Shopping for new gun....

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chupacabrah

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Hi guys.


So I'm shopping for a new gun (my first), and I'm trying to keep it as close to under $500 as possible.

I've read a lot on here, shot some of my friend's guns, and just visited my local gun shop.

I've decided on sticking with 9mm for now, so I can shoot for less and therefore become a better shooter faster. Plus there is less recoil. Also full-sized, because I won't be carrying this weapon concealed--that will probably be the next one.

My major contenders right now are the XD9 "tactical", and the S&W M&P.
The XD at this gunshop is $499.99.
M&P is $489.99 (then the rebate plus 2 free magazines).


I would have included CZ75 in this, but I haven't held one, or even seen one in person. This gunshop said they hardly ever get them anymore, and I don't know anything about how to buy online with all that FFL dealer stuff esp in this state (NC).



In your opinions, are these prices decent?
Does S&W have some kind of warranty or guarantee like Springfield does?

and.... are there any other handguns around the same price range that I'm leaving out that I should consider?

also...what's the deal w/ the M&P trigger? It seemed kind of strange...hinged....weak looking. has anyone had problems with that?


Any input is greatly appreciated! I'm here to learn!

Thanks
 
The M&P trigger is their version of the Glock trigger. The idea is only a finger is going to be able to pull the trigger. I haven't heard of any problems with the trigger and I doubt there will be any.

It's a nice gun. I don't have one but have shot it and will probably buy one soon before the rebate is up.

The CZ is great too. My brother has one in 40. It's a very nice gun. There are a few different versions of it. He also has a 22 conversion kit for his so he can shoot all day out of the same gun if he wants. If you're looking to carry it though it's not your best choice. Holsters are harder to find and my brother is looking for something different to carry.

I haven't shot the other CZs but they look very nice too.
 
The prices are about par for a gunshop. You can get better deals online or at gunshows but it's certainly not a rip-off.

S&W has a great warranty and an excellent reputation for CS.

There's really a ton of viable choices in that category beyond the ones you mentioned. It really depends on what you're looking for in a gun.
 
the S&W MP comes with a lifetime warrenty,i have a MP45 and i love it
havn't herd any post on it but they will shoot wad-cutters like a champ!
i know because i put 100 rds of wadcutters through mine last saturday
(cheaper to shoot)i don't like to put an gun down so i'll just say i had bad luck with the XD i owned and i'll leave it at that.
have you thought about a GLOCK? i own both a glock and a s&w mp
both are fine firearms in my book,can't go wrong with either one
 
I would highly recommend a CZ75! I have two, with a third on the way. Budsguns usually has them in stock, and Gunbroker has them too. Just find a dealer close by, that will except transfers. I have a dealer that only charges $5, so I'm lucky, but check their fees first. Good luck!:)
IMG_0428.jpg
 
That is a decent price on the M&P. The sticker on my 9C was $499. It is a good gun, too. So are the CZ75s (I am very pleased with my PCR compact), but it may be a moot point if no one has one for you to look at.
 
Does S&W have some kind of warranty or guarantee like Springfield does?
Click to expand...

A few minutes web searching should get you the answer (which is "yes").

are there any other handguns around the same price range that I'm leaving out that I should consider?
Click to expand...

Under $500, with no requirement for concealability? Bunches. Products from Ruger and CZ jump right to mind, as does Taurus. Glock, too.
 
Thanks for all of the advice and info, everyone.

I think I'm going to check out some more of the stock locally, and maybe go back to the range and rent a few more guns before I decide for sure.
I'm definitely leaning towards the S&W though (that rebate and free mags is a pretty good push).

Glock is still an option, but if I can get the S&W for less, I'll probably go that way. My brother has a Glock, also, so I could still shoot it if I wanted.

I'll check out the Bersa thunders, too.

I would LOVE to have a CZ, but I don't know of anywhere around here that has them, and for my first gun i would like to hold/shoot one first. So maybe I'll get one of those next ;)
 
My first choice would be the CZ and the second the XD. I have shot an M&P and didn't think the trigger was that great. It was accurate but I had to really concentrate on the trigger pull to be consistent.
 
hey guys, following up on this.

After going to the gun store and handling several guns, and doing some research online and everything, I ended up deciding to pick up the M&P 9mm full size. although, after all of the suggestions in this thread, i've definitely added to my list of wanted guns!
I think I'm going to buy the wife a Bersa Thunder in .380 acp so she can go shooting with me sometime.

This is the first gun i have ever owned (I have a couple of paintball guns, and a bb gun....but obviously there is quite a bit of difference there).

I really like the feel of the MP9, the grips are great and the weight feels well distributed. It feels quite a bit heavier than the XD9 did, even though the one I held had a 5" barrell.

Sticker price was $489.99, $10 less than the XD. I liked the feel of the XD a lot also, but the $50 rebate with the two free hi cap mags really sold the M&P for me.

I also bought a Hoppes cleaning kit, two boxes of PMC target ammo, and one box of Speer Gold dots.

I took it down tonight and cleaned/oiled it, which was much simpler than I thought. The sear deactivation lever is kind of a pain, but its no big deal, easy to just push down with the little tool.

I probably won't get to go to the range until tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanks for all of the help and info, in this thread and on the board in general!
 
You might try this website if you want to save some money.

budsgunshop.com

They have the MP for 439 delivered
and the XD for 463 delivered.
 
Yeah she may end up liking the M&P. I let her hold it today, she said it's heavy.

Doh! I'll definitely check out Bud's Gun shop next time. I wasn't sure about the whole buying guns off of the internet. I made sure to ask today what the transfer fee is at my gunshop, it's $25. I I could have still saved a little!

But now I know for next time :D
 
Id look into Beretta and Sig as well, I own a px4 9mm. great ergonomics and in your price range, however, the p229 is also a great firearm, great trigger and i believe they come with night sights. if you can spend a little bit more, id say go with SIG SAUR.
 
For those that have missed it--THE OP HAS ALREADY PURCHASED HIS FIREARM

A buddy of mine just got an M&P9 last week. Spiffy little thing, and that rebate + magazines is awesome. Could use a trigger job (IMO), but definitely interesting. You did well.
 
For those that have missed it--THE OP HAS ALREADY PURCHASED HIS FIREARM

A buddy of mine just got an M&P9 last week. Spiffy little thing, and that rebate + magazines is awesome. Could use a trigger job (IMO), but definitely interesting. You did well.
Click to expand...

it's kinda funny everybody missed that :neener:

Yeah the trigger is a little long, but overall I like the gun a lot


hopefully I can build my collection up some more firearms in the near future :)
 
I'd highly recommend the XD. I've had 4, including the subcompact 40 I own right now. I think the grip angle and ergonomics on the XD make it a good handgun to start out with. If you happen to not clean it when you get home, it's no big deal. They are very robust guns that don't require alot of attention. Of course Glocks and any number of other pistols fit this bill as well.
 
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