Potential New Gun Owner Questions

Ive been researching getting my first gun. Im somewhat a newb to owning a gun. Ive taken the NRA handgun safety course along time ago and Ive shot a few times with coworkers. So while browsing I came across the SIG Sauer P938 Edge and I really like the look of it. But, I dont want to make a decision based on the way it looks. From the research Ive been doing and by talking to a few gun owners at work they all say that the Glock is a good first gun. I think Im leaning towards the Glock 26 or 43. I want to stay with the 9MM and I like that they are reliable, easy to maintain and easy to mod, kinda like a Civic. So is this a good "first" gun? I still like the SIG Egde for the looks. TIA

 

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Is this for conceal carry purposes?

 

Opposed to smith and Wesson shield?

 

Glock 43 hands down

 

Go to a range that allows rentals. I've thought many were going to shoot well because someone else liked them or they had good reviews and then ended up hating them. I will never ever recommend buying a gun, especially with little gun buying experience, without actually trying them out first.

 

In my opinion, the P938 is not a very good choice for a first gun. It can be finicky , and being a 1911 style pistol, its not the easiest to break down iirc.

I would look more into a striker fired weapon, like a glock or a sig sauer p320. I personally love the p320 because of its modularity. You can go from having a compact or carry (15 to 17 rounds in the magazine) to a sub compact which has 12 rounds much like a glock 26 but with 2 more rounds and still ccw it easily all with a simple grip change.

And since you're looking at single stacks, which i assume is for CCW, since its your first purchase, i would look at a double stack magazine subcompact like the glock 26 or a P320 subcompact, just so its better for HD and CCW.

And i agree rent before you buy, though i usually never do ,i get too excited and buy it anyways.

 

Get a good reputable brand that fits your hand well.

 

I daily carry a 938 equinox. If you've spent anytime behind the 1911, it makes a perfect carry gun for somebody that prefers those characteristics. Plus idk how you are about safeties and stuff like that but this gun has a traditional safety versus the Glock's safe action triggers

If you can find a range that will let you rent the pistols or somebody with the guns your considering. I highly recommend if possible to spend some trigger time with them.

 

I do love me some P320. My favorite pistol, hands down.

 

I know a few guys that own a few guns but we are all always too busy to meet up and shoot. More than likely Ill hit up one of the local shops that allow rentals. But I really dont like being the newb guy at the gun store. Not sure how I would be treated, everytime I go to one I get ignored, maybe because I look too young to be there. And yes Ive thought about CCW, one of my coworkers is a CCW instructor.

Funny you say this, someone at work is selling one.

 

theres a $75 rebate out there for them, better off buying a new one

 

It's hit or miss with shops. Some will actually be helpful. Others will be asshats if you're not on their level. But if you think it's bad, just try being a lady at a gun shop. There's no possible way a lady knows her way around a firearm....

 

Get an idea what they all feel like in your hand. Don't be afraid to "dry fire" to see how the trigger pull is. I haven't met a dealer yet that won't let you do that, just don't go crazy.

When we bought my wife her first gun, we were surprised to find out that the SMITH & WESSON .357 magnum revolver was the best fit. She has normal sized hands but she has freakishly long lady fingers and that gun was a perfect fit! We bought it for home protection...but if the Wild West suddenly broke out she'd be covered.

 

Im on the same boat OP. Laws are a bit different up here though. Ive been looking and trying to get info and get the same response at stores. From their side though they can probably tell if your there for a purchase or information. Some guys just dont like giving the information.

 

Tell me it was a S&W 686 Pro. Hands down my favorite revolver. I have tiny lady hands, but that thing is comfortable as hell and so fun to shoot.

 

I have a p938 in rosewood. While I love the gun and would recommend it eventually, I think you would do yourself a great disservice to start with this. It's one of the smallest on the market, and primarily designed for concealed carry. If that is your intended purpose, than it is a fine choice. If you are looking to learn how to shoot, I would recommend a full size handgun. Like others have said, go to a range with rentals and sample as many models as you can. There are slight variances in all models, and given your hand shape and design, you may find one model works better for you than another.

Glocks, Sigs, and most other manufacturers make fineness weapons. More than likely, if you never heard of the company or the gun is less than $300 stay away.

 

I'll have to check. It's big and shiny metal though

We bought it a few years ago before they started putting some sort of lock type feature on them. Someone told me that they are now highly sought after.

 

I also recommend getting your hands on them and shooting them. A place that does rentals and will let you try them out is the best, but I know the range guys can be dicks sometimes. I don't know where you're located, but if you're ever around Athens, Ga, I've got a good range I'll take you to