Gun shopping: Where can I get the BEST DEALS on handguns?

[ATDM]

I am new to gun purchases. Everything I ever had since I was a kid was given to me, and now, that I acquired a CHL, I find myself needing a few smaller handguns for different types of attire. I believe that my XDm 4.5" is the best handgun there is, but I do need to get a couple of smaller guns for my wife and myself. Hence, the search for good deals.

I would appreciate, if anyone could recommend a good store in San Antonio/Austin/New Braunfels/San Marcos area or a trusted website link.

Thank you.

[rev210]

Bracken Guns off of FM 2252 near the Rolling Oaks mall in north east San Antonio is a small shop that has been open for a few months and they have great prices, close to the prices I have found online and they were pretty friendly in the store and helpful unlike some of the other more popular stores in San Antonio. They have a good selection of all the popular handgun models. If you buy online and use them for the FFL transfer they charge $25, I have no affiliation with them in anyway other than being a satisfied customer and happy that there is finally a good local gun shop near me.


http://www.brackenguns.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ATDM]

Bracken Guns off of FM 2252 near the Rolling Oaks mall in north east San Antonio is a small shop that has been open for a few months and they have great prices, close to the prices I have found online and they were pretty friendly in the store and helpful unlike some of the other more popular stores in San Antonio. They have a good selection of all the popular handgun models. If you buy online and use them for the FFL transfer they charge $25, I have no affiliation with them in anyway other than being a satisfied customer and happy that there is finally a good local gun shop near me.


http://www.brackenguns.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for this one - I will visit them. I have noticed that small gun shops (and gun shops in small Texas towns) are very friendly and have an excellent customers service + good prices. And, to be perfectly honest, I actually prefer to pay a little more, but to get a friendly service than to save a couple of bucks and have to deal with jerks. There are couple of gun shops I went to that lost my business because of their service. I am not demanding at all, but if I have a question — they need to answer it. So, I will take my $200 a month somewhere else. It may not be much, but I am someone will appreciate it. I am going to check them out this weekend.

Thanks.

[MotherBear]

What I own has come from either Bud's (online) or Red's Indoor Range in Pflugerville (NE of Austin). I'm rather fond of Red's, as that was where I found my M&P Shield under MSRP this year. I shoot there regularly and they've always been good to me. Seems they treat their suppliers right, as I've seen some pretty hard-to-find things there.

[ATDM]

What I own has come from either Bud's (online) or Red's Indoor Range in Pflugerville (NE of Austin). I'm rather fond of Red's, as that was where I found my M&P Shield under MSRP this year. I shoot there regularly and they've always been good to me. Seems they treat their suppliers right, as I've seen some pretty hard-to-find things there.

What is Bud's online address?

Thanks

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm not familiar with that area, but if you're looking for smallish pocketable guns and you already own and like an XD(M), I'd take a hard look at the XDS pistols. I have an XD(M) Compact 3.8" .45, and it is my favorite "large frame" carry gun. I really like my XDS. On the less expensive side, take a good look at Kahr pistols, particularly the PM9/CM9 and the CW9.....as well as the PM45 and CW45. But I'm betting that if you really like you're XD(M), you'll be charmed to pieces by its baby brother, the XDS.


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

[Cjwglock19]

If you venture into Killeen quantico tactical is a great place!! When my dad was looking for a pistol they were very helpful in answer his questions without voicing their preference! Prices are usually much better than most places.

[CoffeeNut]

I'm not usually one to throw out big box stores but here we go... Academy Sports. You'll find a wide selection of everything for well under MSRP in most cases.

[ATDM]

I'm not familiar with that area, but if you're looking for smallish pocketable guns and you already own and like an XD(M), I'd take a hard look at the XDS pistols. I have an XD(M) Compact 3.8" .45, and it is my favorite "large frame" carry gun. I really like my XDS. On the less expensive side, take a good look at Kahr pistols, particularly the PM9/CM9 and the CW9.....as well as the PM45 and CW45. But I'm betting that if you really like you're XD(M), you'll be charmed to pieces by its baby brother, the XDS.


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

I think you are right about the Springfield compacts. The more I look into it, the more I realize I want a compact XDm. My second choice would be Beretta Nano 9mm (I will probably end up getting them both). I don't really want to try to skimp on the quality of the gun. If I do get a good deal on these, it would be great, but I don't want to buy a cheaply made gun. I want to make sure I get reliable weapons for my family's protection and defense. Although I do wish Springfield had an even smaller weapon (something a little more compact and flat, maybe a .25 caliber).

Thanks for the advice. Any other recommendations for a small size reliable brand handgun?

[Blindref757]

I like Champion Firearms in Bryan-College Station too. http://www.championfirearms.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CoffeeNut]

Thanks for the advice. Any other recommendations for a small size reliable brand handgun?

Ruger makes quite a few attractive options and I personally like the LC9. I'd also say take a look at the Walther PPS (comes in 9 and 40).

[ATDM]

Thanks for the advice. Any other recommendations for a small size reliable brand handgun?

Ruger makes quite a few attractive options and I personally like the LC9. I'd also say take a look at the Walther PPS (comes in 9 and 40).

Which brands, in your opinion, should I avoid? My criteria for unwanted firearms are: requires too much maintenance, high "failed to fire" numbers and other glitches, easily corroded materials, etc.

I know and love Springfield, Glock, Beretta, Ruger, Walther, Smith & Wesson, Colt. These are the ones I would grab on any day for a good price (especially, the first three).

Did I miss any good brand, known for its reliability and quality?

Thanks

[Excaliber]

Thanks for the advice. Any other recommendations for a small size reliable brand handgun?

Ruger makes quite a few attractive options and I personally like the LC9. I'd also say take a look at the Walther PPS (comes in 9 and 40).

Which brands, in your opinion, should I avoid? My criteria for unwanted firearms are: requires too much maintenance, high "failed to fire" numbers and other glitches, easily corroded materials, etc.

I know and love Springfield, Glock, Beretta, Ruger, Walther, Smith & Wesson, Colt. These are the ones I would grab on any day for a good price (especially, the first three).

Did I miss any good brand, known for its reliability and quality?

Thanks

I'd add Kimber and Kahr.

[CoffeeNut]

Thanks for the advice. Any other recommendations for a small size reliable brand handgun?

Ruger makes quite a few attractive options and I personally like the LC9. I'd also say take a look at the Walther PPS (comes in 9 and 40).

Which brands, in your opinion, should I avoid? My criteria for unwanted firearms are: requires too much maintenance, high "failed to fire" numbers and other glitches, easily corroded materials, etc.

I know and love Springfield, Glock, Beretta, Ruger, Walther, Smith & Wesson, Colt. These are the ones I would grab on any day for a good price (especially, the first three).

Did I miss any good brand, known for its reliability and quality?

Thanks

You seem to have nailed them all but Sig Sauer. I'd say just stick with what you have already listed for now and then when you're set on defense weapons you can branch out and play with ones that aren't name brand or have varied performance reports. I've got Sig and Glock so now I'm content to play around with Taurus but that's because I've already got weapons I trust my life to.

What it truthfully comes down to is what fits your budget, what fits your hands and what you're comfortable depending on when it counts. The best thing you and your wife can do is go to a gun store and feel all of the weapons that you're interested in and maybe some you're not and find what suits you both best.

[ATDM]

Thanks for the advice. Any other recommendations for a small size reliable brand handgun?

Ruger makes quite a few attractive options and I personally like the LC9. I'd also say take a look at the Walther PPS (comes in 9 and 40).

Which brands, in your opinion, should I avoid? My criteria for unwanted firearms are: requires too much maintenance, high "failed to fire" numbers and other glitches, easily corroded materials, etc.

I know and love Springfield, Glock, Beretta, Ruger, Walther, Smith & Wesson, Colt. These are the ones I would grab on any day for a good price (especially, the first three).

Did I miss any good brand, known for its reliability and quality?

Thanks

I'd add Kimber and Kahr.

What is a generally accepted view regarding Taurus? I know nothing about this brand...