How to buy a Pistol

[veejosh]

I would request you to let me know how to get about while purchasing a pistol. I have one in site but don’t really know how to look for flaws and other make overs that have been done before the presentation.

After the write-ups IOF is a total no no although the .22 that I own is from the IOF. I have made a stock with a thumbhole and its turned out pretty decent.

Once again a request on the point to be kept in mind for purchase of a pistol.

Vikas

[shahid]

Why don't you post some pics of this IOF .22 Pistol for other IFG members to see ?

How does it shoot ? Is the slide and action smooth ? What about the magazine ? How many rounds does it take ? Are spare magazines also sold in India ?

Is IOF pistol readily available or there's a waiting list at Gun Dealers ?

And lastly what is it's current prevailing market price ?

[Risala]

THe IOF AFAIK does not make .22 Cal pistols,they make the same Cal in a Rev all right

VJ,is probably talking about the .22 Rifle.

[shahid]

Even I guess so, I think perhaps only IOF .22 revolver was offered in India, but I don't have current information.

But Vikas ( Veejosh ) mentioned about the IOF .22 pistol, I thought it must be some new product so asked about it ?

Still not sure, does anyone have any info, have IOFintroduced a pistol as well in .22 calibre ?

[veejosh]

The .22 that I mentioned is a rifle fom IOF. The stock design was from a site on the net. It just happened to turn out very nice. Its been with great effort that I have been able to post my letters. I will not leve a stone unturned to get the photo on now.
Meanwhile my quarry still stays unanswered : How do you get to know if the weapon you are buying is untampered ?

Vikas

[mundaire]

Back to the question at hand - the advice may vary slightly on whether you are interested in a semi-auto pistol OR a revolving pistol (aka revolver).

Am no expert, but off hand (relying purely on common sense here) - while buying, the following should be kept in mind (in no particular order):

1) Would you be carrying with you often? If so then a smaller size & weight for concealed carry would be an important factor. If you just plan to keep it for home defence, then the overall size & weight is less important.

2) Personally I feel that one should get the max stopping power one can afford - by afford, I mean in terms of cost & availability of ammo AND how comfortable the gun is for you to shoot accurately. No point getting a magnum revolver if you cannot find ammo for it, both to practice with frequently (and thus be able to use it effectively) AND if you are not comfortable with the level of recoil etc. you will not be able to use it effectively either.

3) When buying a revolver, do check the cylinder for "play".

4) Check the inside of the barrel for pitting, or any other visible damage.

5) Drop in a few empty shells/ snap caps (if available) into the cylinder and dry fire it several times to see if the action is working properly.

6) Insist on firing at least 25-50 rounds of ammo through the gun before buying.

7) Check how easily the gun is ejecting/ extracting the fired shells, or if there are any problems here.

8 ) Check for obvious cosmetic damage like worn out bluing, external pitting etc.

9) Some revolver models have a safety bar in front of hammer, that prevents accidental discharge unless the trigger is actually pulled - this is a nice feature to have.

10) For pistols, besides the above, check for "play" in the slide.

11) Once again fire 25-50 shots through it, see how it performs - any jams? magazine feeding properly? are empties being ejected properly? Is the safety working properly?

12) Field strip the pistol and examine all visible parts for any damage.

13) In the case of pistols - try your level best to ensure you get 1 or more spare magazines as part of the deal. Spare magazines for imported pistols can be difficult to procure and when available are bloody expensive!

14) Condition is more important than brands! There is no point having a big brand revolver or pistol if is does not function properly!

That's all I could think of... others can always add to this, and/ or jump in and correct me if I have made any errors in this post...

Cheers!
Abhijeet

[Risala]

Check out this article http://www.chuckhawks.com/used_handgun.htm

Will give you some pointers what to look for.

Good luck with your search,hope you find a good one.

PS what kind of a budget are you on.

Cheers

Sanjay

[veejosh]

Thanks A ton Abhijeet. I am sure your experience with guns and your advise will come in use though an idea of where exactly to peep in would be of more use.
Sanjay's Querry : The pistol ( Beretta ) is being offered for 1.75 L. I hope the asking is not too much. I intend asking one of my friends from the Army to go along and check the weapon before the final deal.

Vikas

[Risala]

: The pistol ( Beretta ) is being offered for 1.75 L. I hope the asking is not too much. I intend asking one of my friends from the Army to go along and check the weapon before the final deal.

Vikas

VJ,

For 1.75 it is a damn good deal

Is this from a dealer or end user.

If it is the former,just see that it is not one of those refurbised pieces that has been given a make over,have seen a Beretta with a dealer recently where,the mags,grips,recoil spring guide were actually made,off course the gunsmith in this case did an awesome job.

In any case insist on firng a few rounds to check operation,dealers in the big cities normally dont allow it.


Sanjay

[mundaire]

Vikas,

What model & calibre is the Beretta? While buying a second hand pistol, also keep in mind - that while parts like springs & pins can be had relatively easily other parts like magazines, barrels and slides can be very difficult to procure.

Also, while due to the paltry ammo quotas on most licenses - most handguns in India do not see many shots fired through them DO KEEP IN MIND the fact that most owners here do not know how to properly store and maintain their firearm - so rust related damage is common...

Cheers!
Abhijeet

[shahid]

While on this subject would some Delhi IFG members have any info on the prevailing price of .32 ACP ammo and what brands are available as of now ?

[Risala]

Shahid,

The current prices vary from any where bet 175 to 225 per round.

You buy what is available,till a couple of weeks ago the ammo was from Nobel.

HTH

Sanjay

[shahid]

Thnks Sanjay

A box of Dynamite Nobel is 20 rounds or 50 rounds ?

I will get a box procured, running short of .32 ACP, used up quite a few rounds during my last visit, used to fire them plinking Glass jars almost daily.

When I ran out of IOF ammo used up the Eleey Kynoch / ICI rounds.

The ladies in my house were furious, there are hardly any glass jars left for Mango pickles this season.