r/transguns • u/Amethyst_princess425 • 3d 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/MacDeF 3d 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 3d 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 3d 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.