buying guns over the web? **finally bought one!!!** What about ammo????

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Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
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Sig 226/9 stainless. Go check one out you won't long for anything else.

Glock is good if you like plastic grips and weird angle. I hate them but many love em.

S&W revolver for revolver.

Go to check them out anyway, rent and shoot them if you can. Gun should feel right to you balanced, fit hand like glove, easily hit target with comfortable recoil and that requires you try them.


I'd never buy a gun without trying it first.

I remember before I bought my first handgun I spent about $280 just on rentals and ammo settled on Sig and stayed there. I also have an STI I love but that's like 2k maybe my fav but i don't trust it under stress and rattling around in glovebox and such so it's a safe queen.
 
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Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
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just one with an informed opinion. Not rumors or stories they have heard.

I don't have time to search logging off but there are police departments who do reliability tests Sig, M&P, Glock, berretta wins contracts Taurus, and many others fail. If reliability is #1 I'd chose a weapon professionals use and Taurus aint it period.
 

boomhower

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2007
7,228
19
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Don't get to hung up on getting the slimmest thing out there. A good holster and belt make a world of difference. I carry a glock 27 on my off days and forget it's even there. I can carry a full size glock 22 with a jacket. I'm actually thinking hard about trading the 27 for a 23 to get something a little bigger.

Sig's are top notch guns but with the metal frame can be a bit heavy carrying everyday. I haven't looked at them in a while since they are typically more than I can spend but the P239 looks very interesting. I'm going to have to do some reading on that one.

Get to a range and try out some different guns. Glock's are love it or hate. I'm middle of the road on them. They are dead nuts reliable but don't fit my hand well, unfortunately I don't have any say in the matter I have to use one. XD's are similar to Glocks in that they are a plastic gun but have completely different grip angle and ergonomics. Another option is Kahr's. Small and very compact and also expensive for what they are IMHO. Ruger has the new LC9 slim 9mm that has just come out. It's to new for my taste. Give Kel-Tec's a look as well. I haven't done a ton of research on them but they seem to be solid guns, slim like you want, and pretty darn cheap.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
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Don't get to hung up on getting the slimmest thing out there. A good holster and belt make a world of difference. I carry a glock 27 on my off days and forget it's even there. I can carry a full size glock 22 with a jacket. I'm actually thinking hard about trading the 27 for a 23 to get something a little bigger.

Sig's are top notch guns but with the metal frame can be a bit heavy carrying everyday. I haven't looked at them in a while since they are typically more than I can spend but the P239 looks very interesting. I'm going to have to do some reading on that one.

Get to a range and try out some different guns. Glock's are love it or hate. I'm middle of the road on them. They are dead nuts reliable but don't fit my hand well, unfortunately I don't have any say in the matter I have to use one. XD's are similar to Glocks in that they are a plastic gun but have completely different grip angle and ergonomics. Another option is Kahr's. Small and very compact and also expensive for what they are IMHO. Ruger has the new LC9 slim 9mm that has just come out. It's to new for my taste. Give Kel-Tec's a look as well. I haven't done a ton of research on them but they seem to be solid guns, slim like you want, and pretty darn cheap.

Thanks for your input.


I'm holding off on going to the range until I can actually purchase one. Luger and S&W have a couple models that I'm very interested in. I haven't checked into Kel-Tec's much...I'll do that today.

I always try to get as much information as I can before I make an important purchase like this. I can't imagine leaving it up to what a salesman tells me.

Thanks again.
 

Minjin

Platinum Member
Jan 18, 2003
2,208
1
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You will always have a group of people who love Hi Points, Taurus, and Keltecs. If you say anything about their lack of quality, they will swear that they've seen a Sig/HK/Glock blow up and kill the whole family. It's just a justification because the guns are so cheap and easily obtainable that the owners manage to convince themselves of their quality and superiority to anything else. Kind of like how the guy who isn't good with girls gets with a chubby and then is convinced that chubbies are the best.

Are some of them workable and functional guns that are good for someone who is on a strict budget? Yes. But, unless you are on a strict budget or a gun fan who just wants more stuff, you should probably avoid those brands. Think of it this way, if your buddy moved from New York City to the suburbs and wanted to buy his first car, would you recommend a Fiat or a Daihatsu? Probably not.
 

x-alki

Golden Member
Jun 2, 2007
1,353
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I can't imagine leaving it up to what a salesman tells me.

Thanks again.

Thats what I did. Asked people who knew about handguns, researched on the internet then I went to a gunshop to check them out. When I went in I knew what I wanted to see and what I didnt. A good saleman who doesnt push any one brand helps a lot.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
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so I just got back from getting my purchase permit and going to check out some more guns.

I started with the Glock 23 since everyone seems to say that is a solid gun. I compared it to the Taurus 709 and I was instantly hating the Taurus. It really felt cheap next to the Glock.

Next up was the Springfield XD. Great looking gun but they didn't have it in .40 for me to check out. I played with the 9 mil and while it looks really cool, its a bit big for a carry gun.

The problem is that they were completely out of the 23's and he said it would be weeks before they would get any more in. While he was checking I found a 27 in the used cabinet. It came with a laser sight and 2 clips for $600.

So now I'm sure I want a Glock but which one?

We'll find out for sure on Tuesday...
 

Minjin

Platinum Member
Jan 18, 2003
2,208
1
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Why are you set on .40? I've shot the 27 a bunch and I think it is a very uncomfortable gun to shoot. The 26 is much much more enjoyable.
 

Raduque

Lifer
Aug 22, 2004
13,140
138
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I just bought a Ruger P95PR15 and I absolutely love the way this pistol fits in my hand. I compared it to a Glock and a Hi-Point before I bought it, and the Glock felt "weird" to me, while the Hi-Point felt like a cheap toy, or an old gun (and it was brand new). The Hi-Point was also very barrel heavy and it had a thin grip with a giant magazine butt.

The Glock was definitely a tighter and smoother (action wise), but it just didn't feel right to me, and I'm also not really a fan of strike-fired pistols - I like a nice external hammer.

My Ruger is kind of a chunky pistol though, it's got a big slide lock lever and the manual ambi safety sticks off the side of the slide a bit.
 

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
Just got my Springfield Armory Trophy Match 1911 back from the Springfield custom shop. Can't wait to shoot it!

Had them do their defense package, add a fiber optic front site, and do their carry bevel.
They also replaced the hammer, barrel, and grip bushings for free!

Even before I sent it in for the custom work, this was my favorite gun to shoot.
 

x-alki

Golden Member
Jun 2, 2007
1,353
1
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Just got my Springfield Armory Trophy Match 1911 back from the Springfield custom shop. Can't wait to shoot it!

Had them do their defense package, add a fiber optic front site, and do their carry bevel.
They also replaced the hammer, barrel, and grip bushings for free!

Even before I sent it in for the custom work, this was my favorite gun to shoot.

Pics, please
 
Aug 23, 2000
15,509
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go to a gun show and buy one with cash out the back of a pickup truck. takes 30 seconds.

Glad you believe the bullshit spewed by the media.
try going to a gun show and let me know how many people will just let you buy a gun. You can legally do face to face purchases with individuals as long as you are both residents of the same state(and are in that that at the time of the transaction). 99% of the people selling guns at gun shows are dealers and make you fill out the 4473 form.
I've purchased a lot of guns in my day and I've filled out the paperwork on all of them.

Many of the guns people buy in the "projects" or from the back of a truck, are complete pieces of shit and typically are as dangerous to the shooter as they are someone who is being targeted by it.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
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Why are you set on .40? I've shot the 27 a bunch and I think it is a very uncomfortable gun to shoot. The 26 is much much more enjoyable.

because I...

well you see....

fuck. I really don't know. I just found out that I should be getting my tax refund tomorrow. That makes tomorrow GUN DAY!!!!
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
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Glad you believe the bullshit spewed by the media.
try going to a gun show and let me know how many people will just let you buy a gun. You can legally do face to face purchases with individuals as long as you are both residents of the same state(and are in that that at the time of the transaction). 99% of the people selling guns at gun shows are dealers and make you fill out the 4473 form.
I've purchased a lot of guns in my day and I've filled out the paperwork on all of them.

Many of the guns people buy in the "projects" or from the back of a truck, are complete pieces of shit and typically are as dangerous to the shooter as they are someone who is being targeted by it.

just ignore him. Its not worth your time to try explaining reality to him.
 
Aug 23, 2000
15,509
1
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because I...

well you see....

fuck. I really don't know. I just found out that I should be getting my tax refund tomorrow. That makes tomorrow GUN DAY!!!!

If you haven't fired .40SW through a gun the size of a Glock 23 you're in for a rude suprise when you do.
.40 SW isn't a overly powerful round or anything, but I and a lot of people find the recoil characteristics to be lacking. They create a lot of muzzle flip and make getting back on target a little harder.
If you like the G23, look at a G19 ( the 9mm version). I've had the G19 and G23 and the G19 is far better in recoil and follow up shots.
If you want a slim gun, look at the Ruger SR9.
Personally, you need to look at this from a different perspective. This is going to be a Concealed gun correct? Meaning you plan on it CYA. How much is your life worth?
Get a good firearm, a good holster, and the most over looked thing. A GOOD BELT.
I currently carry a S&W fullsize 1911 in a Galco Summer comfort holster. I also have a HK P2000 that I carried in a KHOLSTER, and sometimes carry a SIG P228.
You need to find a gun that fits you, that you can operate without thinking about it, and that you can afford to shoot often to become proficient.
You need to find a holster that has a re-enforced mouth so holstering it is easier and easier is safer.
then you need to find a good quality re-enforced belt. IF you plan on $600 for a gun, look at your costs being closer to $200-$300 more for the holster, belt and ammo.
And don't forget extra mags. Nothing sucks more than having to continually reload mags at the range.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
If you haven't fired .40SW through a gun the size of a Glock 23 you're in for a rude suprise when you do.
.40 SW isn't a overly powerful round or anything, but I and a lot of people find the recoil characteristics to be lacking. They create a lot of muzzle flip and make getting back on target a little harder.
If you like the G23, look at a G19 ( the 9mm version). I've had the G19 and G23 and the G19 is far better in recoil and follow up shots.
If you want a slim gun, look at the Ruger SR9.
Personally, you need to look at this from a different perspective. This is going to be a Concealed gun correct? Meaning you plan on it CYA. How much is your life worth?
Get a good firearm, a good holster, and the most over looked thing. A GOOD BELT.
I currently carry a S&W fullsize 1911 in a Galco Summer comfort holster. I also have a HK P2000 that I carried in a KHOLSTER, and sometimes carry a SIG P228.
You need to find a gun that fits you, that you can operate without thinking about it, and that you can afford to shoot often to become proficient.
You need to find a holster that has a re-enforced mouth so holstering it is easier and easier is safer.
then you need to find a good quality re-enforced belt. IF you plan on $600 for a gun, look at your costs being closer to $200-$300 more for the holster, belt and ammo.
And don't forget extra mags. Nothing sucks more than having to continually reload mags at the range.

Thanks!

I'm basically sold on Glocks now. That may change tomorrow after I go to the range but for right now, I want to focus on Glocks. They are well made, reliable and proven. Since this will be my first concealed carry gun, I want to focus on reliability first. I can always purchase a different one down the road.

I'm figuring on $450-$600 for the gun itself, $50-$100 for a holster, $100 for ammo. I didn't plan on getting a belt, but I could use a new one anyways. The holster and belts can wait since it will be 8-12 weeks (or more) before I get my CCW.

I'm way too excited that I finally get to do this.
 

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
Thanks!

I'm basically sold on Glocks now. That may change tomorrow after I go to the range but for right now, I want to focus on Glocks. They are well made, reliable and proven. Since this will be my first concealed carry gun, I want to focus on reliability first. I can always purchase a different one down the road.

I'm figuring on $450-$600 for the gun itself, $50-$100 for a holster, $100 for ammo. I didn't plan on getting a belt, but I could use a new one anyways. The holster and belts can wait since it will be 8-12 weeks (or more) before I get my CCW.

I'm way too excited that I finally get to do this.

I highly recommend The Beltman for a gun belt. you need a good sturdy belt to keep your holster on.
 

Minjin

Platinum Member
Jan 18, 2003
2,208
1
81
Get a 19 or a 26. You can't go wrong with either. 19 is the ultimate do everything gun but the 26 is slightly more versatile in size. Want larger mags? You can run 26/19/17 mags. A 19 slide or .22 conversion will even fit on the 26. In other words, you can make the 26 bigger but you can't make the 19 smaller. However, If the 19 fits you and you feel you can conceal it, that's what I recommend. Do some searching on any quality gun forum and any time a "best of the best" thread comes up, G19 will be one of the top ones mentioned, if not THE top one.
 

x-alki

Golden Member
Jun 2, 2007
1,353
1
81
Rudeguy, Does Michigan offer applying online and the electronic finger print/background check? Most counties in Indiana do. The L1 route will cut your time on getting the license from weeks/months to just a few days.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
Rudeguy, Does Michigan offer applying online and the electronic finger print/background check? Most counties in Indiana do. The L1 route will cut your time on getting the license from weeks/months to just a few days.

No :(

I have to wait til 3-1 before I can apply. Then I submit the application along with my CCW course completion paperwork. At that time I get fingerprinted and the background check done. That part only takes 5 minutes (I saw a lady doing it while I was getting my pistol permit). Then it goes off to the board that approves or denies them. That's what takes so long.
 

SilverThief

Diamond Member
May 20, 2000
5,720
1
0
I second The Beltman. Its expensive, but it will be the last belt you ever buy for Concealed Carry. Believe me, I went through about half a dozen belts before I finally came around to ordering one.

Go with the Glock 23, you want a a solid gun with solid stopping power. If you ever have to draw down on someone you may not get off more than 1 or 2 shots, those shots need to have enough punch to stop the threat.

just my .02
 
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marvdmartian

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2002
5,434
20
81
Glad you believe the bullshit spewed by the media.
try going to a gun show and let me know how many people will just let you buy a gun. You can legally do face to face purchases with individuals as long as you are both residents of the same state(and are in that that at the time of the transaction). 99% of the people selling guns at gun shows are dealers and make you fill out the 4473 form.
I've purchased a lot of guns in my day and I've filled out the paperwork on all of them.

Many of the guns people buy in the "projects" or from the back of a truck, are complete pieces of shit and typically are as dangerous to the shooter as they are someone who is being targeted by it.

Not to mention, but in Texas, no matter who you're buying from (at a gun show), you'd better have a Texas ID, or you're not buying from them. Friend of mine, (now retired) military stationed here, still had his Oklahoma drivers license, and couldn't buy a handgun at one of the shows they had here. :\
 

x-alki

Golden Member
Jun 2, 2007
1,353
1
81
No :(

I have to wait til 3-1 before I can apply. Then I submit the application along with my CCW course completion paperwork. At that time I get fingerprinted and the background check done. That part only takes 5 minutes (I saw a lady doing it while I was getting my pistol permit). Then it goes off to the board that approves or denies them. That's what takes so long.

That sucks. Ours is approverd /denied by the State Police Superintendent. The stae has a contract with L1 Security Solutions for background checks. It's pretty quick if you dont screw up the app.