[ExSoldier]

I like both roadrunner's idea and XD 40's benign deception. I agree for the money and the quality go with the Kahr. I hate the P11. You might try one at a gun show for dry fire purposes alone. If you can, you might try a used STAR model BM 9mm. Single stack 9mm with an 8rd capacity. I bought one in 1980 for about $150 and gave it to a buddy of mine in ROTC when he got married. And no, I wasn't very fond of his wife...for good cause. She was a shrew who eventually wound up pressuring him out of military service to pursue AMWAY! That failed and he became a landscape artist. He was on the list for Lieutenant Colonel when he left the army. Damn shame. He still has the wife, though. Hope he still has the gun.

 

[ExSoldier]

Straw Man Purchase?

Good idea, except that it's illegal, per the definition of straw purchase. I'm not saying the idea is bad or that the law is right, but no reputable gun-shop will be able to go along with what you describe.

IIRC I think for the straw man purchase to take effect, there has to be an asportation as they taught me in law school. That is, the illegal "go between" must exchange the money and actually take possession with the specific intent ('nother legal term of art) to transfer that property to another person in contravention of state law. But the best idea is to run it past a District Attorney and be sure to tell the story of the Aunt who can't afford the payments. I think this is a legitimate gift and as long as the AUNT fills out the paperwork and takes actual possesion, I would think it to be alright. But check with an attorney in your jurisdiction!

 

[ExSoldier]

Roadrunner, as I said in my post, the obvious solution is to talk to the State Attorney and tell that person that you've got FAMILY who wants a quality firearm, which she can't at this time afford and then explain the details. I'll BET a beer that as long as it's auntie who fills out the paperwork and takes actual possession with asportation (meaning if you handle it in the store you're in "possession" but if you walk OUT of the store with it in your hands....that's the critical nexus) by auntie, you're going to be fine.