Shopping for 1st handgun, maybe a deal I can't pass up...

[bbkat]

Here's the deal for those that don't wanna read the story:

Used M&P 40 Compact (25 rnds fired), mag safety, key-lock, four 10rd mags (one regular, three extended (2 from S&W deal), hardcase & all paperwork. Seller asking $475. Would you?

My story:
I decided it's about time for me to learn how to handle a gun. Two days ago I went to the range and fired a handgun for the first time in my life (Glock 9 & 40). I think I'm hooked!

I've been doing online research for the last few weeks and have decided on the M&P 40, but can't decide between the FS or compact. I would eventually like to carry but have no idea how often. Today I was able to test the FS but they didn't have a compact rental. On my way back I stopped at another (very small) gunshop and they had a used 40 compact. Since I'm a complete rookie I asked them if they could tell me what shape it's in. They said they knew the seller and wouldn't doubt the condition. They popped it open and the two owners looked at each other and smiled. They said it looked like it may have never even been fired. They showed me clean oiled parts, clean yellow (factory?) grease on the slide spring, and very faint marks near the end of the barrel (from the slide action). Then they showed me the insides of a gun with 2,500 rounds through it. The difference was clear.

The seller is retired NYPD, I spoke to him on the phone and we're meeting tomorrow to test fire since I've not been able to anywhere else. He says he put 25 rounds through it and decided he wants a Glock compact because all his other guns are Glock and he's used to the trigger.

The 10rd mags and mag safety work great for me since I'm probably going to go back to Cali soon.

Does it sound like a good deal? Thanks!

*edit* and if I do it, I'm gonna ask him if he'll give me a copy of his receipt to try for the free range bag

[Baba Louie]

Buy a box or two of ammo and see how it feels and shoots for you. If you like that and feel comfortable, buy it. It's basically brand new. Davidson's has their M&P's listed at $500.99 + dealers markup + tax + Brady so it's going to add another $130 or so to that cost... you're going to save a little money and end up with a nice little handgun and a few magazines.

Consider taking a class or two. Learn and practice safely. Have fun. Shoot a lot, but learn the proper grip, stance, etc. Buy some good leather/kydex, ear and eye protection.

[eltorrente]

I decided it's about time for me to learn how to handle a gun. Two days ago I went to the range and fired a handgun for the first time in my life (Glock 9 & 40). I think I'm hooked!

How did the .40 feel to you?

I've never fired one and was curious what a total beginner thought about it. Was the recoil "snappy" or in any way uncomfortable compared to the 9mm?

Recoil seems pretty subjective for whatever reason. Many don't like the way certain calibers recoil, while others don't notice them much at all. I have a .45 and it doesn't kick too much, and most people say that the .40 actually has more of a recoil than the .45 does.

[ZeSpectre]

double post

[ZeSpectre]

Recoil seems pretty subjective for whatever reason. Many don't like the way certain calibers recoil, while others don't notice them much at all.

Yup! If you come from a .22 or 9mm camp and try a .40 S&W it's going to seem pretty snappy. If you are coming from a lot of full house .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum then the .40 S&W will probably seem like a pussycat.

I have a long history with bigger wheelguns and .40 seems right to me (and 9mm always feels like a pop gun).

Not flaming 9mm by the way, fine round, just making a comparison kinda like driving my Jeep, it feels HUGE after driving my wife's tiny little Mazda but felt nimble and small after driving a moving van for 4 hours

[bbkat]

How did the .40 feel to you?

I've never fired one and was curious what a total beginner thought about it. Was the recoil "snappy" or in any way uncomfortable compared to the 9mm?

I started with the Glock 9 and thought it kicked hard cuz I had no idea what to expect and nothing to compare to. By the 50th round I was getting used to it but still thought there was too much muzzle flip. Then I switched to the Glock 40 and prepared myself for the stronger kick. There was definitely more power felt but it really didn't seem like a big difference. Keep in mind that we're talking STEEP learning curve and total sensory overload here. Eye fatigue was a factor & I found out why (below)

Today with the M&P 40 I felt very comfortable and more in control. I expected less kick than the Glock from what I've read here but again, I'm learning exponentially right now! I saw some great vid clips on the Guns & Ammo site showing proper stance & grip and no doubt that all came into play. I think tomorrow I'll try an M&P 9 and maybe a 45 for comps.

I also found out I NEED to shoot w/ both eyes open! I'm right handed & my right eye is dominant but I CANNOT keep it open with my left eye closed! Yeah, I was crossing myself up bigtime and my eye was freaking out. Today I was shocked that I did better with both eyes open!

I'm having fun. Thanks guys. I'm learning tons here

[springmom]

Uh oh. It's hopeless. You're hooked and there's no cure for the addiction.

My first handgun was an XD-40. I loved that gun. But (and maybe this won't matter to you) the ammo is pricey, certainly in comparison to 9 mm. If you're going to be putting in lots of range time to get good with this (which I'd assume you will...you should) the 9's a lot cheaper to do that with.

OTOH, you have a pretty good deal there. How much are these going for new in your area? How much will it save you to buy this gun?

Springmom

[stevekolt]

How did the .40 feel to you?

I've never fired one and was curious what a total beginner thought about it. Was the recoil "snappy" or in any way uncomfortable compared to the 9mm?

Recoil seems pretty subjective for whatever reason. Many don't like the way certain calibers recoil, while others don't notice them much at all. I have a .45 and it doesn't kick too much, and most people say that the .40 actually has more of a recoil than the .45 does.

My wife started with a .40 S&W M&P as her first pistol, while mine was a Glock 22 (.40) We also bought a S&W 686 + on the same day. She did/does fine with any caliber, but the blast from the 686 firing a .357 Magnum surprised her pretty well That said, her least favorite pistols to shoot are either of our .380's, (Kel Tec P3AT, and NAA Guardian) while her favorite is her Kimber Pro Raptor in .45