Help me buy my 1st gun

[barhpr]

First of all, hello to all. Yeah Im a newbie, to this forum. Looking around and decided I'm probably gonna go with a SIG.. Im constantly riding motorcycles, and dont wanna limit myself here, so Im thinkin CCW is gonna be a possibility here. I guess Im wondering if there's any reason to why I shouldnt buy a used handgun? The way I see it is, Im guessing most guns spend 99% of thier life in a case, locked away. Remember Im a newbie so maybe I'm wrong? What all do I need to consider when buying a 1st gun? Im thinkin 9mm. I dont wanna go too small, and end up in boat syndrome. And buy a bigger one evey other year. Any input would be greatly appriciated!

[Shipwreck]

Some people have issues with a gun and then get rid of it because of this. Just read the various gun forums and see when people complain about a problem.

I know there are some members here who swear that they ONLY buy used guns - for the cost. And, I guess some people are paranoid and don't want to fill out the form with the serial # on it.

But, the only way I would buy a used gun would be to shoot it first. Not always an option at a gun store. But, if U buy from someone locally in your area, U could meet them at a gun range and try it. Out of all the guns I sold over the years, only 1 buyer insisted on this. And, this is the smart thing to do. Only way I'd even think of buying used.

I personally prefer to buy new. U get the warranty, which doesn't always pass on a used gun. And, its just my preference. I know the history of the gun if I am the 1st owner. Some members here will countermand me, as I said above... Some people love to buy used guns... As a 1st gun, though, I think U should buy new...

[Baldy]

Ships telling it to you right. If your new to guns how are you going to tell if this used gun is worth a hoot. There can be a whole lot wrong with a gun even if it does go bang. If you don't know how to check one out, you could be stuck with a real lemon. Frist gun, by new. Get some experenace and learn what to look out for.
Welcome to our world, and good luck.

[Revolver]

Even new firearms can have issues. That's been my experience. I like used because they're "broken in", choice of older models, and of course the value.

If you buy from a reputable dealer or a dealer you can trust, your chances of an issue are much lower(they'll check out their wares before selling) and if an issue should arise, they'll correct it. Don't know if you have a dealer you can trust though.

[tnoisaw]

Good points by those above. As far as caliber.



Personally, I would not have anything under a 9mm for personal defense. I own a .40, Glock 23. It’s a good trade of between a 9mm and a .45. A 9mm would be good to learn on. Find a good instructor and practice, practice, practice.

[-gunut-]

The choice of starting with 9mm is a good one. It is easy to control, and is cost effective. It is also a good defense round. Sig is a good choice. To me, Sig, HK, and Glock are umong the Top out there. I would suggest going with a new one for you first gun for reasons already stated. Well let us know if you have any questions on prices or the operation of the firearm. Welcome to the forum!

[SigZagger]

Good question. With many different answers. I'll answer with my experiences only. First, keep in mind, I've been around handguns since the 70's. Was trained as a LEO. Carried S&W revolvers and auto's. Most of my personal handguns were purchased new. Since I was familiar with S&W, I stayed with that brand. Four were new and one was used. Three out of the four new were returned to the factory for repair. The oldest (M3953) and my only used S&W was the toughest. Point being, new is not necessarily better. I'd recommend looking at an used LE trade-in. Some are dirty or dinged and have holster wear. You have to look past that and compare them. Many are in pretty good shape. The vast majority have only been fired for qualification purposes, and each has to be functionally reliable for street duty. Having said that, my S&W's are gone. I purchased an used LE trade-in Sigsauer P229. It was almost 10 years old. I sent it back to the factory to have it gutted. All new internals, magazines, etc. She's my new "keeper" handgun. I hope I didn't scare you away from a particular maker or a NIB (new in the box) purchase. If you do buy new, you will have the satisfaction of the warranty. But, in the case of S&W. They will repair any problems with their handguns for a lifetime. No matter who the registered owner is at the time. Good luck.

[Charlie]

................ And buy a bigger one evey other year. Any input would be greatly appriciated!

Be aware, you WILL be buying more guns often once you fall into the trap. A nice "factor refurbished" police trade-in, etc. would be inexpensive and probably be in very good mechanical shape (not necessarily looking like new). And if you didn't like the model, etc., you could still probably get your money out of it to put toward another gun. Just my $.02.

[jwkimber45]

Howdy!! Welcome to the forum!!! If you are new to guns my opinion is to stick with new guns until your get your feet good and wet. Another option is to have a trusted friend who knows the ins and outs of the used gun market and have him/her help you......

[waterburybob]

Your choice of Sig is a good one - they make excellent guns.

Is there a range that rents guns near you ? It would be a good idea to go and try out various guns before you buy.

The 9mm is a good way to start - good enough power, light recoil and ammo doesn't cost that much.

[J.R.]

Good advice from forum members,my $0.02 worth is to get a used Ruger revolver in.357mag uses .38spl also and built like a m-1 tank.S&W has plenty of used revolvers out there as well, great starting gun and very simlpe to use.Randall

[Davidq762]

I'd have to concur with J.R.

A .357 revolver is an excellent starting gun, and very reliable. Start out with .38 Specials and work your way up. Personally, I'd go with the 4" SS GP100. And you may consider getting it from Davidson's Gallery of Guns, (a distributor, you'll have to go through one of their dealers. See: http://www.galleryofguns.com/). They back every gun they sell with a Life-Time Replacement Guarantee.

I'm still of the opinion that the .357M is the most effective self-defense round. It's still one of the top selling after fifty years. One shot knock down in D.C.M.

[tnoisaw]

I agree here too. I started out with a Ruger Security six .357 and I loved it!

[Shipwreck]

Well, some people prefer semi-autos to revolvers. I've never owned one myself (but have shot them before). Nothing wrong w/ that either...

[Maximo]

Ships telling it to you right. If your new to guns how are you going to tell if this used gun is worth a hoot. There can be a whole lot wrong with a gun even if it does go bang. If you don't know how to check one out, you could be stuck with a real lemon. Frist gun, by new. Get some experenace and learn what to look out for.
Welcome to our world, and good luck.

Ditto on what Baldy said. Decide weather you want auto or wheel gun then by new for your first gun. There are many great reliable options out there.

[Shipwreck]

There are many great reliable options out there.

Yes, he can show how swift he is buy buying a P99 right now instead of searching thru gun after gun until he finds the perfect gun later

[Wandering Man]

Be aware, you WILL be buying more guns often once you fall into the trap.

Don't fall into my trap and assume that you will only own one gun. To do that makes your task impossible. There is no perfect gun, and trying to find it will make it really tough to make a decision.

Buy your first gun, and understand it will not be "perfect" but it will help you learn what you need to learn before you buy your next gun.

Have fun with the hunt.



WM

[2400]

Don't fall into my trap and assume that you will only own one gun.

WM

Only one gun.......... :smt044 :smt044 :smt044 :smt044

[Ala Dan]

Hello-

I do both, but I've been doing this gun thing for over 35 year's. If you
are indeed new to the firearms world, why not carry along a bud that
knows a little 'bout how to check potential weapons out? All you have
too do, is select the firearm YOU are interested in and have him check
it out. In some instances, I have ran across some great deals on used
firearms.

FWIW, explain to the sales person what is happening; so they won't
consider this a "straw purchase", which is illegal as per the BATFE
way of thinking.

[GeorgiaGlocker]

Good replys from everyone. My first purchase was a 380 which I found at a great price. I then decided, after alot of research, that Glocks were the way to go for me. So I went to my local range and rented several different Glocks in different calibers. I eventually settled on a Glock 19 for my first CCW carry weapon. I have also recentoly added the Glock 26. 9mm ammo is really cheap and I can use my 19 mags in my 26. But not the other way around. Bottom line: Go to a range and rent several different guns a try them out. The others are right. The will never stop at one handgun!

[Gutpile Charlie]

Barhpr, you were seeking advice for you "first gun"? From that I'm not sure what kind of experience you've had up to this point. There is no better way to learn basic shooting skills than with a rimfire revolver, however that doesn't fit the bill as to a CCW firearm. Assuming that you have mastered the basic skills of shooting and firearms safety, I am a firm believer in snubby revolvers for concealed carry. I've owned and shot just about everything and I am familiar with different firearms operations, and there are some that more user friendly than others. My wife and I both carry J frame Smith and Wesson revolvers, she carries a blued M-36 and I a stainless M-60, both 1 7/8" snubbies with compact grips. She has Crimson Trace laser grips on hers and I use the Pachmayer professional compacts. I carry this in my right front pocket with a Uncle Mike cloth pocket holster. Extra ammo is carried in a Banachi speed strip in my off hand rear pocket. I carry 24/7 and this is because of a real threat on our lives. A guy is presently doing 20 years in the state slammer for solicitation of my wifes demise..........and this threat was made from jail. With this hanging over our heads, I take concealed carry very seriously.

I am comfortable with just out any handgun, however the snubby double action revolvers will deliver what is needed, if ever necessary, and in the meantime, they are as safe as a brick sitting in my pocket or anywhere else. That is my prime concern,......saftey.

I'm a big guy, 6'2", 230 lbs and can carry in t-shirt and shorts with the J frame in my right front pocket. I can carry all day without any problems.

I do have preference as to revolvers. I've never owned, and probably never will own one of the new Smith and Wessons made with the alloys, castings, light weight metals, etc. I like them plain and simple with nothing to go wrong. I've never had a failure of any type with these revlovers, however I can not say that with nearly any of the other firearms that I have owned. They are as close to 100% reliable as you can get. I can also also reccomend the Ruger snubbies as they are built like a tank and I've not heard any bad reports on them. The other current revolvers? Well, you pays your money and take your choices. Nuff said?:

What about auto's? Well, I've owned and used a number of them and still prefer the simple revolvers. Autos come in all types, single action, double action, double action only, decockers, exposed hammers and concealed hammers. They all have their uses and too me, carry varying degrees of safety, the concealed hammer, manual safety being the most dangerous and the double action only being the safest.

The nice thing about forums such as this as you can get a lot of varying input from all different kinds of people. Ask your question, sit back and see what kind of answers you get, then go make your choice.

Good shooting.