I'm going to buy my first gun, what should I do?

[WestonSmith]

Hi everyone,

I have some friends who are getting concealed weapons permits and I would like to get one too. I think it might be a good idea to buy a hand gun and practice with it on the range and good safety techniques before going for the concealed weapons permit. Any suggestions on how to go about getting my first gun that I\'ll own?

I found a website called www.gunbroker.com, and it looks like it may be a good place to look. Anyone else know if that\'s the best, or at least good, spot to look? I live in a small town and so my local selection may not be as good. So to buy a hand gun (I\'m not getting the concealed permit quite yet), what all do you need to do? Just buy one online, shipping and handling, pay a transfer fee to FFL holder, and then a background check fee? Anything else?

What are good suggestions on the type of hand gun to get? I was thinking about getting a Glock with .40 caliber, because I\'ve heard that they\'re powerful but at the same time quite manageable. I\'m 5\'9\", 160 Ibs, smaller frame male. I don\'t want to let my parents know, because they\'re quite against it, especially my mother, she\'s had quite a few good friends who were murdered by guns when she was a kid.

Any suggestions on buying my first gun?

 

[jfernett119]

To start IMO a glock isn't the best to start on due to it's safety system. I would recomend a revolver or an auto with a decocker.

As for gunbroker, it is a great place to buy firearms. I have found good deals on that site. The drawbacks are: There is no way to handle the weapon before you buy it. The best way is to try out a few guns before you decide what to buy and then search on gunbroker or local stores. You are correct about the process on buy on gunbroker. Locate a dealer and they can explain the process to you as well.

Welcome to the world of guns. Enjoy!

 

[Mandirigma]

First off go here. http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC/TOC.htm#FirstGun

Great reading. While there don't forget to look at the Four Rules.

Secondly go fire some handguns. I normally say find a range where you can rent a variety. But you say you are from a small town so I'm not too sure how that'll work out. Mayhap you can borrow a few (in different calibers) to see how they work for you.

I was thinking about getting a Glock with .40 caliber, because I\'ve heard that they\'re powerful but at the same time quite manageable.

It just depends on what you feel the perceived recoil is going to be like. I have a girl friend that doesn't like the way a .40's recoil feels, but she's very comfortable with the recoil of a .45 (don't ask me, I don't get it.)


You'll hear a lot of people on the posts following mine that will recommend getting a .22. This is a good recommendation as it allows you to solidly cover the basics and is cheap when it comes to feeding the gun.

My first personal handgun was a Glock 19. I wanted a quality, reliable handgun that was cheap to feed, because I was taking it with me when I got additionial training (some of the classes required bringing 500-1000 rounds). I didn't go the .22 route because I had some previous training, and knew that it barely get any use.

.40 is a great round, but I don't recommend it for a first gun. If you want something thats "powerful" go with a 9mm and get some quality JHP (Jacket Hollow Points). That way you can feed the weapon cheaply, but still have an effective defensive round.


Remember that your total costs won't just be the firearm. Don't forget about: cleaning supplies, quality gunbelt, quality holsters, feeding your gun (ammo) for plinking and SD (Self Defense) rounds, [Breaking in your gun (i.e. making sure your gun likes certain rounds, some handguns just do not like certain brands of ammo).], storage (safe of some sort) and lastly training.

Thats not including the money for your CHL/CCW/CPL class and the fee you've got to send off with your permit application.

 

[fattsgalore]

Nett119 has it down, no safety and a new shooter is normally not the best mix. I purchased a Glock23 as my all around gun. It's the midsized Glock .40cal. It's not the best first gun though. To be honest the reason it's recomended is it's suppose to be between the 9mm and 45. I shot 9mm's and even 45's better then guns in .40cal. Wierd right?

For your first gun purchase I suggest something simple. Easy to maintain and strip. The Beretta design is a good start. I.E. Taurus/Beretta.PT-92/92fs(also look up Stoeger Cougar) Look up Taurus firearms you won't be disapointed in the choices they have. Now Glock isn't a bad gun but in my opinion it's better left to the professionls whom need a weapon ready to rock and roll. You may want a polymer gun. I'd suggest you shoot them before you purchase anything.

As for caliber go with 9mm it's easy to shoot and ammo price. Example; 100 rounds 40cal=$22 and change; 100 rounds 9mm=15. It adds up, guns and cars have lots in common even after your done paying for it your not really done paying for it.

 

[skinnyguy]

Everyone here has really expressed some good thoughts. I'd like to add my own. Go to a gun shop or borrow some guns if you can. Handle them, get a feel for them, know how you can draw and fire with it.

Example; when ruger first introduced the MK I .22 pistol, i seen a picture of it and wanted it IMMEDIATELY. When I got the chance to pick one up in a gun store, I found that I cannot draw reasonably well on a target, I have to "work" the sites to the target because it didn't fit my grip. If you have to concentrate on where you're aiming rather than it coming up to a natural point, as you'd do with your finger, then the pistol will do you no good at all, and you'll find that "mastering" your skills with it will be much more frustrating than it is worth.

So my suggestion is to handle a few semi-auto pistols AND revolvers to find out what will fit your grip, THEN go to gunbroker, which btw IS an excellent site, and look for the exact model that FITS YOU. For me, that was the Ruger P89.

Good luck, let us know what you decide, and welcome to the High Road. I've learned alot here, and hope i've helped others learn as well. May you do the same!!!!!

 

[GhostlyKarliion]

First off, WestonSmith,

WELCOME TO THE FOURMS, AND WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF GUNS!

now, about your questions

A Glock with .40 cal would be either the G22, G23, G27, or the G35, the G27 is a subcompact version of the G22, which makes it easier to carry and conceal at the expense of less ammunition. The G23 is a compact version of the G22, providing more ammo than the G27 with a nice compromise between weight and size, the G35 is the competition version with a longer barrel (and thus longer line of sight, giving you more accuracy) and it can hold an optional 17 rounds, but the longer barrel and more ammo capacity translate into a larger and heavier gun. Two of those models are also available in a "C" designation, the G22C and the G23C, the "C" stands for Compensated, ports at end of the barrel allow the hot gases to escape upward, thus helping to keep the barrel pointed where you want it, they counter act the tendency of the barrel end of the gun to rise when fired.

A .40 caliber handgun is going to produce some kick, but as a human being, you have the advantage of being able to adapt to the recoil of nearly any firearm, so I wouldn't worry about that too much. A Glock is a very fine choice for your first gun, IMHO, it has three internal safeties but you don't have to fool with any of them, they are always working until you pull the trigger. The frame is very durable and comparatively lightweight, and their rifling system is top notch as far as I'm concerned.

Your main concern is going to be, IMHO, getting a proper fit to your hand. The honorable Mandirigma has already stated that she knows someone who doesn't like the way a .40 feels but is very comfortable with a .45, if I had to guess I would say that the .45 cal fits the lady’s hand better than the .40 cal.

My advise is to go around to your local gun shops and look at hand guns, ask for the models that you are interested in by name, get a feel for the weight and form, generally the more of your hand that is actually on the weapon the better. If it were me, I would try not to tell them that you are looking for your first gun, right off, get an unbiased look first, then ask for their advise.

Once you find one that you like a lot get their prices and start checking online. Keep in mind that you will have to pay for shipping and a transfer fee (which both will vary), I have never bought a firearm online (come to think of it, I have only bought one from a retailer, I'd rather buy used from others) so I cant offer an opinion on the hassle involved. Gun Broker lists a lowest price on the G22 at $463.16, that is probably going to be a fair average, so you could start there (just keep in mind that GLOCK has a Minimum advertised pricing policy, that means that some places can't advertise their prices because they are too low, so you'll have to call them.)

Other than that, practice often, hone your technique, and, most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Good luck with your first purchase, and again, welcome to the world of Guns, and the Forums!

 

[razorburn]

The .45 has a softer, less snappy kick than the .40. A lot of people shoot the .45 better than the .40.

 

[MJZZZ]

When I first started to get into guns I was only interested in a house gun for self defense, so I bought a Colt .357 revolver. When I started really getting interested in shooting and concealed carry, I opted for a 3 inch Kimber .45 with an IWB holster. I've purchased several guns in various caliber since then, all for different carry situations. My last purchase was a CZ 75B Compact 9mm from BudsGunshop.com, it was not expensive and ammo is fairly reasonable. It's the only new gun I've bought since the revolver to be trouble free out of the box. The nicest thing about it is CZ sells a .22 Kadet slide adaptor to fit the gun and my teenagers have suddenly become interested in plunking the .22, the .45's were too much gun for the girls. My only problem is finding good leather to carry it, I'll have to have one custom made.
The best advice I can give is to handle and shoot as many types and brands of guns you can, just to see which one you'll feel comfortable carrying. If it's not easy to carry, you won't carry as much. If you have the money buy a new gun, I would not buy a used gun without holding, inspecting and firing it first. Good luck, I hope you find your perfect gun on the first try. Mike Z

 

[pacodelahoya]

Welcome to the High Road Weston,

My advice is to take an NRA basic pistol saftey course. It's about 40 dollars, runs for a couple of weekends, ammo is included in price and the knowledge is invaluable!!!

My vote for a gun, well I love to shoot my fullsize .45 but for ease of concealment, you can't beat a 642 airweight revolver.

 

[Glockfan.45]

To start IMO a glock isn't the best to start on due to it's safety system. I would recomend a revolver or an auto with a decocker.

Ummm revolvers lack manual safties as well. In fact the Glock has more saftey features than a revolver. Both types are safe as long as you keep your finger off the trigger untill your ready to shoot.

To the OP, find a range that has rentals. Shoot whatever catches your eye and find the gun that feels right to you, not the gun somebody else tells you to buy. Then take a NRA sanctioned class, and practice, practice, practice. While your at it join the NRA, and help preserve your right to self defence.

 

[Mandirigma]

the G27 is a subcompact version of the G22, which makes it easier to carry and conceal at the expense of less ammunition.

Great thing about the NON-slimline subcompact glocks is that they accept compact and full-sized magazines. I carry a G33, .357Sig, and have a G31 mag as a reload. My concern with the compensated models is that while it does reduce recoil, theres too much muzzle flash (it comes out the ports, dontcha know) If you were to fire from the hip you'd have to watch where the ports are lined up.

The honorable Mandirigma has already stated that she knows someone who doesn't like the way a .40 feels but is very comfortable with a .45, if I had to guess I would say that the .45 cal fits the lady’s hand better than the .40 cal.

Um, Yeah, I guess I should have said female friend, and I assure you I'm not honorable. Also I rented out the G21, and G22, the G17's were already being used. I said I don't get it because I just don't notice too much different in recoil between the two rounds. Though I definately notice the difference between .45 and 10mm, or 9mm and .357Sig.


OP (Original Poster) I forgot to mention that the corneredcat website is ran and maintained by Pax, one of the moderators here. And while its oriented towards females all shooters can pick up useful information.

Also I agree with Glockfan.45, Keep your booger hook off the bang switch and you'll be fine. aka Rule 3.

 

[strat81]

Don't listen to Glock nay-sayers. Glocks are as safe as any other gun, if not safer. Revolvers don't have "safeties" either. Keep your finger off the trigger and no one will get hurt.

Don't get a permit and guns just because your friends are. If you really think you can handle the responsibility, I'd look at:
Taurus 24/7, Taurus Millenium Pro, Taurus PT92, Beretta M9 or 92, Stoeger Cougar, Glock 19, Glock 23, Smith & Wesson Sigma, Smith & Wesson Military & Police (M&P, regular and compact). If you like revolvers, Smith & Wesson J or K Frames or Taurus 65 or 85 series guns.

Some of these are big, some are small. If you can only pick one and you must conceal it, I'd go with the Glock19/23 or Smith & Wesson M&P Compact. 9mm is cheaper than .40 to practice with and a premium 9mm hollow point that's +P or +P+ competes quite well against a .40.

Learn, memorize, eat, sleep, drink, and follow the 4 rules. They are more than rules, they are laws. They are commandments. They are the be-all end-all of keeping you and innocent people safe.

 

[romma]

Welcome! In CT where I live, I had to take the NRA basic pistol course... Then I got my permit (which you need to purchase a handgun with few exceptions). Follow the four basic rules, and you'll be safe. Also, learn about the law in your state, or states that you MAY carry in (all states have different laws) so you don't end up violating any of the over 20,000 gun laws in this country...

 

[El Tejon]

Any advice? Yes, don't buy one . . . yet.

Get with your buddies and go shooting, see what you like. Know anyone with gray hair and the willingness to share? Go talk to him, see if he will let you borrow different guns. Is there a rental range near you? Go and rent different guns, see what you like.

Remember this and you'll be fine: when it comes to guns, the subjective is objective. What one likes becomes "the best what-have-you." Situations also control selection. Some owners never carry, some owners never shoot, some never train, some only carry to the range, some own guns to call attention to themselves (do a quick search at all of the "look-at-me-and-my-gun" threads here at THR).

Guns are simply tools and what I like may be vastly different than what you like. Liking is important because if you hate the weapon you will not practice with it.

Get some gun classes under your belt. Allow your software to make your hardware selections. There are big differences in the reasoning of what someone with many hours of education prefers over what someone with no training prefers. There is a reason for this. Go to school.

Try them out. Go to school. Commit the Four Rules to your everyday life.

 

[geekWithA.45]

Welcome!

Most definately take the NRA "intro to handguns" course. That will familiarize you with a wide variety of handguns, orient you to safety issues, and get you some range time.

The long and the short of the whole thing is that the biomechanical combination of you and your gun is entirely unique, and it'll take an investment of time & effort to sort out what works best.

If there really was a one size fits all, for any and all purposes gun, we'd have designed it, built it, simply called it "Thee Handgun", and be done with it.

First you will attain familiarity with arms, to enable you to make an informed choice in selecting your sidearm. Then, you should take the time for training and practice to become entirely proficient with it. Concurrent with this, you should review legal, moral and ethical issues surrounding the lawful use of force as pertains to your jurisdiction.

THEN you should get a carry permit.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Rent, borrow, and test drive for a while, months even.

Shoot them all before you plunk down your hard earned cash.

And congrats

Give serious consideration to a .22 rifle or handgun first and stop there for a while.
The .22 simply because of cost will allow you to send many more rounds downrange and that is where skill comes from.

I have lots of firearms and the .22s are still to this day the ones that ALWAYS go to the range, no matter what else I am shooting.

 

[antsi]

Reiterating what others have said:

DO NOT: Obsess about Glocks vs. (whatever else), or external safeties vs. internal safeties, or revolvers vs. semiautos. All these options are liked by some shooters and not liked by others. You don't know what you like yet.
DO NOT buy any gun without having shot it, or one like it, first.

DO:
Take a basic pistol safety and shooting course, as suggested above.
Go to a range where you can rent a lot of different kinds of guns, as suggested above.
Get together with friends or acquaintences who shoot, shoot their guns.

Right now your two main goals are:
1) get handgun safety ingrained into your head and hands
2) find out what you like
Actually buying a gun is way down on your list of priorities right now.

 

[quatin]

gunbroker.com

I've been mulling over gunbroker recently trying to pick up a deal on a handgun I want. Truth be told, you're probably better off paying the premium "convenience" price at your LOCAL gun shops. Most of gunbroker listsing appear to be gunshops in the first place and they still charge the same price, but now you have to pay for shipping and FFL. Not that gunbroker is never a good option, but expect it to be a while before you can spot a good deal.

 

[BADUNAME13]

http://www.advantagearms.com/conversion_kit.html

 

[g5reality]

+1

Reiterating what others have said:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DO NOT: Obsess about Glocks vs. (whatever else), or external safeties vs. internal safeties, or revolvers vs. semiautos. All these options are liked by some shooters and not liked by others. You don't know what you like yet.
DO NOT buy any gun without having shot it, or one like it, first.

DO:
Take a basic pistol safety and shooting course, as suggested above.
Go to a range where you can rent a lot of different kinds of guns, as suggested above.
Get together with friends or acquaintences who shoot, shoot their guns.

Right now your two main goals are:
1) get handgun safety ingrained into your head and hands
2) find out what you like
Actually buying a gun is way down on your list of priorities right now.

Great Advice. Go to a range and shoot as many guns as you can and buy the one that feels best in your hands. I'ma Glock Fan and think for a first gun the 9mm would be best. The .40 would be too much for a new shooter.

Great advice on this thread.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Circumstances

WestonSmith,

I don't know enough about your circumstances to recommend.

Age? Live at home (with parents)? State/City you live in?

Previous shooting experience?

Intended activities (self defense, targets, IPSC, some hunting, hiking, motorcycle riding, other)?

Plans for future weapons? Is this it? Hope to get more pistols? Rifles?

Offhand, I'd be inclined to say make your first purchase two guns, not one.

One pistol in .22 and the other in your business calibre.

Practice takes ammo, ammo takes money.

You can get a lot of range time with a .22 for minimum bucks and smooth out basic technique.

Still, I don't know enough about you, your needs, your limitaions, and so on to make an intelligent recommendation.

More data please?

 

[Essex County]

For a first carry gun, put me in the revolver camp. After 40 plus years I usually carry what I started with....a J Frame Smith in .38 Special. It has a very simple manual of arms and is dead reliable. It's quite easibly concealed and not a chore to tote. If I was starting today I'd probably buy a 642. I sometimes arry 9mm or .45 ACP's, but the J Frame really suits MY defensive needs quite well. Good Luck on whatever your choice. Essex

 

[repsychler]

WestonSmith,

As others have said, try to get some hands on experience with different guns before making a purchase. Borrow some friends guns if you can, or find a range that rents them.
If you post your location, there may be some nearby THR folks that would be willing to hook you up. There are a bunch of people here that will bend over backwards, forwards and sideways to help a newbie.

 

[NYReload]

.45

but seriously, shoot as many as you can. buy the one you like most

 

[mbt2001]

For a first gun, you should purchase a .38 / .357 revolver with a 2", 3" or 4" barrel. I would actually recommend getting a Ruger or Rossi in .38 or .357. Revolvers are easier to load and unload, to visually inspect if loaded, to clean and to care for. A .357 will shoot .38 special rounds. A .38 special WILL NOT shoot .357 rounds.

Once you have gotten used to it and can shoot and handle the gun well, then go out and get whatever you want.

Welcome to The High Road...