New to Guns

[Pat Cannon]

Just filled out my application for my permit to purchase! Anxiously awaiting the phone call!

Did they say they'd call you? Here in Hennepin County, mine just showed up in the mail after about 10 days.

Anyway congratulations. You should maybe go do some shopping before you get it, that way you're immune to impulse buying.

[Çatalhöyük]

I went to the Gander Mountain nearby and the XD 5" .40 (not the one I wanted, but close) was $599. Definitely out of my price range. Trying to find some good deals on the XD 5" .45ACP. Any recommendations on places where they would be more reasonably priced?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... s_id/31178

[meddin]

Gander Mountain is usually way overpriced. I would shop at a local gunshop rather than Big Box. I don't know any Duluth gunshops (though I assume they exist), but Bill's or the Frontiersman in the Metro are both very good.

Also, Thunderjohn (a forum member) is an FFL, and comes highly recommended. I have never bought from him personally, but wouldn't hesitate based on the feedback here.

[Pezhead]

I think there's a gunshop in Virginia MN. I went to one farther up but I can't remember the name.

[plink]

Since you are a "poor college student", you should hold off on the 1911 for now. Buy a small/compact 9mm UPG (Universal Plastic Gun). It will cost less to feed and you'll have a small auto to carry (IMHO the best carry gun). They are shootable too. A 400 round session of 9mm is easy.

Then, down the road, you can pick up a 1911 in 45 ACP.

+1
Affordable and versatile ammo. Perfect for a first gun. More perfect for a po' college boy. You're basically getting a buy 2 get 1 free deal when you go with 9mm instead of .40. $30= 150rd 9mm -or- 100rd .40

[Saunassa]

Puglisi Gun Emporium over in the west duluth area. last time i was there he carried glock and smiths and a few other pistols. he will go through them with you and help figure out what fits best. I went for a glock and came home with an M&P
http://www.pugsguns.com

[Çatalhöyük]

Puglisi Gun Emporium over in the west duluth area. last time i was there he carried glock and smiths and a few other pistols. he will go through them with you and help figure out what fits best. I went for a glock and came home with an M&P
http://www.pugsguns.com

I had looked at their website but immediately dismissed it because on it when I clicked "Handguns" it was a list of rare guns (of which I was not looking for) I didn't bother looking further at the site but now I see that they have stock in modern handguns. I'll shoot them an email and see what they can offer. Thanks for making me take a second look at them!

[Rodentman]

I'd stay the heck out of Gouger Mt. Nothing special there, and no bargains to be sure. Not the brightest salesfolks either. They talked me into a Taurus M94 which is a royal POS. (Not wanting to start a brand war, but that's my view.) I've finally worked out a trade deal and should be getting a 617 or 317 soon. Nice to have a decent .22 plinker.

[Vlad]

Puglisi Gun Emporium over in the west duluth area. last time i was there he carried glock and smiths and a few other pistols. he will go through them with you and help figure out what fits best. I went for a glock and came home with an M&P
http://www.pugsguns.com

Go there and check them out they do have a traditional gun store as well as the collectible stuff. The collectible stuff is really cool though!

[yukonjasper]

Virginia Gun Shops would be - Virginia Surplus- Doug Ellis proprieter - reasonable guy - has some on hand but can order what you want; and also Lucky Seven Sporting goods - only long guns on display - can order handguns guns ask for Bob - very competitive pricing.

[ferric021]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62x25mm_Tokarev
The 7.6x25mm round is like the 5.7 of yesteryear.