First gun or guns -- buy one or multiple?

[Trunk Monkey]

If you have magazine restrictions in your state, there is no point in dealing with the bulk of a double stack.

Colorado restricts magazines to 15 rounds and the law is so poorly written that you can buy a disassembled 30 round magazine sold as a "repair kit" and be perfectly legal.

 

[Mystery123]

Colorado restricts magazines to 15 rounds and the law is so poorly written that you can buy a disassembled 30 round magazine sold as a "repair kit" and be perfectly legal.

I heard as long as there's no date stamped on the magazine or it's not specifically made for a gun that's manufactured after 2013, it's hard to prove when someone bought it.
Plus sheriff department is against this rule so probably they will turn a blind eye unless something serious.

Fully 55 of the 62 sheriffs that serve in Colorado have outright refused to enforce the state's new gun laws — the requirement for universal background checks and the ban on ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. They say the laws are unconstitutional and too vague.

I think Boulder has the most strict rule.
They banned assault center fire rifles (law passed May 2018) and all those who already had them have to register.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I heard as long as there's no date stamped on the magazine or it's not specifically made for a gun that's manufactured after 2013, it's hard to prove when someone bought it.

Basically impossible. The statute has been used exactly once to my knowledge, and it was a pile-on charge.

Plus sheriff department is against this rule so probably they will turn a blind eye unless something serious.

In most areas, that's true. Between the extreme majority of elected sheriffs opposing the law in the first place and the difficulty with enforcing it even if they wanted to, the resources simply aren't wasted on it. However, the Democrats are playing the long game, and the eventual result as the California of this state progresses further and further is that it will be enforced. For example, anyone born after 1 July 2013 could not possibly have possessed the magazine before the law took effect, ergo cannot legally possess them at all. So a few more years and a few more liberal CLEOs, we have a real problem on our hands. And that was the design. That law, and the UBC, were pushed and financially backed by Bloomberg & company. It was the beginning of targeting "purple" states in an effort to bring down the West.

I think Boulder has the most strict rule.
They banned assault center fire rifles (law passed May 2018) and all those who already had them have to register.

Boulder is in violation of CRS 29-11.7-103 with that ordinance. Unfortunately, they're still going to accomplish their ends because most people just don't want to deal with it. "You can beat the rap, but you won't beat the ride."

 

[Lucky Derby]

MachIVshooter nailed it. Ruining a once wonderful place.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Disclaimer. I don't agree with the magazine capacity restriction law but I follow it to a "T".

I heard

Famous last words when it comes to the law

I heard as long as there's no date stamped on the magazine or it's not specifically made for a gun that's manufactured after 2013, it's hard to prove when someone bought it.

If you didn't own the gun prior to July 01 2013 that would be fairly strong evidence.

Plus sheriff department is against this rule so probably they will turn a blind eye unless something serious.

First thing Maketa said when this law was passed was that he didn't agree with it but as long as it was the law of the land he was required to enforce it. He also said that deciding which laws he would or wouldn't enforce was setting an extremely dangerous precedent. This is almost exactly what Bill Elder is saying about the Red Flag Law.

IMO carrying an illegal magazine is putting your future in the hands of what ever cop you run into next. To paraphrase Massad Ayoob it's always better to avoid legal grey areas and remain in clear compliance with the law.

Basically impossible. The statute has been used exactly once to my knowledge, and it was a pile-on charge.

Twice and the charge was dismissed both times.

 

[bearcreek]

Iwb does look dangerous compared to owb, breaks one of the four rules by pointing barrel right into the thigh.

The four "rules" are misnamed. They are technically not "rules" but rather general guidelines, subject to change and interpretation based on the circumstances. The one you reference, for example, "Never point the gun at something you are not willing to destroy" is outside of the laws of physics to actually accomplish. The gun is almost always pointed at something that you don't want to destroy or damage, such as the floor, the seat of your vehicle, your thigh, your groin, someone below you on another floor of the building, etc. etc. Once the gun is not on your belt any more it's regularly pointed at even more things that you don't want to destroy or damage. Maintaining active muzzle and trigger discipline are where real world safe gun handling happen, not attempting to strictly adhere to a set of "rules" that are not possible to consistently follow.

 

[George Dickel]

The only thing I have to comment on, everything else has been pretty well covered, is you saying you need a CC pistol and a range/home defense gun. Why can't your carry gun be a home defense gun also? In order to be proficient with your CC gun you have to take it to the range and practice with it. If you trust the gun to be sufficiently effective in a self defense situation outside the home why wouldn't it be sufficient in the home? Your wording gives me the impression that you are going to give more preference to shooting the range/home defense gun rather than the CC gun. Since you state you want a gun for protection go to a range that rents pistols and find one for CC that you can shoot well and buy that exact one. Then practice and practice some more until you are very familiar with it. After this start looking for another gun and another gun, then rinse and repeat, you can never have enough guns. But first become proficient with one gun.

 

[BlueHeelerFl]

As others have stated a Block 19 sized pistol provides a good size balance between concealability and shootability.

A good choice might be the Ruger Security 9. Its an inexpensive yet reliable gun with a great company behind it

 

[Mystery123]

The only thing I have to comment on, everything else has been pretty well covered, is you saying you need a CC pistol and a range/home defense gun. Why can't your carry gun be a home defense gun also? In order to be proficient with your CC gun you have to take it to the range and practice with it. If you trust the gun to be sufficiently effective in a self defense situation outside the home why wouldn't it be sufficient in the home? Your wording gives me the impression that you are going to give more preference to shooting the range/home defense gun rather than the CC gun. Since you state you want a gun for protection go to a range that rents pistols and find one for CC that you can shoot well and buy that exact one. Then practice and practice some more until you are very familiar with it. After this start looking for another gun and another gun, then rinse and repeat, you can never have enough guns. But first become proficient with one gun.

Thanks for comment.
I do want one gun for all situations but when I looked at the G19 size guns, they felt big for concealment.
I read Subcompacts are not great for range due to small size and grip so I was thinking of getting a separate one for cc.
If the idea of G19 size as cc grows up on me and I feel comfortable, no need for smaller.

 

[Mike .45]

A glock 19 is surprisingly easy gun to conceal. Especially with a proper holster and belt.

It is right in that size that makes it suitable for many tasks. Lots of manufacturers are making guns this size now so test drive a few before buying. I do agree on getting 2 vs 1 though. There isn't a perfect gun for everything.

Check the single stack guns and the double stack subcompacts for conceal carry. and if you get 2 guns maybe step up to a full size duty sized gun as well as your concealed carry pistol.

As others have said. Training is a great idea and don't skimp on holsters and belts especially for CC.

My 2cents.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I like M&Ps, I own an M&P9 full sized. If the M&P 2.0 compact was available when I was in the market I might very well have bought one. I certainly would have chosen it over the full sized M&P. That said it wasn't available so I went with a Glock 19.

The longer I carry the more I realize that there's no one size fits all gun. I carry a Glock 19. The majority of time I have no problem concealing it but there are times when when my concealmeant needs dictate a smaller gun. On those occasions I carry a Glock 26. I also carry at home and S&W doesn't really offer an option comparable to the Glock 26 that's suitable (IMO) for home carry.

My primary criteria for a carry gun has always been compactness, commonality and compatibility. The 19 and the 26 are identical in terms of operation in fact when I do classes with both I have to remind myself which gun I'm carrying occasionally and they will both operate with a Glock 19 magazine. As I mentioned earlier Glock magazines can be found at approximately 30% less than M&P magazines. There are also more aftermarket options for the Glock than the M&P. That's the primary reason I went with Glock over the M&P

 

[Trunk Monkey]

if you get 2 guns maybe step up to a full size duty sized gun as well as your concealed carry pistol.

My opinion FWIW.

When I was looking at the Glock 19 one of my primary considerations in its favour was the fact that the standard magazine for a Glock 19 is legal in Colorado.

Several people suggested that I look at a Glock 17 but I just couldn't see getting a less concealable gun that was only going to hold 15 rounds anyway

When I bought my M&P full size the standard 17-round magazines were available for it but if I was looking at an M&P now I wouldn't waste my time on a full size when I can buy a 9C and get the same round count.

 

[Spats McGee]

Hi,
New user here. I never owned a gun.
Now I am a family man with kids, I am thinking of getting gun for protection.
I've read many threads and watched many videos.
I'm looking for a gun that I can use at range for practice as well as carry and for home.
I realize that is very hard thing as a very small gun is not good for practice and even a sub-compact may be too large to conceal if that's the only gun.

Some suggested to get a 22 pistol for practice and get a same brand 9mm for carry.
That's good idea but now we have two guns and they are of same size so doesn't serve any purpose except cost.

Another option I'm leaning towards is getting two guns, a compact like Glock 19, Sig P320, M&P9C (or even full size) gun for range/home and get a very small gun like Ruger LC9 or LCP for conceal.
This way, at least I have options for all situations and weather.

On a side note, I'm also interested in small rifle for fun but that doesn't affect this question.

I have small kids and very scared to bring gun home so I bought a small safe made for one full size handgun plus accessories.
It may hold combination of two smaller guns.

What do you guys suggest?
From your experience of owning several guns to find one or two you keep, what would be a good option?
Thanks

The only thing I have to comment on, everything else has been pretty well covered, is you saying you need a CC pistol and a range/home defense gun. Why can't your carry gun be a home defense gun also? . . . .

Thanks for comment.
I do want one gun for all situations but when I looked at the G19 size guns, they felt big for concealment.
I read Subcompacts are not great for range due to small size and grip so I was thinking of getting a separate one for cc.
If the idea of G19 size as cc grows up on me and I feel comfortable, no need for smaller.

As is often the case, I'm late to the party. Nonetheless, welcome to THR and to shooting in general!

I'll echo what George Dickel (and probably several others) said. There are plenty of guns suitable for both HD and CC. You mention G19-sized guns feeling too big for concealment, but you'd be surprised how much gun can be CC'd, if you're willing to dress around the gun. IMHO, the most versatile balance of features (price, weight, capacity, caliber, reliability, etc.) is in that G19-sized, compact class of guns. They're the jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none guns. There are better target guns. There are better HD guns. There are guns that are easier to conceal. But there really isn't a gun that is both a better target gun and more easily concealable, for example. The really great news for you (and, frankly, for all of us as gun owners) is that there are basically a metric ton of good pistols in that class. Pretty much everybody and his dog makes a mid-size, polymer framed pistol.

You also commented that:

. . . .Some suggested to get a 22 pistol for practice and get a same brand 9mm for carry.
That's good idea but now we have two guns and they are of same size so doesn't serve any purpose except cost. . . . .

I've got to disagree with you here. The ".22/fullsize" combination is a really good idea. That .22 will let you get a whole lot more trigger time for the same money, and if it's the same model as the 9mm, that's a whole lot of muscle memory that you can build on the cheap. Even disregarding reloading (just to simplify things), I can buy 1K rounds of 9mm for ~$185, including taxes, shipping, etc. For the same price, I can buy ~5K rounds of .22LR. We all know that "practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect," but for building fundamental skills, there's a lot to be said for being able to repeat an action over and over and over. Whether we like it or not, and to greater and lesser degrees, cost will impact how much you get to repeat pulling that trigger. Besides, .22LR is just plain old fun. I'd rather be out killing soup cans with a .22LR than just about any other kind of shooting I could do, most of the time. Granted, recoil won't be the same, and you'll still need to practice with the 9mm.

Finally, the fact that you're in CO is going to change the calculus for you on many things. I know that CO has enacted some new laws lately, and it seems likely to change the law on the firearms front more swiftly than, say, my own Arkansas. Keep a good eye on those laws, because running afoul of them will, in many cases, cost you the right to possess firearms if convicted.

I wish you the best of luck on search.

 

[Al-jim19]

For a first gun or combo of two guns I’d recommend the following:

A G19/G43 or a G17/G26 depending on how small you require. You’ll want both eventually.

 

[thomas15]

Thanks for comment.
I do want one gun for all situations but when I looked at the G19 size guns, they felt big for concealment.
I read Subcompacts are not great for range due to small size and grip so I was thinking of getting a separate one for cc.
If the idea of G19 size as cc grows up on me and I feel comfortable, no need for smaller.

Ok, True disclosure: I, Thomas15, I am the resident THR pain in the *.

I'm reading what you, the OP writes and what is being said by others. I agree with some and disagree with other ideas. Not to offend the OP but .... you have read a bunch of stuff here and there, and have formulated your own idea of what you want things to be, which might work or might not work. Buying the actual gun is a small matter in my opinion compared to what skills you need to acquire if you intend to become a firearms owner for the purpose of self protection. For example, if you read a bunch about carry holsters you might come to the conclusion that a tuckable inside the waistband holster might be a good idea. My personal experience is that for me they are exceptionally uncomfortable. So when I do carry it's an outside the waistband or pocket holster. You will not know this until you buy one and live with it for a while. This applies to literally everything you might think you need to start this endeavor. So I'm suggesting that you consider clearing the clutter out of your head.

It appears to me that your quest to find a range/club is focusing on commercial establishments. For someone that is new to this the advantage is that commercial ranges can often offer firearms rentals and other services like convenient lessons that private clubs might not. There is a cost though. And shooting a handgun in an indoor lane at a paper bullseye target will only take you so far. So you are looking at buying a handgun, the various accessories that one needs to get shooting, purchasing commercial ammo, probably lessons and the use of a range facility. Where you stand right now the lest expensive item on the list is the actual handgun.

I have personally been lucky in one respect my Dad ran a Jr. rifle club when I was a kid and so I grew up around rifles. I've only been shooting handguns for 5 or so years so I'm not an authority by any means. But in the 50 years I've been shooting and literally 100s of 1000s of rounds fired none of them have been at a commercial range. I have always found a private range to satisfy my shooting whims. So may I suggest you look deeper into this because a commercial range will eat you alive money wise and may or may not do anything to help you acquire marksmanship skills. This not to say that they don't serve a purpose. But even for those on a budget, firearms and acquiring the necessary skills is not an inexpensive thing or is it something that you think about once or twice a year when you decide to go shooting. Where I live in NE PA in the Pocono Mountains (might be to someone from CO the more like the Pocono Ant Hills) but we do get weather in the winter and still little old Tom15 shoots outdoors year round.

No one is a natural when it comes to shooting skills. It takes time and effort to get there. Some get there faster than others but no one has it in the beginning. Again not trying to offend or be a jerk but anyone can make a gun go bang and if that were all there was to it then ok but you are looking at an investment in time and effort. It is true that I hold an NRA Pistol Instructors Certificate but I got that for personal enrichment not to try to make extra money. I could though charge money to teach basic handgun but in my opinion the best way to acquire skills AFTER you learn safe handling habits is to get together with other shooters and get some trigger time.

A few posters have mentioned getting a 22 LR handgun such as a Ruger Mark IV. This is a very good idea. Inexpensive, accurate and fun to shoot. Buy one (or a S&W Victory or Browning Buckmark) and you will take hunk of metal with you to the grave. In the process you will also learn how to handle a handgun. A centerfire pistol such as a Glock 19 is really not the easiest handgun to learn on. Great for carry but a handful at first. I say this as an individual that owns 3 Glock 17s, a Glock 34 and a Glock 26 so it's not like I have an axe to grind. Nor am I trying to be offensive or insulting.

 

[George Dickel]

I read Subcompacts are not great for range due to small size and grip so I was thinking of getting a separate one for cc.
If the idea of G19 size as cc grows up on me and I feel comfortable, no need for smaller.

Yes, smaller handguns are harder to shoot accurately but once you master the small gun shooting a larger one will be even easier. It just takes practice, I can't emphasize that enough. Again, the range is where you need to be taking that small gun. Shooting a larger pistol on the range isn't going help you shoot the small gun well. You need to realize that all the gun suggestions given to you are what other people have that works for them, it may not work for you. The first semiauto pistol I bought for CC felt good dry firing at the gun counter, however shooting it on the range was a different matter. The gun and I just didn't connect and I shot a lot of ammo through it trying to shoot it well. Got rid of it and tried a number of different rental guns at a range. Found one that I shot well and easily and bought it. I won't mention what gun I bought as it may not work for you.

When I first started carrying I felt very conspicuous, like the gun was lit up with a neon sign saying "I have a gun on my hip" and made a bulge as large as a basketball. You really couldn't see the gun but because I wasn't used to carrying one concealed,I thought anyone who gave me a casual look would see it and scream "he has a gun". I'm well past that now. You don't have to go with a micro sized for CC, as has been stated earlier dress around the gun. There are people that carry full sized guns and can conceal them. I have full size pistols I shoot at the range also, but I shoot my carry gun more often because on the street is where I'm going to face the biggest possibility of violence. I need to be proficient with that gun more than my "range" gun.

 

[<*(((><]

There is a definite amount of personal requirements and/or comfort that comes in choosing what one wants to conceal carry. If one enjoy's firearms and shooting; there is little doubt in my mind that the first handgun they purchase will won't be the gun that is perfect for their requirements. Which is why I suggested based on your positive experience with the M&P .22 to start by renting a 9mm M&P (Shield, Compact, Full Frame) and see which fits you; and which you can shoot with maintaining proper control between shots (not having to reacquire grip) and be accurate with. The 9mm is not a hard round to shoot, especially in today's modern tilt-locking barrel design and in a larger gun than a subcompact. I would have no problem after a person has shot a .22 pistol for a short period of time and has shown some proficiency at accuracy handing them a full frame 9mm to try, I've done so in the past and there is just not that much difference.

What I like to do to test out how a handgun fits my hand is to place the gun (unloaded, or loaded if pointed in a safe direction, with finger off the trigger) at the low ready position both hands on the firearm with a correct grip instituted down at one's waist; have a target sighted downrange, close one's eyes and bring up the gun to a ready position stretched out in front of one's face for sight alignment. At this point open your eyes and see how the sights are aligned the the target, this tells me how the gun's ergomics (grip angle, how it fits my hands) fits me. One can train oneself to adjust for a gun but given we have lots of options to choose from, this helped me weed out those makes and models that don't particularly fit my grip/style. I found that S&W's tend to point low for me consistently.

I have really two CCW handguns; a CZ PCR and a Ruger LCP. I consider my LCP as a last resort, the gun I carry when there is no other option due to dress. I would feel under-gunned in a shootout, but be glad it was there if someone approached me at bad breath distance with ill intentions. I arrived at the CZ PCR as I wanted a DA/SA firing mechanism for my carry piece. I like the longer and stiffer first DA pull followed by the light SA pull. I don't like mechanical safeties on my firearms as I don't want anything between me and firing that first round.

It sounds to me like a good place to start is where you felt some comfort with; the S&W line of pistols. They are great firearms from a company with a great reputation for quality and customer service. They have options on their line of guns that give a person the ability to choose, whether they want an external safety or not and have a full product line of sub-compact, compact and full frame. And with buying from a known quality manufacturer one doesn't lose that much money if they decided down the road to sell. I think one can pick up a 9mm S&W depending on model anywhere from $250 for the Shield (online sales) to $350 for the compact and $400 for the full frame. One would maybe lose $75-125 down the road in selling the firearm.

 

[Varminterror]

Some suggested to get a 22 pistol for practice and get a same brand 9mm for carry.
That's good idea but now we have two guns and they are of same size so doesn't serve any purpose except cost.

Generally, this is well meaning advice, but poor advice all the same. The 22LR should be a target style, full size pistol like a Ruger Mark IV or S&W Victory, whereas your 9mm carry pistol should NOT be a single action only, full sized pistol.

The value of a target style 22LR cannot be exaggerated - I've taught hundreds of new handgunners over the last couple decades, and the few hundred dollars a new handgunner, or even experienced handgunner would spend on a Ruger Mark IV will absolutely pay for itself in terms of skill development and proficiency. My advice since the late 1990's has been thus: Your first handgun should be TWO handguns - a target style 22LR and whatever other pistol you need/want for your application.

Unfortunately, what you describe as your desires - a carry pistol, a practice pistol, and a home defense pistol - really describes THREE pistols, not just 2. While a carry pistol can serve as a home defense, aka "nightstand gun," generally owners are better served to have a full sized pistol as the home defense pistol. Concealing something even as large as a Glock 19 or Sig P320 Subcompact is a challenge, double stack 9mm's just aren't very easily concealed in most daily wear for most American environments. Something along the lines of a Ruger LC9s, LCP, Glock 42 or 43, or Sig P365 are more easily concealed. But these micropistols make a lot of concessions for concealability which hinder their effectiveness in home defense. Equally, your home may need a defensive solution even if you're not there - an LCP in your pocket at the store doesn't help defend your wife and children sitting at home. If money is incredibly tight, then yes, you can do the job with 2, but I'd make an effort, in your shoes, to manipulate my purchase choices as well as extend my savings period to explore having 3 options, rather than simply 2.

If I were 1) in your shoes, 2) only buying 2 and not 3 pistols, and 3) trying to minimize my costs, I would own a Ruger Mark IV and a Ruger LC9s. Which, I'll point out, 1) I am not in your shoes as a new firearm owner, 2) I do not restrict myself to owning only 2 pistols, and 3) I do not focus much on minimizing my costs, BUT, I regularly carry a Ruger LC9, and do my regular handgunning technique practices with Ruger Mark II and III pistols (the LC9 being the precursor to the LC9s and the Mark II and III obviously precursors to the current Mark IV), so this is a rare instance where my advice isn't "do as I say, not as I do," because it actually IS what I do. I carry a lot of other pistols and revolvers throughout a year, and I do keep a full sized pistol on my nightstand (SigSauer Maxim 9 integrally suppressed full size pistol), but I do carry an LC9 with confidence, and practice with a target style 22LR Ruger Mark II or III.

 

[Mystery123]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm keeping them in mind while shopping for gun deals on the suggested models.

Edit: as far as outdoor ranges, very little choices here, either too pricey or too far.
I'll start with indoor range and I'll know better by renewal time.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Edit: as far as outdoor ranges, very little choices here, either too pricey or too far. I'll start with indoor range and I'll know better by renewal time.

There are quite a few in El Paso County but they're all a minimum of an hour away from you.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Left Hand Canyon is probably the closest outdoor range to the Boulder area, though I've never actually been there.
Harris Park (in Bailey) is the closest to Littleton, but it is currently closed due to being nothing but a mud hole this time of year.

 

[herrwalther]

I do want one gun for all situations but when I looked at the G19 size guns, they felt big for concealment.
I read Subcompacts are not great for range due to small size and grip so I was thinking of getting a separate one for cc.
If the idea of G19 size as cc grows up on me and I feel comfortable, no need for smaller.

There are quite a bit smaller firearms designed for concealed carry. Go back several years and the G19 was the small gun everyone was carrying. Not the same situation anymore. Pretty much every big company makes a single stack SOMETHING. Either it is 9mm, 380, 45 etc. When it comes to these smaller firearms, they are far more subjective. For example I hate the M&P Shield, but love my Walther PPS. Even though they are very similar firearms. Go window shopping at your local gun shop. Most stores clump the single stack small firearms in the same case or area of the store. Go by there and start fondling, see what feels comfortable.

 

[Mystery123]

Left Hand Canyon is probably the closest outdoor range to the Boulder area, though I've never actually been there.
Harris Park (in Bailey) is the closest to Littleton, but it is currently closed due to being nothing but a mud hole this time of year.

Yes. I'll have to start with indoor ranges.
I checked Triple J Armory site and individual membership is $29.99/month with $199.99 initiation fee.
Two out of the three I mentioned earlier are much better due to waived initiation fee on one and discounted annual rate on the other.
I'm not in a hurry so will keep my eyes open for few more weeks.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

There's kind of a paradox in picking guns. I think most new concealed-carriers want small guns because they haven't learned to conceal larger ones and because they're self-conscious about the gun and want the most concealable one possible. But smaller guns are almost always harder to shoot than bigger guns, so new shooters will often not shoot their tiny concealed-carry gun accurately.

If it has to do double duty, I would recommend a mid-size polymer semiauto. Pick up a Sig P320 Compact, a Glock 19, a S&W M&P 2.0, a Springfield Armory XD Mod2 4", an H&K P30, and any comparably sized guns in 9mm. Fiddle with them in hand, and pick the one that seems most comfortable to you. It will not be the most compact for carry, but it will not give up much shootability to a full-size pistol, either, and makes a perfectly adequate night table safe gun.

A Glock 48 may be a good choice - it's slimmer than the 19, so more comfortable concealed, but the frame length and barrel are the same size, so it should be just as shootable as a G19.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Yes. I'll have to start with indoor ranges.
I checked Triple J Armory site and individual membership is $29.99/month with $199.99 initiation fee.
Two out of the three I mentioned earlier are much better due to waived initiation fee on one and discounted annual rate on the other.
I'm not in a hurry so will keep my eyes open for few more weeks.

I'm a member at Pikes Peak Gun Club. Family memebership is $142.00 a year and a 7 dollar range fee per visit