First Handgun For a Friend

[PRS]

I have two friends who are looking to pick up their first firearm. They are totally new to the world of shooting so are asking me for some advice and what they should buy. I have advised them to pick up a glock or M&P but they both don't want to spend that much cash. I know there are used options but I'm looking for other models in that can be easily found locally that won't cost quite as much.

Both guys want to carry these firearms and keep them at home for defense as we live in an area we probably shouldn't. But I also think that if they shoot one IDPA/USPSA match they will want to continue so I'm looking for a gun that they could compete with as well.

Basically something along the lines a Glock 19 but under $450. Ruger SR9?

[dsm2nr]

I love my FNX. And I've been seeing really good deals on FNPs with five mags. Might be a good option.

[PRS]

What did you pay for something like that?

[dsm2nr]

I got my used fnx for dirt cheap, 325. But I've seen new FNP-9s going for $399 with five mags. I think FN is trying to unload their stock of mags.

[PRS]

Any shop in the metro you think would be good to find one of these?

[MrVvrroomm]

Any shop in the metro you think would be good to find one of these?

http://www.armslist.com/posts/190918/mi ... new-5-mags

[yuppiejr]

I got my used fnx for dirt cheap, 325. But I've seen new FNP-9s going for $399 with five mags. I think FN is trying to unload their stock of mags.

This was my thought as well, I thought Saiga-Tromix had some of these in stock not long ago?

Lots of options here:

viewforum.php?f=49

If the primary goal is self defense you can't really beat a Maverick 88 20" security (8 round 12 gauge pump based on the Mossberg 500 with a cross bolt safety).. should be $200 or less... Pick up a semi/auto .22 and practice, practice before buying a larger caliber pistol. Being able to put 500 rounds downrange through a .22 automatic to practice safety, trigger control, sight alignment, stance, etc.. is a LOT cheaper and likely more productive than fighting with unfamiliar recoil impulses out of a snappy semi-auto shooting $12-$20 a box of 50 range ammo...

[rockcreek]

The SR9's are good guns, have great ergos, and have been out long enough so all the bugs have been worked out. There are a lot of PD trade in Glocks out there for less than $375 also. I will say though for anyones first handgun, a .22 goes a long way in learning the fundamentals, and won't break the bank to practice with regularly.

[rugersol]

But I also think that if they shoot one IDPA/USPSA match they will want to continue so I'm looking for a gun that they could compete with as well.

Glock, XDM, M&P, and CZ SP-01 are what most guys are shootin' (under $900). If they do start competing, and they don't have what everyone else's got, I can jest 'bout guarantee, they'll trade it (at a big loss), if it's a "cheap" gun.

Not to say that Armscor is not a "cheap" gun ... and I wouldn't normally recommend one ... but it seems in recent years, lotsa folks are havin' success with 'em ... the Armscor 1911 is a "legal" gun fer USPSA Single-Stack ... and 9mm ("minor") allows them to load it to 10rd+1 (vs. 8rd+1 "major"). It's not what I'd believe would be "the" advantage, to win. But it helps make up fer the points-loss. Fer new shooters, 'less they're the next Rob Leatham, it won't be the gun, 'er the caliber, that's holdin' 'em back!

Regarldess, the Armscor 9mm (presuming it's in good working order) would be a very formidable home-defense gun. They have a model with a decent "beavertail" grip-safety ... however, it's a few dollars more (rightly so) ... and, a "beavertail" (among other things) CAN be added ... later (IIRC, the gunsmith at Bill's does good work on the Armscor 1911's).

[PRS]

Where does one find a police trade in? I'm assuming those will be a .40

[Harmsie]

Check out armslist as MrVvvroom recommended above. There were some there last month when I was looking. I picked up a used M&P as my first handgun for under $450 used and I really like it. I also went to Bill's and shot a few different guns, that's how I decided on the M&P. Good luck.

[Pezhead]

Nothing wrong with .38/.357 revolver.

[minnesotatv]

I have two friends who are looking to pick up their first firearm.

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=26184

good first one, and cheaper than a G19 or SR9

[rukwikenuf]

Nothing wrong with .38/.357 revolver.

amen to that! i'd just shy away from a J-Frame in .357, if it were me. they grip is too small to shoot it comfortably. a K-frame would be great though! hell, if my Taurus 696 had a shorter barrel (6") i'd seriously consider carrying THAT. Taurus makes some nice revolvers for the money, and if there's any issue with them, lifetime warranty baby!

like this one, MSRP is $424
http://www.taurususa.com/product-detail ... series=CC2

$350 on GunBroker
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =260439117

i'd suggest he goes to a few shops and check out the guns, but don't buy one on impulse!!!