First Time Handgun Buyers Advice...

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Personally, I hate the 92 trigger, never felt right to me. For a good 9mm on budget, check out a used S&W 5906 or a new CZ P07 Duty.
 
Ok so if I decide to buy used in order to get a better pistol for less, what are some common things I should look out for? Also were would I look besides something like Gunbroker.com? How about buying from pawn shops? There's several in my area so whats the pros & cons of a pawn store?

This method seems to open up a whole new world where anythings possible if I happen to find a good enough deal...
 
I've bought a lot of guns used on gunbroker.

Look for a seller with a good reputation and ask questions and get lots of photos. I have never had a major problem with a gun I got on GB.

The good thing about 3rd gen s&w is that s&w will still work on them a lot of times, as long as you don't say you bought it used.
 
There is likely a large VA based gun forum and most of them have a classifieds section. I have acquired 95% of my collection from private sales. Find a local forum, get to know the folks there, and you'll likely find what you're looking for as well as folks to shoot with...
 
Never been much of a 92 fan myself, as I absolutely hate slide mounted safeties - if it's going to have a safety, I much prefer the 1911 / frame mounted design.

Then take a look at the Taurus PT-92/99 -- best gun they've ever made, first rate in all regards and a bargain price usually about $350 around here brand new.

My advice would be to try and rent what you are interested in and maybe a few a bit above your target price range which might motivate saving up a bit longer to buy it.

What feels best in the hand is not always what you'll shoot best and vice-versa.
 
Ok so if I decide to buy used in order to get a better pistol for less...
Be careful - it's not a used gun market at the moment. Now that the last buying panic has ended, dealers are awash with guns. On a recent Gun Talk podcast, folks were whining to Tom that dealers just weren't offering them anything on trades these days - Tom told them that now that the new gun pipeline has been filled, dealers are getting such deals from manufacturers that they can more than likely buy the gun new from the maker cheaper than they can a used gun.

This mirrors what I'm seeing in my neck of the woods, and a buddy of mine just called me the other night with tales of woe about no local dealers wanting to offer him anything on his used gun.

Take your time - pick out what you really want (assuming this is going to be a long-term investment) and shop.

Since you're coming from NY to VA, it's a whole 'nother ball game AFA buying guns. After you're here, shop guns shops - there are plenty of small shops in VA giving much better deals than the big box stores.
You can also check around and find a local FFL dealer that does transfers for a reasonable price - $25 is the going rate, although I'm seeing some shops trying to up it to $35 (I still know of one individual that charges $10).
If a VA gun dealer won't handle a transfer for a reasonable fee, don't forget pawn shops - many in VA are FFLs, and tend to charge less for transfers than guns shops do.

If you keep an eye out on Slickguns.com, 'specially with the upcoming holidays, I'm betting you'll find plenty of deals with no CC fee and free shipping.

I've always managed to buy my guns new, usually at as good as (or better) prices than I could used.

BTW - what area of VA are you going to locate? Let folks know the general area, and maybe some can recommend a low-cost gun shop?

We're fortunate enough in my area to have a "no haggle" dealer - he got tired of all the games, and just hangs a low price on everything - no negotiation (I like that!). He's a small shop, but due to his pricing, does a LOT of sales - he moves enough stock that he qualifies for deals other local gun shops often do not, and he passes the deals to the customer.

Just as an example - I bought a new SIG P229R from him for $659 - online (and in some big box stores), I see the darn things going for $900!
 
Then take a look at the Taurus PT-92/99...
You're talking to the wrong fellow - it wasn't the OP that was complaining about the "backwards" slide mounted, European style safety - it was me (warning him to check them out before buying).

-- best gun they've ever made
Not to start a Taurus bashing thread, but to me that's a bit like being the healthiest horse in the glue factory.

I took a chance on a Taurus once...once being the operative word... :uhoh:
 
I live in Virginia Beach close to the Norfolk line by lake Edwards off of Newton Rd & 1 minute to VB Blvd. There is several pawn shops I pass daily on my way to Walmart at 1170 N Military Hwy in Norfolk. Once I get my license changed over to VA, then ill start hitting the shops in person. Just trying to do all the research I can in the mean time!!
 
SeniorXJ said:
I live in Virginia Beach close to the Norfolk line by lake Edwards off of Newton Rd & 1 minute to VB Blvd. There is several pawn shops I pass daily on my way to Walmart at 1170 N Military Hwy in Norfolk. Once I get my license changed over to VA, then ill start hitting the shops in person. Just trying to do all the research I can in the mean time!!

Nothing against the law about going in the shop on your way to work to fondle a few handguns to see what you like. Take the opprotunity and see what fits in your hand.
 
Ok so far this is the list of firearms i've been eyeballing & researching the hell out of & here are the following:

- Ruger P95
- Ruger SR9C
- CZ 75
- CZ P07 Duty
- S&W SD9
- S&W SD9VE
- Bersa Compact
- EAA Witness
& most Glock models ring my bell from the popular 19, to the 17, & the compact 26.

I know, i'm all over the map, but once I get a feel for them in person, ill be able to decide better, listen to what others have to say when comparing them, has the things I want, & of course price point.

My price point is set at $400 so I can spend some on accessories & ammo. Then I have another $500 aside for a good 308 to be able to pull off a 500 to 1000 meter shot, but we'll save that convo for another thread!!
 
When I was in your situation I chose Glock as my first handgun, for these reasons:

#1 one of the most reliable guns out of the box. At least back when I bought my Gen 3 no tinkering was required, no polishing of internal parts, no trying to choose the right ammo that wouldn't cause FTFs or what not, and it was - and still is - much more accurate than I am. Disassembling it is as easy as it gets, and the cleaning can be skipped if you don't feel like it. Parts, accessories and trained Glock armorers are everywhere.

#2 it's light, which makes it easier to learn how to shoot with - you don't get tired as quickly.

I chose G17, because I wanted the most comfortable range gun and didn't think about carry; G19 pinched my pinky and I didn't even consider G26 thinking it would be much less accurate or less fun to shoot than a full sized gun. I was very wrong, it's a joy to shoot and I am definitely getting it next.
 
Anyone recommend Hi-point Firearms?

I've always wanted to pick up one of there 45cal 4595ts Carbines with some goodies!!
 
Now is a good time to be searching for a gun. As previously mentioned dealers are trying to sell. That being said, I would recommend the Ruger SR series, they can be found on sale for less than $400 if you look around. If you're looking at a CZ75 style, the P-07/09 Duty is a good one, but you can also look at the Canik/Tristar pistols. They are a 75 clone that has been getting good reviews.
 
You should be able to get a NIB CZ75B for under $500; but certainly a used one in good condition.

I wouldn't look any further for a mostly dedicated 9mm range gun. The 75B is an absolutely phenomenal tool. Extremely accurate, remarkably comfortable for most users, durable, reliable... it's just a really outstanding gun. IMO, it outclasses the Beretta 92 and M9 by a long shot (no pun intended).
 
The Beretta 92a1 or 96a1 is the way to go. Save a little more and get something you will cherish and that will last a life time. I think everyone K own by now I'm a huge fan of the 96a1. Most accurate 40s&w I've fired yet.
 
As mentioned, the Ruger P95 can be an excellent value. I paid $300 for mine, in like-new condition minus the box, in June of last year. In October of last year, the series was discontinued by the maker. I love having it. It feels like a .380 when I run 115-grain rounds through it. I carried its aluminum-framed predecessor (P85) as an issued duty gun many years ago.

If you like the lines of the Beretta, though, you may find the P95 a bit bulky. Its frame and slide are thicker, and its barrel over an inch shorter than that on the Beretta (though that makes it, to me, easier to actually carry, and I do sometimes.)

The SR9 is, to me, a very handsome pistol, and runs about $400 where I am. I've just never warmed up yet to the striker-action guns yet, as all my formal LE training, and everything I've had since, was with hammer-fired (double-action-capable) handguns, including revolvers.
 
I recently purchased a stainless Italian made Beretta 92fs and it just can't be beat. They're wonderfully easy to maintain and use accurately. I also wouldn't dismiss a good revolver: S&W model 10, 686 in any size are tops. I have the four inch 686+ and it's my favorite revolver; I plan to get a three inch soon....

I also have three Glocks: the 26, 19 and 17....all good choices.

Laura
 
I recently purchased a stainless Italian made Beretta 92fs and it just can't be beat. They're wonderfully easy to maintain and use accurately. I also wouldn't dismiss a good revolver: S&W model 10, 686 in any size are tops. I have the four inch 686+ and it's my favorite revolver; I plan to get a three inch soon....

I also have three Glocks: the 26, 19 and 17....all good choices.

Laura
Did you install the D hammer spring?
 
Take a look at a Stoeger Cougar. It's a Beretta Cougar made in Turkey under the Stoeger name, with Beretta's machinery. I got mine with a holster for under $400. Very good self-defense gun and plinker.
 
@Grunt96, I haven't modified my guns regarding trigger work. The Glocks are away at Cold Bore Customs for grip mods but my Berettas are stock. Edit to add I haven't changed any springs either.

@OP, CZ makes some wonderful guns, I hope to get a CZ P01 at some point. There's a lot of good choices that don't break the bank for a first gun....
 
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Ok so far this is the list of firearms i've been eyeballing & researching the hell out of & here are the following:

- Ruger P95
- Ruger SR9C
- CZ 75
- CZ P07 Duty
- S&W SD9
- S&W SD9VE
- Bersa Compact
- EAA Witness
& most Glock models ring my bell from the popular 19, to the 17, & the compact 26.

Of those, I'd narrow the list to Glock and CZ. I bought a CZ75 when in the market for a 9mm, because of the two, Berettas are easier to field strip, but the grips were too fat for my hands, and the trigger reach was too long.

I have two other Glocks, and if I had not bought the CZ for the sake of exposure to a different platform, I would have probably bought a third. I hate to jump on the "just get a Glock" wagon, but for use as tools, they are hard to beat.
 
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