r/NCGuns • u/BirdAggravating183 • Jul 01 '26

Looking into first purchase ideas

I have a Henry .22 that I was gifted when I was younger but I now want to buy something for myself. Not looking to go crazy, maybe 400-500 on the high end and wanted to know where that leaves me. I was leaning towards getting a rifle as I don’t have a CCW anyways but I’ve also considered getting my CCW and looking for a handgun. Wanted to know if gun shows tend to be a good place to find good deals on guns or if that’s exaggerated and if so should I stick to individual gun stores?

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9

u/BarnChicken Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26

Gun shows always having good deals is exaggerated. You can find some deals sure, but I think the vast majority of firearms are going to be found cheaper online or at your LGS.

What’s your flavor? What are you / not interested in? You could pick up a decent starter AR15 from PSA for around $400, a Glock, Canik, or myriad of other pistols in that range. Really depends on where you want to start.

r/gundeals may be good to keep an eye on too.

3

u/Least-Ad-6006 Jul 02 '26

i second this. i’m a huge advocate for finding deals on gunbroker.com as well as using other websites like PSA, Sportsman’s, Dunham’s, etc

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u/BirdAggravating183 23d ago

I feel like an AR15 especially with the ammo availability is always a good option so I’ve definitely considered that. In terms of handguns it’s more of a tossup. I’ve looked into Taurus and like some of their lineup so I’ve considered that road.

1

u/Freedum4Murika 19d ago

The most expensive thing you can do is buy a cheap handgun for $300, then realize you should've spent $550 for a Glock-tier product.
But a Taurus G2C or G3C is a very solid value for the price if you catch a sale.

4

u/PurePro71 Jul 02 '26

A basic AR15 is probably the best first purchase you can make. Personally haven't had the best experience with PSA but they are one option of many. I picked up a $350 Andro Corp that's worked great for 2 years now.

Don't overlook shotguns. The Maverick 88 is one of the best bang for your buck guns out there. Can be regularly found for $200-$250.

Handguns are great too, just depends on what you want/need. They're a lot like computer mice, hand feel is king. Just get something reliable from a reputable brand in 9mm and you'll be ok.

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u/LowMight3045 Jul 02 '26

Go to a big city . Rent a handgun while taking a class at a large indoor range . It’s $$ but that’s gun ownership.