How long Does It Take ?

mrt949 · December 10, 2012, 01:40 AM

How long does it take you to decide if a type of pistol is suited for you?
For me about 3 to 4 range sessions with each type of firearms to decide.
The money you spend in rentals and ammo is cheaper in the long run.

Robk · December 10, 2012, 11:38 AM

For me, it is only a matter of fit into my hand. If it feels good, than it can go on the wish list or be bought right away. I am not a caliber snob, nor do I mind recoil. Each gun has its own quirks and each will find a niche in my colletion into which it will fit.

Bob Wright · December 10, 2012, 11:45 AM

If it has a cylinder, fires, and puts the bullet exactly where I want it, it suits me. Doubly so if it is a single action , blue/case hardened.

Bob Wright

KMAX · December 10, 2012, 11:59 AM

Sometimes first sight and or touch, sometimes years. I have been looking for years for a poly framed gun that I actually like. I have a couple, but they are just tools. I don't admire them as I do my 1911, Hi Power, S&W 642, or even my Taurus 65. I am still looking though. Haven't found a 40 cal I like yet either. Just my opinion.

Zhillsauditor · December 10, 2012, 01:06 PM

Takes a range trip for me. But I'm a gun slut; I like them all.

Crankgrinder · December 10, 2012, 01:33 PM

I know how long it takes me to figure out if one doesnt suit me thats for sure.

chadio · December 10, 2012, 02:01 PM

It has taken over a year for me to really warm up to my P226.... changing the sights and grips were a big factor. I now prefer it over most anything.

My Browning Buckmark .22 ~ now that was an instant hit with everyone, me included.

Instantly liked the 1911 in my Navy days...

45_auto · December 10, 2012, 02:11 PM

Quote:

How long does it take you to decide if a type of pistol is suited for you?

What do you do if it's the issued departmental carry weapon and you decide that it's not "suited" for you?

Do you quit your job?

UtopiaTexasG19 · December 10, 2012, 02:21 PM

I think that over the years gun forums have created a atmosphere where the minute details of shooting have been discussed ad nausium to the point some think that a particular pistol has to weigh an exact amount, have a particular feel and pointing angle and if you don't get a warm fuzzy feeling when you caress it in your hand it's not the right gun for you. If you practice enough you can become proficient enough for defense with just about any pistol. Like a poster said above, if it fires and puts the bullet exactly where I want it, it suits me. I have all 16 pistols I have bought over the last 45 years and am pretty good shooting all of them and they range from a Colt .45 SAA with a 1901 build to S&W wheel guns to Glocks. On the other hand my best friend has spent thousands of dollars in the last 3 years buying and selling pistols looking for the Holy Grail pistol of his dreams. He always gives me a dirty look when I mention to him all the mental m*sterbation he goes through at every new pistol buy.

mrt949 · December 10, 2012, 03:25 PM

Years ago tried the 1911' s felt ok but you were always tweaking mags & springs. Next was GLOCKS didn't fit just right , then the small polimer pistols .Ok but not the real deal after a long time I found out the simpler the better .No manual safetys just the feel of steel a revolver love them or leave them. Man i could have saved a bunch of money but it was fun.

anothernewb · December 10, 2012, 03:51 PM

Agree with others here. It's easy to tell one that is absolutely wrong, but it's kinda hard to tell if one is just "okay"

Myself - I try to be objective. I'll give it a couple hundred rounds.

If I find myself making excuses for it after that, or I find that I don't want to pick it up and use it, or if it doesn't inspire confidence, It's probably not right.

giaquir · December 10, 2012, 03:55 PM

You have one of the most powerful
tools for research-The Internet.
I research any gun I'm interested in buying
and then make an informed decision
at time of purchase.
years ago when I bought my Remmy 270,
I had to research the old way.Magazines,articles,
ballistic info,friends etc...
I find the old research method time consuming
but one can get a more intimate knowledge of the
firearm without sifting out Tom ,Dick and Harry's
5 shot opinion.

edfrompa · December 10, 2012, 07:18 PM

It has taken me a lifetime. It is easier now with the internet. But without it, it was guess and by golly. Now at least you can see what the good and bad are in every firearm, well almost.

Salmoneye · December 10, 2012, 08:53 PM

I have never 'rented' a gun...

Don't even know where to do such a thing around here...

Over the decades, I have purchased 'more than one' gun, simply on what I viewed in 'Gun Digest', catalog ads, et cetera...

Mezzanine · December 10, 2012, 09:36 PM

If im on the verge of buying a new handgun i just ask to hold it every time i go in for ammo or what have you in my local sporting goods stores. If i really wanna test my hands fit i buy an airsoft exact replica of it, same size, different weight, same safety, mag release, no decocking lever but its 20 dollars at most, i consider it a good deal. After i got the 226 i felt like i put a thousand rounds down the barrel of one already. Except it was much heavier and the trigger was a bit more firm than the plastic counterpart.

m&p45acp10+1 · December 10, 2012, 10:35 PM

About as long as it takes me to get my wallet out of my pocket.

If I see one I want at a decent price my wallet comes out. If it is more than I can afford at the time I will save enough to put it on lay away.

orionengnr · December 10, 2012, 11:46 PM

At this point in my life, I can get a pretty good idea by doing a little research and one in-person handling. I've made a few questionable choices (mostly related to a "can't beat it" deal, but no really bad ones.

Once I have it in my hands, one range session gives me a good first impression...and you know how those are. Very, very few times has a first impression been reversed...actually, I am trying hard to think of one example, and so far coming up blank.

Once you know what you like and what works, you will find it pretty easy to filter any future purchases...and I don't mean that you have to stick with your traditional choices.

Quote:

What do you do if it's the issued departmental carry weapon and you decide that it's not "suited" for you?

Do you quit your job?

Well, since my employer does not pay me to carry, or pay for my carry choice...that is a moot point.

serf 'rett · December 11, 2012, 12:10 AM

1. Hold it, feel it, sight it, operate controls, check trigger.

2. Then research - mostly the net and other gunners.

3. Process takes three months to three years, depending on available cash flow.

Disclaimer: Really good deals may only take 5 minutes.

loose_holster_dan · December 12, 2012, 01:08 PM

if you're taking 3-4 range trips, assuming $15 per rental, that's $45-60. why not just buy used without trying (just holding)? if it's not for you, sell it. you aren't going to lose out more than $50 on a used gun if you resell it quickly.

L_Killkenny · December 12, 2012, 01:15 PM

In some ways it must be nice to have the ability to try guns before you buy. Around here? Good luck. In other ways what a pain in the rear to make multiple trips to a range just to decide. Frankly, I can tell 99% of what I need to know buy educating myself before hand and handling a gun without firing. I've never bought a gun I fired first. Sure I made some bad choices when younger, don't think any amount of shooting before hand would of prevented that. I was just young and dumb. But 3-4 trips to the range seems a bit obsessive. You sure you're not Liam Neeson in Taken?

joyrock · December 12, 2012, 09:00 PM

I have never fired a gun before I bought it. I have never rented a gun. Of all the guns I have bought over the years, most were impulse buys. My CZ-75BD, I have read everything about it, before I got it. And I like ALL of them. I got lucky a few times, like my 1940 Llama in 9mm Largo (I LOVE it). My Star Megastar in 10MM is a tank! I bought my K31 from a dude, and it took 5 seconds for me to make up my mind to buy it. I got my CZ-2075 on a whim. That's how I buy guns......probably not the best way, but it works for me.

chris in va · December 13, 2012, 12:37 AM

I lucked out with my CZ 75bd. It was my third handgun and I kept it for ten years. My P01 is the only gun I've found good enough to replace it.

muddymustang · December 13, 2012, 01:08 AM

If I can afford it & want it, I get used to it no matter if I have to file the sights. Love em all

Ozzieman · December 15, 2012, 01:43 PM

For me, it is only a matter of fit into my hand.

Robk said it best.

dahermit · December 15, 2012, 03:30 PM

I take a completely different tack. I do not think that any gun fits my hands, etc. So, I never consider that aspect of buying a gun. What I believe is, if you practice enough with the gun in question, you will eventually adapt to it. The military has been demonstrating the truth of that statement for years. There was only one handgun...the 1911 .45, and only one rifle, the M1 Garand.
If you cannot adapt to those guns (as an example), you have not practiced enough with them.

December 10, 2012, 01:40 AM	#1
mrt949 Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,692	How long Does It Take ? How long does it take you to decide if a type of pistol is suited for you? For me about 3 to 4 range sessions with each type of firearms to decide. The money you spend in rentals and ammo is cheaper in the long run. __________________ No Gun Big Or Small Does It All Last edited by mrt949; December 10, 2012 at 02:12 AM.

December 10, 2012, 11:59 AM	#4
KMAX Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,185	Sometimes first sight and or touch, sometimes years. I have been looking for years for a poly framed gun that I actually like. I have a couple, but they are just tools. I don't admire them as I do my 1911, Hi Power, S&W 642, or even my Taurus 65. I am still looking though. Haven't found a 40 cal I like yet either. Just my opinion. __________________ This is my gun. There are many like her, but this one is mine. I'm not old. I'm CLASSIC!

December 10, 2012, 02:01 PM	#7
chadio Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2011 Posts: 931	It has taken over a year for me to really warm up to my P226.... changing the sights and grips were a big factor. I now prefer it over most anything. My Browning Buckmark .22 ~ now that was an instant hit with everyone, me included. Instantly liked the 1911 in my Navy days... __________________ Ex - Navy, Persian Gulf Veteran. Loved shooting the M14, 1911, M60, M2

December 10, 2012, 03:25 PM	#10
mrt949 Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,692	Years ago tried the 1911' s felt ok but you were always tweaking mags & springs. Next was GLOCKS didn't fit just right , then the small polimer pistols .Ok but not the real deal after a long time I found out the simpler the better .No manual safetys just the feel of steel a revolver love them or leave them. Man i could have saved a bunch of money but it was fun. __________________ No Gun Big Or Small Does It All

December 10, 2012, 10:35 PM	#16
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	About as long as it takes me to get my wallet out of my pocket. If I see one I want at a decent price my wallet comes out. If it is more than I can afford at the time I will save enough to put it on lay away. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

December 10, 2012, 11:38 AM	#2
Robk Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 324	For me, it is only a matter of fit into my hand. If it feels good, than it can go on the wish list or be bought right away. I am not a caliber snob, nor do I mind recoil. Each gun has its own quirks and each will find a niche in my colletion into which it will fit.

December 10, 2012, 11:45 AM	#3
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,987	If it has a cylinder, fires, and puts the bullet exactly where I want it, it suits me. Doubly so if it is a single action , blue/case hardened. Bob Wright

December 10, 2012, 01:06 PM	#5
Zhillsauditor Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2008 Posts: 635	Takes a range trip for me. But I'm a gun slut; I like them all.

December 10, 2012, 01:33 PM	#6
Crankgrinder Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 917	I know how long it takes me to figure out if one doesnt suit me thats for sure.

December 10, 2012, 02:21 PM	#9
UtopiaTexasG19 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 743	I think that over the years gun forums have created a atmosphere where the minute details of shooting have been discussed ad nausium to the point some think that a particular pistol has to weigh an exact amount, have a particular feel and pointing angle and if you don't get a warm fuzzy feeling when you caress it in your hand it's not the right gun for you. If you practice enough you can become proficient enough for defense with just about any pistol. Like a poster said above, if it fires and puts the bullet exactly where I want it, it suits me. I have all 16 pistols I have bought over the last 45 years and am pretty good shooting all of them and they range from a Colt .45 SAA with a 1901 build to S&W wheel guns to Glocks. On the other hand my best friend has spent thousands of dollars in the last 3 years buying and selling pistols looking for the Holy Grail pistol of his dreams. He always gives me a dirty look when I mention to him all the mental m*sterbation he goes through at every new pistol buy.

December 10, 2012, 03:51 PM	#11
anothernewb Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2012 Location: West Central MN Posts: 143	Agree with others here. It's easy to tell one that is absolutely wrong, but it's kinda hard to tell if one is just "okay" Myself - I try to be objective. I'll give it a couple hundred rounds. If I find myself making excuses for it after that, or I find that I don't want to pick it up and use it, or if it doesn't inspire confidence, It's probably not right.

December 10, 2012, 03:55 PM	#12
giaquir Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Deerfield,New Hampshire Posts: 512	You have one of the most powerful tools for research-The Internet. I research any gun I'm interested in buying and then make an informed decision at time of purchase. years ago when I bought my Remmy 270, I had to research the old way.Magazines,articles, ballistic info,friends etc... I find the old research method time consuming but one can get a more intimate knowledge of the firearm without sifting out Tom ,Dick and Harry's 5 shot opinion.

December 10, 2012, 07:18 PM	#13
edfrompa Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 1999 Posts: 335	It has taken me a lifetime. It is easier now with the internet. But without it, it was guess and by golly. Now at least you can see what the good and bad are in every firearm, well almost.

December 10, 2012, 08:53 PM	#14
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	I have never 'rented' a gun... Don't even know where to do such a thing around here... Over the decades, I have purchased 'more than one' gun, simply on what I viewed in 'Gun Digest', catalog ads, et cetera...

December 10, 2012, 09:36 PM	#15
Mezzanine Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 103	If im on the verge of buying a new handgun i just ask to hold it every time i go in for ammo or what have you in my local sporting goods stores. If i really wanna test my hands fit i buy an airsoft exact replica of it, same size, different weight, same safety, mag release, no decocking lever but its 20 dollars at most, i consider it a good deal. After i got the 226 i felt like i put a thousand rounds down the barrel of one already. Except it was much heavier and the trigger was a bit more firm than the plastic counterpart.

December 11, 2012, 12:10 AM	#18
serf 'rett Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2009 Location: Stuttgart, AR Posts: 1,569	1. Hold it, feel it, sight it, operate controls, check trigger. 2. Then research - mostly the net and other gunners. 3. Process takes three months to three years, depending on available cash flow. Disclaimer: Really good deals may only take 5 minutes. __________________ A lack of planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part.

December 12, 2012, 01:08 PM	#19
loose_holster_dan Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2011 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 2,461	if you're taking 3-4 range trips, assuming $15 per rental, that's $45-60. why not just buy used without trying (just holding)? if it's not for you, sell it. you aren't going to lose out more than $50 on a used gun if you resell it quickly. __________________ Favorite range gun for the money - CZ 75B or STI Spartan V 9mm Go-to carry setup - Walther PPS or PPQ in FIST kydex holster 1AK Favorite semi-auto design - HK P7 "A Sig is like a lightsaber - not as clumsy or random as a Glock."

December 12, 2012, 01:15 PM	#20
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,676	In some ways it must be nice to have the ability to try guns before you buy. Around here? Good luck. In other ways what a pain in the rear to make multiple trips to a range just to decide. Frankly, I can tell 99% of what I need to know buy educating myself before hand and handling a gun without firing. I've never bought a gun I fired first. Sure I made some bad choices when younger, don't think any amount of shooting before hand would of prevented that. I was just young and dumb. But 3-4 trips to the range seems a bit obsessive. You sure you're not Liam Neeson in Taken?

December 12, 2012, 09:00 PM	#21
joyrock Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 153	I have never fired a gun before I bought it. I have never rented a gun. Of all the guns I have bought over the years, most were impulse buys. My CZ-75BD, I have read everything about it, before I got it. And I like ALL of them. I got lucky a few times, like my 1940 Llama in 9mm Largo (I LOVE it). My Star Megastar in 10MM is a tank! I bought my K31 from a dude, and it took 5 seconds for me to make up my mind to buy it. I got my CZ-2075 on a whim. That's how I buy guns......probably not the best way, but it works for me. __________________ Oleg Volk is my hero!

December 13, 2012, 12:37 AM	#22
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I lucked out with my CZ 75bd. It was my third handgun and I kept it for ten years. My P01 is the only gun I've found good enough to replace it.

December 13, 2012, 01:08 AM	#23
muddymustang Junior Member Join Date: September 21, 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 6	If I can afford it & want it, I get used to it no matter if I have to file the sights. Love em all

December 15, 2012, 01:43 PM	#24
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	For me, it is only a matter of fit into my hand. Robk said it best. __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe.

December 15, 2012, 03:30 PM	#25
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	I take a completely different tack. I do not think that any gun fits my hands, etc. So, I never consider that aspect of buying a gun. What I believe is, if you practice enough with the gun in question, you will eventually adapt to it. The military has been demonstrating the truth of that statement for years. There was only one handgun...the 1911 .45, and only one rifle, the M1 Garand. If you cannot adapt to those guns (as an example), you have not practiced enough with them.

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