a guide to purchasing first handgun? aka suggestions, for a newbie

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freeballer

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New Brunswick
While I'm waiting on my restricted PAL I'm trying to do some "homework". I've never fired
a handgun, but it is something I wanted to try. We don't have that many gun shops in town,
and its a mixed bag when it comes to sales/clerks. I'm hoping that you all might offer some
tips for first time buyer. Some of the recomendations on the web have also been a mixed bag.
Some don't even help me. For eg. None of the retailers have a firing range. One store just has
a binder, no actual riles or handguns in store.

At first I didn't want to post just yet but I found I needed a little help to get started. And this
was the best place to get my feet wet.

Thanks,
Geoff
 
Don't buy anything until you sign up with a club and do go through your probationary shoots. During the shoots, you will have an opportunity to handle all sorts of different firearms and you will have a feel for what you like and what not. Then, after the probationary shoot, normally between 6 and 12 weeks, the club may apply for your ATT and within a month or two you shall get it.

By that time, you will have a general understanding of what you like and what not.

Don't buy until they are ready to apply for your ATT and you're done with your probationary shoots.
 
Go for the tried, and true. Don't go for guns that are flavor of the month. What I've found with .22LR pistols is that the more ugly they are (Buckmark, Ruger MKIII) the more reliable they will be. Guns like the Walther P22, that try and look like centerfire guns, seem to be of inferior quality.

Go with tried and tested designs that fit your budget. Guns that are common and have been on the market for a while, but also guns that have excellent resale. For example, in 9 millimeter, you want to go with something like a CZ75 variant, a Glock 17, a Sig Sauer P226, an M&P, etc.

What I'm trying to say is don't believe "CZ is the best! Glock is the best! Sig is the best!" (though they're all great) but pick one of the commonplace models that fits you. Learn that individual handguns have different maintenance needs. Glocks, for example, need a couple of drops of oil here and there and then it's good to go. Sigs need their frame rails lubricated with grease to protect the anodizing on the aluminum frame against the harder slide. Not a bad thing, just something to consider.

There seems to be this misconception that a first gun should be cheap to learn on and then trade for a nice gun. Why? Why not learn on a quality firearm from the start? It's not like you're going to be dropping it or doing stupid sh*t to it...right? Follow the maintenance schedule, keep parts on hand, and you can have a quality handgun a lifetime.
 
ss1980 said:
Don't buy anything until you sign up with a club and do go through your probationary shoots. During the shoots, you will have an opportunity to handle all sorts of different firearms and you will have a feel for what you like and what not. Then, after the probationary shoot, normally between 6 and 12 weeks, the club may apply for your ATT and within a month or two you shall get it.

By that time, you will have a general understanding of what you like and what not.

Don't buy until they are ready to apply for your ATT and you're done with your probationary shoots.
Click to expand...

^^^^^This^^^^^
 
mr00jimbo said:
Go for the tried, and true. Don't go for guns that are flavor of the month. What I've found with .22LR pistols is that the more ugly they are (Buckmark, Ruger MKIII) the more reliable they will be. Guns like the Walther P22, that try and look like centerfire guns, seem to be of inferior quality.

Go with tried and tested designs that fit your budget. Guns that are common and have been on the market for a while, but also guns that have excellent resale. For example, in 9 millimeter, you want to go with something like a CZ75 variant, a Glock 17, a Sig Sauer P226, an M&P, etc.

What I'm trying to say is don't believe "CZ is the best! Glock is the best! Sig is the best!" (though they're all great) but pick one of the commonplace models that fits you. Learn that individual handguns have different maintenance needs. Glocks, for example, need a couple of drops of oil here and there and then it's good to go. Sigs need their frame rails lubricated with grease to protect the anodizing on the aluminum frame against the harder slide. Not a bad thing, just something to consider.

There seems to be this misconception that a first gun should be cheap to learn on and then trade for a nice gun. Why? Why not learn on a quality firearm from the start? It's not like you're going to be dropping it or doing stupid sh*t to it...right? Follow the maintenance schedule, keep parts on hand, and you can have a quality handgun a lifetime.
Click to expand...

Go cheap, or not was one of my major concerns. It would seem to me that selling it if it
was only a gun to start off with would be rather hard. No# 2 would be recoil; if the gun is
uncomfortable to shoot than its probably not one I'd keep.

Everybody has their opinion. Even glocks/CZ have their drawbacks I imagine, and critics.
I would suppose a .22lr handgun would be mostly target?

I'm a bit finicky with my stuff. I've try to take care of my fathers rifles. Cleaning, maintenance, etc...
As long as the manuals are detailed It should last a long time with me.



ThorInc said:
^^^^^This^^^^^
Click to expand...

Are these probationary periods, and shoots a norm for clubs all throughout Canada?


[/QUOTE]
 
freeballer said:
Are these probationary periods, and shoots a norm for clubs all throughout Canada?
Click to expand...

No, they are not. Don't let the disturbing BS associated with restricted ownership in Ontario dissuade you.

At this point you will need to belong to club with an approved pistol range, if you don't already, so go get that organized, and at he same time you can ask about range access requirements.
 
Pudelpointer said:
No, they are not. Don't let the disturbing BS associated with restricted ownership in Ontario dissuade you.

At this point you will need to belong to club with an approved pistol range, if you don't already, so go get that organized, and at he same time you can ask about range access requirements.
Click to expand...

its all a little confusing and complicated, but it is what is is..

I'll have to contact the club and see if they can answer me that.
 
freeballer said:
Is that normal for all/most clubs within canada? I live in NB
Click to expand...

I live in NS all I did was hang around with a few of the member of my gun club and they let me fire a few strings with some of their guns. But they all said the same thing. Get something in .22 because ammo is cheep. Its nothing to go through 100 rounds on a Sunday afternoon. Keep it and then get something more to your personal tastes. Take them both to the range and you can use whitchever you wish.
 
freeballer said:
Is that normal for all/most clubs within canada? I live in NB
Click to expand...

Not even close. Mostly a weird ontario thing, I assume.

I say buy whichever gun you like the best even if it's based on a movie or just because of looks. If it turns out you don't like it, sell it and consider the small amount you lost on the sale as a "rental fee".

I would say .22 would be the place to start, barring that, 9mm.

Have fun and let us know what you decided on.
 
Qualimer said:
I live in NS all I did was hang around with a few of the member of my gun club and they let me fire a few strings with some of their guns. But they all said the same thing. Get something in .22 because ammo is cheep. Its nothing to go through 100 rounds on a Sunday afternoon. Keep it and then get something more to your personal tastes. Take them both to the range and you can use whitchever you wish.
Click to expand...

Getting things zero'd in, getting proper grip and stance... The time probably passes quite quickly. I feel that way when I shoot archery.
I'm going to visit the clubs meeting and a scheduled shoot to see if I can meet a few members. I'm hoping someone won't mind. I suspect the club does not have rental/loaners, but I haven't found out definitively.


bollox said:
Not even close. Mostly a weird ontario thing, I assume.

I say buy whichever gun you like the best even if it's based on a movie or just because of looks. If it turns out you don't like it, sell it and consider the small amount you lost on the sale as a "rental fee".

I would say .22 would be the place to start, barring that, 9mm.

Have fun and let us know what you decided on.
Click to expand...

My concern requarding buying/selling is difficulty in finding a seller and if I did, I'd probably like a used gun.
I'll apply for access to the exchange forum, and look around. Maybe that'll eliviate some concerns.


Ganderite said:
Some guns just don't seem to fit some hands, so you have to try some and see what feels good in your hand.
Click to expand...

That is one of my main concerns. I hope to be able to at least try a few before purchasing.
But I have roughly a dozen to chose from, locally. Would it be sad if I said I've been thinking of
reaching out to some retailers within reasonable driving distance?
 
I agree with what most people have posted on go to a shoot and try out different guns, the other option is go for abit of a drive and go to store that has a good collection of hanguns in store, this way you can try different types of makes and models. I have been looking at getting my first handgun for awhile now all i have to do is get the cash as i am a broke university student.

For my i was plannign on getting a glock 17 or 19 for my first pistol, i shot them and although they were nice i picked up a walther PPQ and fell in love with it the second i touched.

Its all personal preference, i would suggest 22lr or 9mm just to get used to recoil and the proper techniques of shooting (grip, trigger pull, stance, using the sights) i have spent hours practicing with a metal bb gun although it doesnt have the same trigger pull, it still gets me used to the weight and how to properly use the sights.
 
I don't know where you are in N.B. The biggest store in the East Coast is in McAdam, around F'town. Decent people, it is called The Gun Dealer. I can't link to them as they are not a site sponsor. They have most everything you could want to see. Officially you cannot touch a hand gun without them seeing your RPAL first.

First I guess decide about revolvers and semi autos. A revolver is far more accurate for a new shooter. They are a little more expensive due to the machining etc. involved but will last for ever. There are S/A and D/A, single action and dual action. The S/A are more or less copies of 1870s Colts called single action army. You have to load each shell one at a time and unload the same, takes time. The D/A you can load/unload faster as the cylinder flips out. The revolvers do not loose the brass as you fire and that is a big advantage in the winter. The semi-autos are newer designs, starting out about 115 years ago more or less. They have the most of the market now days. You can have 10 rounds in the clip so that is more than a revolver. In the USA it is up to 17 or even 30. The semis kick but they twist as well, little harder to shoot, they can be lighter and shorter bbls. as well and this is not good for a new shooter. Some have fatter grips due to being made to hold 17 rounds and this can be an issue for some. The semis are made in steel or plastic so this is another thing to consider. Personally I think the longer bbl and the heavier gun is better for me.

Than the next issue is calibre. The .22LR or long rifle is the cheapest and is fun to shoot up to a point. A lot of people suggest going 9mm. It is cheapest of the larger calibres. Next could be the .40 S&W round, it is a little newer design and close to the 9mm which is also called the 9mm Luger or 9x19. The semis have no lip on the brass and the revolvers need a lip so basically there are revolver calibers and semi calibers but there are overlaps as well.

I would say do not buy a cheap brand handgun. The ammo will cost more over the life of the firearm than the small difference you save with a cheap gun. You can get some good deals here on the EE or equipment exchange. You need to get permission to join the EE. You will save the tax and a few hundred off the new cost hopefully.

I don't think you would go wrong buying a good quality .22LR to start and than maybe a decent 9mm or .40S&W or a revolver after a while. The .22 will help you learn to shoot for cheap and you will get to use it for years afterward.
 
bollox said:
Not even close. Mostly a weird ontario thing, I assume.

I say buy whichever gun you like the best even if it's based on a movie or just because of looks. If it turns out you don't like it, sell it and consider the small amount you lost on the sale as a "rental fee".

I would say .22 would be the place to start, barring that, 9mm.

Have fun and let us know what you decided on.
Click to expand...

This. Pistols are nothing more than toys in Canada you can't carry em
Or use them for anything else. Just get whatever you think would be fun.
 
Something to consider is to look at pistols that have .22 slide conversions available. It will cost more, sometimes more than a dedicated .22 pistol but it will allow you to use 2 calibers on one frame.
 
First. If I've missed your post, give me a nudge. I've tried to reply to everyone but there were several at once.


CalKid6 said:
I agree with what most people have posted on go to a shoot and try out different guns, the other option is go for abit of a drive and go to store that has a good collection of hanguns in store, this way you can try different types of makes and models. I have been looking at getting my first handgun for awhile now all i have to do is get the cash as i am a broke university student.

For my i was plannign on getting a glock 17 or 19 for my first pistol, i shot them and although they were nice i picked up a walther PPQ and fell in love with it the second i touched.

Its all personal preference, i would suggest 22lr or 9mm just to get used to recoil and the proper techniques of shooting (grip, trigger pull, stance, using the sights) i have spent hours practicing with a metal bb gun although it doesnt have the same trigger pull, it still gets me used to the weight and how to properly use the sights.
Click to expand...


I do like the glock 17/19 models, mostly because of their perceived reliabilty, but I do need to save up $$. So something like that I'd definitely want to be sure of the comfort. Firing and grip.

I still have my bb rifle but I had mostly retired that because i misplaced my shot. But I don't have a pistol style.



JimmieA. said:
I don't know where you are in N.B. The biggest store in the East Coast is in McAdam, around F'town. Decent people, it is called The Gun Dealer. I can't link to them as they are not a site sponsor. They have most everything you could want to see. Officially you cannot touch a hand gun without them seeing your RPAL first.

-- cont.
Click to expand...

Ty I've found their site. I definitely have to go once I get my rpal!
Some great info, and a little history. I learnt a little more, the difference between revolvers and semi. I requested to join so I'll take a look around. Maybe a few saving starting out can be saved for another calibre later.



Waynetheman said:
This. Pistols are nothing more than toys in Canada you can't carry em
Or use them for anything else. Just get whatever you think would be fun.
Click to expand...

I'm not a huge proponent for conceal carry, but it would be nice if we were a little more lax... (ATT)

I hope to gether some experience shooting first but I definitely do not want one thats "hard" shooting (too high calibre, grip, etc..)


rooster22 said:
Gandor Mountain, is the place to go if you want to fit your hand with a gun. You can touchy feely almost every gun in the place.
Ellwood Epps has a range. My two words of advise ruger 22LR, Beretta 92fs.
Click to expand...

I had a toy version of the ruger 22lr when I was a kid; I might still have that sucker somewhere. lol ty for the suggestions, I will take a look. I can see the baretta has a .22lr conversion kit too. Ellwood has a whole listing of firearms on their site. Its a great bookmark but a trip would probably be a whole day thing for me.

woobie said:
Something to consider is to look at pistols that have .22 slide conversions available. It will cost more, sometimes more than a dedicated .22 pistol but it will allow you to use 2 calibers on one frame.
Click to expand...

That is something to think about. I'm going to look around to see whats available. The cost will add up while I'm learning.
 
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If you really don't know what you want(and can't easily test out a lot of pistols) then buy something "cheap" to start off with.

My first gun was a GSG 1911. $400(cheap to purchase) and cheap to shoot since it is a .22.

Make sure you research any gun you plan on getting. You will always see positive comments and negative comments about each gun on the net.. It can be tricky to figure out which guns may be crap.. but not impossible. Look for the guns everybody raves about. The GSG 1911 is a good example. The guide rod in mine broke after 2500 rounds, I got two replacements shipped to me in no time for free.

The ugly .22 comment above is good point. You won't go wrong with a Ruger MKIII.

The .22 Sig Mosquito is a gun that really sounds like a problem gun the more you read about people's experience with it. The first time I saw one at a range it was jamming left and right.

It really sounds like you should get a .22. Just get something that works.
 
Sgt.RazorBurn said:
If you really don't know what you want(and can't easily test out a lot of pistols) then buy something "cheap" to start off with.

My first gun was a GSG 1911. $400(cheap to purchase) and cheap to shoot since it is a .22.

Make sure you research any gun you plan on getting. You will always see positive comments and negative comments about each gun on the net.. It can be tricky to figure out which guns may be crap.. but not impossible. Look for the guns everybody raves about. The GSG 1911 is a good example. The guide rod in mine broke after 2500 rounds, I got two replacements shipped to me in no time for free.

The ugly .22 comment above is good point. You won't go wrong with a Ruger MKIII.

The .22 Sig Mosquito is a gun that really sounds like a problem gun the more you read about people's experience with it. The first time I saw one at a range it was jamming left and right.

It really sounds like you should get a .22. Just get something that works.
Click to expand...


Someone had warned me earlier about some .22lr, the sig may have been one. I might have to outweight
the pos/neg with what I'm looking for personally; comfort calibre and grip, reliability and friendly to new commer. Things like
jamming, or maintenance come into play because I'd have to figure out by myself how to clear it. But .22lr thats reliable is probably a great way to get into the sport.


I'm not going to put pressure on him, but I've had an offer to try a few handguns. So it should settle the matter
of what calibre I find comfortable - for one thing. I'm hoping it'll be a fun experience...

Some of the guns mentioned aren't available locally, but available within driving distance. So thats a plus.
 
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