purchased my first pistol today

[rfuerst911sc]

A few months ago I attended a local gun show and was interested in buying a pistol. I've always wanted one but never got around to buying one. The gun show motivated me to learn more so I've done internet research, posted questions on this forum and figured out roughly what I wanted. So this weekend the gun show came to town and I went this morning. This show is so big it's easy to get overwhelmed with everything that's available. I found a dealer that was selling Smith & Wesson state trooper turn ins that peaked my curiosity. After handling the gun for about 15 minutes and a good discussion with the dealer I ended up buying a 40 cal S&W model 4006 semi auto. Turns out it is a California state trooper turn in that appears to be in emaculate condition. The original box even has the troopers name and phone number on it. So I'll wait the mandatory 3 days for the backround check and pick it up on Thursday. My intention for this firearm is to be able to go to the local range and learn how to safely use this pistol. I hope to never have to use it for its original intention but will if I have to. I have always been a responsible gun owner and will continue that trend with the pistol. I can't wait to take this to the range.

[VincentVega]

Enjoy, be safe. Keep an eye out for .40 ammo, like most it's getting spendy.

[id10t]

Great, now buy up some ammo quick - prices have been going up like mad...

Not sure about best bulk .40 ammo, but georgia-arms.com makes good 308 and 45acp...

I'd also recommend to start keeping an eye out for a decent 22 - get a used Ruger or Browning Buckmark.

[MRM]

That's great! Pistol shooting really is fun and is a good discipline for the mind and body. The .40 cal is a popular model. A lot of people like it better than the 9 mm, especially for slf defense. It is pretty much the preferred law enforcement caliber these days. Two words of advice. First, the law enforcement provinence of the gun may someday add to its value. It will certainly add to its collectablity and will always be a great story. Keep it in good shape and keep the original box with the trooper's name and number on it in as unused of condition as you can. as an example of what can happen, a few years ago Rolex supplied fairly run of the mill submariners that were available for millitary issue. At first Millitary Subs were nothing unusual, then they were curiosities, and now they are mid-five figure collectibles.

Second word of advise is to also pick up a nice .22 auto to go with your .40 cal. The .40 is a great gun, but it is expensive to shoot a lot, has a bit of recoil, and is harder to control than a .22. After a week or so you'll be able to put five .22 rounds inside a dime on the target at the range. No one but a professional couldever do the same with the .40. A box (50 rounds) of .22 ammo is about a buck. A box (25 rounds or so) of the .40 will set you back a bit more than that.

Having said that, there is nothing like holding a pistol in both hands and hearing the boom, feeling the recoil, waiting for the smoke to clear so you can see where the hole is on the target. Mix the two calibers up and you can shoot all day. Remember to check back here and tell us how it goes.

[on2wheels52]

"waiting for the smoke to clear so you can see where the hole is on the target"

Once you've tried smokeless powder in your .40 you'll probably never go back to black powder.
Jim

[rfuerst911sc]

Good feedback guys. I will someday pick up a 22 pistol also. I forgot to mention I picked up two bags ( 50 each ) of 40 cal. 180 gr. bullets at the show for $11.97 per bag which I thought was a decent price.

[VincentVega]

The 100 pack at walmart used to be $19. It was $26 yesterday. Ouch.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by on2wheels52

"waiting for the smoke to clear so you can see where the hole is on the target"

Once you've tried smokeless powder in your .40 you'll probably never go back to black powder.
Jim

Smokeless powder is a passing fad. Shoot black powder in full house .45 Colt loads for some real entertainment at the range.

[Joeaksa]

Reloading is your friend here. Many good presses out there and its fun too boot.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Reloading is your friend here. Many good presses out there and its fun too boot.

Between casting bullets from free wheel weights obtained at local tire shops, and reloading all of my ammo, I can shoot centerfire handguns as cheap as .22 rimfire. The casting and reloading are a relaxing hobby unto themselves, with a lot of interesting technical challenges.

[targa911S]

Congrats on your entry into the slippery slide of collecting. You must have been at the Lakeland show. It takes a whole day to through that one. You're in FL. Get trained at a local range by a pro that can certify you. Get your CCWP, it's one of the best in the country, honored by most states. I was told to keep mine when I registered here in PA by the state police. They even said " Oh you have the GOOD one, you should just keep and renew that one."
You also get to " Cash and carry", no waiting. It was some of the best money I spent.

Practice .

Stash that box and old paperwork. Guns with papers and history are like Porsches with Kardex's and tool kits.

[tabs]

I get so...so excited when I hold my psitol on the firing range. Waiting for the discharge of the bullet down range to impact the target. Afterwards I do feel like having a cigarette.