Picking a new hand gun

[customizef]

Curious to see what people look for when they shop for a new handgun ? And the reasons why.

 

[XMil]

I research what handguns have a reputation for reliability. From that group I pick one that feels natural in my hands. It always pays to be able to spend some time at the range with one before you buy, just to make sure it works for you.

I like semi-autos without traditional safeties. I also like "high" capacity magazines. Lastly all my center-fire handguns are the same caliber. I don't like having to keep different calibers of ammo. It also makes reloading easier.

 

[Eiffelman]

Quality and reputation. Price is also a factor I usually consider.

 

[JetGirl]

I research what handguns have a reputation for reliability. From that group I pick one that feels natural in my hands. It always pays to be able to spend some time at the range with one before you buy, just to make sure it works for you.

Pretty much this ^ plus the "shiny" factor doesn't hurt.
It's nice to have a "go to" friend if you don't know that much about what you're looking at.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Quality, caliber, feel, capacity, and looks.

Obviousaly I do not want a piece of crap, however I also stay away from guns that in my eyes are a rip off. Cailber depending on what I already own, and what I feel like what I need. Try and buy something in a caliber I already have usualy. Then that's one less cailber to stock ammo for. If it does not feel right, I will never own it. Cpacity is important also. I do not need the highest capacity out there. Yet I do not want something, that has a low capacity either. I also do not want something that looks like crap. I try to get opinions of others also, before choosing. I will pick up a gun, and see how it fits my hand. Does it have a natural point of aim. How hard is it to work the slide, and to release the slide. How hard to drop a mag. How do I like the sites. Also no manual safties.

 

[Eiffelman]

Quality, caliber, feel, capacity, and looks.

Obviousaly I do not want a piece of crap, however I also stay away from guns that in my eyes are a rip off.

Can you give a few examples of hand guns that are a big rip off?

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

How I shop:

I see what catches my eye. Then I go from there...

If I see that what catches my eye is a Taurus...I tend to shy away. Not from any personal experience, but I've heard a lot of "lemon" stories. I've also heard as many "good" stories, too, though.

Then I look at the price... If it's too much for my budget, I'll just continue looking.

Is it a 9mm? Yes = continue. No = probably not continue. (I've tried to keep my ammo inventory very simple, that's all)

If it's in my budget and the caliber I want, then I'll give it a good looking-over.

It's then I determine if it feels good in my hands, has user friendly controls, etc etc.

so, for me, it's not any 1 thing, nor is there really any order to my looking.

-J-

 

[TripleL]

It depends on what I want to use it for. Do I want it as a carry gun? Then, size and weight matters. Will it mainly be a home defense weapon? Then, the right caliber might be something to consider. Obviously, a combination of different needs would help me narrow my choices down. And then, there's that steal at my local pawnshop that throws everything I just said out the window.

 

[Joe Williams]

Reliability, durability, fit and feel in my hands, accuracy, availability of ammo, mags, holsters. Oh, and suitability for it's intended purpose. The Beretta 92FS that I loved so much simply wasn't suitable for the very concealed carry I occasionally need.

 

[alwalker84]

I kind of do things backwards. I look around for something that jumps out at me asthetically (as in wouldnt mind carrying). After I find one, I go home an do all the research from there.

Normally there is something that I already have in mind while in looking though, as in size, caliber, etc. Unless a deal that I cant pass up comes along. (i.e. a $300 1911

 

[Jay]

I don't often wear a pair of shoes that don't feel good on my feet, and along those lines.... I'd not shoot a firearm very often, that doesn't feel good in my hands. I follow my eyes first, then my hands, then back up and do a bit of research, and hopefully hands-on time, before any purchase.....

If it doesn't feel "right" in your hands, you probably won't shoot it enough to become proficient with it....

 

[JByer323]

I ask myself one very simple question:

Does this make me look like an operator?

 

[customizef]

I ask myself one very simple question:

Does this make me look like an operator?

So that probably means you carry an HK ! LOL

 

[printcraft]

I ask myself one very simple question:

Does this make me look like an operator?

Don't get one of these...... operator = no................ tool = yes.

 

[nalees]

feel in my hand, price

 

[cce1302]

I prefer to buy guns that are made in the US, though I have 2 made in croatia, and one from Italy. Everything else I've bought is made in USA.

I don't ever plan on buying anything from South America or the Philippines.

What else do I look for?
I've had my eye on a lot of guns for most of my life, so it's really whichever one of them I find at the right price at the right time. I have quite an eclectic taste in US-made handguns, so it really depends on which style I want at any particular time. I have generally picked out the gun I'm going to buy before I even decide to go to the gun store. I have had the opportunity to be exposed to many different guns without buying them, which I feel is an advantage, so that I don't have to spend my money on something that I may and/or may not like.
Of course, I also take some heat on this forum for disliking some handguns that I have had bad experiences with though I have not wasted my own money on them. Apparently some people feel that in order to properly judge a handgun, one must spend lots of money on it.

 

[groovatron]

I usually get my mind set on one specific style or piece.....then I do a ton of research and shopping around untill I find the one that jumps out at me as a winner. As soon as I own it, it's on to the next obsession. If I had a ton of money, I'd probably be in the gun a week club.

Edit:.........oh yeah, I too also prefer American Made pistols, and just about anything for that matter, which can kind of limit the choices.

 

[D.T.O.M.]

Springfield XDs just because I like them. I also check out what feels correct,reputation Things maybe I know someone that one .

 

[esrice]

I ask myself one very simple question:

Does this make me look like an operator?

I don't get it. . . .

 

[darinb]

handgun search?

I look at its tracdk record for durability and reliability and I always handle and shoot the model before I buy. I always try and stick with the same type of operating system.