So I went to the gun shop today... I've never even held a gun in my life.

[EXman]

So today after dropping off my my car for a full detail I noticed that there was a gun shop right next door. Why not go in. A buddy was with me and I know that he was studying for his Kentucky Conceal and Carry permit and that he'd probably be down with looking around.

Yes I have never even held a gun in my life. I'm in my 30's and used to be staunchly anti-gun. I have many family members (1st cousins) in the military and I have quite a few good friends that are policemen. And in general I feel like now might be the time to actually purchase a first weapon.

Funny thing is though I felt like a baptist in a strip joint. Appehensive at first, strangely torn but very intrigued. Anyhow it was a strange thing but I actually enjoyed looking at the weapons, holding them and admiring the quality and design. I want to go back! I would like to purchase one as well. WHAT Me with a gun?! Yea wierd.

This is what I looked at:

Walther P323 or was it 232? Cheap but absolutely did not like the gun in any way.

Sig sub compact something that was really expensive for its size $800ish very comfortable grip but no safety and only a slide release.

Glock 9MM/.40 subcompact I loved these handgunds. light but decent heft. I neded the long finger extension though. It made all the differance.

S&W airlight 5 shot revolver slick and easy but very ugly and only takes 5 bullets.

My policeman friend told me to look at a Springfield XD too.
so I am trying to hold

What y'all think?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Revolvers are beautiful in their simplicity.

The airweight Smiths are almost useless except as a backup gun. They are just plain punishing to shoot at the range after a half a box of ammo...especially with +P ammo.

 

[montypythizzle]

an XD?!? XD!!!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Don't buy anything just yet. Go to the shooting range and put some lead down range with some rentals that you are interested in to see how they feel first.

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

Going into a gun store for the first time is an odd experience. I first went when I was 13 (accompanied by my dad), and felt kind of anxious since my dad always urged proper safety (and he wanted me to look like a good son in front of the owners). The people in gun stores and at the range are generally the friendliest people I get to meet. As long as you treat the weapons and people with respect, you'll be treated with respect. There's always an air of relaxation in a gun store - everyone is there for their hobby and has something in common.

 

[FDF12389]

That Glock 23(.40 sub compact) will kick like a mother for a newcomer to the scene.

I love the XD subcompact, and I love my S&W M&P, I would look at those too. You cant go wrong with a glock or a revolver either. Go to the range and shoot a variety of models and calibers. The first step in picking out a gun is choosing your caliber.

Edit: I should clarify that I only listed a few reliable and easy to operate guns in a lower price range. I can be more specific if you let me know what you are looking for and what you will be using the firearm for. For me, the most important thing is that the weapon fire when I pull the trigger, without exception, if you are on a very tight budget I would go with a revolver, you simply cannot beat the reliability for the price. I would not buy a cheap semi auto.

 

[GenHoth]

:thumbsup:

 

[SparkyJJO]

Originally posted by: FDF12389
That Glock 23(.40 sub compact) will kick like a mother for a newcomer to the scene. I love the XD subcompact, and I love my S&W M&P, I would look at those too. You cant go wrong with a glock or a revolver either.

Go to the range and shoot a variety of models and calibers. The first step in picking out a gun is choosing your caliber.

Agreed. I haven't fired much, but I do like the S&W M&P9.

 

[Baked]

Handguns are for pansies. Go for the shoulder mounted miniguns.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Revolvers are beautiful in their simplicity.

They also don't litter the ground with evidence ;^)

 

[BuckNaked]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Don't buy anything just yet. Go to the shooting range and put some lead down range with some rentals that you are interested in to see how they feel first.

Seconded

 

[cKGunslinger]

How much was it to get your car detailed?

 

[KillerCharlie]

Don't even think about buying a gun until you've fired several and are comfortable with them.

 

[xcript]

Originally posted by: Baked
Handguns are for pansies. Go for the shoulder mounted miniguns.

:laugh:

 

[jpeyton]

Purchase something you actually need instead.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Purchase something you actually need instead.

I like the wife intimidator 2000!!!

 

[oynaz]

Or the Suzi 9mm.

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Don't buy anything just yet. Go to the shooting range and put some lead down range with some rentals that you are interested in to see how they feel first.

Better yet, buy a Sig Mosquito or Ruger Mk3 .22 cal, and shoot the bejeezus out of them. Very cheap to get into the sport, and you will learn the right way to shoot.

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Purchase something you actually need instead.

It never fails to amaze me that someone who trolls as much as you do, is allowed to be a mod.

 

[Legendary]

I've been tempted to head out to a gun shop for the same reason as OP, but since I live in NYC not really much point in investigating

 

[edro]

OMGOMGOMG A new gun owner! Woohoo!

You will never go wrong creating a gun thread on ATOT.

I just can't wait for an anti-gunner to post in here and get flamed to hell.

Anyway... I would go to a range that has guns you can test fire.
You may hate or love the way a caliber or frame feels when you fire it.

I personally love compact .45 weapons. All that power in such a small package.

 

[spaceman]

i think you should strongly consider a revolver as there is little to no ambiguity with them.

 

[OpenThirdEye]

I have a Springfield XDm and I love it! Great gun for a great price! Plus I got the two extra clips, mag loader, and holster - which is now included with all XDs ...and I still paid less than what I did for my Glock!

 

[Elganja]

Originally posted by: OpenThirdEye
I have a Springfield XDm and I love it! Great gun for a great price! Plus I got the two extra clips, mag loader, and holster - which is now included with all XDs ...and I still paid less than what I did for my Glock!

I'm looking at the Glock 19x9 and Springfield Xdm 9mm... pretty sure I am going to go with the Xdm after firing my buddies .40 xdm this past weekend. The grip and overall feel (fit my hand better) of the springfield was much nicer then the glock. But it is also 100 bucks more, so the glock has the value on it's side...

with that said, i'm still a fan of the springfields... the bi-tone xdms like this are so sexy... probably will end up getting it... just waiting for the darn things to get in stock!

OP i would suggest taking a beginners firearms class. It was a great experience and they had like 8-9 different types of guns (a bunch of 9's, a 22, a 38 revolver, 40 and 45) to fire when it came to range time. I'm sure there are similar classes at ranges near you.

 

[Chunkee]

Springfield XDM...I just got a .40 cal. I have my carry permit...took a few weeks. I live in TN.