Looking to buy my first gun, heard this was the place to go!

[grimbeaver]

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 for self defense though neither is far superior to the other. You get more rounds in the mag with the 9mm then with the 40. It really all comes down to which factors are important to you.

[Back In Black]

Are you guys referring to the S&W M&P 9 or the compact or the Shield. I'm curious as to which is on sale at FF this week

S&W M&P 9 full size is $489.99 at FF through Oct 26th.

S&W M&P 40 compact with 3 mags (307303) BNIB can be had for $399.95 on the interlink. Buy the factory 9c barrel and 357/9mm mags and you have two guns in one. Buy the factory 357 barrel and you have 3 guns in one.

I believe the 357 SIG uses the same mags as the .40.

As does the S&W. I had it backwards.

[MNSteveB]

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 head out or not. I just applied for my PTP yesterday so once that comes it's go time! Thank you very much everyone for your opinions and facts you've shared with me! I'll be on this board constantly as this addiction rises... Which I'm sure it will since I already am becoming obsessed!

[MNSteveB]

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 for self defense though neither is far superior to the other. You get more rounds in the mag with the 9mm then with the 40. It really all comes down to which factors are important to you.

When I went in there I was really set on an M&P, but now I'm leaning more towards an XD or an XDM.. I was talking to a friend lastnight who is a competition shooter and he gave me the whole run down on both guns, then brought up the same thing you just said. It's not about the size of the bullet all the time, it's about getting as many bullets on target as possible. He said his XD outshoots his MP all day and he strongly suggested the XD.

[2005 Vette]

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

[MNSteveB]

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!

[brad3579]

John is a great guy to deal with.

[MNSteveB]

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?

[Squib Joe]

There shouldn't be any extra fees if you buy from a local dealer, aside from sales tax of course.

[grimbeaver]

Agreed. If you are buying from a dealer you should never pay anything other then price of the gun and sales tax. Transfer fees only apply to when a dealer processes a transfer for a private sale between two individuals he is not associated with.

[MNSteveB]

Awesome, thank you both for the replies.

[plink]

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 straw on this decision.

Just be patient finding 9mm ammo right now. It's almost as tough as .22, but things are improving. And if you're really strapped for cash, you could look into a S&W SD9VE. It's not in the same class as the others, but not too far off. Happy hunting!

[MNSteveB]

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 straw on this decision.

Just be patient finding 9mm ammo right now. It's almost as tough as .22, but things are improving. And if you're really strapped for cash, you could look into a S&W SD9VE. It's not in the same class as the others, but not too far off. Happy hunting!

Thanks Plink!I haven't looked into the SD9VE but I will do that. Thank you very much for the recommendation!

[MNSteveB]

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 .22 as well. I will recommend him to everyone in the future. 480.xx AFTER tax is by far the best price you'll find on a gun in MN. I did a lot of searching and can confirm this! Thank you very much John!

[gun_fan111]

Congrats! You made a fine choice