Have any of you bought a gun without shooting it first?

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desert gator

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I am getting ready to purchase my first gun. It will be for ccw. I am looking at

1. Walther PPS 9MM
2. Springfield XD subcompact 9MM
3. S&W MP 9MM
4. Glock 26

I really dont think I can get the chance to shoot them all, so I am wondering have any of you bought a gun just based on how it feels in your hand and on your person concealed alone?
 
Of the dozens upon dozens of guns I've owned over the years most were bought without trying them first.

I wish I could have tried out every gun I've ever bought before buying but in most cases it just wasn't possible. That's why good research and careful consideration is always a good thing before buying.

Forgot the second part of your question...

All of your choices sound pretty good. I've owned XD's, Glocks and M&P's and all were fine handguns. The PPS is intriguing to me but I have no personal experience with them. Personally I really like the trigger on the M&P as well as the fit, finish and ergonomics. It's a very accurate gun with a nice low profile and tame recoil even in the larger calibers. So my vote goes to the M&P.
 
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I bought my Walther PPS without ever firing it. I'm glad I did too, I love it. Bought my M&p without firing it too, love it as well.

Between those choices, the PPS would be an easy pick for me. The PPS works much better with my body type and clothing style. I could probably conceal one of the other options if I tried, and replaced most of my clothing, but I wasn't willing to do that. The PPS is an amazing shooter, and I can and have concealed it in the front pocket of my sweat pants.
 
I've bought many without shooting first (just today I bought a Micro Desert Eagle, and hadn't ever seen one until today).
 
same here every gun I own I bought before shooting. I don't regret any purchases I made alothough I would def. shoot a weapon first If i considered buying another one.(which probably won't be for several years). I'd check with local ranges and gun shops near you, alot of them have rentals so you can try a few out then go with what you shoot best.
 
OK I was just making sure there was no cardinal rule of shoot the gun before you buy it.
Click to expand...

Not a cardinal rule, but it's a good idea if you have the opportunity to shoot it first, to do so. With exception of the Walther PPS, all the models you listed should be available for rental at most ranges.
 
Every gun I've ever bought was done so with out benefit of firing it first. And a couple I've purchased over the internet I hadn't even held before making a committment. Of course holding and firing first is always preferable.
 
Yeah I dont really know anyone who has handguns, and I checked with my local ranges, they have these guns in bigger sizes, but not in compact.
 
Well shoot the bigger sizes, and handle the smaller versions. Other then recoil you can feel the differences between the larger sized version, and the smaller concealed carry version just by holding it.
 
Gator -

By all means, if a range in your area rents these models, then fire some rounds through them all and see which handles best. If that isn't practical, go to the local gun dealer and hold each of them, and your hand will tell you which one fits best and points most naturally.

I went through this last year and settled on the M&P9c. No complaints whatsoever. It's a fine handgun.
 
I didn't shoot any of the guns I have before buying them but I've done a lot of research and asked a lot of questions before putting my money down. None of them have been a disappointment.
 
XD

I bought my first gun without firing it. My XD 40. I love that gun, i got it based on the feel and kind of liked the safety features. I have never had a problem with it and love it. It was funny to see my brother not get a good grip and try to fire it. :neener:
 
Nothing shot prior to buying. I feel that if you like heft, feel and overall fit of gun in your hand go for it.

I did almost trade my Rem 870 back in after experiencing the Mag 3" with it's 5 foot fire and bell ringing recoil. Now I wont trade it for anything LOL.
 
Research is the key. I try to learn as much as possible about a new gun before making a decision. I have a hard time letting a gun go after I've bought it. If it doesn't move me, it's probably in the back of the safe somewhere. Who knows, someday I might find a use for it!
str1
 
If possible to rent, go for it.
If possible to handle before buying, do so.

If you have to order without even a chance to handle, do your research and proceed with caution.

Of our 4 handguns, we got to shoot one before buying. MrsBFD and I both loved the ergonomics of the gun (surplus Walther P1) and the shop was willing to let us shoot it on their range - either we bought it, or paid a cleaning fee.
For the other three, we have one gun she likes and I don't, one gun I like and she doesn't, and one we both love shooting. (Walther P22, Walther PPS, and Ruger mkIII respectively).
 
Im glad that you like the walther pps. Its funny but my top two choices are the walther which is the most expensive and the glock 26 which seems to be the cheapest, so that puts a big wrench in the system
 
Seldom

I have seldom pre-fired any weapon that I purchased. For the most part, used ones at a range that you can test fire feel some what different than one NIB.
 
I see the gun. It's exactly what I've been looking for. I buy it. After awhile I find it's not quite what I thought. I buy another gun, etc. I always thought that was why so many of us have so many guns!! The stores where I've bought mine say the guns are new, and if we shoot them they aren't new anymore, they're now used! When you buy a car, you can (usually) test drive the actual "new" car you're going to buy---not guns! I'm satisfied. I like the idea that I know my "new" gun really is new, and hasn't had 1000+ rounds through it in "test rides."
 
Sad to admit, but not only have I never purchased a gun AFTER firing it, I currently own guns I have had for 2+ years that I have NEVER fired. When I find a deal, I buy it & never seem to find time. When I do get to the range, I spend that time staying proficient with my CCW's. Those of you with property & the ability to step outside, set up a backstop, and blast away are truly blessed.
 
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