I'm...what, four years from handgun buying age, what should be my first?

G

Gunnut17

Moderator
Simple enough question, what should I at least look at in four years when I hit legal purchasing age for handguns in the U.S. (21)?

Given my current financial standing (Food stamps, living in a cheap house in a crappy neighborhood, etc.), something premium like the SIG's or HK's is (Unfortunately) out of the question. Guns that are around 500 or 600 USD are probably the upper limit for me.

I also don't mind striker fired, but I think I'd prefer hammer fired guns, DA/SA or DAO, with or without manual safeties.

Let the hopefully mostly calm discussion unfold, I suppose.
 
You've got 4 years to save up. Bear in mind that you're less than a year from being able to join the military. That might be one path to: (1) dig your way out of the financial situation you're in; and (2) learn some shooting skills while you're at it.

With that said, start saving now. There are plenty of decent guns that can be had for the $500-600 range (used Glocks, Rugers, etc. come to mind). However, you'll need to take ammo into account, too. In your situation, that means a 9mm. It's considerably cheaper to shoot than just about any other centerfire cartridge on the market.

So, with those in mind, and once you've saved up the money, I'll suggest looking for a used:
Glock 19
Ruger SR9 or SR9c
S&W M&P9 or 9c
Ruger P89 (or something along those lines)

Good luck.
 
Thanks Spat. I've been contemplating the military for the financial situation, and for help with paying for the special Game Design certificate a Seattle college offers, but I'm not sure if I'm cut out for it yet given my subpar physique (~210-220lbs, 5'8" with little muscle mass.) and general disapproval with American foreign policy.

I'll keep your suggestions in mind though.
 
Moderator Note: This is not a discussion about the OP's job prospects, work ethic, how to handle an interview or the problems associated with "young'uns" or the social benefit system. If you cannot answer the question asked (which is quoted below), then move along! This thread is less than an hour old and I've already issued 2 infractions and deleted 3 posts.

Here's his question:
what should I at least look at in four years when I hit legal purchasing age for handguns in the U.S. (21)?
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When I first started buying guns I purchased several from the used market. Most gun shops will have used guns and some of the guns I bought looked like new.
 
@Barry, Yeah I might get my dad to bring me to the local shops to peruse their used selections. I'm planning on having him take me to a range for my Birthday in two weeks so it might be a fitting addendum to the occasion.
 
Honestly, four years is quite a ways off. Who knows what new guns will be available to you when you are ready for the first purchase.
 
I second (or third) the idea of checking out the used market a few years down the road. Then those premium guns from Sig, HK, etc. will be a lot closer to your budget than you think. Some of the P series Sigs can be found from $500-$600 used, and USP's seem to start around the $600 mark if you can get a good deal. I've seen brand new P30sk's right around your budget as well. Either way there are still plenty of options at around the $500 mark. I would have no issues buying any of the used guns already mentioned, as they are solid choices built to last.

You will find that as much, if not more, money will be spent on ammo depending on how often you shoot. Save some room for fun in your budget.
 
You should focus on putting money aside now and forget about what gun to get. Nobody knows what guns will come out within the next 4 years. Just stay on sites like this and learn as you go, save your money and when you are a week or so from buying start looking.

Do you have an adult who will take you to the range between now and then? The best way to make a gun buying decision is experience. Rent as many guns as you can, shoot other people's guns, get experience with different guns and decide based on what you like, you shoot best and you are comfortable with. A gun I like you might hate and a gun you like I might hate. Doesn't make either of us right or wrong. Just means we have different tastes in guns.
 
@KW my parents are more than willing to take me if I can pay for renting guns and buying ammo myself, most likely. I don't yet have a job, (Been hunting since last July.) but hopefully it'll soon be viable.
 
Sorry to see I'm causing so much trouble within my first 24 hours back, Spat.
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Dont you worry about it young fella. Its in old guys genes to help more than asked.:rolleyes:

Any way you have lots of time so you can pick a good one and start saving. Like others have said a HK or a SIG might be just what your looking for.
 
I see we are in the same area. Google "The Marksman" . They are in Puyallup. 50' indoor range with rental guns. They have a free gun rental day every week, you just pay for ammo. You can try all 60+ guns that they have to help you decide what you like. Last time I shot there the price of ammo was comparable to anywhere local. And have fun:)
 
You may have to be 21 to buy from a dealer, but at least Florida lets you buy privately when you are 18 (I think that is correct). You might want to look at the local laws more carefully.
 
What are you interested in doing with this pistol? Combat, target, hunting, other? Given what you have stated I would look more at the cost of ammunition. What will give you the greatest pleasure by being able to shoot as often as you would like? Having a pistol without ammo is a paperweight. There are many types of pistols and as others have stated more will come before you buy. Keep your eyes and ears open and try to get to ranges with family/friends who already own pistols to help narrow you search. Good luck with what ever you choose. Also remember to make sure the pistol fits your hand. Getting one too big or small is not good. The sales person should be able to help you with that if not find a different sales person.:)

Not sure if you've shot before or what your knowledge is of shooting in general. You might want to look for professional instruction NRA first steps pistol training might be something that you could factor into the purchase.
 
In Washington even private transfers require a background check and waiting period. Thanks to a recent proposition passed into law by the voters of this state.:mad:

One must be 21 to purchase handguns and handgun ammunition. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to possess a handgun, unless hunting legally, with a license and tag.
 
My best advice is to join the NRA and spend the next four years contacting your state's legislators on the importance of the second amendment. Before THEY decide that you can't have a gun.
 
Four years is plenty of time to save for gun, holster, and ammo, if you make it a priority.

Based on your stated preference, I'd suggest looking at the 9mm Sig SP2022 or CZ P-07.
 
What about the Sig 2022?

I understand it is one of the more affordable Sigs, and quite a bit cheaper than other models around yet seems very well regarded by owners who seems to feel it gives more bang for the buck, so to speak, than the price tag would suggest.

Otherwise, there are also offerings from CZ such as the P-09 Duty, or simply buy a gun used. TBH, I've bought new and bought used and I think the latter can be done with relatively little risk if you know your stuff, buy a model known to be solid/reliable and/or have a knowledgable party along as a spare set of eyes...
 
I also don't mind striker fired, but I think I'd prefer hammer fired guns, DA/SA or DAO, with or without manual safeties.
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The CZ P-09 (full-size) or P-07 (compact). MSRP is $530 or $510, respectively. They are hammer-fired, DA/SA. They come with a decocker, and also with parts to easily replace the decocker with a thumb safety. Both are quite accurate, and CZ-USA offers great customer service.

You may have trouble finding a dealer in WA who stocks CZs. I bought two of mine through Damascus Gun Shop:

http://www.damascusgunshop.com/category-s/112.htm.

DGS's prices are discounted. Add perhap $30 for you local FFL to process the Federal paperwork, then add Jay's sales tax.

Oh, and don't even think of getting anything chambered in 9 Luger if money is tight.
 
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