I'm going to a gun show to pick my first gun...

[itgoesboom]

Whatever,

There is some good advice here in this thread, both for you, and for others who are considering purchasing their first firearm.

Those who said a gunshow may not be the best place are right on. It is very easy to tell who is and isn't experienced with firearms, and there are people who will take advantage of that.

Gunshows are great to purchase ammo and parts, as well as getting to see and hold a firearm that your local store might not carry.

The Bersa is a good little handgun- I own one myself. Its scary accurate, dependable and it fits me pretty well. That said, I no-longer carry it unless I can't carry my XD9c, so it is pulling desk duty in my office. Just in case.

.380 will put down a badguy, but it might not do it quickly enough, and that is the key.

If this is for home defense, than I will echo the recommendations for a good shotgun, which would be well within your budget. A mossberg 500 can be had for about $200, will last quite awhile, and will do the job, if it comes down to it.

If this is for carry, than the Bersa is a pretty good choice, but then again, so is a .38 revolver.

I.G.B.

 

[joe sixpack]

Welcome to the forums!

This is the best place to find out about all things "gun".

Being a relative new gun owner myself (took possession just a month or so
ago), I can recommend the gun I did purchase which was the Makarov.
As far as the cosmoline and stripping it down to every last part -
all I did was follow the simple directions on makarov.com and took the slide
and firing pin out and then cleaned it. Not very difficult. The Mak is
fairly easy to maintain (but then I have no other reference point).

Of course, first you should, as others have suggested
go to a range which rents handguns and try out a bunch. Then you will
know which you like and which you do not and can go from there,
that is what I did.

Good luck, let us know in any case how it goes and what your first
purchase is.

cheers, ab

 

[rbuck82]

Okay, I'll give my own two cents...

I agree that a gun show is not the place for a newbie to buy a first gun, much less to learn. You can get a great idea about what some prices are, what different models look like, how they feel, etc. But with the questions you're asking and your lack of knowledge on pricing, you're likely to be taken to the cleaners if you meet the wrong person. This is in no way an insult to you. You are new to the hobby, and we welcome you and hope you enjoy it as your experience grows. But just like you never go to a car dealer without knowing what your needs are, what car might fill them and how much you ought to pay for it, you shouldn't go to a show with cash being unsure about what to get.

If you just want to practice cheaply, develop good habits and have a good time, a .22 is certainly the way to go. If you want something that's versatile, reliable, simple to use and care for and not overly expensive to shoot, go for a .357 revolver. Best for home defense is a 12 gauge.

Good luck searching!