Bought my First Two Hand Guns TOday.. How Did I Do

[4Freedom]

Well, I made a major move, perhaps one of the most substantial in my life today. Today, I purchased my first two handguns. I bought a S&W 442 Airlight Snubnose pocket revolver and a Sig P229 Elite SRT. After much searching researching and battling amongst myself, I decided that these would be the set of guns I would get. Perhaps, many don't realize this, but finding handguns right now is really difficult, especially for a good price.

I went to my local gun store here and purchased the S&W 442 for $475 including tax. Now, I have to wait five days for my little gun. I am hoping this was a good deal, it was the best in town that I can find. I couldn't fork out $800+ for the 340 version of this, even thought it was my preference.

Later in the day, I went onto gun broker and hunted around for a compact sig gun, which I am hoping will be my main carry piece. The S&W 442 will be the BUG. I looked and looked at all the online gun stores and called local dealers and gun shops. Almost everyone was out of this gun and the few that had the Sig P229 Elite were selling it for around $1000 - $1100, if you consider FFL fees + shipping. So, I found one guy on gun broker who was selling a brand new one for $850 , add 40 for shipping and FFL fees, for a total of $900.

I know perhaps I overpaid for this gun, but seeing how hard it was to find this model of Sig with the SRT trigger, I just went ahead and bought it. I figure the $100 I might save somewhere else would not be worth the hassle, time lost at work and headache and heartache. Actually, this gun does retail on Sig's website for $1200 and I do see lot of gun stores selling the gun for near that price.

I already had one local sig dealer chew me out for haggling with him on his prices. So he got real pissed at me, when I proved to him after much debate that others did have the gun cheaper. It was very difficult dealing with some of these people. That is one thing I like about gun broker, they cut all the crap. Being new to handguns, I feel some of these dealers try to take advantage of me, although I am insightful and do a lot of research before purchasing.

So, I spent a total of 900+475 = 1375 for my Sig P229 Elite and S&W 442. I now am a proud owner of two decent handguns. Hopefully, I did ok for my first handgun purchase. I appreciate opinions from others , just for piece of mind.. LOL..

Now, I am on a mission to find a full size handgun. I am thinking that I want to go ahead and get a good cheap semi-auto full size 45 , 357 or 10mm gun. I think this would be my forest, nightstand or SHTF handgun. I was highly considering a .357 mag 8 shot revolver or a Glock 10mm, but maybe I don't know what I am getting into . I have spent last 2 weeks , non-stop pondering what guns to get, and I am glad it is over or almost over.

 

[C-grunt]

Id say you did great. I had a 442 last year for a while. The only reason I got rid of it was the heavy trigger made it difficult for me to qualify to carry it as BUG for my duty weapon. I will get another S@W J-frame with a hammer though this time.

I have never owned a Sig but I do believe, through limited hands on experience and those of people I know, they are great weapons.

What do you mean by full size handgun? I thought the 226 was a full size weapon?

 

[4Freedom]

What do you mean by full size handgun? I thought the 226 was a full size weapon?

Argh.. sorry its late I mean 229.. I will edit my post.. sorry. I have the P229 Elite.

 

[owlhoot]

Well, the good news is that it isn't over. It has just started. (hopefully)

Looking back over many years of gun buying, I can tell you that I don't remember the guns that I paid too much for. I do remember the ones that I wanted but didn't buy.

Because I'm out of touch with current prices, I don't know whether you got "good" deals or not. But it doesn't matter. You wanted them, you bought them, now enjoy them.

Do extensive shooting with the guns you have purchased. As you learn their strengths and weaknesses, you will gain more insight into what you want in your next gun. Don't be in too great a hurry.

 

[C-grunt]

Ahhh.. ok makes more sense now . The 229 is a great weapon. Is it 9mm or .40sw?

I think you payed a decent price. I would say thats a little high for a normal 229 but I believe the Elites go for around that here.

 

[C-grunt]

Oh yeah.... Wheres the Pics!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ugaarguy]

You did pretty well on both guns. SIGs are expensive, and SIG is getting pretty strict about enforcing their MAP (minimum advertised price) with dealers. S&W's entire production of J Frames for 2009 is already sold. Dealers who placed orders at major distributor shows will have shipment priority. Getting any J frame new for less than $500 out the door is good with current market conditions.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I couldn't fork out $800+ for the 340 version of this, even thought it was my preference.

It wouldn't have been your preference once you got it & shot it. Believe me, you don't WANT .357 mag in an airlite, particularly one with a lock on it which can move under inertia. .38 spl +P is quite uncomfortable enough, thank you (not to mention an outstanding self-defense round).

But I'd say you done real good.

 

[Hush]

I love the simpsons reference!

 

[4Freedom]

Oh yeah.... Wheres the Pics!!!!!!!!!!

Once my handguns arrive to me, I will post some fancy pics with them. I have also bought some AR rifles and I was meaning to post the pics of those too. I wanted to get my optics installed before I posted pics on them though, so they look more snazzy. Also, I am doing a Saiga 308 AK conversion and that will definately be beefed up, tacticoolish and worthy of some pics after it is finished.

Oh yeah, the Sig P229 Elite model I bought is 9mm.

 

[FranklyTodd]

My tandem is the M&P340 and an HK P2000SK 9mmM

I think you made great choices!

 

[twoclones]

Now, I have to wait five days for my little gun.

Wait?
If you'd had a concealed carry permit, would the wait time be waved? It is here in WA.

 

[Rodentman]

Agree 100% with Dr Tad. You did MUCH better getting the 442 instead of the 340. Also, you will love the Sig. I have a 229 in
.357 and also the .40 bbl. It's my favorite auto. Just feels right in the hand. I have Hogue grips on it. They help the grip too.

Nice pair you have. And yes it is just the beginning, not the end.......

 

[rikman]

You done good, LOL I just picked up a pre owned LE Sig. Love it...but like someone else said they're not cheap.

I have a 340PD. I didn't know they went up that much in price? I think I paid around $600. I am too chicken to shoot magnums through it. I carried it with .38 +P. Recoil is harsh enough with that. I also have a model 60 wich is nicer to shoot since it's heavier, but never carried it.

Cheers,
Rich

 

[wrs840]

Agree 100% with Dr Tad. You did MUCH better getting the 442 instead of the 340.

I agree too. A friend of mine had his new 340 lock the cylinder the first outing firing full house .357s, and had to send it back to S&W. The 442 is my daily CCW choice when I'm in my normal business-casual street-duds. It's an outstandingly reliable and practical pocket-holster weapon, and for me, a surprisingly natural shooter to put on-target at twenty feet or less. Additionally, I believe .38 Spl +P 125 Gr. JHPs are at minimum, nicely adequate as a personal-defense round.

Les

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I know what you mean about the intense seach and reading reviews and comparing guns and prices. I just did the same thing for ONE GUN! Nice guns good luck with them and have fun.

 

[TexasRedneck]

I hate to tell you, but you're screwed. I've bought and sold a lot of guns over the years, always wanting "just a couple". Over the years, I've come to regret selling one or another, so......I no longer sell 'em. Only problem is, I now have 'bout 30 pistols, an' ya don't wanna know about the long guns.