Hello from WI

[Wrench]

Hey everyone. Names Derek and im now to the gun world. I have shot shotguns at trap shooting but thats about it. Looking to buy my first handgun for recreational and target shooting. Kinda looking at the Sig Sauer 250 based on multiple barrel calibers.

One quick question, when its coming to buying gun online, whats different than if you bought one in a store?

reason i ask is because all the people that work at the only local gunstore dont give me the light of day or just give me short dont waste my time answers.

im 22, never gotten intouble with the law, and dont look like a stupid gangster type.

[Todd]

Welcome to the forum!

All members are encouraged to be familiar with the Forum Guidelines , so please take a few minutes to review them if you have not done so already.

The difference is you can't handle the guns on-line. If you know what you want, by all means shop on-line. Keep in mind that when you buy a pistol on-line, you have to have the pay shipping and also have to have it sent to a gun shop, who will charge you a FFL Transfer fee (fee for paperwork). So in terms of price you need to compare gun+shipping+FFL fee vs. gun+sales tax. Even though you may not like the local shop, it may be better for you wallet. Or it may not.

[dondavis3]

Welcome from North Central Texas.

I personally do not like to buy on line (esp. if it's used).

I like to feel the gun .

If you do buy on line you'll need to find a local guy with a FFL to ship it to, and they charge to do that.

I hope you find the gun you want.

[Wrench]

So basically going in the actual store is best bet and cheaper

[zetti1]

Welcome to the forum. I used to feel the same way about my "now favorite" local gun store. In retrospect, part of it was my defensiveness not knowing anything about guns. Part of it was their "arrogance." As it turns out, they were not really arrogant, they just didn't have any people skills and when I went there, it was their busiest time. Once I got to know them, my whole attitude changed about them and the shop. This may or may not be your case. I go to area shops, find the gun that I like and then compare prices both in the city and online. I personally like to do business locally even if costs me more. If it is a LOT more, I would not hesitate to buy online. You usually will not have to pay sales tax when purchasing online, but you will pay more when getting the gun through a local FFL dealer...often times it is a tradeoff. Don't hesitate to barter with the local shop. The only thing they can say is no. I hope this is somewhat helpful.

[dondavis3]

Wrench

No not necessarily so.

It can in fact be a little more expensive to way more expensive to buy in a store.

But I like to feel - handle my guns when I buy them

I like to check them out.

If you add the shipping cost & transfer cost to a gun bought on the internet - the price difference is much smaller than it appears.

I believe that gun shows are the cheapest place to buy.

But you have have done some online research to know exactly what a gun is worth.

I hope this helps.

[buck32]

Welcome from Big Sky Country.

[Wrench]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll look at prices online and then see what they can do at the gun shop.

As for u who do buy online, what are some reputable websites to buy from?

[banjar]

Welcome from NC

[Kent]

hi Derik, also from WI. I'm still shopping for my first handgun, an dI know what you mean about some of the gun dealers. Ya almost need a $100 bill sticking out yer shirt pocket to get their attention.

You don't say what part of WI you are in, but i've had great service from Shawano Gun &Loan. bought a few long guns there, new and used. they know their stuff and don't look down on ya.

good luck, Kent

[Wrench]

im about 10-15 minutes from appleton. you know of any ranges in the appleton area that rents out guns to try at the range? Im hoping to test out a XDm 9mm but i cant find any ranges around here that rent guns.