Congrats on the 709 and getting your first handgun. It has already been said, but I am going to say it again. Field strip the gun and give it a good cleaning. Being new to handguns, you might want to look at YouTube videios searching for cleaning and lubing auto handguns. You don't have to find one on the 709, but any semi-auto will do for understanding the cleaning and lubing. Cleaning is an important step that is often ignored by new owners. Taurus uses a packing compound that needs to be removed before the gun is fired. If not, it will mix with powder residue and turn hard, gumming up the action of the pistol. Good luck with it and let us know how she shoots.
I also just bought a 709 though not my first handgun. I shot about 50 rounds through it and it had trigger issues so I sent it back for repair. However, when I shot it I really like the feel and fit of the gun. The recoil isn't bad either. I hope to have it repaired and back soon. I know how you feel about the ammo. Taurus suggested I shoot several hundred rounds through it before sending it in. I shot the 50 and then dry fired it a few hundred times using snap caps. I had problems getting the ammo and the prices locally are prohibitive. I was able to buy 1000 rounds of "re-manufactured" ammo from Freedom Munitions last week and it arrived yesterday. Cost of about $.30 per round which I think is pretty awesome in the present environment. I can't wait to get the 709 back so I can shoot some of it up. BTW, be careful what you call old. It's terrible to be old at our age.
