Going to buy a handgun and want some opinions. Looking at 1911s but I'm not ruling out a Beretta. Really like th s&w and rugers. What say ye pack?
OT: buying a handgun
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Going to buy a handgun and want some opinions. Looking at 1911s but I'm not ruling out a Beretta. Really like th s&w and rugers. What say ye pack?
Going to buy a handgun and want some opinions. Looking at 1911s but I'm not ruling out a Beretta. Really like th s&w and rugers. What say ye pack?
Going to buy a handgun and want some opinions. Looking at 1911s but I'm not ruling out a Beretta. Really like th s&w and rugers. What say ye pack?
It can make a difference. Also, are you set on .45ACP or considering other calibers? The big factor is how much $$$ you are willing to part with.
I own several different brands of hand guns, but I am sold on the Glock if you are wanting a semi-automatic.
Ease of use and they are almost indestructible, used by most all law US enforcement and our armed services.
Ease of use and they are almost indestructible, used by most all law US enforcement and our armed services.
I have a 9mm, but wished I had gotten the .40 instead. I got the 9mm because I thought my wife would be able to handle that better.
I bought my first handgun just last year. Never even considered owning one before that, and didn't know anything about what I was looking for. Went down to a shooting range at a time when they weren't too busy and had a long talk with the guy working there. Told him my lack of experience and what my plans were, and he set me up with several different models. Showed me the features of all of them, gave me some tips, and turned me loose to fire them all on the range.
After trying out about 8 different models, I made my choice. The test firing only ran me about $30 or so.
FTR, I settled on a Springfield 9mm. I really liked the Glocks, but I could shoot straighter with the Springfield. That was my choice, not necessarily my recommendation for anyone else.
After trying out about 8 different models, I made my choice. The test firing only ran me about $30 or so.
FTR, I settled on a Springfield 9mm. I really liked the Glocks, but I could shoot straighter with the Springfield. That was my choice, not necessarily my recommendation for anyone else.
Concealed carry/Truck gun- Keltec PF9.(9mm)
Home defense semi-auto- Glock 17 (9mm) or Glock 22 (.40 cal)
Revolver- Taurus Judge (Shoots both .410 and .45)
Home defense semi-auto- Glock 17 (9mm) or Glock 22 (.40 cal)
Revolver- Taurus Judge (Shoots both .410 and .45)
I would say look at the Browning DM but I don't think Browning makes those any more........Glad I held on to mine.........
If you want a cheaper handgunthat is reliable, look at the Makarov.......Standard sidearm of the Russian military and it's nice gun for the money.........You can get one in the $275-$300 range.......GREAT gun for the money..........
I've had all of the above mentioned guns as well as a Beretta and a Glock.........My preference of all of those for the money is the Ruger.........NOBODY beats Ruger's warranty and service......They take care of their customers............
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If you want a cheaper handgunthat is reliable, look at the Makarov.......Standard sidearm of the Russian military and it's nice gun for the money.........You can get one in the $275-$300 range.......GREAT gun for the money..........
I've had all of the above mentioned guns as well as a Beretta and a Glock.........My preference of all of those for the money is the Ruger.........NOBODY beats Ruger's warranty and service......They take care of their customers............
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They're not cheap. I have a Colt 1911 .45 Combat Elite model. I've added Pachmeyer grips and better sights to mine since purchased many years ago. At a gun show a few months back USED pistols like mine were selling in the $1000 - $1500 range, depending on condition. I didn't even see any new ones but would be afraid to know what price range they're in.
It's a damn reliable and accuratehandgun. The only drawbacks are it's big, heavy and hard to conceal. Not the kind of gun you can carry easily. However, if you run out of ammo you can beat the crap out of someone with it.Most all 1911's are like this.
At that same gun show I purchased a Sig Sauer P-250, a double action semi auto. It's smaller, lighter and holds more rounds than my 1911. It came in a hard plastic, foam lined case with one clip and a gun lock for a little under $430 - tax included. It takes a little practice to get used to the double action but once you do it will put rounds on target accurately. It is a much less expensive alternative. I purchased mine through Mississippi Auto Arms. There is a gun dealer/pawn shop in Pearl that sells them for that price but I can't remember his name. (I think it's Dan or something like that) Bass Pro wants $650. Don't go there. Extra clips will run you about $40. Hope this helps.
The P-250 also comes in 9mm and .40 cal versions. I went with .45 just so I'd have to buy only one type of ammo for both handguns.
It's a damn reliable and accuratehandgun. The only drawbacks are it's big, heavy and hard to conceal. Not the kind of gun you can carry easily. However, if you run out of ammo you can beat the crap out of someone with it.Most all 1911's are like this.
At that same gun show I purchased a Sig Sauer P-250, a double action semi auto. It's smaller, lighter and holds more rounds than my 1911. It came in a hard plastic, foam lined case with one clip and a gun lock for a little under $430 - tax included. It takes a little practice to get used to the double action but once you do it will put rounds on target accurately. It is a much less expensive alternative. I purchased mine through Mississippi Auto Arms. There is a gun dealer/pawn shop in Pearl that sells them for that price but I can't remember his name. (I think it's Dan or something like that) Bass Pro wants $650. Don't go there. Extra clips will run you about $40. Hope this helps.
The P-250 also comes in 9mm and .40 cal versions. I went with .45 just so I'd have to buy only one type of ammo for both handguns.
everyone's hands are different. Personally, I carry a Glock 23 (40 cal). I chose this because of all the guns I tried out, its the only one I could shoot accurately.
Buy the biggest cal you are comfortable with. If you ever need to use it, you want max stoppage.</p>
Buy the biggest cal you are comfortable with. If you ever need to use it, you want max stoppage.</p>
Why? Not to be a smart ***, but what is the point.
Small cal is useless, larger cal isn't accurate.
Small cal is useless, larger cal isn't accurate.
Can even go to XD(M) for new model that has more upgrades like different molded grips, champ barrels, etc.
I had the XD-40 all black, ported. Serious gun and can't beat it for the money. Was less than $500. Sold it to get non-ported model.
If you reallylike to target shoot, I MIGHT consider getting 9mm for cheaper ammo purposes. But other than that, step up to .40cal. Was voted best handgun in 2007 and purchased mine later that year.
I had the XD-40 all black, ported. Serious gun and can't beat it for the money. Was less than $500. Sold it to get non-ported model.
If you reallylike to target shoot, I MIGHT consider getting 9mm for cheaper ammo purposes. But other than that, step up to .40cal. Was voted best handgun in 2007 and purchased mine later that year.
I've shot a couple flocks, a baby eagle, a Springfield 1911, and a judge. I'm getting it primarily for fun. I enjoy shooting when time allows but I usually shoot clays with shot guns. Price Really isn't a concern either bcause I can get up to 40% off retail on most brands. I love the 1911 but is would rather have something in a .40. I've just never been a fan of glocks but as someone said they are indestructible
Is the Bersa Thunder 380. I used to work in a gun store and women bought those like hotcakes. They also liked theKahr P380 and CM9 a lot due to the slim design.
I've shot a couple flocks, a baby eagle, a Springfield 1911, and a judge. I'm getting it primarily for fun. I enjoy shooting when time allows but I usually shoot clays with shot guns. Price Really isn't a concern either bcause I can get up to 40% off retail on most brands. I love the 1911 but is would rather have something in a .40. I've just never been a fan of glocks but as someone said they are indestructible
So that is basically 3 safeties on an XD - trigger, rear grip and thumb safety. The glocks are just a little too easy to have an accident with, especially if you have little ones. <div>
</div><div>Not to mention, the XD just looks bad ***: </div><div>
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</div><div>Not to mention, the XD just looks bad ***: </div><div>
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You might want to look at the Sig Sauer P250 2Sum if you don't mind DAO. It gives you a full size and a compact, you just swap the trigger group between frames.
...for people who claim to know everything about the gun culture, how hard is it to figure out where to buy a gun with the least amount of hassle?
I'll be the first to say, a pistol shooting .410 cartridges is kind of badass. But, the thing looks unwieldy as hell (I admit I have not shot one). Is the stopping power really muchbetter than a .357 or .38 or whatever?
And I get the argument that it being a shotgun shell, you'll get some spread - but not much I wouldn't think at home defense ranges? Lastly, the ones I've seen run ~600 or so. For that price, I'll take a Taurus .38 revolver AND a Remington 870 12 gauge.
I think it's kind of a neat novelty gun, but a ton of people on here know way more about guns than I, so maybe I need educating.
And I get the argument that it being a shotgun shell, you'll get some spread - but not much I wouldn't think at home defense ranges? Lastly, the ones I've seen run ~600 or so. For that price, I'll take a Taurus .38 revolver AND a Remington 870 12 gauge.
I think it's kind of a neat novelty gun, but a ton of people on here know way more about guns than I, so maybe I need educating.
My wife carries one. They are not that accurate but much more accurate than a derringer. No hammer allows the not gun not to snag on anything in her purse, large round and extremely light weight.
buying a used gun if you aren't familiar with guns .... people like to screw around with everything from trigger adjustments, sights, safties, firing pins, to no telling what else, not to mention the fact that a bore light actually reveals very little about the lands in the barrell ....get the point ?
<p align="right">I have a Sig Sauer P226 edited to say sorry I originally said 223. I love it. You can drop it in oil, sand or water and it will still shoot. Easy to take apart and clean. Same exact gun that killed Bin Laden. It is like a cadillac of handguns.
You can get spear ammo for it in self defense, cause if you shoot someone with that round....they aren't gonna make it.
I just like the sig's better than glocks. I bought mine off a buddy in the FBI when they made them go to glocks. He almostteared up when he sold it to me cause he didn't wanna let it go.
Here it is and those are the speers.
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You can get spear ammo for it in self defense, cause if you shoot someone with that round....they aren't gonna make it.
I just like the sig's better than glocks. I bought mine off a buddy in the FBI when they made them go to glocks. He almostteared up when he sold it to me cause he didn't wanna let it go.
Here it is and those are the speers.
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something you point and pull the trigger. if it's got a safety, odds are you or your wife will forget to take it off safety. If it's for fun, all the ones mentioned are great. Which one feels good in your hand. One other thing, if your wife is going to shoot it, unless she is an avid shooter make it a smaller caliber or after the first time she shoots it, she wont shoot it again. and for God's sake, keep it locked up! You rarely hear of someone shooting aburglar/robber/etc but every month you hear of some kid finding a gun and shooting another kid with it. Sorry for thespeech, but I had to carry one for years and ....
But the only good advice is don't go cheap. There are a ton of good models and configurations... HK, Sig Sauer, Glock, Colt, S&W.. Etc. Go to the largest dealer you can find even if they are the most expensive. Get a feel of how it works and if you like the way it handles. Look at the accessories for it. Then shoot it if you can. See if you want a .45 or a 9mm.
Find the one you want first and then shop for price. Don't make your mind up reading Soldier of Fortune or Guns and Ammo.
Find the one you want first and then shop for price. Don't make your mind up reading Soldier of Fortune or Guns and Ammo.
I own the majority of the hand guns mentioned on here and have shot almost all of them since my brother has a larger collection than I do. I've been shooting all my life and have quite an extensive background with guns.<div>
</div><div>Realize what you are asking is the equivalent to asking "what kind of vehicle should I buy" without giving us anymore info. A lot of it has to do with personal preference and intended use. A handgun that you are intending to use as a home defense gun will have different needs of a handgun you intend to conceal on a daily basis (at least it will for most people).</div><div>
</div><div>With that said, for new shooters, I normally HIGHLY recommend getting a 9mm for 1 simple reason. Shot placement is MUCH more important than caliber any day of the week. 9mm is quite a bit cheaper to shoot and practice with than .40 S&W and .45 ACP. So whatever you get, PRACTICE! Also, many of the new self defense rounds have very similar ballisticswhen comparing 9mm, .40S&W and .45 ACP. I know some people refuse to believe that, but it's true. 9mm is a more than a capable round to put someone on the ground.</div><div>
</div><div>So a great all around handgun is a Glock19. It can be concealed or used as home defense. It's tough as nails and won't fail you as long as you use good ammo. It has less parts than any other polymer gun, which means less to break and less to go wrong. People normally express concern over the lack of a manual safety on the Glock, but it's my opinion, and there's even some example of this being true, that manual safeties can get you killed. Let me explain, when you are in a very high stress situation with lots ofadrenalineflowing you could very easily forget to flip the safety and not be able to figure out why the gun won't fire unless you've trained with it a lot and have the muscle memory.</div><div>
</div><div>Not matter what you get, learn the 4 rules of gun safety and live by them. I know they may seem elementary, but every gun "accident" can be traced back to somebody not following one or more of these simple rules.</div><div>
</div><div>1)Treat EVERY gun as if it was loaded</div><div>2)Never point the gun at anything you don't intend to destroy</div><div>3)Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire</div><div>4) know the foreground and background of your target.</div>
</div><div>Realize what you are asking is the equivalent to asking "what kind of vehicle should I buy" without giving us anymore info. A lot of it has to do with personal preference and intended use. A handgun that you are intending to use as a home defense gun will have different needs of a handgun you intend to conceal on a daily basis (at least it will for most people).</div><div>
</div><div>With that said, for new shooters, I normally HIGHLY recommend getting a 9mm for 1 simple reason. Shot placement is MUCH more important than caliber any day of the week. 9mm is quite a bit cheaper to shoot and practice with than .40 S&W and .45 ACP. So whatever you get, PRACTICE! Also, many of the new self defense rounds have very similar ballisticswhen comparing 9mm, .40S&W and .45 ACP. I know some people refuse to believe that, but it's true. 9mm is a more than a capable round to put someone on the ground.</div><div>
</div><div>So a great all around handgun is a Glock19. It can be concealed or used as home defense. It's tough as nails and won't fail you as long as you use good ammo. It has less parts than any other polymer gun, which means less to break and less to go wrong. People normally express concern over the lack of a manual safety on the Glock, but it's my opinion, and there's even some example of this being true, that manual safeties can get you killed. Let me explain, when you are in a very high stress situation with lots ofadrenalineflowing you could very easily forget to flip the safety and not be able to figure out why the gun won't fire unless you've trained with it a lot and have the muscle memory.</div><div>
</div><div>Not matter what you get, learn the 4 rules of gun safety and live by them. I know they may seem elementary, but every gun "accident" can be traced back to somebody not following one or more of these simple rules.</div><div>
</div><div>1)Treat EVERY gun as if it was loaded</div><div>2)Never point the gun at anything you don't intend to destroy</div><div>3)Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire</div><div>4) know the foreground and background of your target.</div>
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