First handgun purchase

[Doc Harvey]

+1 for John at Southwest Arms!

[photogpat]

+1 for John at Southwest Arms!

+2 for John.

P.S. Don't ever buy a gun at Gouger Mountain. Never ever ever.

[Ghost]

P.S. Don't ever buy a gun at Gouger Mountain. Never ever ever.

+1 or ammo unless you forgot your ammo at home and want to use the range in Lakeville.

[photogpat]

P.S. Don't ever buy a gun at Gouger Mountain. Never ever ever.

+1 or ammo unless you forgot your ammo at home and want to use the range in Lakeville.

Or you're on your way to deer camp up near Backus and forgot your ammo...

[ex-LT]

P.S. Don't ever buy a gun at Gouger Mountain. Never ever ever.

+1 or ammo unless you forgot your ammo at home and want to use the range in Lakeville.

Or you're on your way to deer camp up near Backus and forgot your ammo...

And why, pray tell, would you stop at Gouger instead of Fleet Farm, which is literally right across 371 from Gouger Mtn?

[Jackpine Savage]

+1 or ammo unless you forgot your ammo at home and want to use the range in Lakeville.

Or you're on your way to deer camp up near Backus and forgot your ammo...

And why, pray tell, would you stop at Gouger instead of Fleet Farm, which is literally right across 371 from Gouger Mtn?

That is for sure. I really don't understand how Gouger stays in business.

[dleong]

That is for sure. I really don't understand how Gouger stays in business.

Ignorant, uninformed and gullible newbies making their first purchase, more than likely on impulse.

[photogpat]

And why, pray tell, would you stop at Gouger instead of Fleet Farm, which is literally right across 371 from Gouger Mtn?

When you shoot .300 Savage and FF has nary a box, Gouger will be happy to sell you one for $59.99.

[Randygmn]

If you're looking for a polymer striker fired gun, I'd suggest looking into the HK VP9. One of the best triggers out there for the money. If you are looking for a DA/SA gun, you'll go crazy looking for options. They are endless. I'm currently smitten with the HK P30SK. And for those wondering, I'm definitely NOT an HK fan boy. Quite the opposite. But these two pistols are great.

[Ivan45]

I'll have to throw in my $.02 and say the PPQ trigger is better for cheaper...

[gun_fan111v2]

OP, did you finalize your budget already accounting for ammo, cleaning supplies, and a safe if you do not have one yet? I have a buddy that was dead set on a 1911 in .45 for his first gun and ended up with a VP9 (in 9mm of course).

Overall, do not stress too much and get into analysis paralysis - this is only your first handgun, there will be many more and there is no law you have to keep this one forever

[linksep]

Overall, do not stress too much and get into analysis paralysis - this is only your first handgun, there will be many more and there is no law you have to keep this one forever

+1 pick "the best" 9mm handgun for you based on research. It won't be the best, you may even hate it weeks or months down the road. Learn from that and buy another.

I don't know what rule #1 is, but rule #2 is never trade, sell, or otherwise get rid of a firearm... of course rules were made to be broken...

[OldmanFCSA]

Totally agree with Rule #2.

However I will be cleaning out some stuff I haven't shot for 20 years and my children have no interest.
So my TC/Contenders will be the first to go.
For Sale postings to happen soon.

Thank you.

[2in2out]

+1 for John at Southwest Arms!

+2 for John.

P.S. Don't ever buy a gun at Gouger Mountain. Never ever ever.

+3 for John. Great guy and will treat you right.

I'd also favor 9mm over just about anything else for what you're looking for.

I like the suggestion to head over to Bill's to rent a few, though. Nothing beats a little hands-on time.

Another great indoor range that rents guns is Lakes Trading Company in Forest Lake. Not nearly as big a selection as Bill's, but a nice range and I've learned a few things while I was there. I'll definitely go back to Forest Lake.

Finally, one mustn't forget Ahlman's Shooters Roundup, which is coming up quick - August 22-23 in Morristown. It's a little off the beaten path, but they have (new/demo) guns to shoot for the cost of ammo. That's a fun time.

[Seismic Sam]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just stopped at Gander because I was in woodbury and had some time to kill. the 23 was $699.00 +tax. Im not too bent on price but Joes in Roseville just had a 10 percent sale a couple weeks ago and I believe they were at 649.00 and with 10 percent off that would have been a great deal.

I'm curious: You stopped at Gouger Mountain in Woodbury, but didn't drive less than three miles away to go to Cabelas?? Why??

As far as picking a gun, go to one of the Bill's Gun Shops (Hudson, Robbinsdale, Circle Pines) and rent at least 3 or 4 guns and try them out. Yes, it will cost some money in addition to the price of the gun, but it's a pretty good bet that if you don't try first, you'll find something you like better in the first 6 months.