buying my first gun, need help?

[Young Grasshopper]

i am planning on purchasing my very first gun and wanted to know whats the best route to take, should i get new or used? i plan on filing my firearms eligibility check today with the state(i live in california). i keep hearing getting a used gun is the best way to go, and that getting a gun at a gun show is a good way to purchase one since theyre cheap there.


as far as recommendations, i did my research and found that a glock 17/19 was the best way to go. half the people tell me glocks are good and the other half say theyre cheaply made. my uncle recommended me to get a walther p99. when i mention this pistol to people everyone seems to agree its a great pistol.

 

[ViviTheMage]

What have you shot before?

Whatever you get, you want to be comfortable shooting...

I personally do not own any guns, but I have used a lot of my friends/siblings.

 

[Safeway]

Get a Sig Sauer. Glocks are cheaply made and ugly.

 

[IEC]

So are you looking for a carry weapon or one that ammo is cheap for to take to the range?

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Don't buy something based on what others like. Find something you like.

 

[Young Grasshopper]

just to take to the range, i dont plan to use it as a carry weapon. ive shot a glock before, it was OK. they look too cheesy though. reminds me too much of counterstrike when i see one(the default cheap pistol).

 

[Jadow]

what are you going to use it for?

Since it's your first gun, I'd recommend getting a revolver instead of a semi-auto, unless yo have a specific need for a semi auto.

 

[spidey07]

I wouldn't listen to what other people tell you is good. Go shoot some different ones at the range and you'll find one that fits well and you like. Also keep in mind ammo prices.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Glocks are definitely not bad guns. The online gun community is divided, mostly because there are a few Glock fanboys out there who act like Glocks are the best guns EVARR, so naturally there's some backlash. Most people regard Glocks as pretty decent for the price (around $500 for most models). They are not exciting but they are very functional and reliable.

One thing to keep in mind is your state's limit on magazine capacity to 10 rounds. This means you'll have to buy special blocked-off magazines if you get a semi-automatic pistol. On the other hand, revolvers rarely carry more than 6 rounds so they are not affected by that law. Remove the magazine capacity advantage of semi-autos and a revolver looks more attractive. They also have several other advantages. If you get a failure to fire, pulling the trigger again will automatically bring up a new round and fire it. No need to clear an obstruction. They're mechanically simpler. They don't eject brass casings everywhere. They're very quick to load in a pinch (semi-autos are only quick to load if you have spare magazines already loaded up). Not to mention they look awesome.

Main disadvantage to revolvers is that the ammo they fire tends to be a bit more expensive than ammo for semi-autos. That really depends on which calibers, though.

 

[Kirby]

.357 Mag

.38 specials are still somewhat cheap so you won't break the bank when you go to the range.

 

[MotF Bane]

Don't buy from research, go try shooting them.

 

[Auggie]

I don't own a Glock pistol, but I like them. They are not cheaply made. They are engineered to be simple and dummy-proof. I wonder how much of your (or others') bias is based on the fact that Glock pistols are often like you said, the default "weak" gun in some video games. Their reliability and ruggedness comes from their simple and forgiving design.

Fortunately, most major arms companies do make very reliable, very well-designed 9mm pistols, so it is hard to go wrong. Like others have said, it's worthwhile to go to a range where you can rent some guns. If you ask nicely and tell them that you need to try out a bunch of 9mm pistols because you're looking to buy one, often times they'll let you take it to the range for free to put a few shots on targets with each gun to get a true feel for the grip, weight and trigger pull for each gun.

Whatever you do, be patient- don't buy until you're positive you enjoy holding and shooting the gun.

 

[Young Grasshopper]

ya i dont like revolvers make me look too much like a cowboy. but they are very functional for a beginner from what i hear.

 

[Genx87]

I have shot a S&W .38 and .357. I found both guns fun as hell to shoot. They are revolvers. My dad also has a .22 pistol from God knows when. If you want something cheap to shoot the .22 is it. I think my dad bought 100 rounds for like 6 bucks.

I own an S&W M&P-15T. Someday I'll grab a pistol. Probably a .357.

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: Genx87
I have shot a S&W .38 and .357. I found both guns fun as hell to shoot. They are revolvers. My dad also has a .22 pistol from God knows when. If you want something cheap to shoot the .22 is it. I think my dad bought 100 rounds for like 6 bucks.

I own an S&W M&P-15T. Someday I'll grab a pistol. Probably a .357.

i like the heavy barrel 22s. they feel heavy enough to almost be a "real" gun, and the ammo is dirt cheap. if its just for range time, you can find a really nice semi auto 22 about as easily as a 22 revolver.

most ranges here in az have shops attached to them and will rent you many types of guns to practice with, shouldnt be much different in other places. give a bunch of styles a try, see what you like best.

 

[aigomorla]

the general concensus as well as mine is go out and at hold a few guns in your hands, and decide which you feel the most comfortable with.

After u decide on what model to get, then decide if you want used or new.

 

[Unheard]

Step 1: Move out of CA
Step 2: Understand gun shows aren't cheap

Ok, now with those out the way...

Glocks aren't cheaply made. They don't break. Most LEO's carry them.
M&P's are nice
The Ruger P94 in 9mm might be right up your alley if you can find one (Sub $350 used).
KEL-TEC's are mostly made for carry.
Sigs are decent guns, a bit pricey.
Walthers tend to be mixed. Some are good, some are crap, most aren't even made by Walther.

Stay away from a wheel gun for your first gun. It won't be as fun as shooting your 10rd (rolleyes) mag.

In the end, these are just my opinions. I'd say get a Glock (even though I'm not a fan... Uncomfortable to shoot for me. I like my M&P and P94 much better).

 

[Baked]

Move to a red state, buy fully automatic rifles with background check, shoot illegals.

 

[Unheard]

Originally posted by: Baked
Move to a red state, buy fully automatic rifles with background check, shoot illegals.

You forgot the last step. WIN! And buying a FA is a little harder than just a BG check.

 

[Jadow]

Originally posted by: Young Grasshopper
ya i dont like revolvers make me look too much like a cowboy. but they are very functional for a beginner from what i hear.

So you're worried about your "image" while at the range? Weak

 

[Tsaico]

Don't count out revolvers. If you are practicing shooting, they are a lot easier on the thumbs than a clip. Doing a few clips in a row, and that thumb gets tired reloading the mag. I myslef have a Sig Sauer 2022 and it is a solid gun for me. I tried a few different things at the range and rented different styles and came to this one.

I admit that I first bought the thing since it had more "cool" factor in a clip semi auto, but when I think back to renting what ones I tried, the revolvers were so much easier to load and re-load. It is tough to get the last couple of rounds into the MAG and after four or so of those, my thumbs get tired. At the range, it is firing the weapon that was fun, as well as target practice. I think the next pistol I buy will be a revolver for this reason.

/edited for correctness...

 

[edro]

OMG A GUN THREAD... I MUST POST!!!11one

Go to a local gun show and buy a used gun.

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Don't buy something based on what others like. Find something you like.

:thumbsup:


As long as you don't like Jennings, Raven, or High Point, that is sound advice.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Originally posted by: Safeway
Get a Sig Sauer. Glocks are cheaply made and ugly.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Originally posted by: Safeway
Get a Sig Sauer. Glocks are cheaply made and ugly.