WTB- ANY fully functional 9mm or larger handgun

[MrFiddlesticks]

Hello all. I am new to this board, and I look forward to becoming an active member in this online community!
My name is Chris. Mr.Fiddlesticks is my newly rescued kittens name. Financially, I am not doing as well as I have in the past. Due to unforseen circumstances, I currently rent the top half of my aunts home. I've been here for a few years now, but lately local news has begun to scare me, and brought about a trip to the armory on Midlothian(not sure if I'm allowed to state company names on the boards or not.) Needless to say, with hours being cut back at the job site, I really couldn't afford anything there.
I'll try not to ramble and get straight to the point. Literally right across the street from my current residence, a guy was robbed and shot in front of his family (including kids) and left for dead. Thankfully, he survived his injuries.It just seems like more and more crazy stuff is going on right here in Richmond. Due to the obvious lack of respect for life that many individuals seems to walk around with, I want something in the house to protect my family from intruders. I am 25 (26 on the 15th,) fully competent, and legally allowed to purchase a firearm. I am willing to meet anywhere in the Richmond area, even the police station to verify the transaction if you deem it necessary. I wish to uphold the law to the fullest extent in regards to making a firearm purchase. With all that said, after paying off all of my bills I'm only working with about $120. That's where you being a really nice person comes into play, haha Seriously though, if you have an old handgun collecting dust that works, regardless what make it is, I'm definitely interested. I don't like this uneasy feeling that I'be been experiencing here lately. I live in a rough neighborhood on a rough side of town, and its no fun at all wondering what I'll do if some thugs kick our door in to try and rob us, only to find out we are broke and decide to shoot us because of it. I've got $120 give or take a few bucks (depending on when I get a response, or if I get one,) and I'm looking for a 9mm or larger caliber handgun. Not interested in rifles or shotguns. Just too big and I'm not a hunter. I don't have the experience or confidence to scramble through the house with anything that large, but at the same time I'm scared a .22 or something small wouldn't haveintruder stopping power. Thanks for your consideration, and thanks for reading! Have a good one!

[jdonovan]

I think at the $120 price point, you're going to be unhappy with the quality, and reliability of any handgun that meets your pricing needs. Id suggest you continue to save until you are up into the mid 200's. That will get you a lot more options.

If you really have to have something right now. I would look into a single shot 12ga. Something like a Harrington & Richardson Pardner. You can even find these new in the $150 range, so a local pawn shop might have a used one down in the $100 range.

[allingeneral]

I agree with everything that jdonovan said and second the motion to check your local pawn shop. If nothing else, maybe you have something that you can trade to them for enough of a loan to pick up a decent handgun...

[MrFiddlesticks]

Thanks guys so much for your feedback. If you can't tell, I'm completely new to the gun world. When I was a younger, I used to always stand with the anti-gun crowd and I frowned upon gun buyers, thinking in a very stereotypical manner about them. After visiting a gun shop and places like here, I know realize it is the anti-gun folk who are the silly minded individuals. I'm sure those that are quick to be judgemental towards owning a gun are the people (like I used to be) living in a fairy tale setting where the grass is always green and criminal activity is always associated with neighborhoods outside their own. Once again, thanks for your comments, and I will most definitely save up some more for a decent firearm. I was looking at a Taurus 24/7 OSS .40 for only $420. I really like the look and feel of it too. Definitely want to equip it with an extremely bright tactical light also, so if someone breaks in I can more swiftly through my home, flash it in their face, and quickly let them know to get out while blinding them and preventing them acquiring a target on me. I don't know the age of you guys, but I learned that from a war based online video game on Ps3 called EA Battlefield 3. If you've never heard of it, you OWE it to yourself ti experience the online play. It is by far the most advanced method of experiencing what real war is like, and I wouldn't be suprised if our very own government does recruiting from its top players haha!

[mk4]

ummm... not trying to be an a$$, but...
possessing, learning to handle, learning the law, carrying, etc, a defensive firearm is *nothing* like any video game, regardless of how seemingly realistic. you owe it to yourself and the safety of those around you to get some firearms education and training, first. please...

i carry every day, everywhere i go where it's legal to do so. the weighty responsibility of doing so is far heavier than the 1.5 pounds of steel, lead and plastic attached to my belt.

knowledge is power.
be safe.

[MrFiddlesticks]

I understand where you're coming from mk4, and of course with the purchasing of a firearm I plan to take just about all the classes associated with owning a handgun that the armory on Midlothian offers. I talked with a lot of the guys there and I am very eager to learn all things firearm related when my financial situation allows it. I was only saying that I learned what a tactical light is and how it functions via the online war simulator. I know that even though the game's visual representation of the firearms in it and how they react when fired are just that: visual representations. I will say however that they are spot on in regards to actual representation of the physical mechanics of the guns in regards to kick back, rate of fire, firearm firing range, etc.
I respect and am thankful for the high level of responsibility bestowed on citizens that are allowed to carry a weapon. Negligence is not a gun owners friend. Don't worry sir, I'm no idiot

[MrFiddlesticks]

Also, please excuse my grammatical errors. I sometimes have trouble putting thoughts on paper accurately, and I often write lengthy statements without an often needed proof read.

[formula73]

I've never had an intruder in my house but I, personally, would skip the light. It kind of shows everybody exactly where you are and where to shoot. Also, .380s have plenty of power, these days...

[monkeybre]

mr sticks, do have a 9mm that I could part with under 200, but like the others say may not be the quality you would find over that price margin. will be in your area end of this week coming up, orthogaines@hotmail.com if interested. thanks

[jihgwt]

Might look into Hi Point .. low price but serviceable

[Kreutz]

In all honesty the only thing I can think in your price range is a suicide special or a revolver I own, a Russian m1895 Nagant that I paid $99.00 for, largely just to put on my mantle because I thought it looked cool.

The ammo may cost more than the gun based on what I've read, wouldn't know, never fired it.

The trigger pull is nowhere near as heavy as some make it out to be.

Thats the only gun I can think of thats not in the Jennings suicide special category.

A Hi-point after tax will run about $180.00 to $200.00, I have a .45 I keep in my glove box, its actually surprisingly accurate and a pisser to shoot, but prone to FTE until you break it in....and ammo is expensive, so you're gonna have a hard time doing that. Cleaning it is an ordeal from Hell incidentally.

It was also hard to find, alot of dealers I tried refused to carry them, had to special order it in Rocky Mount.

Edit: On second thought since this is for home defense take jdonovans advice and get the shotgun. Far more likely to find a useable one in your budget than a handgun, requires less training, and you're less likely to kill the neighbors if you miss and the bullet travels through walls.

[Kory]

In all honesty the only thing I can think in your price range is a suicide special or a revolver I own, a Russian m1895 Nagant that I paid $99.00 for, largely just to put on my mantle because I thought it looked cool.

The ammo may cost more than the gun based on what I've read, wouldn't know, never fired it.

Those nagants will take the 32 S&W and the 32 S&W long

[jrswanson1]

For a little over $200 you can find used S&W Model 10 revolvers in .38 Special. Ammo is still pretty inexpensive for that round, and they just flat out work.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I've never had an intruder in my house but I, personally, would skip the light. It kind of shows everybody exactly where you are and where to shoot. Also, .380s have plenty of power, these days...

Would you rather shoot at a target you can't identify? I take it have haven't exprianced the modern day lights put out by surefire, streamlight, and other companies. They are literary blinding when shined in your face, even the spill is blinding.

Having a light does a couple things for you:
1. It illuminates your target. The last thing you want to do is shoot your cousin sneaking in late or your aunt who got up for a midnight snack. Knowing your target is a MUST before shooting it.
2. Stuns and blinds the target. Once again flashlights have come a very very long way in the past few years. They have gotten small and brighter. They do blind and stun your eyes especially when your eyes are adjusted to the dark. Your going to be hard pressed to shoot at anyone if your closing your eyes because your having a light shined in your face. It's really a strong demotivator.
3. They let the criminal know your coming. That is not a bad thing! First of all your not a ninja when you stumble our of bed it grab your gun and go walking thru the house tipping over things it's likely the guy hears you coming anyways. But more importantly you want the criminal to know your coming! are you looking for a gunfight? Of course not? Maybe even consider yelling something to effect of "I have a gun", "The police are coming". If you can some how convince the guy to leave without even confronting him that is a good thing. A light adds to that sense of urgency for the criminal to run.


To the OP:
I know you light the idea of a pistol but for the budget you have I would consider a single barrel shotgun. I know it isn't "tactical" and maybe not as good from room to room clearing or as handy to keep around but it could certainly get the job done. Always remember that there is ideal and then there is real. Real is what can afford and ideal is what you would like to afford, the gun in hand is worth two in the gunshop. Just something to think about.

o and

[Kreutz]

In all honesty the only thing I can think in your price range is a suicide special or a revolver I own, a Russian m1895 Nagant that I paid $99.00 for, largely just to put on my mantle because I thought it looked cool.

The ammo may cost more than the gun based on what I've read, wouldn't know, never fired it.

Those nagants will take the 32 S&W and the 32 S&W long

You know, I read that, and couldn't find them at two local gun stores.

[formula73]

I've never had an intruder in my house but I, personally, would skip the light. It kind of shows everybody exactly where you are and where to shoot. Also, .380s have plenty of power, these days...

Would you rather shoot at a target you can't identify? I take it have haven't exprianced the modern day lights put out by surefire, streamlight, and other companies. They are literary blinding when shined in your face, even the spill is blinding.

Having a light does a couple things for you:
1. It illuminates your target. The last thing you want to do is shoot your cousin sneaking in late or your aunt who got up for a midnight snack. Knowing your target is a MUST before shooting it.
2. Stuns and blinds the target. Once again flashlights have come a very very long way in the past few years. They have gotten small and brighter. They do blind and stun your eyes especially when your eyes are adjusted to the dark. Your going to be hard pressed to shoot at anyone if your closing your eyes because your having a light shined in your face. It's really a strong demotivator.
3. They let the criminal know your coming. That is not a bad thing! First of all your not a ninja when you stumble our of bed it grab your gun and go walking thru the house tipping over things it's likely the guy hears you coming anyways. But more importantly you want the criminal to know your coming! are you looking for a gunfight? Of course not? Maybe even consider yelling something to effect of "I have a gun", "The police are coming". If you can some how convince the guy to leave without even confronting him that is a good thing. A light adds to that sense of urgency for the criminal to run.


To the OP:
I know you light the idea of a pistol but for the budget you have I would consider a single barrel shotgun. I know it isn't "tactical" and maybe not as good from room to room clearing or as handy to keep around but it could certainly get the job done. Always remember that there is ideal and then there is real. Real is what can afford and ideal is what you would like to afford, the gun in hand is worth two in the gunshop. Just something to think about.

o and

I'd rather shoot at a target that can't identify me from a bright source of light that's directly in line with my head. I'll be up at the top of the stairs, defending my family, letting him know in my loudest voice that to come up that stairwell will result in a great big hole. He'll be informed that my wife is on the phone with the cops and it would behoove him to gtfo. I imagine my aunt or cousin would likely identify themselves in such a situation, and quickly. I'm going to do what I'm going to do and you're going to do what you're going to do. That's cool, man.

[MNMGoneShooting]

Some of the guns at gunsamerica.com allow you to do payments, if you are willing to fork out a monthly sum for 4-5 months.


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[Jakeiscrazy]

I've never had an intruder in my house but I, personally, would skip the light. It kind of shows everybody exactly where you are and where to shoot. Also, .380s have plenty of power, these days...

Would you rather shoot at a target you can't identify? I take it have haven't exprianced the modern day lights put out by surefire, streamlight, and other companies. They are literary blinding when shined in your face, even the spill is blinding.

Having a light does a couple things for you:
1. It illuminates your target. The last thing you want to do is shoot your cousin sneaking in late or your aunt who got up for a midnight snack. Knowing your target is a MUST before shooting it.
2. Stuns and blinds the target. Once again flashlights have come a very very long way in the past few years. They have gotten small and brighter. They do blind and stun your eyes especially when your eyes are adjusted to the dark. Your going to be hard pressed to shoot at anyone if your closing your eyes because your having a light shined in your face. It's really a strong demotivator.
3. They let the criminal know your coming. That is not a bad thing! First of all your not a ninja when you stumble our of bed it grab your gun and go walking thru the house tipping over things it's likely the guy hears you coming anyways. But more importantly you want the criminal to know your coming! are you looking for a gunfight? Of course not? Maybe even consider yelling something to effect of "I have a gun", "The police are coming". If you can some how convince the guy to leave without even confronting him that is a good thing. A light adds to that sense of urgency for the criminal to run.


To the OP:
I know you light the idea of a pistol but for the budget you have I would consider a single barrel shotgun. I know it isn't "tactical" and maybe not as good from room to room clearing or as handy to keep around but it could certainly get the job done. Always remember that there is ideal and then there is real. Real is what can afford and ideal is what you would like to afford, the gun in hand is worth two in the gunshop. Just something to think about.

o and

I'd rather shoot at a target that can't identify me from a bright source of light that's directly in line with my head. I'll be up at the top of the stairs, defending my family, letting him know in my loudest voice that to come up that stairwell will result in a great big hole. He'll be informed that my wife is on the phone with the cops and it would behoove him to gtfo. I imagine my aunt or cousin would likely identify themselves in such a situation, and quickly. I'm going to do what I'm going to do and you're going to do what you're going to do. That's cool, man.

Once again I would encourage to really look into some of the new LED tech. When you stare into the beam of some of them it doesn't present an identifiable source of light just a wall of light. It's one of those things you have to see in person. You can imagine they would identify themselves all you want but you if you don't personally identify your target then you might as well tell the police you shot the man without opening your eyes. Not only is it breaking a fundamental rule of gun safety but it's also recklessly using deadly force. It could seriously bite you if it turns our he was some drunk that stumbled into a door that was left unlocked and you get a DA that decides he doesn't like guns or gun owners and looks at your case to set an example.

The Bottomline: I never want to have to shoot anyone, especially if they aren't a threat to my life. I can't tell if they're a threat to my life in the pitch black dark.

[drewlwsn]

Like others said...mosin nagant for $100

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[Rumson]

To the OP.. You say your not familiar with firearms.. Unless you're a natural born shooter you'll need to practice, practice, practice to properly hit your target with a hand gun. The cost of range time and ammo for this practice will by far exceed the price of the handgun you're looking to purchase.

Also consider that if you do find yourself in a defensive situation, plus not familiar with shooting in general, your heart rate is going to be up very high, you'll naturally be scared (everybody else is scared in this situation) so you'll be shaking like crazy. You will not sufficiently hit your target if at all in most cases.

I would scrounge up a little more money and get a beat up pump shotgun (Remington 870-Mossberg 500 type). Go spend another $40.00 on value pack buckshot at Walmart. Spend $10.00 on snap cap practice type dummy ammo.

Practice loading and racking the shotgun with the dummy ammo in your house until you're very comfortable. Go find an outdoor range that allows shooting buckshot (I don't know of any indoor ranges that allow buckshot) and shoot twenty dollars worth of the buckshot.. At this point you'll be good to go.. An inexperienced shaky hand with a shotgun at 5-20 feet will still hit center mass every time.