First Gun

[Firsttimeshooter]

Hello everyone,

I posted a while ago about what gun should be my first. A lot of people suggested that I go out and shot different types and get more experience. Well, I did just that and now I think I know what type is just right for me. I like the S&W MP 40 cal. It felt just right in my hands.
Now I am back searching for more advice from the gun gurus. Now that I know what gun I want I need to buy one. I have a couple of questions. I got a couple quotes from dealers near me and they quoted $813 OTD, but it would be on back order. Is this worth it? When buying a used gun, what are important things to look for to make sure I dont get swindled? Ok thanks for the help.

[Pvt. Cowboy]

Make your first gun a good one and brand new. That's my advice. Proven design is paramount as well. I personally don't think very highly of recent S&W revolvers because they've gone really cheap in just the last couple years, but their M&P 40 auto is said to be good.

Make sure that if you only buy one gun that your choice is something you won't be disappointed in.

If I were your pal, I'd steer you to an Hk USP or Sig-Sauer.

[Eroland7]

I would deffinately just keep an eye out on these forums and buy a used one, unless you feel like waiting months for a back order. Deffinately check the bore for corrosion and to make sure it still has clean riffling. On revolvers make sure the cylinder locks nice and tight. I'm sure someone else could give you much better advice...

[AMC]

The easiest way to go would to go look with someone who knows what to look out for. Do you have a friend who knows their guns? If not, let us know what area your in and I'm sure a fellow member would be happy to help you spend your money. If your around north county San Diego I'd be happy to help.

[Eroland7]

The easiest way to go would to go look with someone who knows what to look out for.

+1

Deffinately a good idea!

[luisdeleon]

don't let anyone steer you in another direction. you made a good choice. expand your dealer search. see who has one in stock. who cares if you have to drive a bit. what area are you from?

[fastpowerstroker]

$813 sounds like way to much for used. I just bought the same one new 3 months ago for $630. It was some credit card deal for 10% off that I paid off but, even if I didn't get that deal It would of been $700otd. Prices may have gone up though

[Bukowski]

Good Choice

I have the M&P in 9mm and .45 with no problems so far.

Price seems a little high but right now is not the best time to be bargin hunting. I would go new if at all possible, or check the classifieds here for a lightly used one, as they do come up from time to time.

Ask about round count, any modifications done (trigger work is popular on M&P's), and look for unusual wear. They are pretty robust guns, mine all have +9K rounds with no issues.

On a happy note, .40 is about the only ammo in my neck of the woods that is around in any appreciable quantity...

[Z ME FLY]

$813 OTD seems high to me. I personally don't have a problem buying USED since my first gun (Glock G29) was used. Like what some members said already, look at the classifieds and you can get lucky. For $800, that's sig, hk, 1911 range. Usually M&Ps here are $600ish if even that high. You have time to shop around since it is back ordered already what is another week or two. Post a WTB ad also for a M&P40 that should help.

[Greg-Dawg]

....When buying a used gun, what are important things to look for to make sure I dont get swindled?

Bring someone with you that owns a gun to help what to look for in the used gun.

[bsg]

i would still steer you toward the sig....

[bsg]

older w german sig.

[Z ME FLY]

Where does the OP live? Usually we have an honest FFL here and there that would help him out.

[pingpong]

My first gun was a new M&P 9mm fullsize (I was actually looking for an XD-9, but they didn't have any in stock). I never really considered the M&P but when I picked it up, the ergonomics on it instantly won me over. The 2-free magazine rebate was gravy .

I got mine for $575+tax+DROS. Not a super deal, but not grossly marked up either.

[swordtail99]

First Gun?

Check on gunbroker.com . Just looked, lots of M&P 40's, good prices.