TheBeej418

Announcement and pics are posted!  My First Pistol Has Arrived!!!!

As some of you know, I looked at and shot a lot of different guns. It ended up coming down to the Sig P226 or S&W M&P9. For me, there were really only a couple fine details of difference. Thankfully there's a pretty decent aftermarket for both and it's kind of like cars (my primary hobby)... it's more fun if you can play with it a bit. With that in mind, I chose the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Carry and Range Kit! I swear I bought the last kit in the country (the kit comes with an extra magazine, speed loader, and other goodies). Without further ado... My biggest problem with this gun was the trigger. In comes Apex Tactical. Everyone who has experienced the Apex trigger swears it makes it just as smooth as the Sig. So, I picked up the trigger kit and TruGlo Trillium/Fiber Optic night sights. I wanted a cleaning mat and from what you see, I even found one that I thought was kind of cool, shows a full break down of the gun on it. This kit came with the UpLULA speed loader and this thing is bad ass! Any speed loader is better than doing it by hand but this one is amazing. The only downside would be if you're out in the field and didn't have a table or something to load on. Kind of relies on the mag being set on something. Once again, thanks to D&T for handling the transfer and many of you for your input and recommendations!

Wonder how hard that is to undo when I decide I don't like it in a month?

I wanted to say thanks again for everyone's input!!! My gun is shipping out today and I'll be heading to D&T for the transfer Wednesday night. After I get everything, I'll post some pictures so everyone knows what my final decision was.  :)

Florida is one of the states TN has a reciprocal agreement with. We honor theirs, they honor ours. If you're a FL resident in the eye of the law, should be good as long as you abide by our laws when carrying. http://www.tn.gov/safety/handgun/reciprocity.shtml

I can't spill the beans yet! Going to Nashville Armory to shoot and rent a couple extras tonight so I'm waiting just in case my opinion gets swayed to something available.....

I'm looking to make my first hand gun purchase within the next few days. I've called everyone local but no one has the "kit" I'm looking for in stock in the caliber I want. I found an online reseller (through gunbroker) where I can purchase what I want for $547 delivered versus the $609 sticker price local + 9.25% tax. I would use D&T for the transfer being they are a supporting vendor and offer a discount.   Any recommendation or argument either for or against buying online and transferring? The gun is BNIB so I assume I could still register it for the lifetime warranty and everything.

  Couldn't agree more! They stopped putting ammo in the main case at mine as well (or so it usually seems). That and Donald (Tuesday-Saturday 7am sporting goods guys) and I are becoming best friends! I feel like I need to take him coffee or a donut every morning I stop in. Those employees are a little more regular than other departments. 

300% chance of clouds?

Cool Springs Walmart has 17 boxes of 20ct. Tula .223 for $5.27 each.

With the amount of money we spend on ammo (especially these days) I'd rather be safe than sorry. My friends all recommended silica packs so I picked up 20 for $6 and free shipping from Amazon with my new MTM ammo cans. :-) To everyone else's point though, if you have central heat and air in your home, that's going to be pulling excess moisture out of your home.

No fun....  "The last “surge” in demand only lasted six quarters, and this one, though manufacturers changed their expectations in the last month, now expect demand to remain strong through the end of the year. Some even wonder if it will extend into the new year and beyond"

Good thing I started stocking up a couple of weeks ago. ;-)

Question for you M&P guys - What's your impression of the trigger versus others? Have you done any work to yours? I went to Franklin Gun Shop last night and looked at everything on my list plus a few, including dry firing them. I didn't like the trigger at all on the M&P when compared to the XDM and others. It quickly dropped off my list based on that. Comments or thoughts?   CZ guys - I need to give them a look. Know anyone in the Nashville area that stocks them? I didn't see them last night at Franklin Gun Shop but I think CZ's site listed them as a dealer. I'll have to double check. 

Good looking out! 10 boxes ordered!!!!

Thank you to everyone for your input so far! This thread has been far more informational and constructive than I anticipated.   I'm seeing the M&P mentioned most, or so it seems. I'm also very intrigued by the Browning Hi Power and will have to take a look. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that any ranges have that one available around here to try out.   Obviously the most recommended seem to be towards the bottom of the price range (which is fine). Besides the full steel, are there going to be noticeable quality differences with guns like the Hi Power or Sig? Would it be like going from a Kia to a AMG Mercedes or what?

Many of you have owned and shot a lot of different guns. I grew up shooting rifles with my dad but have pretty minimal experience with semi-automatic pistols. I'm looking to purchase my first ever hand gun and have about a $1200 budget. I can go a little over but wouldn't be mad about being under either. Below is a list of what I'm looking at and feel free to include your recommendation and why I should consider it. I do want a full size and it will be used primarily for target shooting and home protection. I have a night planned at Nashville Armory next week to rent a few of theirs plus meet a couple buddies that have the others before making my final decision.   Sig Sauer P226 TacOps - From what I've read, this model is worth the extra over the standard P226 due to the SRT trigger and upgraded sights. It also comes with high capacity mags and 4 of them instead of 2. I have yet to actually hold this one.   Beretta 90Two - Obviously this model has a few upgrades over the 92FS. I have no strong feelings towards or against this one until I actually shoot it. Feel in my hand was also neutral but like the full grip swap options and full metal body.   Smith & Wesson M&P 4.25 - Initially I wasn't real kean on the idea of a composite pistol. I don't like the idea of limited grip change ability BUT that changed a little bit when this was in my hands. This pistol is the best feeling I've gripped to date. I've read somewhere that the Crimson Trace Laser grips are worth it but I'm not familiar with the difference. Seems pretty expensive   Springfield Armory XDm 4.5 - I really like the idea of some of the features of this gun and it was initially my favorite. It is also very comfortable in my hand but the S&W had the slight edge.   Glock 17 - I put this on the list because it was a consideration (and it seems that Glock in general is a big favorite around here) but it was a no go as soon as I held it in my hand. Just didn't feel right at all. Didn't like it, don't want it.   I know the feel of the shot will probably be a huge factor in this but wondering your opinions. Is one better than the other for aftermarket accessories, parts, field stripping and maitenance or reliability? 

Just wheeled the cart out in Cool Springs with 9/40/45

Some people get scared by the availablity, others (such as myself) enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Watching GunBot and then trying to complete a sale prior to being sold out for my own personal use is more addicting than gambling!