First time handgun buyer...

[Prise]

Hey guys,

Firstly, I haven't searched or read extensively recently, but just have a few general questions to guide me towards making the good decision for a handgun purchase.

So, thanks in advance for any help, guidance or insights.

Some of things I've noticed shopping for a handgun this weekend: (1) have always been partial to a 1911, and have noticed many are in the $900 - $1,000 range; (2) was informed by a few merchants that certain models (such as a Glock or M&P) will no longer be legal in CA because of the trigger safety feature; and, (3) the disparities between the large retailers and smaller gun shops.

A few questions:

1. Is the price for the 1911s current? Or, has it been inflated, and does it represent relative value compared to other "equivalent" model handguns?

2. Were the warnings merely marketing opportunism, or is it accurate that if I don't purchase one of these "Glocks" or "M&Ps" now, that I wouldn't be able to find any in stock next year?

3. In general, are better prices offered in the big retailers, such as Bass Pro? Should I ever accept a "floor" model, in lieu of a NIB in inventory, which most shops likely wouldn't have when it comes to handguns, unless for the really big retail chains?

And, finally, since the 1911 seems kind of pricey, any recommendations something equivalent I should consider?

Thanks! Really appreciate any potential insights & guidance.

[Fenr1r]

You need to pick a gun to buy this week. On January 1 you will not be able to buy most handguns that are available in the rest of the country. Even the Glock Gen 4s and some M&Ps unless you buy it through a private party.

Where are you located? We can recommend good FFLs that isn't a Bass Pro Shop.

Check out the CA Roster for handguns. I am not a 1911 fan but I think there are still going to be some good ones that you can still buy new next year. Someone else can chime in for that. http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

You also need your handgun safety card which is a 25 question multiple choice test and two proofs of residence. With 17 days left to get an off roster handgun you need to have everything together.

[Prise]

You need to pick a gun to buy this week. On January 1 you will not be able to buy most handguns that are available in the rest of the country. Even the Glock Gen 4s and some M&Ps unless you buy it through a private party.

Where are you located? We can recommend good FFLs that isn't a Bass Pro Shop.

Check out the CA Roster for handguns. I am not a 1911 fan but I think there are still going to be some good ones that you can still buy new next year. Someone else can chime in for that. http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

You also need your handgun safety card which is a 25 question multiple choice test and two proofs of residence. With 17 days left to get an off roster handgun you need to have everything together.

Oh wow, I was hoping it was just hyperbole regarding the unavailability by/post January 2015.

I'm in Northern CA, and willing to drive to make the purchase. Given the time constraints, it seems I've little time to make research my decision. Though this has been about 10 years ago, I have fired extensively at the range various 1911s, Glocks, and the older S&W models, but not the M&P.

I'm assuming passing the 25 questions aren't difficult, even if I haven't read the entire CA pdf. I'm just assuming common sense deduction should result in over 75% correct rate.

I'm not partial to Bass Pro, but I'm not familiar with any local gun shops around me, since there are basically none who carry handguns.

Any suggestions and/or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

[SkyHawk]

What city are you near?

[5ZS]

I would skip (although popular): Glock Gen4, XDM, 1911's, and CZ clones since you only have one SSE left, and there will be similar or older generation on roster next year.
Skip the M&P, just because the trigger is sub par (imo), compared to other listed below.

Just get one of these, since there will not be something similar:
Walther PPQ
SIG P320
H&K VP9
Any of these 3 are arguably the top 3 polymer 9's today, and I like them better than anything on the roster today.

Sorry you only have one SSE, but at least hopefully you will get one in. Buying used next year (is an option via PPT) may cost you more. Hopefully there is a SSE version duo.

Here is the SSE thread that will help you with some shops: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=383692
Confirm that a shop can accommodate you, shops are slammed and may not have room.

[Mr. Patis]

If you want a 1911 I'd look at the Dan Wesson heritage or valor, for polymer Walther PPQ or HK VP9....and get next year I'd get CZ SP01

[Old4eyes]

If you are correctly quoting some merchants that say lines of guns will no longer be available due to trigger safety, choose different merchants who know what is actually happening.

In order for a handgun to be sold by an FFL it must be on the approved list which started out as a safety/reliability test and has blossomed into a gun control mechanism.

For a firearm to be on the list it must pass a drop test to see if it will have an accidental firing.

For Pistols, the additional:

Loaded Chamber Indictor
Magazine Disconnect
Microstamping <<<< This is the one that is the poison pill for the pistols.

S&W and Ruger pulled out of the pistol market in California due to the microstamping requirement. Smith still has the Shield on the list but all the rest fell off the list when their expiration date came due on the list.

Glock is still selling Gen 3 pistols in California. And I would presume that although they have joined in the suit concerning the list, they probably will continue to make Gen 3 pistols for the California market especially since Smith and Ruger are not in the market at this time.

Any gun that is on the list currently and for which the manufacturer is willing to pony up the bi-annual blackmail fee to keep said gun (unchanged) on the list will stay on the list. Smith and Ruger no longer wished to play the "unchanged" game with California.

Glock, Springfield, Beretta, HK, Sig-Sauer, CZ are still making pistols that meet their grandfathered status on the list. Will they do so forever, probably not. But to run out in a hurry to buy a gun before the end of the year at this late date without doing a bit of research will possibly get you something you may not have really wanted.

Search through the forums on SSE - Single Shot Exemption, that method of circumventing the list does disappear on January 1. But it's getting a bit late to jump onto that bandwagon.

No new 1911's will be added to the list. The SSE was a great way to get one that was not on the list. There are good 1911's on the list.

Glock 19
Springfield XD
CZ 75
Beretta 92FS or PX4

The HK and Sig line will move you up the price tree.

RIA and Springfield are good lines for 1911. Kimber has a lot of entries but I'm not a fan, do your research, maybe you are a Kimber sort of guy.

[Prise]

What city are you near?

San Francisco Bay area.

And, as you can expect, in a jurisdiction where it's illegal to purchase a BB Gun, let alone an actual one, the options are non existent in my area. I've accepted the reality that, at the very least, must make two trips with considerable driving distance to make my purchase.

[Prise]

RIA and Springfield are good lines for 1911. Kimber has a lot of entries but I'm not a fan, do your research, maybe you are a Kimber sort of guy.

Initially, I was leaning towards a Springfield 1911 at Bass Pro for about $950. Though, in my view, it seemed keen of pricey, I don't mind the price, assuming the it was a worthwhile purchase.

In addition, they had none in inventory and only the floor model available. The issue is that I certainly don't have the knowledge, experience, or expertise to examine the sample piece to ensure it hasn't been degraded or otherwise compromised from frequent handling or mishandling by the immense foot traffic flowing through Bass Pros daily.

I've noticed Kimber has a bit of a cult following, and many at the store had recommended it to me. I'm not sure what "Kimber" sort is, or if you meant there is one, but I really don't have any partiality to any brand.

I'm mainly looking for quality at a fair price.

[Prise]

Just get one of these, since there will not be something similar:
Walther PPQ
SIG P320
H&K VP9
Any of these 3 are arguably the top 3 polymer 9's today, and I like them better than anything on the roster today.

Thanks for the recommendations and the link.

Reading up on the SSE thing, it seems prudent wait on the 1911 (which doesn't appear to become unavailable in future) to make my "one" purchase this year a piece that likely won't be available in the future without considerable hassle.

[Click Boom]

There are going to many many fine 1911's available on the roster after 1/1. Your priority should be getting something that is in a class of pistols that will be off the roster.

I really like gen4 glocks.
Could also get ppq/vp9
for awesome metal guns that are rare and not on the roster, check out sphinx, tanfoglio, certain CZ's.
also premium ccw guns like the XDs are worth a slot.

Just imo. Decide soon!

[BigPimping]

Glock is all you will ever need. Totally reliable, simple, great aftermarket, accurate. Just get a gen3 Glock, save all the SSE fees and hassle and shoot that baby. Also save $$$$ over a 1911. They are a bit overrated IMHO. But I am a Glock fan and have used them since before many members here were even alive.

[96snake]

Look here in the classifieds for a good deal. The Springfields can be had for ALOT less than $950. Yes, many guns are falling off the roster/already fallen off. If you wanted to SSE (single shot exemption) a handgun, now would be the time. You will no longer be able to use this loophole after jan 1. Keep in mind PPT (private party transfers) are exempt from the roster and there are plenty of these guns floating around so not all hope is lost, just expect to pay more after jan 1 when everyone is flipping them for profit. I owned a RIA 1911 and it was fantastic. That being said, if your budget is higher than that, I would definitely look at the springfields, kimbers, or para ordinance 1911s. Keep in mind ammo for these guns is going to cost you twice what it would for something chambered in 9mm. As a newbie, the best advice I have heard and can give is BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE. Get what you want man. If you don't, you will regret it and end up spending more in the long run to track down what you do want. As for the handgun test, it's very simple. I didnt study at all and aced it. I hope you find what you are looking for and welcome to calguns!!!!

[Prise]

Glock is all you will ever need. Totally reliable, simple, great aftermarket, accurate. Just get a gen3 Glock, save all the SSE fees and hassle and shoot that baby. Also save $$$$ over a 1911. They are a bit overrated IMHO. But I am a Glock fan and have used them since before many members here were even alive.

My very first time shooting a handgun was a Glock 9MM (don't recall the model) at or around 1988 or so. If I recall, they were new at the time and I enjoyed shooting them very much.

Also, I recall the prices were much more reasonable then! $499 for the a Glock and about $400 for quality 1911.

What happened?!

[manini]

There are so many things to consider.
Polymer frame or steel or alloy?
Caliber? 9mm? .45acp? Something else?
1911s are also available in 9mm.
Rail for accessories?
SA/DA. SA only.
Safety? Decocker?
California models often have a loaded chamber indicator and magazine disconnect. If those features bother you, you would need to sse or ppt something.

There is a sticky you can look at about choosing a handgun if you have the time and inclination to read it.

Read alot. Handle what you can although off roster will be harder to get your hands on. Some lgs have off roster runs in stock although that supply will be dwindling. Hurry if you decide you want something not on the roster. If you buy one of the more popular off roster guns and decide you don't like it, you would probably have no trouble selling it via ppt.