getting a pistol in CT

[megaladon6]

i'm looking at getting my pistol permit (while i still can) and was wondering if anyone knew a good dealer in CT. i live in ridgefield and work in danbury, but of course i have no problems driving much farther.
i'm also taking suggestions on what pistol. i'm partial to 1911 based models, definitely no smaller than a .40, something that takes abuse and is relatively accurate, but not expensive.
it will technically be a defensive weapon, but i really don't expect to use it for more than killing paper targets.
thanks
BTW, i have no problem with a well cared for used weapon.

[madmax]

i'm looking at getting my pistol permit (while i still can) and was wondering if anyone knew a good dealer in CT. i live in ridgefield and work in danbury, but of course i have no problems driving much farther.
i'm also taking suggestions on what pistol. i'm partial to 1911 based models, definitely no smaller than a .40, something that takes abuse and is relatively accurate, but not expensive.
it will technically be a defensive weapon, but i really don't expect to use it for more than killing paper targets.
thanks
BTW, i have no problem with a well cared for used weapon.

They banning guns in CT?

[megaladon6]

considering some of what i'm hearing from washington it may become impossible to get one anywhere. but can we stop here? i don't want this to become political.

[wicked68]

considering some of what i'm hearing from washington it may become impossible to get one anywhere. but can we stop here? i don't want this to become political.

the day that happens you will find it very easy to get one in the southern (and probably most red)states the next day ;)

we welcome our gun loving brothers any time :D

[jocko124]

I would purchase online and just take delivery at a local dealer for a nominal fee---assuming that is an option in CT. I would recommend topgunsupply.com

[megaladon6]

wicked: that's why i'm hoping my company decides to move down to S carolina. so much easier. but i think i'd miss the snow and people who talk fast (i grew up in/by NY city)
anyone have an XD40?
or opinions about 10mm vs .40 vs .45?
jocko: thanks for the link! they seem to have some pretty good prices. i have to check on the shipping thing
thanks

[jocko124]

Megaladon,

you're welcome. They have an excellent selection of Sig Sauers. I have a .40 Stainless P229R Elite with Hogue Extreme Aluminum Grips. They're pricey, but well worth it. I use mine primarily as my side arm for hunting. As far as .40 vs .45, it's all preference in my opinion. A buddy of mine has a P220R Super Match .45ACP and the accuracy of that pistol is impressive, to say the least.

[go-fish]

I am partial to Sig Sauer myself. Carry a P228 everyday and my personal pistol is a P226. I plan on getting a P229 or P250 very soon.
There are concerns I hear about XD's. They are made in East Europe I believe and before Springfield bought them they did'nt sell very well. Bring in Springfield and thier name along with mass marketing and they are selling well. I forgot what the problems people had but I wasn't ever concerned since I am a Sig fan.
I have also heard that Kimber's quality was slipping but ny uncle's 1911 is a dead on accurate piece. That goes to show you there are as many differing opinions as there are brands. I suggest going to a range that rents firearms and see what you like for yourself.
I personally like the Sig Sauer models that you can change calibers by changing barrels, .45/357Sig/ and 9mm.
9mm is cheap to shoot on the range and within 15 seconds with a quick change of the barrel you can have a man-stopper .45 ACP on your hip, one gun.

[megaladon6]

unfortunately sig is out of my price range. hell their used ones are at or over my limit.

[andrewb70]

wicked: that's why i'm hoping my company decides to move down to S carolina. so much easier. but i think i'd miss the snow and people who talk fast (i grew up in/by NY city)
anyone have an XD40?
or opinions about 10mm vs .40 vs .45?
jocko: thanks for the link! they seem to have some pretty good prices. i have to check on the shipping thing
thanks

I have experience with an XDM40. It's made in Croatia. Works as advertised. It's big. Fit's nicely in my big hands. Packs a punch. Nice trigger, it's accurate. I wish it was a double/single action.

Andrew

[19,69camaro]

Try Newington Gun Exchange they have tons of used stuff and their inventory changes daily also Hoffmans on the Berlint turnpike is right down the road. You said you were looking at getting you pistol permit? Does that mean you havent taken the course yet? I think the wait right now is about 9 weeks from when you finish the course and submit your paperwork depending on your town so I would focus on that first and worry about getting toys later if I were you. Also dont weed out a nice 22 plinker you can shoot all day for a fraction of the cost.

[madmax]

considering some of what i'm hearing from washington it may become impossible to get one anywhere. but can we stop here? i don't want this to become political.

I can stop after I say that this administration has done nothing but increase gun owners rights, including allowing guns to be checked as luggage on Amtrak trains, carried in national parks, upheld laws limiting the use of government information on traced firearms, and even tried to get them allowed on college campuses (which was shot down - har har).

But, good luck with your search. My dad had a Glock 22 for a long time (primarily for home defense) and was a great gun, and I've put many rounds through it. He got rid of it for a few reasons: didn't like that the only safety was the trigger, and it misfired on him a few times. Sold it and picked up an XD-40 Sub-Compact for about $415.

I haven't gotten it to the range yet, but just playing around with it, feels like a really solid gun. It's obviously smaller (feels great, IMO, the Glock was a little big for defensive weapon - if I were a cop and had it on my hip it would be fine). It's a tad heavier, but negligible, and feels solid. It's also got some nifty features: a grip safety as well as the trigger, ambidextrous magazine release, and has a striker and chamber indicator - for tactile and visual confirmation (very neat)... no more 'is there a round in there?'.

Not to pimp the XD-40, but if it shoots as well as it feels...

If you can wait a week, I might be able to give you a real review.


Max

[Cvarney]

I've got a glock 23 .40 cal and I think it's the perfect size or home defense. It not very big at all, but not a "pocket" size auto either. I've handled an XD before but never put rounds down range with one. And my Kimber I wouldn't trade for the world. Got it a couple years ago, so I dont know of current quality, but mine has been flawless.

[Humbug53]

I can stop after I say that this administration has done nothing but increase gun owners rights,

Is that including the 18 states that this administration has already duped into accepting the Ammunition Accountability Act? Check out HB4258 and HB4259. What good is letting gun restrictions relax a little bit, if they take away our right to own and keep ammunition?

[2ndgenhunter]

I've got a glock 23 .40 cal and I think it's the perfect size or home defense. It not very big at all, but not a "pocket" size auto either. I've handled an XD before but never put rounds down range with one. And my Kimber I wouldn't trade for the world. Got it a couple years ago, so I dont know of current quality, but mine has been flawless.

I'm with Cvarney. I have 2 Glock 23s, 2 Glock 27s and a Taurus 4410 "The Judge". I love my Glocks. Great guns for the money. I shoot my guns alot. Ive been through atleast 4 boxes of ammo in each of my Glocks. They shoot just as good today as the day I bought them. 1 27 is new. I bought it for my wife. I got it for about 500 bucks. FWIW.

As for the permit. GA is turning permits around in 6-8 days.lol
Good Luck with your hunt.

[mc84_zz4]

The 1911 is extremely reliable and you can customize anything, the Glock, Sigma, & other polymer-bodied are light and simple, many carry high capacity. (9mm - 17 rnd, .40cal - 14 rnd, depending, you could carry 50 rounds in 3 magazines).
The 1911 is also the slimmest of .45s that I know, very comfortable and natural in the grip.

If you get a semi-auto, I highly recommend polishing the feed ramp where the round rubs on before chambering.
(Dremel, buffing wheel, jewelers rouge, & 10mins)
An old salty dog at the range showed us his HK, and it was almost mirror polished.
We tried it on my Sigma 9mm and my friends Glock which was new and jammed a few times that day, never had a single misfeed or misfires since.

Try a revolver if you like simple or if you want big power. A 357 Magnum or 45 Magnum is a cannon.
Get a good brand weapon that you can trust, do not go for a cheap-o. You get what you pay for.

As somebody suggested, check with your local ranges on what they have for testing.
The gun safety/concealed carry course is also a great situation awareness exposure, worth every penny, many advanced classes are also offered, usually taught by experienced force/military guys, great knowlege tap.

BTW, when you go to the range (with narrow stalls or next to wall) with a semi-auto, button your shirt collar well, hot brass down the collar is NOT cool.

[kochevy67]

Sig Sauer all the way.

[jy211]

Sig Sauer
Smith & Wesson
Springfield
Kimber

just a few brands. Go and see which feels best in your hand.

[cheapthrillz]

You say that you are getting your carry permit correct? From experience, I can tell you that most, If not all of the guns mentioned are very hard to carry in "light" clothing. I know it stays a little colder up in CT, but in SC, I have to carefully pick out my clothing so that my gun doesn't magically apear and scare the hell out of somebody.

I carry a Glock 19C with me at ALL TIMES when I'm not at work (I work at a lot of K-12 schools during the day... construction). It is a pain in the ass to hide in the warm months, when all I where is a t-shirt and shorts.

What are your plans for carrying the gun? How often? How "oversized" are the clothes that you wear? Are you planning on getting a shoulder harness? These are just a few things that you need to think about.

I'm 6' 1" and about 180 lbs. I wear clothes that are a little too small (because I dont like having sleeves down to my elbows) and my pants "sag" a little (because I have no waist). This makes it hard for me with my Milt Sparks IWB holster and Glock 19. You can't see it when I'm standing up, but if I lean down to get something (say I'm shopping) or kneel down to tie my shoe, you can see every square inch of the grip.

Sorry for rambling.... these are just some things to think about.
I have a Glock 19C that I bought new and have put about 2500-3000 rounds through. I didn't want a glock when I was searching for my first gun. I didn't like the way they felt in my hand (like holding a brick), but I'm glad I got it, and now I want another. I also have had a Ruger P95 which was kind of bulky and has a heavy trigger. I have a Springfield Mil-spec 1911 with a trigger job (3.5 lb) and it is a blast to shoot, very comfortable, but also fairly heavy (it sleeps beside my bed).

Another thing to ask yourself is.... how much bullet does it take to "stop" an attacker or intruder? Some people swear by a .45 acp and some people swear by a 9 mm. If it came down to it, I would go as far as saying that a .22 mag would probably do the trick also....

ok.... i'll stop already....

[ZuperZport]

i'm looking at getting my pistol permit (while i still can) and was wondering if anyone knew a good dealer in CT. i live in ridgefield and work in danbury, but of course i have no problems driving much farther.

Cos Cob Revolver & Rifle Club - Greenwich, CT - My pal is a member and took me shooting there a few weeks ago. Terrific people and very knowledgeable range masters. They can take you thru the entire licensing and training process as well as assist you with purchasing. Located right in downtown Greenwich, like 10 feet from the train station.
http://ccrrc.com/1/


Davis Sport - Sloatsburg, NY - Tremendous selection and good service. Got my Glock there. About 15 minutes north of the Tappan Zee Bridge off of I-87. Worth the trip.
http://www.davissport.com/

Best of luck!