Wanted : handgun recommendations / or for sale

[djbridgeland]

Looking to buy a handgun, when the feds return my money to me that was stolen from my paychecks last year.  If you have something your looking to sell or any recommendations let me know.  Looking for something affordable, that can either be concealed or open carried comfortably.  Not so concerned about looks, more concerned about functionality.

[Daniel Bryant]

I don't have one for sale right now but I can give you a couple of general recommendations.

First, get something that is reliable.  This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to stick to major brands but do some research on the particular weapon before buying it.  This also doesn't mean that you have to buy new.  Some stores will guarantee the arm for function or you can bring it back within a certain time period.  The one that comes to mind off the top of my head is Kittery Trading Post in Maine.  I hear they're good about doing transfers to New Hampshire.  Just be sure that you run a few rounds through it to be sure it works before the 30 days is up.

Second, get something that you are comfortable with.  The best way to know that is to handle and shoot a lot of pistols.  You might be able to borrow some from people you know but I've found that the best way to handle a wide variety of handguns is to take an afternoon and go to a range that offers rentals.  I don't know of any up here off the top of my head but I'm sure that some other people can chime in with recommendations.

The next thing that I recommend is to get something chambered for a common caliber.  In autopistols that would mean .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and 9mm Luger.  In revolvers I would recomend .38 Special or .357 Magnum.  These calibers are readily available at almost any gun store.  Many Wal-Marts carry them and I've even seen some gas stations and hardware stores carry them as well.

I will say that the only downside of having a common caliber is that if everyone decides to buy up ammo at once (like after the election) then there will be a lot of people that are looking to buy the same ammo as you.

Up to this point I have assumed that you are looking for a handgun as a primarily defensive arm.  If, however, you are looking for more of a recreational/target shooting gun, then I would strongly suggest a .22LR.  The ammo is cheap and available nearly everywhere.

Auto vs. Revolver:
Without getting too complicated, let me say that both are quite capable.  I would try to shoot samples of both and get a feel for which one you like better.  Revolvers are easier to use and if you don't think you will be able to put much time (or increasingly expensive ammo) into practice then you may want to consider one.

The gun isn't all you have to consider. You must also take into consideration that you will want to buy ammo, magazines or speedloaders, and some kind of holster.  Don't forget to factor those into the final cost of the weapon.

Finally, and most importantly, weapons safety handling rules.  Owning a firearm carries great responsibility with it and these can never be repeated too often:

1.  Treat every weapon is if it were loaded.

2.  Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.

3.  Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire.

4.  Be sure of your target and what is behind it.

[neggy]

I can't really add anything to the above post. It is as clear and concise a post on handguns as I have ever read.

My only question would be how much shooting experience do you have?

I would also suggest finding a copy of Massad Ayoobs book " In The Gravest Extreme", which IMHO is a book every person who owns a gun should read at least once.

I am partial to Glock pistols, but I have read good things about the Smith & Wesson M&P line of polymer pistols that are recent additions to the handgun market. Both are affordable.

A little more expensive would be something by Sig. I like Sigs, I think everyone should have at least one, but they are expensive.

Revolvers? I'm partial to S&W products. I think everyone should own a J frame revolver in .38 spl, and if it is a newer model it may take +p ammo or be chambered for .357/.38

I am also a fan of K frame revolvers, especially those that are chambered for .357 because you can also shoot the .38 special and 38 spl +p ammo without a problem.

One of the biggest issues right now is ammo availability. Since October ammo has been scarce, and the prices have gone through the roof. The Federal government just declared they will no longer sell used shell casings to the civilian market, so this is going to make the price of 9mm and other ammo go through the roof as reloaded ammo is going to be limited to the brass available from the civilian market only.

No matter what you decide to buy, make sure you get as much ammo as you can lay your hands on ASAP. Keep 500 rounds on hand for when the SHTF, and keep buying what you can afford so you can shoot as often as you need to become and stay proficient with the ammo you are counting on to defend yourself. Revolvers are very forgiving when it comes to ammo. You can shoot reloaded ammo all day long. Try feeding a Glock reloaded ammo and see what happens.

Good luck

[djbridgeland]

I can't really add anything to the above post. It is as clear and concise a post on handguns as I have ever read.

My only question would be how much shooting experience do you have?

I would also suggest finding a copy of Massad Ayoobs book " In The Gravest Extreme", which IMHO is a book every person who owns a gun should read at least once.

I am partial to Glock pistols, but I have read good things about the Smith & Wesson M&P line of polymer pistols that are recent additions to the handgun market. Both are affordable.

A little more expensive would be something by Sig. I like Sigs, I think everyone should have at least one, but they are expensive.

Revolvers? I'm partial to S&W products. I think everyone should own a J frame revolver in .38 spl, and if it is a newer model it may take +p ammo or be chambered for .357/.38

I am also a fan of K frame revolvers, especially those that are chambered for .357 because you can also shoot the .38 special and 38 spl +p ammo without a problem.

One of the biggest issues right now is ammo availability. Since October ammo has been scarce, and the prices have gone through the roof. The Federal government just declared they will no longer sell used shell casings to the civilian market, so this is going to make the price of 9mm and other ammo go through the roof as reloaded ammo is going to be limited to the brass available from the civilian market only.

No matter what you decide to buy, make sure you get as much ammo as you can lay your hands on ASAP. Keep 500 rounds on hand for when the SHTF, and keep buying what you can afford so you can shoot as often as you need to become and stay proficient with the ammo you are counting on to defend yourself. Revolvers are very forgiving when it comes to ammo. You can shoot reloaded ammo all day long. Try feeding a Glock reloaded ammo and see what happens.

Good luck

Well I grew up shooting 5-10 times a year.  Considering my budget I would probably be looking to buy used.  Are there any stores in Manchester area that have a good selection of used handguns?  Also in NH do I have to show my ID to look at/ handle a firearm? I would like to handle some before I decide what to buy.   I'm from Illinois where you have to show your FOID card just to look at / handle a firearm.

[Puke]

I've never had to show ID to just look and handle a gun in a shop. Only I had to fill out the gov't paperwork.

I recommend Springfield XD's. They are great Semi-Auto's.

[Pat McCotter]

The only time ID is required is when transferring a firearm - buying from an in-state dealer or receiving from an out-of-state dealer.

Manchester Firing Line requires ID when using their range.
http://www.gunsnh.com/faq.php

[djbridgeland]

Went to Riley's yesterday and saw some that interested me.

used Sig .380 for $379 - looks like an older model with some wear
Ruger 9mm
New Bersa Thunder .380

Researching online all 3 of these look to really reliable firearms.  Any comments about any of these are welcome.  At $379 the Sig looks like a steal, but I wanted to see what others thought.

[neggy]

I don't like .380

IMHO they are a marginal round, and I know they are just a c hair shorter version of a 9 X 19 which is one of the most common semi auto rounds on the planet.

If you look at any of the objective ballistic tests the .380 is borderline lethal, and I want what ever I am using for defensive loads to take that bad guy down 2 rounds center mass no doubt about it.

Stick to 9mm or 40S&W, lethality is good, easy to control, ammo is readily available.

If I were to buy a used Sig for under 350 I'd be looking for a P6/ P225 there are a zillion of them out there that were imported when the german PD turned them in on new guns. They may not look pretty but they do the job

[KBCraig]

I don't like .380

I agree that the .380 is marginal, and I personally draw the lower limit at 9x18 (Makarov). BUT, the .380 in your pocket is vastly preferable to the .45 you left at home.

That's one reason that .380 ammo is Unobtanium right now. The Keltec P3AT and other ultra-concealable and affordable handguns have surged in popularity as more people are carrying, and also doing the responsible thing by spending time on the range becoming proficient. You never have to dress around a pistol like that, it's never too heavy, too bulky, or too inconvenient to carry.

(Almost every caliber is hard to get right now, but .380 is the hardest to find.)

[Lumpy]

I've never even been into a pawn shop in my life but Aubern and I went into one while we were in the insane state of Michigan and let me tell you, they are often ready to negotiate ...  a lot.  We purchased two 12 gauges, with hard cases for $477 out the door (and that included slave tax of 6%...  f#@k3rs).   I don't know where they are in NH but I encourage you or anyone to check them out.  The guns we picked up were used but in excellent condition and well worth that price individually.

Due to the times, I also suggest to stock up on ammo like mad.  At least 1,000 rounds (of not 2,000) for each firearm you have...  that is just me though.  Soon, it may be that they are worth more than gold...  but maybe not in NH.  This is a VERY gun friendly place.

P.S.  I've never been a gun guy in my life but now I understand how important it is for me to have them readily accessible...  and loaded...  well, what good is an unloaded gun?