if i dont...my options are gonna be limited.

dont forget i also need a box of rounds. thats why i'm going with a 9 mm over .40 or 10 mm, the ammo is cheaper for me.

 

[Majic]

If you know how to inspect the pistol and what to look for as to wear or damage then go with the used models.

 

[armoredman]

J&G sales has brand new CZ40P for $299.....I have 40 ammo I have no use for, and no gun for.....

 

[Shorts]

My input is on the pawn shops. The ones around here (and previous pawn shops we've looked at back in TX) charge new and "extra new plus I'll wipe your butt" prices. Don't get burned buying a used pistol for more than new prices at a pawn shop. So, before you go, look at the general market value of the pistols you're interested in.

 

[ProactiveReactionary]

thats what i plan on doing. there a gun shop near me i'm gonna check out again and see if there's anything new and get prices on some model i'm looking at and then check uot a couple pawn shops and see if they have decent prices. odds are i'll probably go for a new one as i know pawn shops like to try and charge you high prices on used crap. of course you can haggle with them. cant do that with a gun shop owner can ya? or can you?

 

[MikeIsaj]

Used Revolvers in a gun shop, not a pawn shop. I guess the real question is what are you going to do with the gun? Everyone loves an auto because that's what's sexy now, has been for awhile.

I'll assume home/self defense is high in your priorities. A revolver is super reliable, and that's important to me when my life is on the line. No feed or ejection problems with a revolver. If you do some shopping you can find real good deals on used revolvers well within your budget. I just got a Colt Trooper .357 (mfg 1969) for $235.00. It is in excellent mechanical condition and good appearance with some holster wear. It shoots great! I fire .38 spec, around $8.00/box, or .357, around $20.00/box.

Go to the Revolver forum for lots of good info on how to buy a good revolver.

Good luck

 

[Bear Gulch]

Pick up a copy of the Shotgun News and cultivate a friendship with a local ffl.

 

[DigMe]

Springfield XD-9.

brad cook

 

[Shorts]

Proactive, you actually can haggle a bit with shop guys on new guns. Best way to do it is to have cash in hand and make a REASONABLE offer to the guy. I'm thinking anywher from $20-$50 less than tag price is reasonable (depending on the gun, the area you live in...(ie, here on the island, things are priced a little more than on the mainland). I have never done this so guys who have might can give you a better idea possible discounts. Remember you'll still have to pay sales tax and all that fun jive so keep that in mind.

 

[Lonestar.45]

"Pick up a copy of the Shotgun News and cultivate a friendship with a local ffl."

Right on, Bear Gulch. That's the best thing you can do. Or, even better, get a CDNN Investments catalog from here: http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

There's a link to download their latest catalog on that page, but it's big. Or call them and have it mailed to you. You will DEFINITELY get a nice gun from them for the price range you want, and there's a LOT to choose from. Mostly police trade ins, but also new. Get it shipped to your local friendly FFL. Mine charges $25 for the transfer. So, you figure the transfer fee, plus a small shipping fee, plus the price. But I guarantee you it'll more than likely be a better deal than anything you find in a pawn shop. Just my 2cents.

 

[Shootcraps]

Rock Island Armory 1911 45ACP. $299.

 

[chris in va]

Just save up for the 75B or get a 40P now. Really the main difference between the two is the 40P has a straight 1911 style grip vs the really anatomic 75B.