tips and advice needed for starter gun

[Crashbox]

That's the one, Bill In Utah. Thank you for the reassurance on my choice and also for the very important warning to be safe!

When I was in the store handling the gun, the only thing I checked was the "feel" of the cylinder after I swung it out (quality machining IMO)- even though it was indeed unloaded there was NO WAY I would test the trigger in there! Maybe I'm a bit paranoid but I *seriously* doubt I will ever change in that regard.

Yeah, the waiting period is a bummer but perhaps it's time to get a CCW permit again 'cause there's no waiting period if you have one in Warshington State.

 

[SuperBusa]

Originally Posted By: Crashbox

When I was in the store handling the gun, the only thing I checked was the "feel" of the cylinder after I swung it out (quality machining IMO)- even though it was indeed unloaded there was NO WAY I would test the trigger in there!


When I'm looking at guns I always ask the guys behind the counter if it's OK to dry fire it. I want to know how the trigger feels, and on a revolver I like to test the singe and double action trigger pull.

All center fire guns should have no problem dry firing them. Of course, you don't want to dry fire a rim fire gun, like a 22 LR, as the firing pin will hit the edge of the chamber and damage the tip of the firing pin.

 

[Crashbox]

I guess I have an awful lot of old school in me- even though I knew Ruger mentioned in their manuals that it was OK to dry-fire their revolvers such as the GP100, I still would not do so without something such as an eraser or one of them newfangled "Snap-Cap" thingies. I just can't bring myself to do it.

 

[greenaccord02]

I would never buy a gun without feeling it's trigger pull.

That said, you made a good choice.

 

[HyperJinx]

If you want a firearm for under $400 and it being your first handgun, I suggest getting a revolver. It is much easier to buy a quality revolver for that price than a semi-auto.

 

[FL-400S]

I recently got my first HD gun. I got an XD-9 full size. It was a bit more than your price range, but IMO is a perfect first gun. I bought the gun, kept it unloaded and learned it inside and out (youtube rulez), then took 2 classes and some range time. I feel very comfortable with it. Two safeties, but none you have to think about.

It is an addicting hobby. Now I want a 12 ga and once I get my CCW probably a Bersa Thunder .380 cc if .380 becomes available again

Hard to find and pricy right now.

Can't go wrong with a Glock, XD, M+P, or Ruger SR9 IMO. Watch Nutnfancy's videos, they are great. The glock 27 (.40sw) had a little too small of a grip for me, but a better carry gun than a full size XD.