Would you buy a CC gun without shooting it first?

[fridayxiii]

I'm considering getting my CWP, and have four or five options in mind. The problem is that I don't think I can shoot my early favorites before buying. Local gun shops rent two, but the other two (or three)...nope. And I don't have any friends I can borrow from either.

For the record, the guns I don't think I can shoot before purchase would be: Sig P938, CZ Rami, Walther PPS.

I haven't shot a sub-compact but understand they're a different experience, so I'd be hesitant to buy one without getting a feel for the increased recoil from a smaller framed gun. I don't wanna buy one only to find I can't shoot it comfortably, or well (especially for CC).

In this case...what would you do?

 

[tarosean]

Truth be told shooting it is only part of the equation. You may not care for a lot of the aspects of a carry gun, loaded weight, shape/size, texture, edges, available holsters, etc. It's all about what works best for you.

But to answer your question I have bought a gun to carry without ever shooting it, M&P45C, I bought it for its ergonomics and disposability (i.e. wouldn't care about road rash, etc.) while on my motorcycle..

I just bought another gun that I want to carry but must do a function/reliability test before putting it in rotation, since it was used.

 

[Nushif]

Tough choice.

I have bought guns before without shooting them and have had mixed results. Some ended up working great, others just weren't my thing.

To be honest if you're at all financially stable and you can afford a hobby like shooting I wouldn't call it "reckless" or "ill advised" to make an educated guess and get the one you feel would be best.
Oftentimes I wonder why there seems to always be this handwringing about buying guns. Shooting them first, waiting a week, doublechecking, reading bad reviews on the internet and a consultation by the Dalai Lhama for proper Zen aren't exactly how I buy guns and I'm a pretty happy gun owner with only a few regrets. 8)

tl;dr
Make an educated guess would be my advice.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Unless you can find a friend who owns one like you're considering, or a rental, you seldom have a choice... I'm almost never that lucky.

Worse yet, a friend's gun or a rental isn't necessarily the same gun (in terms of action, feel, etc.,) that you'll end up owning.

You just make the best choice you can, and try to make it work. Sometimes youwill and sometimes you won't -- and you sell it or stick it in the safe (or sell/trade it.)

 

[hentown]

I bought my daily-carry G26, having never shot a G26. I didn't expect any surprises, and I didn't get any, except a really nice, lightweight, accurate, dependable daily carry piece. Also bought one for my daughter and one of my sons.

 

[WC145]

I've bought very few guns that I was able to test drive before purchase, whether the actual gun I was buying or something similar, no rental ranges around me. You just have to educate yourself and see what you can try on for size and feel at your local shops then hope for the best.

 

[joecil]

I don't even consider a gun for carry until I've put at least a 1000 trouble free rounds through it. Until then it is just a gun I own in my collection and not for daily carry at all. Those that I buy with that thought in mind don't make it they get sold and something else takes their place in the rotation. I rarely get to shot a gun before I buy it as I do tend to buy new and not used. Though I often rent one like I'm planing on buying to see how it feels first before buying a particular model. However even with that you don't really know as no two are really identical when it comes down to it like a car they differ often in the same make, model and year.

 

[tomrkba]

Have you done any training? This is the single most important aspect of concealed carry. One side effect of the training is that you'll learn what you need, want, and dislike regarding a gun. If not, you likely have no idea what attributes to look for in a carry gun. Height, length, width and weight are obvious. But what about the length of pull? What is the range of trigger weights you prefer? Does the gun cut your palm or finger? Are the controls large enough? Which sights work best for you? Is the magazine release located in the correct spot so you can reach it with either your index finger or thumb? Does reloading quickly have a tendency to catch the skin of your hand? Is the magazine well beveled properly? Does the grip checkering feel good under recoil or does it chafe? Does the recoil feel too sharp? Can you find accessories and parts for the gun? Can you modify the gun yourself or is a gunsmith required? Are the sights replaceable?

The whole round count thing (as break-in, rather than training) is generally overstated unless you're using a 1911. I've put revolvers, SIGs and Glocks into the carry rotation after 100 or 200 rounds, provided JHP ammunition worked properly. It's quite a different thing if you're not confident in your shooting.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I've bought several carry guns without being able to shoot the same model beforehand... but they never get carried until well wrung out at the range. I've met many folks who start carrying a gun without ever firing it.... scary.

 

[AABEN]

I'm considering getting my CWP, and have four or five options in mind. The problem is that I don't think I can shoot my early favorites before buying. Local gun shops rent two, but the other two (or three)...nope. And I don't have any friends I can borrow from either.

For the record, the guns I don't think I can shoot before purchase would be: Sig P938, CZ Rami, Walther PPS.

I haven't shot a sub-compact but understand they're a different experience, so I'd be hesitant to buy one without getting a feel for the increased recoil from a smaller framed gun. I don't wanna buy one only to find I can't shoot it comfortably, or well (especially for CC).

In this case...what would you do?

If it is for self defense you will not likely be over 12 feet! Jest point and shoot. Jest get one that is not to heavy to carry for at least 10 hr.

 

[Bozwell]

I bought my Pro-Tek based only on reputation and my experience with similar CZ products. I've had it out at the range several times since and it's been flawless, although frankly I don't treat it like a workhouse at the range. Rather, I put several hundred rounds through it when I first got it using my carry ammo, and I'll occasionally run a box through it at the range. I also make sure to run a box or two through it if I make any adjustments, like when I changed the baseplate on my carry magazine.

Honestly, there's no way you can guarantee your carry gun or any machine will run reliably when you need it. In my mind, you should run at least a few hundred rounds through it to catch any glaring problems, and then just keep it in good shape with routine maintenance (both cleaning and replacing springs at regular intervals).

 

[fridayxiii]

Thanks for the replies all. I guess I feel a bit better, or at least have come to terms and made peace with the fact that we don't always get to try before we buy.

I absolutely would/will put any new gun through its paces at the range before EDC. I put 800-1000 rounds (both range and HD ammo) through my HD gun before considering it reliable and would do the same for a CC, no question.

 

[mljdeckard]

It depends on the gun. If I see a G-17/19 that is well-worn, I know it probably shoots just fine.

Shooting it before you buy it and shooting it before you carry it are two different things. And I think 1000 rounds is......more than I would need. I would shoot more like 200-ish. 1000 rds of 230 gr HSTs is $690, for pete sake. If you have a SINGLE malfunction, are you going to start all over again from zero?

 

[Unka-Boo]

Having made that mistake....no, if possible, shoot one first.

I bought a PF9 on a whim, carried great, but was plain uncomfortable for me to use. I have since settled with a G19, no complaints at all.

 

[tek610]

I did just that last Thursday. After exhaustive research, I bought a Kahr K9 that I intend to use for my edc.

I was unable to shoot one before I bought it.

However, I was able to hold (and shoot) its closest cousin, the P9, specifically, to get a feel for its size and the unique Kahr trigger. When I was considering other models (the RAMI among them) I tried to at least find one of each I could hold. It was during this research that my wife and I stumbled on the Walther PPS, which fit her perfectly. We wanted a Shield, but couldn't find one to hold, so I suggested the PPS as being similar and once she held it, she knew it was the one.

I'm sure the Kahr will be great for me, despite never having shot one. The only difference between it and the P9 is weight/felt recoil.

Bottom line- do enough research and trials and you can discover generalities about what works for you. It can help mitigate the risk of buying a model you've never shot.

Good luck!

 

[Dnaltrop]

As I don't have shops with ranges in them nearby, I've purchased all of my guns without firing them, regardless of the intended usage.

As to their actually being used for CCW, None of them are considered for it until after they've been function tested.

The M&P was purchased with the intent of CCW, with the mindset that it, the XD, and the Glock, (as modern NIB pistols) would be reasonably expected to function. I'm pleased that It does not appear to have been a waste of my money for something that won the contest on grip comfort and a lack of a LCI.

I also carry a Schofield replica at times, as with all of my guns that get worn on my belt, I "know" it will work from my own experience.

Test it as well as able in the shop, but it's true that nothing brings the problems out like live-fire.

 

[wally]

IMHO the most important property of a carry gun is that it be comfortable enough that you actually carry it!

Unless you wear layers of clothes in a cool climate, this pretty much means whatever is easy to carry won't really be a lot of fun at the range, but that is not what you are buying it for!

One of Kahr PM40, S&W SC360, or S&W Bodyguard 380 can always come along with me, no matter how hot is is outside.

 

[bluethunder1962]

sorry misunderstood question. Thought you wanted to carry a gun you never shot. I would never do that. I buy guns all the time to carry that I have never shot.

 

[g_one]

imho the things to consider before buying a CCW is how it feels, how heavy it is, holster availability, etc. If you like the way a gun fits in your hands, if you like the way the trigger action feels when you dry fire it, and if it's going to be small enough and not too heavy for you to comfortably conceal, then buy it.

Once you buy it, that's when shooting it comes into play. Take any gun to the range, even one you don't like the feel of, and if you shoot it enough and often enough you'll get the hang of it.

 

[erikk8829]

Bought many-Colt's Kimbers, Para-Ordanance, Walthers & numerous rifles & shotguns. Dont think I ever fired one first

 

[Ehtereon11B]

I am always an advocate for shooting a gun before buying it if possible. However there are always situations where you cannot fire something before slapping over that card and 4473 to get it. In that case do as much research as you can. Keep another firearm in mind as a baseline to compare it too. For example after I got my first handgun, I used that as a basis in terms of size, weight, trigger pull to all my future handgun purchases. Look up user reviews, go on youtube for videos. If you go through as much research as you can stomach, buy the handgun and you hate it...well you can sell it.

 

[Aaron1100us]

I bought my G33 having never shot one. I do have a G22 and like the way Glocks shoot. I can't shoot the subcompact as well as the full size but it works out great, has all the features I wanted in a carry gun.

Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Certaindeaf]

Keep your eyes peeled while you're at the range. Chances are someone will have one of your viables and'll probablly let you shoot it. Have patience.

 

[easyg]

Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith.

I've bought pistols after having shot them, but in the long run I just didn't like them as much as I thought I would.
And other pistols I have bought without shooting them turned out to become some of my favorite pistols.

 

[nwilliams]

I've owned well over a hundred guns over the years, most of them I never got to shoot prior to buying. I've never rented a gun at the range to decide if it was something I'd buy or not. The only time I've every fired a gun prior to buying was if a friend had one and after trying it I decided it was worth buying for myself.