Thank you all for the replies. Yes I was confused that the ptp comes from the police and ptc comes from the sheriffs office. Thanks for clarifying that up. For the one who asked, I bought a new XD9 from ThunderJohn about 2 weeks ago, so that's all ready to go. I'm taking a class I found on here on B...

You take the certificate from the class and go file it at the Sheriff's office. The cost of the permit is in addition to the cost of the training. The time it takes is entirely dependent on the county issuing, so if you live in a county with long times I feel bad for you. You cannot file your paper...

I've done board searches and google searches and haven't exactly found my answer. Is it 75 or so for the class then an additional fee for the actual permit? Or does the permit come with the class, being that the paperwork for a permit is filed then. Is it usually 30 days to get the permit or is that...

gun_fan111 wrote:Congrats! You made a fine choice

Thank you! Haven't shot it yet, looks like next weekend will be a great time!

I'm proud to report I bought my first handgun which was the XD9 from ThunderJohn. The transaction was awesome, and he is a great dealer. Very professional and courteous. I'd like to thank everyone that reccommended him to me. I will certainly be back to buy another in the future, and the gf wants a ...

Glock, XD, M&P, PPQ, Sig, CZ... You're looking at getting into a category of guns that has a lot of awesome competition. Each one has it's own legion of fan boys, and rightfully so. Ideally, try them all first. If you can't, then get what feels best to you. It's gonna be hard to pull the short ...

Awesome, thank you both for the replies.

brad3579 wrote:John is a great guy to deal with.

Thank you. I've heard nothing but positive things about him so far!
Side note, what are the additional fees after the initial price of the gun is paid for. Is there a transfer fee of some sorts?

2005 Vette wrote:Anther vote for Thunder John or Grousemaster. I've bought from both and both are great guys.

I made a excel chart of all the local retailers I could find and online prices. ThunderJohn is by far the lowest!

I know Capras told me they will beat any price as long as they don't loose money on it. You'll find inventory constantly changing at all of the guns shops, especially used inventory. As for 9mm vs 40 that's an endless debate. 40 ammo is easier to find right now if you want to factor that in. Used f...

Well, the more I talk to people about guns the more I'm learning.. Seems like the XD is an all around better buy from what I've heard. Next I need to shoot them both! I know Bills is having SW come out this Saturday for free range shooting. It'll be packed though I'm sure so I don't know if I'll hea...

I checked out Capras today. Great staff, but the selection was a bit limited. I'll keep popping back in there to see if they add more guns down the road. After that I stopped in Gander Mountain and was there for over an hour. The guy helping me was so knowledgable. Their prices are excellent as well...

All good advice but be aware of the fact that .22 ammunition is in short supply. I just learned that a couple days ago. I don't plan on buying a .22 right now so I'm not worried. Thanks for the heads up though! I'll be getting my PTP on Tuesday so I don't have to worry about finding a seller who do...

Since you live in Blaine I'd suggest including Capras (just south of 10 on 65-Central) in your "to visit" list, and also consider swinging by Bill's in Circle Pines just up 35w to rent and try a few pistols out. Sourcing the pistol aside, I second the poster who suggested you start with a...

A friend sent me here after he found I'm looking to buy my first gun. I've shot all sorts of guns, but have yet to have the privilege of buying my own. I live in Blaine. I visited Frotiersman sports and Bills Gun shop over the weekend and I think The SW M&P 9 is my favorite so far. Hopefully I ...