To gun owners out there...

[blake0812]

I'm interested in getting a Colt 1911 pistol, never had a gun before so I think it might be a cool thing to experience using. Question is, where do you buy your rifles/guns from? I haven't the slightest clue where to start at.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I buy mine from a local trusted gun dealer. Or Academy.

Gun Shows are a good place to start.

 

[jlee]

I'd recommend going to a range and renting various handguns - you may find that some are far more comfortable for you to shoot than others. Some people like 1911's, some like Sigs, some like H&K's, etc.

 

[z1ggy]

I buy mine from a local trusted gun dealer. Or Academy.

Gun Shows are a good place to start.

Gun shows are great places to experience handling a crap load of firearms, but generally have outrageous prices.

My advice is go to a gun show, and hold a bunch of pistols. Pick your favorite few and ask the person at that table to show you how it takes down and puts back together. I was very interested in a Ruger until I saw how complicated (compared to my M&P) to take down.

Then, shop around online. Cheaperthandirt.com can have good sales (usually not on popular models) or GunBroker.com

Then, you'll need to find a gun dealer that has an FFL license and can transfer the gun to you. Or, if they have good prices you may be able to find a firearm in person, but my experience has been that they do not.

Edit: And as JLee says, any range that lets you rent firearms to try out is also great. Your favorite firearm will be the one you shoot best.

 

[NutBucket]

Well, best place to start is with a friend that knows/has guns. Then head to a range that has rentals. The ranges around here typically charge $10 for rental....as many as you want. The only caveat is you have to use their ammo.

The only problem with range guns is they may not be maintained very well. I rented a 9mm P226 once that wouldn't fully cycle. Probably a combination of a dirty gun and/or light (re)loads. However those same reloads had no issues cycling my friend's P226.

 

[rudeguy]

I'm interested in getting a Colt 1911 pistol, never had a gun before so I think it might be a cool thing to experience using. Question is, where do you buy your rifles/guns from? I haven't the slightest clue where to start at.

If you are sure you want a 1911:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_1171/Handguns/1911s

Otherwise just go to a local gun shop. The guys working there generally like to help people and LOVE to talk about guns.

EDIT:
For your first purchase, I would not go to a gun show. Those dealers are the used car salesmen of the gun world. Pay a few bucks more and go through a reputable dealer until you know what NOT to get.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Go the highest crime rate area in your part of town or city. You can get hand guns there cheap and easy!!!

 

[poofyhairguy]

Yeah don't buy at the gun show, just go to get a feel.

 

[HumblePie]

gun shows are snake oil shows. Unless you know exactly what you are looking for and know a bit about guns while haggling, you are going to be more than likely screwed on price.

 

[eng2d2]

If you are sure you want a 1911:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_1171/Handguns/1911s

Otherwise just go to a local gun shop. The guys working there generally like to help people and LOVE to talk about guns.

EDIT:
For your first purchase, I would not go to a gun show. Those dealers are the used car salesmen of the gun world. Pay a few bucks more and go through a reputable dealer until you know what NOT to get.

great price

op gun store

 

[JulesMaximus]

Go to a reputable gun shop. They will take the time to talk to you and show you various guns.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 1911 style gun for a first gun. They have a short light trigger pull and typically chambered in .45 ACP and as such they are not the best choice for n00bs IMO.

Get something like a Sig-Sauer 9mm or .40 or better yet a medium frame revolver.

 

[smackababy]

I don't think Colt makes the 1911 anymore. The closest is the 1991 IIRC. The XSE might be closer or just as close.

Jules really nailed it though, a 1911 isn't great for beginners. Even if you can find a .38 chambered model (Colt Commander or something similar), it still is a lot of gun.

 

[shortylickens]

I'm interested in getting a Colt 1911 pistol, never had a gun before so I think it might be a cool thing to experience using. Question is, where do you buy your rifles/guns from? I haven't the slightest clue where to start at.

check google maps for gun stores.
Then check google for gun shows.

Then check your state laws cuz you may have to go thru a training class before you can do anything else.

 

[smackababy]

check google maps for gun stores.
Then check google for gun shows.

Then check your state laws cuz you may have to go thru a training class before you can do anything else.

Or get some kind of crappy gun owner ID card... That has to be illegal somehow. IL has the stupidest gun laws. They certainly don't stop people from being shot in Chicago though.

 

[amddude]

In Louisiana you just show up to a gun store and buy it.

Going to a reputable range where they do rentals (fyi it's a rent-at-range thing not take home) and shoot a little.

If you're not going with someone more familiar for god's sake watch this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COvFyw-6Fqs

When you are moving the gun DO NOT aim it ANYWHERE other than down range. People almost always forget that and start talking and gesturing with it and what not.

 

[NutBucket]

Great points on the 1911. It's a great platform but it wouldn't be my first choice in a self-defense scenario.

 

[SandEagle]

its a trap.
OP is an agent of the law out to find out who owns guns. your info has been placed into a government database.
it is 2014. how could you not know where to buy guns? do you even google, bro?

 

[edro]

Gun show. Get to see every model and vintage known. Best prices and if you buy from a private seller, nothing tracking the gun to you.

 

[NutBucket]

....if you buy from a private seller, nothing tracking the gun to you.

Highly state dependent....

 

[JulesMaximus]

its a trap.
OP is an agent of the law out to find out who owns guns. your info has been placed into a government database.
it is 2014. how could you not know where to buy guns? do you even google, bro?

LOL! If you purchased a gun legally within the past 25 years you're already in a government database.

 

[NutBucket]

I don't buy that Jules. In many states I can sell you a gun face-to-face sans paperwork. Good luck tracking that.

 

[irishScott]

I'm interested in getting a Colt 1911 pistol, never had a gun before so I think it might be a cool thing to experience using. Question is, where do you buy your rifles/guns from? I haven't the slightest clue where to start at.

You'll probably find the best prices/selection online, but you should still go to the biggest gun store nearby. Staff there will walk you through the process, give you advice, and you can actually hold any gun you want to see how it fits your hand. Who knows? You might find something you like even better (although being a 1911 fan myself I find it hard to believe ).

For 1911s specifically, this is also a great forum: http://forums.1911forum.com/


As for what to buy, there are about a gazillion different variations of 1911s in any number of configurations/caliber/quality levels. If you're dead set on a Colt-branded 1911 your options will be fairly limited and on the expensive side, but you'll get a quality firearm that'l last a lifetime in return. Beyond that, only way to get an idea of what you want is to know what you want the gun for and start looking. Here are a few of the more common options, listed roughly from least expensive to most expensive. Costs range from sub-$500 to around $1800 depending on model, note that brands often have a range of costs, some generally more expensive brands do have cheaper options. This list is not exhaustive.

https://us.armscor.com/products/
http://www.americantactical.us/8/catalog.html
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr1911/models.html
http://www.springfield-armory.com/1911-series/ (My personal favorite )
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757754_-1_757752_757751_image
http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911
http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/pistols-1911.aspx
http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/pistols-1911-traditional-models.aspx
http://www.colt.com/Catalog/Pistols.aspx
http://cz-usa.com/product-category/dan-wesson-2/

There are also many high-end custom 1911 manufacturers that will charge you $2000-$5000 for about the best-made gun you could possibly buy, but I certainly wouldn't recommend them for a first gun even if you have the money. Go to them when you want to splurge (there's VERY little a $3000 1911 can do that a $500 one can't) and know exactly what you want.

You'll note that you cannot buy direct from the manufacturer. This is US federal law, which requires that all new guns be transferred through an FFL (Federal Firearms License) holder, aka a gun store for delivery. You can buy online, but the firearm must be shipped to a local FFL holder and then transferred to you after the background check, which will add about $20 in processing fees. In many states (but not all) you can buy from a private individual without restriction, other states require a background check anyway and still others restrict private sales altogether. Google your local laws, breaking any gun law is usually considered a felony. Safe bet is to go through a gun dealer.


As for where to buy, there's the afore-mentioned local gun store(s), but beyond that the most popular options are:

www.gunbroker.com
The eBay of guns, but a lot of gun stores post some of their inventory online. Look for sellers with good reviews and an FFL badge on their wares.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/Genie/Default.aspx
The Amazon of guns, but many models are often out of stock and sell out quickly when restocked.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php
Good selection and prices but has had some shady customer service issues in the past.

Beyond them there's a multitude of dealers who post their stuff online, just google "buy *insert model here* online" and any number of results will pop up. Do your homework though, some are more reputable than others.

 

[irishScott]

I don't think Colt makes the 1911 anymore. The closest is the 1991 IIRC. The XSE might be closer or just as close.

Jules really nailed it though, a 1911 isn't great for beginners. Even if you can find a .38 chambered model (Colt Commander or something similar), it still is a lot of gun.

I dunno, weight counts for a lot. My first gun was a 1911 and I had zero issue with it, I've also introduced new shooters to it and they loved it. I'll concede it's not the "best" new gun given the more intricate operations and cost of ammo, but there's nothing wrong with it either.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

A steel 1911 is perfectly fine. Hell a full size steel 1911 has less kick than most plastic 9mm and .40s.

I think a 1911 is a great first gun for someone who is interested in the mechanics of guns just as much as shooting them.

Couple of things with 1911s - buy new, particularly for your first one. Lots of home gunsmiths play with them, and it's not always immediately apparent.

Read up on where to look for "play". Colts tend to be fairly rattle-y and their grip safeties aren't always fitted that well. There are plenty of guides on what to look for. Personally I only have an issue with this when you're in the >$1000 area, which you will be with a colt.


My suggestion is to get either a rock island 1911 with the newer nicer logo, or get a springfield range officer if you're willing to spend a little more money. If you REALLY want a colt I would personally get the basic series 70 to avoid the more complicated firing pin blocks.

 

[dabuddha]

I've used various online places to purchase my firearms. Almost every single local gun store in my area was overpriced. I've used gunbroker, palmetto, red's trading post, and 1 other I can't recall at the moment.