Help Needed

[rynmoon77]

New to the forum and appreciate all the helpful information I have been reading. I am in the process of narrowing down my first handgun purchase. Due to recent home purchase and second little one due in March my budget is around $300. I have looked and handled several at the local gun shops and I really like the feel of the SW40VE. I have found the gun online at Buds Gun Shop for $277 with all fees included the gun will cost me $330.

Question 1: Has anyone done buisness with Buds? Pros and Cons?

Question 2: Does anyone know where I could pick this gun up cheaper and have it delivered to my FFL?

[BBBCTC]

In lieu of the .40, go for either 9mm or 45ACP. Period. The ammo is more common, there is more of a choice as far as bullet designs and pressure/velocity levels. Plus, these firearms were BUILT around their calibres...something that isn't always the case with the .40 S&W.

Consignment pieces can run you around what you're looking to spend. One series you might look into, would be the S&W 3rd gen. semiauto pistols. I've had a 6904 since 1993, and have nothing but good things to say about it (aside from its smallish size compared to my large-ish paws).

In a jam, you could look for a Heritage Arms C-1000. Although it's a strange-looking beast, it was put together very well, and was apparently every bit as reliable and hard-hitting as its South African Vektor counterpart. Like the S&Ws, it has a magazine disconnect safety (mag must be in pistol in order for it to fire). UNLIKE the S&W, it uses the same gas-delayed blowback system as the Heckler & Koch P7 pistol.

If you're seeing a pattern, it's because you aren't gonna get a good semi-auto NEW for $300 or less. These you will get used, but they're more than likely to be better than new cheaper stuff. DO NOT BUY CHEAP. Your family depends on you getting a GOOD firearm. Don't low-ball their safety.