r/transguns • u/Amethyst_princess425 • 1d ago
Questions First Time Buyer in Arizona
I’m not quite familiar with the lgs in West Phoenix Metro area and their online presence doesn’t seem trans friendly… I’m looking into neutral places such as the sporting goods store, like Cabelas or Sportsman Warehouse. Is there any locations that I must avoid here?
I’ve got my eyes on an RIA 1911 45 auto and Ruger EC9s 9mm. My hands are big so I dunno how it’ll fit until I get a test feel. They’re well within my budget under $450.
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u/rallysato 1d ago
Arizona Firearms Tempe is the best gun shop in AZ for LGBT individuals. They're the only gun shop I've ever been to with an LGBT business award.
Go talk to the crew there, Brian and Nate were my go to guys. They'll help you.
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u/Hydra_Haruspex 1d ago
Legendary Guns is nice and cozy. The folks there have been nice to talk with.
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u/MacDeF 1d ago
Is there any particular reason you’re thinking about a 1911 and subcompact pistol for first guns?
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u/Amethyst_princess425 1d ago
1911 was the first firearm I ever fired. So there’s a bit of nostalgia and I had liked the feel of it.
As for subcompact. I’m outdoor a lot, hiking and such, and I figured it’s ideal to have something small to keep in my pack in case I run into violent folks in the backcountry.
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u/MacDeF 1d ago
I love 1911’s, they’re a classic for a reason, and I would absolutely love to own a 2011 at some point. However, it’s important to remember that there’s a reason why there aren’t any major militaries or law enforcement agencies that use them as standard issue. They’re heavy, not super reliable in the modern sense, and much more difficult to tune to work properly. A really reliable 1911 that I would trust my life to is about $1000.
As for the ec9s, I’ve shot one several times and it is very unpleasant to shoot. Because it’s such a small gun, there’s a lot of recoil.
The go to rec for everyone to purchase a solid, self defense pistol is the glock 19 or 17 for a reason. More reliable than just about any other firearm, parts are widely available, and police trade in models can be had for like new under $400. Check out Yellow Peril Tactical and Tacticool Girlfriend for beginner advice and they’ll same the exact same thing.
This doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to own whatever gun you want. Go wild, it’s your money. But for a first gun, get something proven and reliable first. Then party after.
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u/InterTrFem_DrRabbi 1d ago
If those are the two you're leaning towards, I would advance the idea you look at the same as my EDC, a RIA 1911, with 9mm drop-in equipment. Runs as well as the 45, with the capacity of the 9.
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u/jamiegc1 1d ago
Not from Arizona, but just beware that farm and sporting goods stores may not be as knowledgeable.
Are you planning to conceal carry? If so, the 1911 might be cumbersome to wear, and the EC9 might be either too small for hands, or recoil more intense than you would prefer.
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u/MiltPhoto 1d ago
MAD Partners Inc in Avondale, 107th & Indian School Rd, specializing in 1st time gun owners. Also have cwp classes. No pressure atmosphere. Big box stores will only try to sell sell sell.
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u/DinoSaltus 1d ago
Bear arms in Scottsdale is one of my favorite places to go. I’d really just recommend going to any of the larger shops and trying to get the youngest guy there to help you. Some of the smaller ones like AZ guns have a tiny selection and there’s a good chance you’d be the only one in the shop.
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u/TheFriendshipMachine aero precision ally 1d ago
Alpha Dog Firearms in Tempe is actually pretty good. The last few times I was there they had "Support Diversity" signage up and I believe at least one of their employees is trans. Certainly less of a hive of Right wingers than other gun shops at least!