New gun purchase

[Guest yuner]

Greetings. New to the forum, and thought I would jump right in with a question. I am thinking of purchasing a new handgun to carry off-duty, something compact, and not looking to spend $500.00. You guys have any suggestions? Appreciate your time and help.

[Steelharp]

You're in H'ville; go by G&L and look in the "used" counters. They had quite a selection when I stopped in last night.

[SonnyCrockett]

go to a few gun classes,rent a few and see what works for you

[kb4ns]

I agree with the others. Go somewhere that you can try a variety of different handguns. If you like and are proficient with your duty gun, start with looking at compact / subcompact models by the same manufacturer of your duty gun. If you're like me and hate your duty gun, your options are limitless.

[Guest yuner]

Thanx for the input guys. I actually like my duty weapon, its just not the most convenient to carry concealed. I have not purchased a new handgun in over 10 years, so I guess I should have asked what would be a good price for a used compact. Anyway, I'll check out Guns and leather and see what the have. Thanx again fellas.

[JC57]

Take your badge and ID with you and check to see if there are any law enforcement discounts available. Some manufacturers sell at discounted rates to LEOs but you need to make sure the gun store participates in those programs.

Some internet sales companies also offer LEO discounts, like Bud's Gun Shop:

Discount Guns for Law Enforcement by Buds Gun Shop (budsgunshop.com)

You could also try GT Distributors: GT Distributors - America's Law Enforcement supply specialist, but they will require a letter from your department specifying that your purchase is for official duty purposes and I think they will ship directly to the department. I would assume that an approved off-duty weapon would qualify but you could call them to find out.

Edited February 26, 2011 by JC57

[Guest carter]

also OMB's Express Police Supply - Distributor of 5.11 Tactical Equipment have some great prices... not sure what your looking for...i picked up a sig p238 took it to the range yesterday and loved it...put 50 rnds down the tube without a hickup, even worked well with the colt mustang mags i bought from midwayusa without altering them...

[D3vo]

I agree wih everyone else, but maybe if you tell us what you feel is important to you.

Example: Size, Weight, round count.

We could give you some suggestions.

Edited February 26, 2011 by D3vo

[mikegideon]

Look at the new Ruger LC 9 too. Real concealable.

[shoota40]

bersa thunder 9 n ruger sr9c

[Dolomite_supafly]

What kind of gun is your duty gun?

If it is a Glock like almost everyone then I would get a comapct version in the same caliber. That way you are familira with both guns and can't get muscle memory confused between the two. The biggest reason why is for magazine availability. You can use your full size mags in your compact as back up mags.

And if you find a LE Glock dealer you can get the discount which is $397 and that workd out to less than $450 for a standard from Glock.

Dolomite

[DWARREN123]

I would get a compact model of your duty weapon so the manual of arms is the same. Make sure it fits you and feels good.

[Motasyco]

Whatever you get, it's inevitable that you'll soon want to add something else. I decided long ago, I don't trade or sell firearms. I just add them. It seems no matter what I get, my want list keeps getting longer. If you can make a mental list of all your firearms, you don't have enough.

[Guest friesepferd]

I highly suggest getting a used Springfield XD