First gun ordered. Thanks for all the suggestions.

If it was me I would probably find the FFL with the second lowest transfer fee and go with them. "don't know when they'll get it" sounds like a pretty long wait to me. Patience is NOT a virtue!

Switched the FFL.
Cost me $15 more but not a big deal.
Should ship today or tomorrow.
1st gun purchase deserves some drama. :D
 
Is there a checklist of things to do when I bring the gun home?

I changed the FFL and it should be here on Wednesday.
I may be able to pick it up the same day if it comes early in the day.

Is there a checklist of things to do when I bring the gun home?
Do I have to clean before I head out? I'll buy cleaning kit when I pick the gun at FFL store.
Should I keep it in the case in the trunk to and from the range? Loaded/unloaded?

I haven't bought any ammo yet. My plan is to buy few boxes locally first few times.

Do I have to keep the magazines loaded for few days for spring to settle in?
Slide locked for few days for recoil spring to settle in?

What else do I need to do before taking it to the range?
Thanks
 
When I buy a new gun I always do a fluff and buff. Polish machine marks out of the contact surfaces. Polish the feed ramp. That doesn't mean shiny, that means remove all striations of metal so it's smooth like butter. It's like a 1000 round break in without the ammo. Of course, oil as per manufacturer instructions. Then take it to the range and log how it shoots.
 
For your first weapon without experienced family or friends, I would:

1) Buy weapon and take it home. Do not buy any ammo.
2) Read the manual.
3) Clean weapon as directed in manual.
4) Become familiar with your weapon. Dry fire, disassembly, and such.
5) Locate and sign up for some training. You'll need ammo for the training.
6) Once you put the ammo and the weapon together you need to have developed a high degree of respect for the weapon and know how to maintain muzzle control / handle weapon safely / keep it out of the hands of children.
7) Get some more training.
8) Begin to practice what you learned in training and enjoy the shooting sports / plinking / target shooting.

Regarding transport: you need to understand the laws of your state. If you don't have a concealed carry license your state may require you to pack weapon and ammo in separate containers, away from ready access. Some states (I think MD) only allow you to carry to and from a range and they have a bunch of laws regarding transport. I try to avoid MD.
 
Zed16 pretty much provided complete checklist. For transport - check your state laws. I'd suggest an accessory that is a thumb saver - magazine loader. I use UpLula but there are other models available. Getting that last round into new magazine was never easier.
 
Follow Zed's instructions especially learning your state's gun laws. The mags will loosen up with use and leaving them loaded when they're new will help.
 
I am assuming you will be shooting at a range, not your own property. If shooting at your property you would want target stands and targets.

You will need some ammo and it comes in two types, less expensive practice ammo and expensive self-defense rounds.

Get 9mm ball 115 grain ammo and don't get the cheapest stuff you can find. Expect to pay about $20 per box of 50.

Get a box of JHP jacketed hollow point self-defense ammo, $40 for a box of 50.

Get a device like a Magula to help you load your magazines, $25. It doesn't matter how strong you are you can damage the ligaments in your thumb putting in that last couple of rounds because the magazine springs are so stiff when they are new.

You will need at least two holsters but start with one. I prefer outside the waist band because it is so comfortable and can used for CCW or at the range.

I suggest getting a backpack BUG, bug-out bag, aka range bag to keep all your stuff in. Expect to find a nice one through Amazon for about $50

You will need a cleaning kit. You can find cleaning packages at the gun store. Those bore snakes are very popular. $25.

Hearing protection: DO NOT cheap out on ear muffs. The cheap ones will have thin plastic and WILL NOT protect your ears.

I use Howard Leight with the maximum 34 db protection, with electronics, $60. These are thicker and not as cool looking as the Sport models but my hearing is important to me. A 3 db difference between models is significant, it is a LOT more protection. If you don't care about the electronic models then expect to pay about half that.

I got a nice zippered hard case for $20 to keep the ear muffs in.

I use ear plugs and ear muffs together. The ear plugs will have the specs for noise reduction on the package and will cost about $5.

Get shooting glasses if you don't wear regular glasses. $10.

Optional: A gun belt is helpful at the range. It takes the load off your regular belt and can hold your mag pouches and holster. $25 from Amazon.

Optional: Mag pouches for your gunbelt, $12 from Amazon.

Optional: More magazines for a total of 3 minimum, I prefer factory mags. $30 each.
 
Last edited:
I am assuming you will be shooting at a range, not your own property. If shooting at your property you would want target stands and targets.
...

Thanks for suggestions.
Your price of practice and defensive ammo are double what they are in stores.

I have Howard Leight Sport and I use ear plugs under them.
Have shooting glasses as well.
This gun should come with two magazines.

I'll look into getting other accessories after I get the gun.
 
I've been monitoring both your original thread and this one and am interested to see what you ended up with. My guess is the M&P compact 4".
I do have an observation though, after looking at your test targets from your original thread. With the grip and/or recoil anticipation issues you seemed to be having, it's significant to me that you shot the Sig P365 much more accurately than all the other pistols. Didn't this get your attention enough to consider it for your first gun? Many people who have shot the micro 9's have said that the P365 is the most accurate and your experience as a new shooter is very telling. (at least to me). Was it comfortable to shoot?

Enjoy your new pistol whichever one you chose.
 
It's Wednesday...waiting with baited breath for the answer. :)

Do you have a friend with any pistol experience that would tag along with you to the range? He/she could help with basic maintenance and shooting.
 
I've been monitoring both your original thread and this one and am interested to see what you ended up with. My guess is the M&P compact 4".
I do have an observation though, after looking at your test targets from your original thread. With the grip and/or recoil anticipation issues you seemed to be having, it's significant to me that you shot the Sig P365 much more accurately than all the other pistols. Didn't this get your attention enough to consider it for your first gun? Many people who have shot the micro 9's have said that the P365 is the most accurate and your experience as a new shooter is very telling. (at least to me). Was it comfortable to shoot?

Enjoy your new pistol whichever one you chose.

The package should be here today. ;)
The P365 definitely felt good but not big enough for regular range practice.
Maybe good option later for conceal.

If you notice in that target, there was only one gun that hit the x bull's eye.
 
Quick question,
Do I have to inspect the gun before transfer?
It's brand new in the box.
 
Quick question,
Do I have to inspect the gun before transfer?
It's brand new in the box.

The receiving dealer should let you inspect the gun before you fill out the BATF transfer form and have the background check done. If you see anything wrong with the gun or it doesn't have everything you expect to be in the box, you should not accept it. You should immediately call the seller and tell them the problem. They will tell you how to proceed. But, once you fill out the BATF form and they do the call-in background check, you own it and will have to take up any problems with the manufacturer.
 
No more suspense... here it is... M&P 2.0 4" Compact with Safety :)

I ordered M&P 2.0 4" Compact with Safety :)
I almost ordered a Shield but a lot of you guys suggest bigger gun as first gun so went with the compact.
Thanks for all your comments.

Went to FFL and was a smooth transaction except the background check took little longer as state vs FBI (or whatever they were checking) data had differences in the way they stored my middle name.
They had to enter my name differently. Weird.
Anyways, it didn't take long, 5 minutes, once the entry was corrected.

I was disappointed to see a cardboard box.
Youtube videos showed this gun came with a nice plastic case with foam insert.
The one I got is a plain cardboard box with contents scattered inside.
You can't even tell if it's new or use. Nothing sealed.
Shame on you S&W that you can't put a $5 case with a $400 gun!

I checked the firing pin and it was not protruding.
All the contents are there so hopefully no surprises.

Here are some pictures:
47580458572_1ca8be593c_b.jpg


47580458282_765b253ec8_b.jpg


47580458182_6ac397223e_b.jpg


46717695115_540b84eeb8_b.jpg


33755947628_7f678e48c1_b.jpg


47580458392_e7c907f4a1_b.jpg


BTW, it doesn't have much oil at all. Flash makes it look oily but it's very dry.
 
Back
Top