Newbie seeking advice...

A

ActionJacksonNJ

Inactive
Hello all,

I just submitted my paperwork to purchase my first handgun at the Jackson, NJ PD. I have a few questions:

1. Should I take a training course before I make my first purchase?
2. I'm looking at the S&W M&P Compact 9mm as a first purchase. What do you think?
3. Should I purchase online or go to a gun shop?
4. If a shop, which store do you recommend? If online???
5. What kind of bullets should I purchase for this gun?

Sorry for the stupid questions, but I've been reading the threads on this site and you guys sound like you know what time it is.

Also, any other suggestion that you may have for me would be greatly appreciated. Should I join the NRA, etc.

Thanks in advance!
 
A training course(s) would be great.
Visit your local gun shop, they should have a good selection on display. Check them out and handle each your interested in. They can also show you some different cartridges for each.

Welcome and no your questions are not stupid.
 
Training is a fine idea. You might have a better idea what kind of handgun you want after you have a class, especially if the class offers the opportunity to fire several different guns. They often do. The S&W you mentioned is a well respected gun; if it meets YOUR needs and fits YOU well, it should be fine.

You can sometimes get better prices online, but you will have to get your purchase shipped to a person with a federal license to deal in firearms, called an FFL. Most online dealers will help you find one. On the other hand, it could well be useful to you to have a relationship with a local gun store for questions and supplies. It costs something to have a store and employees, so some extra cost to products is justified, in my mind. I personally prefer to support local folks, but that is ultimately your choice.

If you wind up buying a 9 mm, there are lots of choices for practice ammo and quite a few choices for self defense, as well. My personal choice for self defense is Speer Gold Dots 124 grain, but that is just one of the several good choices available.

This is a small thing, but you will sometimes get more cooperation from gun people when you use the right terminology. The bullet is the projectile that leaves the gun. When you are talking about the entire unit that you load into the gun, you speak of a round or a cartridge in the singular, or of rounds, ammunition, or ammo in the plural. A bullet is one component of the cartridge.

Joining the NRA is contributing to the defense of 2nd amendment rights. Some folks, myself included, think the NRA could be more inclusive, but there are other threads discussing that. I am a member because I want to be counted among supporters of gun rights, even though I don't care for some of the other politics of the NRA. Another choice to be made by a free man or woman.

Keep reading and keep asking questions. You will find lots of help here on TFL, with only a few grumps to give you trouble.
 
I have a SW M&PC in 9mm (and other handguns). It is a fine gun. What do you plan to use it for? If strictly for range use and/or home defense, the full size version might be better. If you might want to carry it, then go with the compact version. There are numerous other fine handguns out there and you'll soon get a boatload of recommendations. If the S&W suits you, there's no reason not to get it. You may or may not be aware it comes with interchangeable backstraps to better fit your hand.

If the prices are anywhere near what you can buy online, buy local. In case there's a problem or you have questions, you have someone to turn to. It also supports the local economy. Keep in mind that guns online have to be shipped to a local licensed dealer to transfer to you. Shipping usually adds $20 to $30 and your local dealer will want a fee, usually about $30. For online shopping, www.budsgunshop.com is hard to beat. The prices often include free shipping and they have a good reputation.

For ammunition, most of us will shoot 115 to 124 gr. full metal jacket rounds for practice and premium hollow points when actually loaded for defense. For the practice ammo, just go with what you can get at a reasonable price, Winchester in a white box (WWB), Remington UMC, Blazer (aluminum casings, not reloadable), Blazer Brass (reloadable), RWS, Aguilla, Fiocchi, Federal American Eagle, Sellier & Bellot, and several more.

Some people don't like the Russian ammo that comes in steel cases (some polymer coated) including Wolf, Brown Bear, Silver Bear. It's generally cheaper, not reloadable, and some of it comes with the primers sealed with laquer making it stink when you shoot. While I've shot some Wolf, I generally stick with the stuff I mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

For defensive use, you need a premium hollow point round, not plain hollow points. Most of these have bonded bullets. Most prefer 124 gr. bullets but I also will carry 115 grain loads. A few like the 147 grain loads. You need to get some and try in your handgun to make sure it feeds okay. The M&Ps will usually shoot anything.

My favorite load is Speer Gold Dots. Other good loads include the Corbon DPX and Remington Golden Saber. Some like Hornady Critical Defense as well. Federal HST (not Hydra Shoks) is one non-bonded bullet that performs well. I buy some ammo local and order some online. The best single place online for me has been. www.ammunitiontogo.com. If they are not the cheapest, they are at least competitive (remember to add shipping costs when considering).
 
Spend more and Save in the medium + long term

I'd suggest you consider buying a .22 automatic at the same time or even instead of the 9mm (Ruger makes great .22s -- so do other people, but I've used Rugers) .

f you haven't fired a pistol much, its difficult to imagine which weapon 'feels right' by handling it at a gun store counter. Smaller/lighter weapons seem attractive in the store, but after going to the range a few times and firing 300-500 rounds, you will probably decide that Small/Light == harder to aim well.

Ammo for a .22 is cheap, cheap, cheap to practice with.
Any quality .22 is going to be reliable and you can't wear one out.

22s:
You get some 'hands on' experience with holding/aiming before trying buying and starting to practice with a mroe expensive 9MM or .40 or .45 that uses more expensive ammo.
That comment about holding/aiming may look odd -- but it isn't uncommon for a new shooter to have to spend several sessions on the range before finding the stance (placement of feet etc) and hand position on the weapon that they are most comfortable with.

Of course if you've fired a few hundred rounds from pistols already -- this is all moot.

.
 
Yes, take a training course and yes, join the NRA.

Now it boils down to what you are going to use the handgun for? Concealed carry? Home defense? Range shooting? Plinking at tin cans? etc.

I'm partial to a revolver for a first handgun and the caliber (22 to 357 Magnum) and physical size of the handgun depends on what you are going to use it for.

I would buy it from a local reputable gun store and not on line.
 
1. Yes, absolutely take the training course if there is one available.

2. As someone said, this depends on use. If you are going to carry it, then a compact may be right. However, if you are going to use it at the range and for home defense, I’d avoid the compact. Compacts are great for concealment, but are not always a pleasure to shoot. A full size is more comfortable to shoot, and your night stand doesn’t care how much it weighs.

3. I’d go to a gun shop and handle as many guns as possible. You’d be surprised how some guns will fit you like a glove, but not feel right to others.
4. I don’t know about NJ gun stores. Shopping online is OK, but you can't handle and inspect the gun beforehand.

5. If you do go for the 9mm, you can typically get low priced, but quality ammunition from Winchester (typically known as WWB – Winchester White Box) and defense ammunition from Winchester, Speer, Hornady, or Federal - these are all good choices. Defense ammo is more expensive, but please do try a box or two at the range to make sure your gun gets along with the ammo.

My two cents is that a .22 is a great range gun, so if you can afford a 9mm and a .22, go that route. If your budget only allows for one, then the 9mm is a good choice. Also, you may want to consider a .357 to start with. Revolvers are very simple, so great for beginners. With at .357, you can also fire .38s at the range, which are typically cheaper than .357 ammo.

Good luck.
 
Before you buy - you need to shoot some guns ( different mfg's - and with different controls ) - some have thumb safeties, some don't, some go up to fire, some go down to fire ... some are stryker fired, some aren't ...different capactiy mags, way different trigger pulls ... and everything in between. Its important you like the controls and the gun fits your hand ( not what fits my hands).... Most of all, its important you like the way the trigger breaks and resets ...is there any wobble, slack, etc .....and what are the price points that give you better or worse options .

Budget - just be honest with yourself ...but a low price is forgotten long after poor quality lingers.

The gun you are considering isn't a bad gun ... 9mm is a smart caliber to start with / its affordable ( relatively ) so you'll practice with it. Shoot the cheapest 9mm ammo you can find / don't shoot expensive "carry" ammo.

Before you consider carrying / shop for a holster ... find a mentor that can help you thru all this stuff ( work on grip, stance, holsters etc ) and talk to the guys at the range you frequent ....why do they shoot X, would they buy it again, where did they make their purchase ...

In general ....

1. I like 1911's a lot / triggers are very, very good ...but price points are high ( $1,000 - $3,000 ) in 9mm.

2. On Double Action / Single Action guns - I prefer Sig. Sig 226 is their full sized gun ( 229 is a little smaller ) / 239 is their single stack and smallest. Sig 226 is a double stack ..holds about 14 rds...but mag capacity is overblown in my opinion. I'm not outgunned if I have a 7 or 8 round mag - in any caliber - if I can shoot the gun well.

3. I don't like poly frame guns ... from Sig or anywhere else ( its my bias ) ... but H&K and others are doing better and better. Stainless will always hold up better in and out of a holster than an alloy frame gun / better than most blued frames...

4. Kramer is my holster of choice / and endorsed by a lot of bigger firearms schools .. http://www.kramerleather.com/products.cfm?categoryID=23
Inside waist band horsehide is their best product, in my opinion. Too many guys buy cheap nylon holsters ...or cheap leather ... neither of them hold up long ( and a lot of them are tossed in a box and not worn ). Good holsters are not cheap / but there are a lot of used holsters out there ( the good ones are model specific )...gunshows are a good place to shop for holsters - but take your gun to make sure it fits.

5. Get some training, join the NRA - and a good local range .... and no matter what / have fun with the process ...and realize you don't have to do it all in a week or less / enjoy the journey !
 
1. Take a training course
2. I would recommend a revolver as a first handgun
3. Local Gun Shop
4. Join the NRA

I sent you a PM. Let me know if I can help.
 
Welcome here!

If there is a local gunshop where you can hold the gun first, I would choose that option. By the way I have an M&P 40 full size and love it, but some prefer the feel of a Glock or even an XD. Guns are all about personal preference, if you like the gun and it comes from a respected brand, and is reliable then buy it.

I like to buy a gun in person, but I know that here in Georgia, we have the option to have a background check, pay for the pistol and walk out all in under an hour. In New Jersey that may not be an option. But I would think that you could still get the gun quicker in a gunshop, than from ordering it online. Plus buying it in person, would save on the FFL transferring fees.
 
Check with your local gunshops; they will often have an indoor range and if they teach the safety course there ask if it is possible to take the class before you buy a pistol. A lot of ranges will rent guns out so you can try them. Often you can find a gun shop with guys who will be more than happy to talk to you about picking out your first gun; some of these guys will talk for hours if you let 'em. :)

If you like the S&W you talked about, go with it. Unless you get into competitions or the like that one gun could easily last you a lifetime. I think 9mm is a great choice for a beginner, especially if you only plan on buying the one gun. Buying a .22 as your first and possibly only gun will leave you with a poor personal/home defense weapon, but a 9mm with good ammo will do the job just fine. Ammo is relatively cheap and is almost always easy to get. Recoil is mild, and they are fun guns to shoot until you get into the tiny ones.

The safety class, by the way, is a great way to learn from absolute beginner to competent gun owner in a short time. I highly recommend it. You'll probably have fun in the class.
 
You've gotten a lot of good advice so far... unfortunately it's impossible to follow all of it.

The S&W MP9c is a great choice IMHO. I don't actually own one (partial to Glocks for my polymer :) ) but I've spent my fair share of time with my brother's. Can't go wrong with the M&P.

Skip the .22 and revolver for now. I've built up a decent little collection of handguns that I enjoy and shoot well... I don't own either a revolver or a .22lr handgun (yet)

I've shot both quite a bit, just prefer the semi-auto variety :) Don't get me wrong, revolvers are great and .22's are great for practice... just not my thing.

Start with the handgun you LIKE. If you could go back and learn to walk without the whole crawling bit, would you do it?

I like the .22 conversions, but they can wait. They are fun and easier to shoot...but so is a Women's basketball. I hit the range with ammo as similar to what I carry as possible. Do you practice w/ the Women's bball before the game?
 
Buy a .22 first. Absolutely. Either a good revolver or quality semiautomatic, your preference. No question.

Don't think of trying to use a .22 for defense. Although it can serve in a pinch, your first priority is learning safe gun handling and building skills. There is no "do everything" handgun. Buy a single barrel 20 gauge shotgun for home defense in the meantime, if home defense and budget are issues for you. If you can afford a gun, training and membership to a club, you can afford to start with a .22 and get the centerfire handgun of your preference later. Nobody (unless its a police officer or military member in a special operations unit who gets training ammo for free) can afford to shoot enough centerfire ammunition to develop meaningful skill with a handgun. (Unless/until they reload their own ammunition, and you probably are not ready for that step yet).

You will never regret purchasing a good quality .22, and all of the skills you develop with it will carry over to a centerfire handgun.

The advice you have received to join the NRA is good. You may find that you do not always agree with their stand on some issues, but they are a good cause and it's important to stand up with them and be counted, more often than not.

Also, join a local, NRA-affiliated club. You will find that other gun people love to share their knowledge and will frequently offer to let you try their guns out. (Don't ask; let them offer. :D)

Take a training course. Taking it before you buy is excellent advice. Keep taking them even after you own the gun you think you want. There is always more to learn. Enjoy the journey.
 
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1. The more you know before you buy a gun the better. I also recommend renting different pistols before buying one.
2. The S&W M&P is a fine pistol that will serve you well, if it fits your hand. Like several folks I think getting a .22 first is a better option, unless you "need: a centerfire right now.
3. See what's available at you local gun stores. Handle as many guns as you can. Buying on line you get better prices. Buying F2F you get to see what you're buying and get to deal with a real human. I prefer dealing with real people.
4. Don't limit yourself to one store. Stop in at every store in your area.
5. The PC term is cartridge, round, or ammo. not bullet. You should buy two different types of ammo. The least expensive ammunition that works in your gun and ammunition that serves your intended use amd works well with your gun.
Some pistols will happily eat any type of ammo you put in them. Some pistols are picky. I can't say which is which for your gun. That's where the fun starts, try every type of ammo you can find and shoot it up.
124gr Federal Hydro Shock and Remington Golden Saber self defense ammo both work well in my 9mm.

The main thing is to have fun.
 
Sometimes introductory pistol courses are held at ranges where you can rent pistols.

Like others have stated, it's a good idea to try a variety of pistols before committing to one.
 
I don't think a training course is absolutely necessary. It really depends on you. You should be able to read the manual and get a fundamental knowledge of how the pistol functions. But I do suggest you go to a range where there are other people shooting to get your feet wet on shooting safely. There may likely be some there there that will do a little coaching on the basics that will get you over the knowledge hump.

I would also purchase from a local gunshop even if you have to pay a little more. They should help you with the basics as well. Don't be bashful about asking questions at the gunshop. We all had to start somewhere and it is to their benefit to help you somewhat as you may be a returning customer.

I think the 22 handgun advice is sound. You seem to like pistols, so I would look at the Rugers and Browning 22 semi-autos. Either will help you develop confidence in shooting and allow you to shoot a lot more than the more costly to shoot 9mm.

Nothing wrong with a 9mm choice. I just prefer 40 S&W.
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions and recommendations! I've definitely joined the right website. For my and my families safety, I will sign-up for a class. I will hold off on picking the 9mm and visit a few shops, as suggested. I'll stay local, as well, in that I'm big on supporting the local economy.

Many of you wrote about getting the right ammunition for the 9mm. What does that actually mean? Does that imply that the gun will backfire ,or something, if I get the wrong ammunition? Can one "feel" the difference? I'd be interested in what you kind folk are actually talking about.

I would also like to have my wife and kid learn how to use the firearm I will eventually purchase; will they be required to apply for a permit (I live in NJ), as well, or can I take them along to the range?

I get the sense from some of your replies that NJ is not a gun-friendly state. Boy, I'm finally understanding what the whole 2nd Amendment fuss is all about. Consider me a convert!!!
 
Welcome to the forum. It appears you already have learned there are a lot of knowledgeable and helpful folks here.
 
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