GunnyGene said:
I paid $320 for my 9E in Apr, 2015. Add another $60 for a couple mags, and $200+ for holster and starter ammo. Many folks don't think about the "other stuff" you need for a new gun.
Here was my wake up call after buying my SR40c. It was my first pistol.
1. Crappy IWB Uncle Mikes holster that I ended up not liking and never using again. $20 (wasted)
2. Leather off the rack belt that was not a dedicated carry belt and didn't do the job. $30 (wasted)
3. Deciding to instead get a quality purpose made carry belt and holster. $120 combined
4. Spare magazine pouch $15
5. Enough Gold Dot ammo to load both magazines that came with the pistol. $50ish bucks (2 boxes of 20)
6. Cleaning kit, gun oil, patches, bore brush. About $35 or so.
I spent $430 dollars for the pistol itself in 2012. And Spent nearly $300 in the weeks after. More experienced people will completely avoid the mistakes of 1 and 2 at least. But the peripherals are indeed something that should be considered before going to the counter. I think this applies to newer shooters more than the older ones.