Just Bought My First Handgun!

[Exit_Wound]

I just bought a Ruger P95 (decock only)... It's in the gun safe at my FFL until Tuesday, and I'm having some regrets!

I have read that it's a good first handgun because of it's reliability and value. It feels good in my hand, and I get good grouping at the range - Especially for being a beginner! I have tried three of the P95s at three different ranges and they seem to be consistent.

Here's my dilemma: I paid $400, used, and it only comes with one mag; did I get ripped off?

I know they retail new for less than this with a couple mags and a loader, but it looks like they are hard to come by.

Should I be happy about this purchase?

Also, what's a good next purchase? I hope to start competing locally (everyone was a beginner sometime, right?), so I would love some suggestions as to competition pistols.

[2ndsojourn]

The 'street price' on Gunbroker seems to be about $400 new, which is about what you should pay if you have good gun shops in your local area. But, through GB, when you throw in shipping and transfer fees through your local FFL, you're probably close to $500. When you look at it that way, it doesn't seem like you overpaid that much. You should've gotten another mag with it though, so you're going to have to shell out another $30+/-.

[jamrock]

For IDPA/USPSA get a glock 34 or glock 17 which is a 9MM or an M&P 9mm. They are the most popular gun run in IDPA. http://www.aafgidpa.com/admin/equpment_survey.htm. I would go to a range and rent each first, I try not to be buy a gun I have never shot before. Kind of like not buying a car you haven't seen in person.

Glock 17 used should be between $400 to $500 are easy to maintain, and there is a youtube vid to do almost any custom thing you want to do to them.

The first upgrade I would make after shooting a couple matches would be some new sights like the warren tactical fiber optic front and plain rear set.

My first IDPA match they had every new shooter evaluated they could function the pistol controls and the shooter didn't sweep themselves drawing from a holster, other clubs I shot had no evalulation. Your going to need at least 5 mags, but I started with just 3 mags, new mags are $25.00, you can probably find used mag at half that which will be fine since it just for gaming and not CCW. For your first match you gonna need a holster, stay away from soft nylon holsters that collapse easy, I would start with an inexpensive fobus or safariland holster.

[DeadEye1911]

Congrats on the FIRST handgun purchase. I emphasize first because they are like Lays Potato Chips, you can't have just one. Ruger's are good. I've bought guns with one mag too, it's a bummer, but some are sold like that. Honestly though, I've never really needed more then one mag, but I like having more just in case. Good luck to you sir and again, congrats!

[Northrider]

I'm pretty sure you will like your P95. That seems a pretty fair price. I have a P90 that I really like. The P series guns are good, reliable, and accurate.

[LockedBreech]

You didn't get a great price, but the P95 is a quality pistol from a maker that backs their products.

Quit fretting and get to know your gun. Soon you will burn enough ammo to make the slight overpayment a distant memory.

[myusername]

Not a great price. But a good gun. It's your first pistol, not your last. (Trust me on that - LOL) Bought from a dealer so no worries about it being stolen. Buy some extra mags online. Shoot the gun awhile then you'll know what you like for your next one. Then keep it as a back up or nightstand gun or sell it, you will get most of your money back or more if you keep it till the next panic.

And if you ever need it, it won't matter what you paid.

[Brit]

Not a great price. But a good gun. It's your first pistol, not your last. (Trust me on that - LOL) Bought from a dealer so no worries about it being stolen. Buy some extra mags online. Shoot the gun awhile then you'll know what you like for your next one. Then keep it as a back up or nightstand gun or sell it, you will get most of your money back or more if you keep it till the next panic.

And if you ever need it, it won't matter what you paid

And if you ever need it, it won't matter what you paid
So true!

[SIMP]

Congrats on your first pistol. I had a P95 and really liked the gun but sold it to fund some others. It was very reliable. Enjoy it!

[ClydeFrog]

New in box or NIB Ruger P95 9mm semi auto pistols were around $295.00 USD in my area about 3 years ago. The 2013 gun blitz saw that shoot up to $450-500.00 now.

CF

[Silver00LT]

You got a good weapon...since this was your first time I would use it as a learning experience. I mean you didn't over pay like 300 bucks. They go for $250-300 depending on demand and condition.

Brand new I paid $390 for my P95, two mags and 100 rounds. They also had 3 of them on the shelf and this was back in 2010. I have not purchased a weapon since the panic...have not even looked at a weapon(except ARs). So I do not know how much prices went up.

Be optimistic and drive on!

[Barbicatter]

I don't Fret of the price. As long as I get a quality piece for a fair price I'm good to go. Having it availble now is worth more than waiting and searching for the smokin' deal.
Enjoy your new to you firearm, Ruger makes fine firearms.

[Jumping_Jehosaphat]

You got a good buy IMO in the fact that it's easy to find aftermarket products for Ruger and they have outstanding reliability. For the way prices are up and down you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

[Exit_Wound]

I'm on my way to pick it up now! Everyone is right, I'm already looking at a second pistol!

Everyone I ask who knows about guns is carrying some sort of 1911... Is there a reason for this? It's definitely cool looking, and a .45 acp does seem like a great caliber to carry (once I become accurate with it).

I have a feeling I might make another impulse buy when I go pick this one up! Here's another question: if you were to make an impulse buy, what gun under $1,000 would you buy TODAY?

Thank you for the advice on competing, too! I definitely caught the bug!

One last thing, do y'all name your guns?! Is that a dumb newbie thing to do? If so, do y'all name your guns ironically? Like, does your Assault Shot Gun have a name like 'Sprinkles'?

I'm being silly now, I'm just so excited!

Happy shooting, and thanks again!

[Jumping_Jehosaphat]

I'd go for a Kimber 1911 or SR1911 (Ruger).

[Spats McGee]

Originally Posted by Exit_Wound

. . . .Everyone I ask who knows about guns is carrying some sort of 1911... Is there a reason for this?

Yes, because they're 1911s.

Seriously, though, welcome to TFL, and congratulations on that P95! I'm a big fan of the 1911 and the .45 acp round, but will also admit that there are lots and lots of great guns out there these days. I can't really help you on impulse buys, as I don't really do impulse buys on guns.

[Exit_Wound]

Put 100 rounds through it today, and it just feels right!

Thanks again for all the help and advice! I realized I need to shoot the .9mm to get more comfortable shooting before moving on to the .45! But I might just buy the ruger 1911 just to have for now! What's a good 9mm to carry concealed?

One more question for y'all: Is it okay to dry fire the P95? I have read conflicting points of view on this and I'm hoping y'all can clear it up for me! It seems to be built like a tank, and it's not like it's a rimfire gun, so I think it's fine, but I've heard it recited like a commandment. "NEVER DRY FIRE ANYTHING"... Can you clear this up for me?

Thanks again!

[jamrock]

9mm carry gun suggestions glock 19 or glock 26, kahr cw9 or cm9, m&p shield or m&p compact. The secret to conceal carrying is a good gun belt and a comfortable holster like a hybrid kydex and leather holster works best for most (I ccw 12 hours a day on average with a glock 19).

[LockedBreech]

Originally Posted by Exit_Wound

Put 100 rounds through it today, and it just feels right!

Thanks again for all the help and advice! I realized I need to shoot the .9mm to get more comfortable shooting before moving on to the .45! But I might just buy the ruger 1911 just to have for now! What's a good 9mm to carry concealed?

One more question for y'all: Is it okay to dry fire the P95? I have read conflicting points of view on this and I'm hoping y'all can clear it up for me! It seems to be built like a tank, and it's not like it's a rimfire gun, so I think it's fine, but I've heard it recited like a commandment. "NEVER DRY FIRE ANYTHING"... Can you clear this up for me?

Thanks again!

Generally Rugers are okay to dry fire, but just to be safe buy some A-Zoom snap caps. They're only like 10 bucks and you won't have to worry

[Silver00LT]

Put 100 rounds through it today, and it just feels right!

Thanks again for all the help and advice! I realized I need to shoot the .9mm to get more comfortable shooting before moving on to the .45! But I might just buy the ruger 1911 just to have for now! What's a good 9mm to carry concealed?

One more question for y'all: Is it okay to dry fire the P95? I have read conflicting points of view on this and I'm hoping y'all can clear it up for me! It seems to be built like a tank, and it's not like it's a rimfire gun, so I think it's fine, but I've heard it recited like a commandment. "NEVER DRY FIRE ANYTHING"... Can you clear this up for me?

Thanks again!

Only time I EVER dry fire is when I am breaking down my Glock. Other than that it is a practice I never picked up and won't.

9mm carry gun suggestions glock 19 or glock 26, kahr cw9 or cm9, m&p shield or m&p compact. The secret to conceal carrying is a good gun belt and a comfortable holster like a hybrid kydex and leather holster works best for most (I ccw 12 hours a day on average with a glock 19).

I CC my Glock 26 in a custom made IWB holster made out of kydex. It's custom molded to the firearm.

[Exit_Wound]

Only time I EVER dry fire is when I am breaking down my Glock. Other than that it is a practice I never picked up and won't.

Could you help understand your apprehension? Is this something I should avoid, too? What about firing with snap caps?

Wouldn't dry firing help develop trigger control without having to burn through rounds? Ammo is a bit pricy and hard to find, so this seems like a good option... Is there something I'm missing?

Thank you!

[Brains]

Check the owners manual (if you don't have one for your P95, you can get it online). Most centerfire guns can be dry fired with no ill effects. Most rimfire guns should not be dry fired. But, there's exceptions of course. For example, the Ruger SR series can be dry fired all day long, with an empty magazine. Dry firing with no magazine in the well smacks the striker into the magazine safety block (as designed), and Ruger warns it can lead to problems eventually.

[LockedBreech]

Can I dry fire my Ruger P-Series and .22 pistols?

Yes. All Ruger pistols can be dry fired without damage, and dry firing can be useful to familiarize the owner with the firearm. However, be sure any firearm is completely unloaded before dry firing!

From:

http://www.ruger.com/service/FAQs.html#Q60

Aside from the caveat above about the SR-series, this seems to be universal.

[torbjork]

Wouldn't dry firing help develop trigger control without having to burn through rounds?

Sure, but shooting 22lr does a better job of it and is still affordable. Which is why you need to have at least one 22lr pistol

Congratulations of your first purchase by the way!

[jimbob86]

Also, what's a good next purchase?

1/2 a dozen magazines for the gun- No sense in paying for range time to load that magazine over and over...... and it's hard to do reload drills with only one mag.

After that, a handloading set-up and a bulk order of components.

Sure, but shooting 22lr does a better job of it and is still affordable. Which is why you need to have at least one 22lr pistol

That would not work very well around here right now: 22lr seems to have an unobtainium component in it, at least in the Omaha area....... the only place that has any is A&A in Fremont, and they are charging ludicrous prices for it ......

What's a good 9mm to carry concealed?

I like my EMP, though it is spendy ...... I also like the Ruger sR9c, which can be had for less than $500, new.

I would also like the SIG 938 ..... just don't have that kind of money right now.