I’m a big fan of breaking larger problems down into smaller more manageable chunks so yes, it is worth it to buy a firearm if you feel you need one. Particularly if it is for self-defense.
Yes, a firearm without ammo is just a paperweight, but once you have one, you can get in dry fire practice until you get ammo to go to the range. It will also narrow down what ammo you need to buy.
The alternative is to buy ammo and then find a gun that matches. I’m not a fan of this as I prefer something that fits my hand, is easy to manipulate and points well
Buy a gun. I would suggest a 9mm. You can find ammo if you look hard enough and 9mm is usually less expensive than .380. Also 9mm is more powerful and you can buy a small 9mm that is not much bigger than a small .380. A small handgun can be pleasant to shoot if it is steel/aluminum construction. Small polymer handguns will wear you out at the range.
I was lucky to find a store that had 9 MM ammo and was able to get 4 boxes. I just was there at the right time because they only had 4 boxes left. You just have to keep looking.
If you can afford it, buy the gun. Then keep an eye out for ammo, buy it when it’s available (even if overpriced). The ammo manufacturers are working hard to get ammo availability back up, it’s just taking some time. And keep up with legislation being put forth that’s anti-2nd Amendment. We have a real fight on our hands there.
I would absolutely recommend your friend buy a gun, ammo can be found actually pretty easily if you take the time to look and in almost ANY caliber, I do it everyday. The downside is the price and taking the time to find what you want.
If this is a good friend of yours I would add as others have said if you have a little extra, help a friend out until he/she can find their own.
I think someone else mentioned that they had also made an observation, as did I.
During a recent new firearm purchase from a gun-store, they had many in stock. The one requested, arrived in three weeks. Although I found that three other models have not yet been available. For the one which arrived, that particular store is providing for (selling) one 50 round box of “defensive” ammo, upon picking up the firearm;
And offering a discount on that ammo, accessories, and range use on the day of pick up. Pretty cool.
I would strongly recommend a laser practice device such as ELMS. The entire kit costs about $150 including the tripod for your phone to record your “shot” accuracy. A free app records your shot accuracy vis your phone camera.
Although nothing can fully substitute for live fire training, a laser system will give you a good head start drawing your weapon, sighting your target, and making a smooth trigger pull without the heavy use of expensive rounds.
Yes, you don’t get the kick from the actual firing, but a system like this will get you 70% down the road of basic skills. Then you can live fire and fill in the remaining real life action of firing your weapon.
I have used mine to troubleshoot a few issues I had which impacted my accuracy.
I’ve rethought this and have concluded: NO, it is absolutely not worth buying a weapon today PROVIDED you are already equipped with suitable for the task weapons in excellent condition.
That said, 223 and 5.56 has always been available around here and the prices have stayed pretty flat. I guess the Government has all the 5.56 it needs.
I do the same. All my pistols are 40 S&W. Never have a problem getting ammo. It has just increased in price. INFLATION Thanks to the Biden Administration.
I use gun broker a lot Ffor ammo as well, easy to compare prices. I would suggest only buying new from a dealer. Sometimes if you buy old ammo from individuals, you get boxes that have been obviously wet or has not been well kept. Only thing worse then paying too much is paying too much for ammo that doesn’t work!
9mm is available and IIRC has been all along at the local indoor ranges here in CAwhere they don’t want you to take it home(Newsom Law) from other sources it’s just more expensive and difficult to obtain (Target Sports USA will ship to a local FLL to abide by the Newsom Law, I’ve been told.)
The more important question is: Is it worth buying a weapon today if I may need it to defend my family tomorrow?
