New to handguns, first purchase. Help!

[DRB]

Hi guys,

Before I post anything, please excuse any dumb questions, although I've range fired a handful of handguns and skeet/trap shot shotguns, making a purchase for yourself is something else entirely.

I have a couple questions.

1 - After shooting and handling a bunch of firearms, I think I'm going to buy a Ruger Sr9. It seems the models post-2008(?) recall get pretty solid reviews. Any personal experience with this?

2 - Trying to read a bunch online about CA firearms laws, but its pretty damn confusing. So, I'm allowed to transport in my car, but only to and from range in a lock box? Stuff like that seems pretty long winded. Anyone have a link to a cliff-notes version of CA gun laws? Thanks so much.

Thanks guys. Loving the forum, tons of info I'm still sifting through. Thanks for your help.

[22popnsplat]

Welcome to Calguns , there is tons of info here . I can't help with your questions but i would also like to see something in the way of cliff-notes on the gunlaws . I have been buying guns for nearly 40 years and still aint got the laws figured out .

[CarlozRossi]

1. I don't own an SR9 but I do have an SR9c which is it's little brother. It is my first handgun and I absolutely love it. I'm sure others will come by and vouch for their SR9.

It's a wonderful pistol and would of bought it if only I didn't decide I wanted a carry pirece when I go outta state.

The only ones I hear people complain about are the earlier versions of it. ie, before its trigger was updated to the newer, better SR9c trigger.

2.Your allowed to carry your pistol anywhere (except school zones, i think) in a locked container as long as there's no mag in the pistol's magazine well and no round in the chamber. You can even keep full magazines and ammo in the same lock box.

I'm sure others will be around shortly to clarify.

[Uriah02]

Welcome, I highly recommend checking out the sticky threads as there have literlly been hundreds of threads asking the same questions before. These are common confusions so don't feel alone.

[Rugerdaddy]

First of all, the 9mm is a good choice for a general purpose round. Reasonably effective for self-defense (with self-defense rounds!), and reasonably priced ammo for practice.

I carry a Ruger SR9C and, like CarlozRossi, like it very much. I also shoot it for IDPA, a self-defense oriented competition shooting club. The SR9 you are considering is a very good pistol, at an excellent price. Be prepared to hear others recommend their own favorites. Nothing wrong with that; you should consider all options.

Good luck, and happy shooting.

edit: Hey, I just hit 500 posts! I'm a Senior Member! I will reward myslf with an extra beer tonight, and I expect those junior to me to address me as "Your Transcendent Majesty"

[mtwelve]

DRB, The SR9 is a great gun. I purchased mine used about six months ago. I have put about 500 rounds through it and have had 0 FTE/FTE. I paid $350 for it with 2 mags and a case.

Mine is a post 2008 model with the improved trigger. The easiest way to identify the new model is to look at the first 3 digits of the serial #. If it begins with 331-XXXXX then it is good to go. 330 = early generation and not so good. I would avoid these unless the price is ridiculous. The serial number is on the right side frame just above your knuckle on your trigger finger if you grip the gun.

You can do your homework (research) here http://rugerforum.net/pistol-revolver-forum/

CarlozRossi summed up the transport law pretty well. Use the search function and you will have enough reading for the rest of the day.

Good luck in your search for your gun,
Mike

[CALI SHOT DOC]

Hi guys,

Before I post anything, please excuse any dumb questions, although I've range fired a handful of handguns and skeet/trap shot shotguns, making a purchase for yourself is something else entirely.

I have a couple questions.

1 - After shooting and handling a bunch of firearms, I think I'm going to buy a Ruger Sr9. It seems the models post-2008(?) recall get pretty solid reviews. Any personal experience with this?

2 - Trying to read a bunch online about CA firearms laws, but its pretty damn confusing. So, I'm allowed to transport in my car, but only to and from range in a lock box? Stuff like that seems pretty long winded. Anyone have a link to a cliff-notes version of CA gun laws? Thanks so much.
The easiest way for me to transport is by placing it in my trunk and locking it. A car's trunk is considered a "locked box". A lot of people like to seperate their ammo from weapons (meaning guns in trunk and ammo in backseat or vice versa). I have a range bag which holds up to 2 pistols (the way i have it arranged) and my magazines and ammo. You can have loaded mags which is 100% legal. However you can't have a round in the chamber in transport or a loaded mag inserted into the magazine well.

If i take my RAV 4 then they are both in their cases locked in the back with my range bag. I typically cover it so it doesn't get too hot(food, water, etc for competitions) and if i have to stop somewhere on the way to or from for a second so if people look in they don't see what i have.

You shouldn't have any problems as long as you aren't trying to be like "fast in the furious" out on the road.
Thanks guys. Loving the forum, tons of info I'm still sifting through. Thanks for your help.

I have no experience with rugers other than their 10/22 but i've heard alot of good things about them. 9mm is a great starting gun (other than a .22). It is great for practice at the range due to ammo being cheap(compared to like 45acp) and can double as a great SD/HD gun. I really like Federal Tactical HST JHP ammo. It can sometimes be hard to get cause it's only sold to LEO's but this place has some. http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/produc...oducts_id/1180

I think this is the best place to get SD/HD ammo.

Have FUN!!!!