[Pre-diddy]

I plan on buying a handgun soon. Hopefully in a couple weeks. I don't have much experience with them, but enough. There are a tone of options and its a little overwhelming trying to figure out whats best for me. So I was hoping to get some suggestions, or at least pointed in the right direction.

I want an auto, no revolvers.
Cheap. I love the Sigs, but those are a bit much for what I need.
Mostly range/plinking stuff, but would be for home defense too.
I'm not sure on caliber. 9mm or .40 seems right. I've shot a .45 a fair amount but I think if im just going to be putting a large volume of ammo through on a given day, it makes more sense to use a smaller caliber, and I believe cheaper ammo, correct?

 

[GTKrockeTT]

do you have any ranges nearby where you can rent various handguns? the perfect firearm to introduce you to the world of handguns will differ from others. looks aside, the best thing you can do is get a feel for the ergo and put a few rounds down range.

you are correct that the 9mm, or better yet, a .22lr, would be a safer bet to learn on versus the larger calibers. however, if the purpose is home defense, you may want to bypass the .22lr for now, and get nothing smaller than the 9mm. just make sure you get as much range and practice time as possible.

that said, i love SIGs, but they have increased in price dramatically in the past years. take a look at the CZs (SP-01 or P-01 come to mind), Springfield Armory's XD series get solid reviews, FN FNP9, Glocks...sky is the limit.

 

[Ed]

I agree renting different pistols at the range will give you an idea of what's most comfortable for you. I love my Sig 229. It's a red box Sig so it only cost me like 560. I've heard of the Sig Pro's going for really cheap especially at gun shows.

 

[Adler]

If you have a dealer in you area that does transfers, have him get a EAA Witness 9mm Fulsize polymer model from CDNN Investments. The non railed older model is on closeout for 250 new in the box. Its a polymer framed copy of the famous CZ75 made in Italy. Great guns. I sold one to a friend in 45acp a while back and he loves it.

 

[STiDreams]

What is your budget? I recommend that you by the most gun that your budget can stand.

 

[Pre-diddy]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I will look into your recomendations.

 

[Pre-diddy]

Ok, after a lot of research I think I am going with a Glock 19. It seems to make the most sense for my first purchase.

Unless I get to the store and get some freakish good deal on a Sig 229...



NOw I have another question though, maybe you guys could help with. Is there any law preventing me from buying a gun in a different state from which I live. Or more specifically, is it legal for me to buy one of the above mentioned guns in PA despite the fact I live in MD?

 

[MrMcCrackin]

Ok, after a lot of research I think I am going with a Glock 19. It seems to make the most sense for my first purchase.

Unless I get to the store and get some freakish good deal on a Sig 229...



NOw I have another question though, maybe you guys could help with. Is there any law preventing me from buying a gun in a different state from which I live. Or more specifically, is it legal for me to buy one of the above mentioned guns in PA despite the fact I live in MD?

do u have a PA drivers license?

the dealer may require residence in that state before they can complete the sale

you will need to look into your local laws and the laws of the state in which you intend to purchase said firearm

 

[Pre-diddy]

No, MD DL.

I know the Sig has some issues that in the past have prevented them from selling in MD, but i saw a disclaimer on their site that said it was now OK for them to retail thier guns in MD. But specific mfgs. aside are there problems that would prohibit me from puchasing a gun in a different state. I go to school in PA but live in MD. It would be easier to get the gun (Glock 19) thats only 2 mins away then go back home to to get it in MD.

 

[Ducman]

You have to purchase the handgun in the state you live in...federal law. you can get a handgun out of state and have it sent to your instate dealer... If the gun meets the requiremrnt of your instate laws

 

[Pre-diddy]

Ok, thanks.

 

[MrMcCrackin]

You have to purchase the handgun in the state you live in...federal law. you can get a handgun out of state and have it sent to your instate dealer... If the gun meets the requiremrnt of your instate laws

thanks ducman


its been a while since i had to fill out the ffl so i couldnt remember the specific residency question

 

[Gun-Nut]

I own both of these pistols. I love my sig and typically carry this, when I carry. But if you're buying your first pistol I'd highly recommend the G19. Ammo is alot cheaper, and parts are readily available. I typically buy 1000 round for $100 versus $180 for 1000 .40 rounds.

Ok, after a lot of research I think I am going with a Glock 19. It seems to make the most sense for my first purchase.

Unless I get to the store and get some freakish good deal on a Sig 229...



NOw I have another question though, maybe you guys could help with. Is there any law preventing me from buying a gun in a different state from which I live. Or more specifically, is it legal for me to buy one of the above mentioned guns in PA despite the fact I live in MD?