About buying handguns. I am a non-felon female that wants to purchase a handgun.

Question

Anything you can tell me is great. What are the price ranges?

Answer 1

There are as many choices as there are people answering this question. The only true answer is whichever gun fits you best. I would recommend going to a range that rents handguns and try several different ones. Make sure that you tell the range manager what you want the gun for - target shooting, plinking, self-defense, or hunting, and get his recommendation on caliber. Then try different brands, barrel lengths, and action types to see which you are most comfortable with. I think of it sort of like test driving several cars before you buy one.

It will cost about $30-40 to try a gun or two, including range time and ammo, but even if you try 5 guns, it's still cheaper than buying a gun that you don't like. I think it's funny how often I see an ad for a handgun in the paper or on the internet that says "less than 20 rounds fired" or something like that. I bet that if those folks had tried out a couple of guns before buying, they would have one they keep.

Answer 2

Great!

My advice is educate yourself on safety and marksmanship. In the process you can try several types of firearms. Settle on one that you are comfortable with. One that you are confident shooting. You will have no worries practicing more that way. Later, if you want to change to another caliber firearm, down the road...that's up to you.

You can expect to drop $30 to $50 bucks each time you go to the range. But, this will also let you experience many kinds of firearms...so you can make your own educated decision. Get educated and have fun to boot! It's better to have a firearm you like, and know how to use, than one that sits locked away that you are unfamilar/uncomfortable with.

Hopefully you have a indoor gun range or two in your area. Call them up and ask what their hours are. If they rent firearms at their range, and what their prices are. Make some time for yourself to go on down. When you get there, let them know that you are a "first timer" to their shop and are interested in renting a firearm for some practice on their range. They will be glad to go over the safety rules and regualtions of their range and help you get set up. Heck,..it's their livelyhood...of course they want you there!

It's kind of like going to a bowling alley, but you pay for range time (Usually by the half hour).

Here's the check-list...

Rent - A firearm, ear protection (muffs), eye protection (safety glasses).

Buy - Tagets, ammuntion and range time.

My suggestion is to start off with a .22 caliber revolver first. Keeping it simple makes it easier on you, for your first few times out at the range. If you want to try a .38 revolver...has a bit more "bang". Once you get familiar with these, try a semi-automatic pistol...like a 9mm, or .380.

Have fun. Be safe. Ask as many questions as you can. Ask if they have any classes. Always keep a loaded firearm pointed "down-range" (where the targets hang next to the back stop)...even when it's laying on a shooting bench.

Target shooting is more fun than throwing darts!

Answer 3

i would take a hunters safety course.most states have them for free or minamal cost.very helpfull.you not only learn about handguns you learn about rifles and care for the guns.and its funoh yea and you dont have to own a fire arm to partisipate thats the best part.you can see if you are even intrested in a gun.some are sqweemish

Answer 4

Please tell us where you live, and what the primary purpose of the firearm is for. We could help you better with this information.

Answer 5

It really depends on where you live, in Kansas all you need is your pic.id, as far as prices go, you can get a piece of junk for a little over $100, and they go up from there, I'd expect to spend $300-$400 for a quality, name brand gun. You can't really go wrong with any of the major manufacturers, Glock,Ruger,S&W, Beretta.  I prefer Glock for autos, and Ruger and S&W for revolvers. good luck with your purchase, and welcome to the shooting community

Answer 6

You should start at a gun shop. They will tell you exactly what you need to do before you can purchase a handgun in your area and state. Which could turn out to just picking a firearm out and giving the shop the amount due. But they can definitely walk you through the process.

As for prices, they range from $130 all the way up to past $1000. All my handguns were less than 600 bucks. It depends on the make and model you like, the caliber you choose, and that all depends on its use. If you are just trying to learn about guns a .22 semi-auto or revolver would be a great start. If you need a in home protection or conceal carry weapon you may want a 9mm/.38 special or bigger.

Answer 7

you can get a nice Rossi 38 special on Auctionarms.com for about $240-$280 brand new....this would be a good gun for you seeing as how it's not too big...but it packs enough punch to be really good for personal protection.

Answer 8

Largely depends on what State of the Union you live in.  Some are toughter than others but all hold the minimum age at 21, no felonies and no history of inflicting family violance for owning/purchasing handguns.

Prices?  Revolvers or autos?  Ruger revolvers, Taurus or used Smith & Wesson revolvers will cost less: Say three to five hundred.  Semi-automatic (best to buy new) Rugers:  Around $350 total for a new Ruger Elsie P (LCP) .380 acp pistol to around $425 to just under $500 for a new "P" series pistol.  Glocks are great:  $500 to $700 new.

Good luck.

H