Looking for info on how to buy my first handgun

[amkorp]

Unfortunately there is excessively high demand in and around the GTA, and I have actually heard of clubs switching to be a strict members only club that previously took walk ins. One range operator in particular i spoke said they had to stop the practice because of riff raff with no sense of ownership or belonging in the club was deliberately damaging equipment.

The GTA could easily sustain at least 5 more ranges over and above what is already there.

That I completely understand. However, are you saying there are no ranges at all in the GTA or surrounding areas that will allow walk ins? TBH, most of the clubs have closed the membership allotments. No word on whether they will open or not. The ones that are still taking new members are quite far and without going there and trying it out, dropping a years worth of membership fees is kind of hard to swallow.

 

[Helly]

In Ontario, it is sufficient to let the store know which club you intend to join. I'm in the same boat and I just bought a 22 pistol from SFRC.

+1 for this info.

 

[Helly]

For the OPs as well as my own info, is there a list of Ranges in the GTA (and surrounding) areas that accept walk-ins or non member guests to shoot their own restricted firearms (rifles and handguns if possible)?

I'm in the same boat as the OP and don't have a membership but would like to buy some restricted firearms and just go as a visitor to a range and shoot while I look into getting a membership at a range.

I can't comment on the GTA gun club scene as I don't live in the area. It looks like you got some info from another poster though. Good luck with your search.

 

[canadam]

The process to buy should be about the same regardless of where you buy. ANy online store can hold for pickup and most stores will ship if you want them to. You will have to address that with the particular store.

I cant give you specific advice on where to buy. This site has many good sponsors that are firearms retailers, both brick and mortar and online. Most people like to support their local gun shop on principle. Others want best price and dont care where its from.

Up to you.

THe CFO may or may not be involved, depending on what you buy from who. Private sales are handled slightly differently than dealer sales, but if you buy on consignment from a store, its more like a private sale.

You may or may not ever talk to a CFO, as stores applying for the transfer on your behalf will often ask you for all of the information that the CFO typically asks for and they may supply it on your behalf to expedite things.

The best person to answer these questions is the store you intend to buy from, as they can tell you definitively what their practices are. More importantly, do you know what you want to buy?

Thank you for all this info! I feel better getting some background knowledge from some of you veterans of the sport.

I went to university in Arizona and we used to go out to the desert and shoot all the time with my military buddies who swore by their Glock's (both 9mm and .40)

So I was thinking my first handgun would be a Glock. Thinking the Glock 22 with the .40 calib. Any experience with them or thoughts on weather as a newcomer I should get a 9mm instead?

 

[canadam]

Hi Canadam,
I'm in Oakville too. Welcome. I'm a member at Burlington. It took a while, but after I got my date for the club level safety course I went every month to sign up on the wait list in case anyone didn't show. It took a bit, but I got in on the fourth try. I don't know if it is still an option, but it worked for me. I enjoy the club and have met many great and experienced members who have always been kind and helpful. 24/7 works for me. Good luck and enjoy the sport wherever it takes you!

Hey teacher39! Thank you for the response. Happy to hear from a member at Burlington. I will definitely be trying to attend those walk ins on Thursday night.