Question Regarding Purchasing Handgun With Respect to Upcoming Election
- Thread starter Subject
- Start date
- Status
toivo
Member
Lots of good advice has been offered already, but I'll go ahead and piggyback ...
The detachable magazine is a wonderful invention. It allows makers to offer magazines in a variety of capacities. I'll echo what others have said about buying a handgun for which 10-round magazines AND larger-capacity magazines are available. For example, the standard magazine for a Glock 26 is ten rounds, but it can accept any double-stack 9mm Glock magazine, and they come in capacities up to 33 rounds. And if you don't like the look of a magazine sticking out the bottom of the grip, go for something like a Glock 19 or a SIG P320 Compact, both of which come with a standard 15-round magazine, but can also take an OEM magazine that has been factory re-jiggered to hold only 10 rounds. There are enough "ban" states that those magazines are plentiful and not too pricey.
And welcome to THR!
The detachable magazine is a wonderful invention. It allows makers to offer magazines in a variety of capacities. I'll echo what others have said about buying a handgun for which 10-round magazines AND larger-capacity magazines are available. For example, the standard magazine for a Glock 26 is ten rounds, but it can accept any double-stack 9mm Glock magazine, and they come in capacities up to 33 rounds. And if you don't like the look of a magazine sticking out the bottom of the grip, go for something like a Glock 19 or a SIG P320 Compact, both of which come with a standard 15-round magazine, but can also take an OEM magazine that has been factory re-jiggered to hold only 10 rounds. There are enough "ban" states that those magazines are plentiful and not too pricey.
And welcome to THR!
toivo
Member
Well, there are cheap .380s and not-cheap .380s, same as with 9MMs. What I think you'll find, though, is that .380 ammo is definitely NOT cheaper than 9MM.
DT Guy
Member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2003
- Messages
- 1,843
For a new shooter looking to CCW, I'd suggest something like a Glock 43 or S&W Shield in 9MM. Large enough to practice with, small enough to carry (and you'll typically go through about a dozen holsters and carry positions before you find what works for you), and in a 'serious' defensive caliber. Many .380's are too small to shoot for a 200 round practice session with any real comfort, and are below what many feel is the 'minimum' power level for personal defense.
While both can be used with larger magazines, in standard form they both carry <10 rounds, and aren't likely (or AS likely) to be subject to any future restrictions.
You're in a tricky spot in that your CCW will also be your first training pistol; many folks start out on a physically larger, but lower-recoil, gun like a .22LR, and move up to a 9MM, .40 or .45. Even then, experienced shooters often practice with a .22 to get in trigger presses and sight pictures with lower cost and less fatigue.
Larry
While both can be used with larger magazines, in standard form they both carry <10 rounds, and aren't likely (or AS likely) to be subject to any future restrictions.
You're in a tricky spot in that your CCW will also be your first training pistol; many folks start out on a physically larger, but lower-recoil, gun like a .22LR, and move up to a 9MM, .40 or .45. Even then, experienced shooters often practice with a .22 to get in trigger presses and sight pictures with lower cost and less fatigue.
Larry
JTHunter
Member
Welcome aboard Subject.
You might want to check local gun stores and pawn shops for used guns that might be lower priced. The problem is that, with this contentious election so close, there has been a LOT of "panic buying" and the guns available out there is pretty thin.
You might also consider a small (snub-nosed) revolver in at least a .38 Special +P. Even better would be a snubbie in .357 Magnum as you can practice with the .38s and keep the .357s for "defensive use". As for a 9mm over a .380, I agree that the 9mm is better, even though I have a .380 myself. But then, I've had that .380 for over 40 years.
Good luck in your search.
You might want to check local gun stores and pawn shops for used guns that might be lower priced. The problem is that, with this contentious election so close, there has been a LOT of "panic buying" and the guns available out there is pretty thin.
You might also consider a small (snub-nosed) revolver in at least a .38 Special +P. Even better would be a snubbie in .357 Magnum as you can practice with the .38s and keep the .357s for "defensive use". As for a 9mm over a .380, I agree that the 9mm is better, even though I have a .380 myself. But then, I've had that .380 for over 40 years.
Good luck in your search.
Riomouse911
Member
As was said, welcome. All of us here started new on THR at some point and we have all learned a lot from each other as we read what is said from gun people all across the US ...and even internationally.
I remember well my college years, starting the month with cash in my wallet and eating out on dates...and ending the last week penniless, down to popcorn and kool aid in the cupboard. Money means a lot when living like that, so I’ll Second the suggestion to invest a bit up front trying rental guns (if possible, many ranges can’t rent due to Covid) or finding ammo and shooting with friends who have handguns, to see what you like.
Over the years most of us bought a gun or two (or 4 or 5) that we read rave reviews about, our friends swore by them, or they looked cool... only to find out that we hated it after the first couple of times shooting it. That really hurts if it’s one that is pricy or has to go on a carry license.
Times are tight right now; people are snapping up guns and ammo like they were scrambling for toilet paper and hand sanitizer earlier this year. Prices are up, choices are down and locating anything to feed it may be hard to do.
Be patient, do some hands-on research and you’ll be happier in the end. Good luck with your search!
Stay safe.
I remember well my college years, starting the month with cash in my wallet and eating out on dates...and ending the last week penniless, down to popcorn and kool aid in the cupboard. Money means a lot when living like that, so I’ll Second the suggestion to invest a bit up front trying rental guns (if possible, many ranges can’t rent due to Covid) or finding ammo and shooting with friends who have handguns, to see what you like.
Over the years most of us bought a gun or two (or 4 or 5
) that we read rave reviews about, our friends swore by them, or they looked cool... only to find out that we hated it after the first couple of times shooting it. That really hurts if it’s one that is pricy or has to go on a carry license. Times are tight right now; people are snapping up guns and ammo like they were scrambling for toilet paper and hand sanitizer earlier this year. Prices are up, choices are down and locating anything to feed it may be hard to do.
Be patient, do some hands-on research and you’ll be happier in the end. Good luck with your search!
Stay safe.
Wow. I just have to say you guys are all very nice here. I really appreciate all the answers and I've read and carefully considered every single one. I truly do feel welcome.
A common idea among these replies is to go to the range and try as many practical CPL/CCW guns as I can get my hands on. I have a local gun store I have been to before when I was with my mom who was buying a gun. I will start with them and see if they are allowed to rent out guns during Covid. I can look for other gun stores and pawn shops after. I live in a rather secluded area of Michigan with not a lot of stores nearby but I don't mind driving far to find what I need.
Thank you all for helping me decide to purchase a gun sooner rather than later. It was what I wanted to do, but I don't have access to anyone who knows much about guns and gun laws so I am very thankful this place exists.
A common idea among these replies is to go to the range and try as many practical CPL/CCW guns as I can get my hands on. I have a local gun store I have been to before when I was with my mom who was buying a gun. I will start with them and see if they are allowed to rent out guns during Covid. I can look for other gun stores and pawn shops after. I live in a rather secluded area of Michigan with not a lot of stores nearby but I don't mind driving far to find what I need.
Thank you all for helping me decide to purchase a gun sooner rather than later. It was what I wanted to do, but I don't have access to anyone who knows much about guns and gun laws so I am very thankful this place exists.
wiscoaster
Member
Well, hey, so are you, so stick around. You're one of the gang, now, hee hee.
CapnMac
Member
A key "tell" is whether they have a range attached or not.
If they do not have a range on premises they are unlikely to rent firearms.
The gun store that is also an indoor gun range (as well as the indoor gun range that is also a gun store) is a relatively new phenomenon, if one that is increasing.
One of the very present issues right now is that a lot of people have had the same idea that you have. A lot of gun store shelves are bare, many of the ammunition shelves are equally dusty. This makes it a lot more difficult to give good advice.
So, many of the above choices are unobtanium. Or, there's no ammo for them. Which is why the question really is more of what can you get (and get ammo for).
No one here want you to drop $700 on a $450 .41ae and then have to turn around and spend $1.05 per round on the ammo. But, if you found say, a snub-nose (short barreled) revolver in .327 and there's ammo for it, that could be a very handy thing to have.
Maybe.
Perhaps.
If you lived down the street from me, the only decent thing I could point you two was a compact SCCY in .380, and you'd have to cope with only FMJ in the .380
Riomouse911
Member
I have zero experience with SCCY firearms, but was considering a SCCY .380 for the spouse to have as a HD gun on days I’m working late. Are they FMJ only guns or will they function reliably with JHP like the Fed HST or Win SXT?
Stay safe.
Personally. I'm stocking up on anything and everything that might be 'banned'.
If you buy a popular model of handgun and lots of high capacity magazines you will be fine until they outlaw that specific handgun model.
Even then I doubt that many / any will ever get 'turned in'.
CapnMac
Member
I've never shot one, either. They always seem to have a low retail price, and they don't have a huge name recognition (company HQ is in Daytona, FL).
CPX-4 has a safety, the CPX-3 does not--both are itty-bitty. Not a bunch of buzz on them, yay or neigh. And, my lGS had more of them than Glocks (which was three, a medium size in .357sig, the full-size .40sw, and a single .45gap--all priced about $800). LGS had no 9x19, but did have 9x17, if in a generic FMJ I'd never heard of, and for north of $30 per box). These are tough times.
Get what you want, get what you can find, get what you can afford. Don't consider future "laws". I won't tell you what to do when someone wants to come and take it....
The biggest problem now is ammo, of course. Around here, you can find guns (the selection might not be great, but stuff is there), but ammo is not so easy to come by. When you do find it, it ain't cheap (ammo never was cheap, honestly, but today it's totally nuts). You may end up sitting on an empty gun for a long time before you can get your hands on any ammo.
The biggest problem now is ammo, of course. Around here, you can find guns (the selection might not be great, but stuff is there), but ammo is not so easy to come by. When you do find it, it ain't cheap (ammo never was cheap, honestly, but today it's totally nuts). You may end up sitting on an empty gun for a long time before you can get your hands on any ammo.
Lots of good advice upthread. Look at the Taurus Millennium G2-C as another option. Regarding magazines, 3-5 are enough to keep you going for awhile and only buy OEM factory magazines. Avoid the aftermarket ones as they are not consistent quality and can fail to function. More than 5 magazines is a nice end goal but tough to do when you're on a budget and not necessary to get started.
Remember that the firearm is only part of the cost. Save room in your budget for a decent holster, training, gun cleaning kit and of course ammo for practice. Renting a gun first is a great idea as well as getting advice from you firearms instructor. Take advice from gun store employees with a huge heap of salt.
Remember that the firearm is only part of the cost. Save room in your budget for a decent holster, training, gun cleaning kit and of course ammo for practice. Renting a gun first is a great idea as well as getting advice from you firearms instructor. Take advice from gun store employees with a huge heap of salt.
Heir Kommt Die Sonne
Member
One major downside to this hobby is the rental workers in it are usually more opinionated on average than in other hobbies.
I wouldn't either, buy whichever handgun you like. If a ban on mag capacity happens either the 15s will be grandfathered in, or someone will make blocked 10 round (or whatever limit is put on them) replacements and market them.
But I would not worry about that point one little bit, and go look at, handle, shoot if you can, as many handguns as you can, then buy one.
I'd add to the, Train Train Train!
Formal classes if you can get them. If not, seek out shooting friends who have taken those classes and ask them for advice. Ask here on the forum, and filter out who to listen to, just like you do in person.
FL-NC
Member
Most likely, your gun/mags will be grandfathered. Worst case scenario, if your mags become "outlawed", most current production firearms with a standard capacity of 15 rounds or so also make california compliant mags in 10 rounds. Or you could just opt for a pistol that 8-10 rounds is the standard capacity. In 9mm, this would put you in the territory of the Glock 26, Glock 43 or 48, the S&W shield or M&P compact, and many other designs from other brands. This also brings you into the realm of a larger caliber pistol in 40 or 45, and brings in 1911 options.
Mosin77
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2019
- Messages
- 1,592
Having a gun is better than not having one. It may not be possible to rent or borrow or try out a number of guns. Be aware that people have used guns for hundreds of years to defend life and limb, and although in a perfect world it’d be great to try out 10 beforehand and find “the one,” in practice you won’t go far wrong with almost any name brand (Sig, Glock, S&W, Ruger, Walther, etc) in a common caliber (9mm preferred, but .40 or .45 will do in a pinch, .380 for a smaller gun if you think you may carry.) Yes it might not be the absolute best fit for your hand, or whatever, but fundamentally at the end of the day you want something that’s in good shape and goes bang reliably and is chambered in something common and useful, and is available to purchase, and at a price that won’t break the bank. Everyone else in the country is looking for the exact same thing right now, so you may not have a lot of options or leisure to rent one. As long as you don’t overpay toooo much, you should be able to sell it later for close to what you paid, assuming you buy used. Or buy one more optimized for your chosen direction later when funds are greater and availability is greater. (Something with a better trigger and weight for target shooting, or smaller size for easier ccw, or larger capacity for home defense or whatever...) One gun rarely does everything perfectly, but the modern polymer service size or compact guns can do it all pretty well. And that’s what counts when you need one.
sgt127
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
- Messages
- 2,113
Perhaps I missed it. Does your state have any specific laws regarding magazine capacity?
Also, if you are anywhere near me, Nevada, I’d be more than happy to let you try out a handful of guns to see what you may like.
Others here may make the same offer.
Good luck and, welcome.
Also, if you are anywhere near me, Nevada, I’d be more than happy to let you try out a handful of guns to see what you may like.
Others here may make the same offer.
Good luck and, welcome.
daniel craig
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2009
- Messages
- 2,815
If you want something you can carry that is still fairly cheap, the MP9 shield.
If you want full size and inexpensive go with the SD9 VE.
If you couldn’t get it done in 10 then 15 probably won’t help you that much. But that’s an OPINION.
If you want full size and inexpensive go with the SD9 VE.
If you couldn’t get it done in 10 then 15 probably won’t help you that much. But that’s an OPINION.
Last edited:
Getting back to OP question, the most likely outcome is 10+ round magazines will be grandfathered as has been done in the past. That will make your 15 round magazines a whole lot more valuable.
IMO any such ban would be impossible to implement and eventually struck down by the courts. 15 rounds is pretty standard these days except for the micro pistols designed for easy conceal carry. Sounds like you already have plenty of good advice available to you as far as selection a pistol so good luck and welcome.
IMO any such ban would be impossible to implement and eventually struck down by the courts. 15 rounds is pretty standard these days except for the micro pistols designed for easy conceal carry. Sounds like you already have plenty of good advice available to you as far as selection a pistol so good luck and welcome.
J-Bar
Member
I’m three days late to the party. Typical!
Buy the gun you are EAGER to shoot, the one you just can’t wait to get to the range. At your age I would concentrate on fun and proficiency, rather than worrying about politics. You are more likely to practice and develop good skills with the gun you enjoy shooting, revolver or semi-auto, 5 shot or 15 shot, .22 or .45, than with one you bought because someone else thought you should have it.
If you have already made your purchase, I hope you love shooting it.
Buy the gun you are EAGER to shoot, the one you just can’t wait to get to the range. At your age I would concentrate on fun and proficiency, rather than worrying about politics. You are more likely to practice and develop good skills with the gun you enjoy shooting, revolver or semi-auto, 5 shot or 15 shot, .22 or .45, than with one you bought because someone else thought you should have it.
If you have already made your purchase, I hope you love shooting it.
- Status
Similar threads
