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Where to buy in NOVA

richarcm

richarcm

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Richmond, VA
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I'm a "noob" to guns. I'm looking to buy my first one. I want something pretty versatile. Something that runs off of testosterone but something that you CAN carry and not look too obvious or feel too awkward.

I'm from Richmond. My friend says that there are "dozens" of places to purchase guns from in NOVA.

Can anyone recommend a good place to purchase a good used or possibly inexpensive yet decent handgun?

I'm not quite on a Desert Eagle type of budget but want to put forth a little more cash than what a cheapo would cost. Something in the middle range in most senses.

Thanks!
Chris
 
K

KodiakISGOOD

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Springfield, Va, , USA
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longwatch wrote:
http://www.guns-ammo.us
Guns and Ammo Warehouse in Manassas, they will take good care of you.
Click to expand...
+1 every one of my new gun purchases have been from Guns and Ammo Warehouse in Manassas.

Just came home tonight with another this evening!

I too live in Springfield and do not mind the drive out to Manassas for the atmosphere and shooting the sh*t.

happy carrying,



jason
 
C

Citizen

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Welcome to OCDO!!


First you're going to want to do agood bit of research to determine what type of handgun is best for you--revolver or semi-automatic. Google might help. Plus most beginner books have advice on selecting a gun.

Then you're going to wantto visit some vendors to:

  • handle the gun candidates--see how they feel in your hand
  • check prices--see whatpricesare like out there
  • rent and shoot the candidates if possible at ashooting range
Then you buy one.
 
richarcm

richarcm

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Citizen wrote:
Welcome to OCDO!!


First you're going to want to do agood bit of research to determine what type of handgun is best for you--revolver or semi-automatic. Google might help. Plus most beginner books have advice on selecting a gun.

Then you're going to wantto visit some vendors to:
  • handle the gun candidates--see how they feel in your hand
  • check prices--see whatpricesare like out there
  • rent and shoot the candidates if possible at ashooting range
Then you buy one.
Click to expand...
Are there any places that let you buy and shoot? Or visa versa?
 
L

longwatch

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You can rent different guns to shoot at Blue Ridge Arsenal but prices and selection aren't that great. I think Gilberts Small Arms Range does too, but very expensive for purchases.
 
K

KodiakISGOOD

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longwatch wrote:
You can rent different guns to shoot at Blue Ridge Arsenal but prices and selection aren't that great. I think Gilberts Small Arms Range does too, but very expensive for purchases.
Click to expand...

Gilberts IMHO is indeed expensive for purchase and i would also agree that the selection at Blue Ridge is lacking.
 
C

Citizen

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KodiakISGOOD wrote:
Gilberts off of Terminal Road in Lorton
Click to expand...

Has a good selection of guns to try. They don't have everything made by any means. But there is enough to get you started.

Range membership, monthly is about $12-15. Gun rental is about $10(?), plus hearing and eye protection if you don't have your own.

Plus a box of ammo. They only let you shoot range ammo in rental guns--helps keep from blowing up rentals with homemade ammo.
 
C

Citizen

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richarcm wrote:
Are there any places that let you buy and shoot? Or visa versa?
Click to expand...

No.

You buy it, you shoot it, you keep it. No returns--unless there is an obvious manufacturing defect. Then you send your gun back to the manufacturer yourself for warranty (if any) work. That is if its new. Most used guns are sold "as is."
 
C

captkirk9195

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I've had really good luck dealing with Virginia Arms for purchases, also in Manassas.

HTH

Jason
 
SouthernBoy

SouthernBoy

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If you can hold off for three weeks, there is a major gun show the weekend of July 25 through 27 at the Dulles Expo in Chantilly. Upwards of 1000 tables with over half of them displaying firearms. A great chance to view and handle a lot of different pieces and get really good pricing.

Do your homework beforehand. Learn as much as you can about the subject. And also learn to tune out the BS because you are certain to get a boatload of that.
 
richarcm

richarcm

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Citizen wrote:
richarcm wrote:
Are there any places that let you buy and shoot? Or visa versa?
Click to expand...

No.

You buy it, you shoot it, you keep it. No returns--unless there is an obvious manufacturing defect. Then you send your gun back to the manufacturer yourself for warranty (if any) work. That is if its new. Most used guns are sold "as is."
Click to expand...
I don't mean buy it, shoot it and then return it.

I mean either buy it and then shoot it (no return).

Or

Shoot it and then buy a new version of it.
 
richarcm

richarcm

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SouthernBoy wrote:
If you can hold off for three weeks, there is a major gun show the weekend of July 25 through 27 at the Dulles Expo in Chantilly. Upwards of 1000 tables with over half of them displaying firearms. A great chance to view and handle a lot of different pieces and get really good pricing.

Do your homework beforehand. Learn as much as you can about the subject. And also learn to tune out the BS because you are certain to get a boatload of that.
Click to expand...
Is Manassas just the place for guns in the NOVA area?
 
C

Conaso

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If you live in Springfield... Going to the gun show will cost an extra $10 you must add to the price of the weapon.. The local shops charge typically list price. Call Furr Supply Co., 703-620-0441 (Vienna)
 
R

roscoe13

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Apr 18, 2007
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Catlett, Virginia, USA
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SouthernBoy wrote:
If you can hold off for three weeks, there is a major gun show the weekend of July 25 through 27 at the Dulles Expo in Chantilly. Upwards of 1000 tables with over half of them displaying firearms. A great chance to view and handle a lot of different pieces and get really good pricing.
Click to expand...
You've obviously been going to gun shows at a different Dulles Expo Center than I have...
 
L

LEO 229

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I have the name of a guy in Sterling that is a FFL dealer. He will order the gun you want... and charge you in between his cost and MSRP.

He makes a little something..... you save a little something!!

NEVER buy from a store as you pay the full price!

PM me if you are interested.

BTW: This is NOT a friend of mine and I never met him. My wife used him for a transfer and he told her she could have bought the gun for less from him.

He will split the difference and you both win!
 
X

XD Owner

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Arlington, VA
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I bought a used XD-9 Subcompact at Gilberts. Why buy new when you can buy "pre-owned"? :lol:

The salesman showed me how to fieldstrip it. It was obvious that the gun been fired only a few times. Look down the barrel to see how shiny it is and how much wear, if any, exists.

I like the XD, it fits well in my hand. I also rented a Glock to try. It was ok.

Happy shopping!
 
T

Thors_Mitersaw

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KodiakISGOOD wrote:
Blue Ridge out in Chantilly.
Click to expand...

I have been to blue ridge once, never goin back ever again. Those guys were just plain dicks to me for no reason. I am not one who likes to go into a store aking for something for my 1911 and getting a frickin lecture on why the glock is badass or whatever either...



So can one get some deals at places like Virginia Arms and Guns & Ammo Warehouse? I have only ever been to VA arms to pick up 2 new magazines. Do they buy as well as sell? I sure would like to do a trade in I think. (hey I would like to keep it and have two but thats not happening considering im a poor sombitch). Do either of them sell used guns or just new stuff? (again goin along the lines of, "I am poor", I am not opposed to buying a used gun... in fact... this one I have is used.)
 
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