Inspecting a new gun...

[L84CABO]

Are you buying used?

And here's the thing...for a first gun purchase I usually recommend buying new for this very reason...because you don't really know enough yet to evaluate a used gun.

And if you are buying new, you really don't USUALLY need to worry about a gun being "abused." Stick with the quality brands and a reputable shop and you shouldn't have any problems in this regard.

Further, you're evaluating how the gun feels in your hand. Can you reach and work the controls? Is the grip too small or too large? Is the gun too heavy (usually more of an issue for women). How does the gun point? Is the gun the appropriate size for your intended use (ie maybe you're looking for a smaller gun for concealed carry)? Do you like the features...things like the sights? Safeties...or lack thereof? Finish? What about the price? Is it competitive?

You get the idea.

[dyson]

Mainly because of the shops I've called, the ones with the best pricing for SSE (PPQ & VP9) guns are out that way. Many of the ones closer to me either (1) won't accommodate SSE, and (2) seem to have higher price point.

I hear you op, bay area shops are pricey. Plus you can check out bass pro. Try to give digital instincts in sunnyvale a call and see if he has anything in stock.

[spencerhut]

If I had a nickle for every time some new gun buyer accused us of firing their new gun. Like we have time for that even if we wanted to. I should just record the "They get test fired at the factory" speech. Followed by the "No they don't clean them after popping off a couple of rounds to make sure they work" speech.

Some people are so picky, like they are going to rub their gun with a diaper instead of shoot it. Fortunately these sort of gun people are very few and far between. Most folks just want something reliable & comfortable to kill things like paper and zombies with . . . NFG about how it looks.

[dyson]

Lol u can tell who those folks are on these boards

[Prise]

Are you buying used?

No, buying new.

I've read tons of conflicting information regarding accepting a display model, where some have suggested strongly against it, since the item may have been mishandled for a long period of time.

It makes sense to inspect the piece first; but, while I've shot guns many times, I know very little on inspecting for any obvious signs of abuse.

[Prise]

Stop by Alquist in Turlock if you're dead set on a vp9. I still can't justify heading 1 1/2 hours one way times 4 just to purchase and pick up a firearm. Good thing I got my vp9 online for 550+120 SSE and Dros + 40 dollars tax.

Good deal!

Best I could find on the VP9 is $699 before taxes & fees, which I feel is considerably overpriced, if it weren't for this situation in CA. Any other place, no one would pay more than $600 for this item.

[Prise]

If I had a nickle for every time some new gun buyer accused us of firing their new gun. Like we have time for that even if we wanted to. I should just record the "They get test fired at the factory" speech. Followed by the "No they don't clean them after popping off a couple of rounds to make sure they work" speech.

From a novice's perspective, it's difficult to cipher through all the information and views available. I've read that dry firing is bad, clicking the release without a magazine with a round is bad, and all these various ways floor models may be mishandled by "novice" shoppers, such as myself.

How much of that is accurate? I'm not sure. However, from my perspective, it seems logical that a firearm manufactured to withstand the discharge 1000s of exploding cartridges many times over should be impregnable to any kind of harm human hands may cause, aside from the obvious cosmetic blemishes.

However, since I know next to nothing about guns, aside from shooting them, I make an allowance that my logic could be flawed, as it relates to handguns, and specifically magazine type semis.

[Prise]

I hear you op, bay area shops are pricey. Plus you can check out bass pro. Try to give digital instincts in sunnyvale a call and see if he has anything in stock.

Yeah, I just noticed average prices around the Bay Area are higher than the ones farther way.

I've always believed that price is what you pay, and value is what you get. Gas is cheap enough and I have enough break time, where I don't mind driving to find the best deal. All things being equal, since tax is assessed now on all purchases, I'd rather patronize a LGS, especially the ones who have patiently taken my calls and answered all my novice-rudimentary questions in both a friendly and professional manner. Not sure if it's just my experience, but it appears the shops further away all seem friendlier and more patient in answering my queries.

In the end, I don't mind paying a little more and driving further (it's driving, how hard is it?) to give these guys the business.

[spencerhut]

From a novice's perspective, it's difficult to cipher through all the information and views available. I've read that dry firing is bad, clicking the release without a magazine with a round is bad, and all these various ways floor models may be mishandled by "novice" shoppers, such as myself.

How much of that is accurate? I'm not sure. However, from my perspective, it seems logical that a firearm manufactured to withstand the discharge 1000s of exploding cartridges many times over should be impregnable to any kind of harm human hands may cause, aside from the obvious cosmetic blemishes.

Dry firing . . . damn you had to bring that up. Someone should visit all the old farts working at guns stores and explain dry firing a modern centerfire handgun should be every shooters #1 method to practice at home.

[.45 ACP]

1. Make sure the gun is safe/clear.
2. Function check.
3. Check chamber and bore for any signs of wear/dirt/rust/etc.
4. Shop at a place that deserves your business. Since you're new, and have little time to pick up a PPQ/VP9, check out Yelp reviews. Don't just read the 5 star ones, read a few 3 and 2 star reviews and see how this shop has dealt with other people.

[gesundheit]

If its possible, have them take the slide off and see for abrasions underneath. For a new gun, you won't see anything. Just make sure you are comfortable with the function check and the trigger pull and action.