Where to purchase in Houston? Got some cash to spend.

[Mike1951]

It doesn't have 'Pro' on it anywhere, as the 2nd and 3rd gen should have.

[bridge]

Indeed, 1st Gen Millennium. The Academy in Webster had a "special" line at the front of the store for guns. It was long and didn't seem to be moving. I went to the gun counter to inquire about the Millennium and the guy showed me one. Cardboard box and no hard case. The gun looked like it was a 1st gen return and it was a little scuffed up. I heard Taurus had some problems with these pistols and it seems they took a lot back. After looking the firearm over I could see it was a DAO gun. I asked the guy about the action and he said it was a DA/SA. I handed it back to him and asked that he show me how to fire it single action. He looked it over and said it might be a DAO

Mike, did you get your revolver? I asked about the rough riders but the guy said I'd have to wait in line to find out if there were any left...it was a long line

[CHLSteve]

Indeed, 1st Gen Millennium.... I heard Taurus had some problems with these pistols and it seems they took a lot back.

The Academy in Pasadena had the same special line up front, and it was 22-25 people long. Doing the math of 10-15 minutes per application, and I figured it was going to be awhile. I asked one the guys to show me the gun, and that's when I saw what it was, decided to save myself the time and left the store.

When I mentioned to a friend that I was considering the Taurus, he made some disdainful comments about how he'd rather have a $2 Saturday night special that that piece of doo-doo. I know the early Millenniums had a lot of problems, so this reputation isn't entirely undeserved. What I find puzzling is that Taurus would continue to pump that gun out and continue their bad reputation! In fact, they don't make it easy to distinguish the different generations by part number, model designation, or some other marking. It's up to watchful buyer to decipher their product line, and come up with the distinctions that make up the different series. Who would have thought that you could buy the older problem-laden model to this day? Why not sell the Taurus Millennium Pro mk3, or v.3? Give the public something that says, "hey we've made improvements here, and things aren't as bad as they were".

Maybe I should look harder at the Glock 26.

[Moonpie]

My .02cents:
Carter's Country - decent selections, higher priced than other places, SOME(not all) of the salesmen are snots.
Arms Room - small shop, sometimes not much selection, lotsa mil-surp.
Fountain Firearms - decent selection, over priced.
Collector's Firearms - best selection in town. Stratospheric prices! Be prepared to be talked down to.
Pawn Shops - most pawn shops sell WAY overpriced junk guns. The good stuff they take in is on Auction Arms or Gunbroker. Also be aware when you purchase from a pawn shop, the item is sold AS IS. No returns if it doesn't work. You're stuck with it. NEVER pay sticker in a pawn shop. The pawn broker will usually have less then 50% of the marked price in the gun. Try to work a deal with cash and out the door price.
Academy - somewhat decent selection. Little bit high prices. Counter help is usually clueless. NO RETURNS on guns! You have to deal with the gun manufacturer yourself.
Marburger's - decent selection, good service, normal to slightly high pricing.
Bass Pro Shop - decent selection, HIGH prices, counter help useless, large crowds-long wait.
Wal-Mart's - not much selections, counter help usually clueless.
Bailey's House of Guns - decent selection, high prices, only sells new guns, shooting range on premisis.
Gun shows - LOL this would take an entire thread all by itself.

[CHLSteve]

Thanks, Moonpie!

I'm going to hit Arms Room and Marburgers today if possible.

[bridge]

Indeed, 1st Gen Millennium.... I heard Taurus had some problems with these pistols and it seems they took a lot back.

The Academy in Pasadena had the same special line up front, and it was 22-25 people long. Doing the math of 10-15 minutes per application, and I figured it was going to be awhile. I asked one the guys to show me the gun, and that's when I saw what it was, decided to save myself the time and left the store.

When I mentioned to a friend that I was considering the Taurus, he made some disdainful comments about how he'd rather have a $2 Saturday night special that that piece of doo-doo. I know the early Millenniums had a lot of problems, so this reputation isn't entirely undeserved. What I find puzzling is that Taurus would continue to pump that gun out and continue their bad reputation! In fact, they don't make it easy to distinguish the different generations by part number, model designation, or some other marking. It's up to watchful buyer to decipher their product line, and come up with the distinctions that make up the different series. Who would have thought that you could buy the older problem-laden model to this day? Why not sell the Taurus Millennium Pro mk3, or v.3? Give the public something that says, "hey we've made improvements here, and things aren't as bad as they were".

Maybe I should look harder at the Glock 26.

Who knows...its typical of bottom line thinking. One would hope that they addressed whatever issues these firearms had and upgraded them with v2 or v3 hardware and just reused the original slides. This tends to be Taurus' MO and it sticks them with a bad reputation. That being said, I've got a PT-1911 and think it's a great gun. I've yet to have any problems (other than some rust on the MSH...somewhat normal in these parts) and the gun will eat anything. Given the cost of the PT-111 I think I'll go ahead and grab one...once the line goes down a bit.

[Mike1951]

Mike, did you get your revolver? I asked about the rough riders but the guy said I'd have to wait in line to find out if there were any left...it was a long line

Yes, I did. I got to the Pasadena store about 3:45 and there were six people ahead of me, but only one couple was interested in the Rough Rider. They were giving out colored wristbands for different items that might run short, including one for the RR. Then about 4:20, they asked us to line up in the order we arrived along the front of the building. Shortly before 5, one of the Academy employees came out and asked for DL's from the first four that were buying a firearm. Presently, someone came to the door and asked for the people whose DL had been collected. They had a row of tables set up in the NW corner of the store to accommodate as many as five transactions at a time. Even with the very first group and it being 5am, the hold times for the background checks were taking ten minutes. I was the only one with a CHL.

Then everyone else was admitted with the firearm buyers forming a line at the end of thr row where the tables were set up.

It was going to be a very slow process.

We were treated to the most ridiculous and insulting diatribe I have ever heard. The employee running the firearms sales was wearing an Academy shirt like everyone else but was also wearing a handgun and had a shield displayed just in front of it. I assume he was a police officer that worked there part time.

When there probably 75 or so customers lined up, he came out and made his little speech. "He did not want any problems or disturbances from the gun buyers. If they had any issues, it was with the FBI. (He repeatedly used FBI in instances where it should have been BATFE). If you wanted to look at a gun or had questions about a gun, you need to leave. If you create any kind of problem, you will be removed." They had enough police there, you would have thought they were expecting a full blown riot.

I wish I had known to bring a tape recorder! My memory has already lost most of what he said.

[iratollah]

I couldn't sleep so decided to shop, even though I didn't expect anything to sell out early. I arrived at the Southwest Freeway (Greenbriar) store at 4:45am. Five people in line in front of me. Gave me a wristband. Doors opened and three in front of me went to gun dept. First two didn't have CHLs and they were told that the computers were down/overloaded, so they took the CHL holders first. No lectures, courteous help. Clerk even cleaned the pistol grease off for me, although when he first sprayed he didn't look at where the nozzle was aimed and sprayed me with the gun cleaner.

Bought a Taurus PT111 as I was looking for a cheaper car gun or perhaps a gift for my son. When I asked if the gun was DAO, the clerk didn't know. Doof next to me in line tries explaining to me that it is DA/SA, but only after you fire a round. He said the pressure from the previously fired bullet reset the trigger to SA, but you wouldn't get that just from racking the slide as it only worked when you actually shoot the gun...ummmkayyy. I didn't want to continue that conversation. Maybe 8 or 10 people in line behind me when I left, I think they sold 4 or 5 of the Taurus in the half hour I was there. Also picked up 5 boxes of the WWB 9mm, $18 seemed to be a good price for 100.

Then I drove to the Sugarland store to buy more ammo. Got there just before 6am. One guy in line in front of me, they'd already sold 10 of the Taurus that morning. Bought some more ammo and a second Taurus. Gift for my son. One guy behind me when I left. I guess some range time will tell if the gun is a deal or if it is a dog.

I didn't experience any of the Pasadena craziness that Mike noted, but then again he was after all in Pasadena. It's just a different culture there. (Of course nothing like the New Yorkers who trampled to death the WalMart employee to get their bargains. Hey, outta my way dead guy I'm here to shop and BTW, hope your family has a Merry Christmas!)

I needed a cheaper handgun that is reliable. I bought a Sig P239 cuz my P7 got too expensive to ever leave in the car. Now the Sig is about 60% higher than I got it for, so time to downgrade again. We'll see if I downgraded too far.

[Oldgringo]

The bottom line:
Where's the best place to buy a gun in Houston? (and surrounding areas as I'm near League City)
I'd like a large selection to browse and/or rent
I'd like somewhere that isn't currently gouging their customers due to the Obamadness?

The back story:
So my wife decided that she wants me to carry all the time, and for me that means a new gun. My work brings me into strange parts of town, and there are times when I'd rather not be there myself. In any case, I've been doing heavy research on holsters trying to figure out just exactly how much gun I can (and will) conceal on a daily basis.

I figured I'd head off to the gun show to try a bunch out and see how they felt. Wrong! I ended up skipping the last two gun shows after reports of the unwashed masses showing up there--crowds of people aren't really my thing.

I figure I'll be looking at a pocket-carry single stack 9mm (like the Kahr, Kel-tec, or even Ruger LCP) or possibly IWB a Taurus Millenium or Glock 26 or PX4 Sub-compact for the extra rounds if I think I can get away with it weight-wise. My work attire is dress slacks with a pressed dress shirt, no tie, no jacket. So any recommendations on gun and/or carry style would be welcome although I know this isn't really the place for it.

Anywhere you can find a Springfield XD for $500 up.

[CHLSteve]

Well, I made a trip out to the Arms Room. Quite a few more used guns than I expected, and fewer new ones. Their prices seemed decent, and fellow I spoke with was very helpful.

I finally got to see the Kel-tec's. I wasn't real thrilled with the build quality, but I guess that's just because they are all plastic. They had the Kahr's too, which I am shying away from now because of all the negative reports I've heard. I think the little Kel-tel .380 would make a great pocket gun, which is what I feel I need at this point for carry at work.

Marburger's had the Taurus PT 27/7 Pro C, which we had mistaken for a Millennium. That was a surprisingly nice gun!

[bradfromearth]

The back story:
So my wife decided that she wants me to carry all the time

Lucky you !! My plastic is not in yet but my wife is STILL freaked about the whole thing so as I am figuring things out I even have to consider concealing from HER!

I am in the same boat with the attire and places I go and the whole thing has been tough. I work out of a home office so I am either bummed out or dressed up. When I have to dress up to go to a clients I do 'Practice" carrying around the house.

My advice after spending a lot of time and money to to go with a Khar PM9 and an Armalaser and pocket carry. I have been through everything. One of the absolute conditions for my final set up was that the set up is exactly the same no matter what I am wearing and that leaves you with one option - Pocket Carry - Pistol on the right, mag or two on the left and a thin wallet in the back. There are plenty of other options out there but in my opinion this is the best of all worlds.

Some key factors on this set up....

There is no safety on the PM9 it is a long smooth double action.
The Armalaser will activate when you put your finger inside the trigger guard.
It is the smallest acceptable ammo that is not in the backup class (.38 or .380)
No daily wardrobe considerations, no wardrobe changes.
Same set up, same gun, same place every time time.
The only issue with this set up is the reliablility of the Khar PM9 and you will have to invest the money and the time to ensure that it is reliable. The other pocket 9s are the Kel tec, which is a little bigger and the Rogenbough which is expensive and has a crummy laser option (IMO) I am sure there are ohters but those are the current production known brands.

There is another laser coming out by Crimson trace that look like it is going to be of the same design as the Ruber LCP model and it has a more tempting profile BUT I have that one on a Ruger LCP and I am very unhappy with it. It is very dim and I am not sure why. Anyway with the lasers having both and think the armalaser provides better anti -print in the pocket and does not hinder your grip. The armalser also has 4 batteries and the crimson 2.

I still have to buy the PM9 but had a PM40 (junk don't buy ) and will use the same set up with a Ruger LCP when I have to go to a client that plays "business barbie" When you have to look 100% the Khar is a tad bulky and makes you look like you have a fat wallet.

Lastly you will have to ensure that the PM9 is reliable. Shoot it 200 rounds with ball, for their break in period, then find some cheap hollow points shoot it 200 more and document the failures, send the gun back to Khar with a mean letter. When you get it back shoot 200 more ball then try Corbon PowerBall without cleaning from the earlier 300 and try to get it to fail, limp wrist and stuff. After 50 or so Powerballs If you get no failures then you are probably safe to go with the Powerball but still put ALOT of ball through it and if it fails then 1 is too many. Then you can try various hollow points over time or just stick with the Powerball if you like what you read and see.

My backup plan If I cant get a PM 9 to shoot 100% is a Ruger LCP with 1 full mag of Hydrashocks and 2 full mags of ball. Oh and the new Armalaser for it.

This is all of course my opinion, experiences and how I came to my decision and I hope it helps you make yours with less money and time spent. I am not a firearms expert by any means so if I am calling something wrong here I hope others will let me know.

I live in the Bear Creek area and shoot at Memorial Shooting Center and sometimes at Top Gun if you want to shoot the LCP or a Whalter PPS in 9 give me a shout.

Brad

[CHLSteve]

bradfromearth, that is very nice for you to offer. I may have to take you up on that someday as those are two guns that I would like to shoot. If I can get over my hangups about the smaller .380 caliber, I think an LCP would make an excellent carry gun for the attire I wear and situations I have to be in daily.

Just today I was having lunch with a client, and ESPN was on a TV at the restaurant. They were running some story about professional athletes carrying guns, and they had a lot of clips of them shooting. The client, who is also a friend of mine, just shook his head and said, "That's ridiculous"--commenting to the fact that he didn't feel they needed guns. I thought we might end up getting into a conversation about guns, CHL, etc.. but I had to let it slide. He was much more anti that I had expected, so I just let him talk and I avoided making any revealing statements about myself. Meanwhile, I was thinking to myself how important it was to keep my gun absolutely hidden as I couldn't afford to be 'outed' at a client's office and potentially lose the business.

As for your wife, I hate to hear that feel you need to hide it from her. She could be your greatest asset if things go south, and you could really use her support. If you whip a gun out of nowhere that she had no idea you had, you could find yourself in hot water! My wife grew up around guns and in a family that hunted avidly, so she doesn't have the "oooh, guns are scary" that many people do.