MY FIRST GUNS AS AN AMERICAN

Today was a big day. I took ownership of my first guns as an American. I’m blessed and lucky to be living in such a great state and country. For some of you, buying a gun might be a normal everyday thing, but for me, it was a big deal.

Let me explain.

ORIGINALLY FROM CANADA

I recently became a resident of the United States. Originally, I’m from Canada. Yes, you can own guns in Canada, but the laws are getting so strict there that recreational shooting and shooting sports are getting downright tedious. Mag limits, transport laws, and in May of last year, the Liberal government banned upwards of 1,500 different types of semi-automatic rifles. Canada deemed them to be “military-style assault weapons.” There’s also talk of banning handguns.

The beautiful state of Arizona. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

BUTTERFLIES OF EXCITEMENT

Every day that I wake up in the beautiful state of Arizona, I feel blessed. There are so many reasons why I love it here, but one of them is that it’s gun friendly.

The last couple of nights I’ve been having trouble sleeping because I’m so excited to get my guns. I can’t wait to go shoot them, start honing my skills, and getting my aim on point. One of them will become my first personal handgun.

WHAT WILL BE MY FIRST HANDGUN?

Nice set … for starters.  (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

For my first handgun, I ordered four certified used handguns from Guns.com. I’m looking for something reliable, that fits well in my hand, and that I shoot well. I’m also considering carrying the gun that I choose, so that’s a factor as well.

I should say that I’m currently leaning towards carrying off-body, so I’m OK with a full-sized handgun. I know a lot of people frown on off-body carry, but a friend of mine named Greg Wohler turned me on to the BOBB. I love the concept, and I often carry a cross-shoulder bag anyway because I hate having lots of stuff in my pockets.

GLOCK G45

I’ve never fired a Glock G45, but Glocks do tend to feel good in my hand. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

The first gun on my list is a Glock G45. A friend of mine named Ben Brown carries a G45 as his EDC. He convinced me to check it out. I’ve never fired a G45, but I’ve shot a G19 many times. I enjoyed it, and Glocks seem to fit my hand well.

SMITH & WESSON M&P

 

I’ve heard great things about the Smith & Wesson M&P. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

The next gun is a Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0. A friend of mine named Rod Ryan – who is a former LEO and trains both police and the military – swears by this gun. I was able to fire it a few times when I was filming with him, and it felt great in my hand. I really enjoyed shooting it.

FN 509 TACTICAL

 This FN 509 is a strong contender to be my first gun. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

The third gun is an FN 509 Tactical. We filmed a tour of the FN factory in South Carolina two years ago, and I was very impressed by the craftsmanship and quality of FN guns. If the 509 is anything like the rest of their guns, it’s going to be a strong contender. I’ve never fired it. But I’ve held it, and it felt good.

NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM BOB MARVEL

 

This Nighthawk Custom Bob Marvel 1911 is the fanciest contender for my first gun. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

Last, but certainly not least, the fanciest of them all, the good-looking Nighthawk Custom Bob Marvel 1911 chambered in 9mm. I just couldn’t resist. When I visited the Guns.com warehouse in Minnesota last year, I held the Bob Marvel in my hands, and it felt terrific. If it shoots as good as it looks, I’ll seriously consider it even if it is a bit pricey.

What do you think of my selection? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’ll be making my selection over the coming week and sharing my experiences on Guns.com. It would be great to get as much input as possible.