aebayrunner  |
I am looking to purchase my first handgun. And would like to get some direction/suggestions from people with experience/training. I will be attending the concealed carry program in Jan. and would like to be well prepared before hand. I am not new to firearms. I grew up hunting and was taught safety, respect and responsibility of guns and ownership. I have owned several shotguns and rifles but, this will be my first handgun. So I would appreciate any advice. |
FreedomMilitaria
my suggestion is most likely what you will here from the majority of us here. if you have a local range that rents guns, then go and rent a few and see what feels right. if it doesn't feel right then you do not need to carry it. also you can even go to any local gun shop (preferably a large one if close) and just put some in your hand.
as for my opinion, first choice would be a Springfield XD sub compact, or a Glock 23 (new model). both are exceptional.
this all depends on what money you have to spend, and finding one that will fit your stature. some of us have a few extra pounds so we can carry something a little bigger.
if you want something in a smaller frame size or price range, i would recommend the Taurus Millenium, or the Ruger LCP.
still, bottom line is what you feel comfortable with. ask a lot of questions but don't just take everyones word for it, form an opinion of your own before you purchase something.
also, there are a lot of good gun dealers out there, but there are also some shady ones too. some like to feed you a lot of BS just to get you to buy. hope this helps
aebayrunner
Thanks for the info. I am also wondering about calibers. I am interested in the 40 and 45 cal's.for a semi-auto and .357 Mag. for a revolver. I don't hear much talk about revolvers anymore but I would like to have a semi and a revolver. Any words of wisdom on the revolvers??? Thanks again!
Reaper308
both .40 and .45ACP are good rounds for an auto. For a revolver, check out ruger and S&W. I like .357 mag and .44 mag. .357 is good cause you can shoot .38 out of it for target, then load .357 in it for defense.
aebayrunner
Thanks for the info! I really like the idea of dual ammo in one gun.
Reaper308
also check out conversion barrels for the autos. you can buy a .40 glock, then get a .357sig, and 9mm conversion barrel for it... so you can shoot 3 different calibers out of the same gun, if you get the extra barrels. You can also do this with sig, and I believe XD (although XD are a little tougher to find). you can also buy a 10mm conversion for a .45 glock.
ebear
why not take a beginners class in handguns? can't hurt
LLE
advice, even if it comes from someone who has no pants on!!
aebayrunner
Thanks for the suggestion. I will see what's available locally. And I have already signed up for the concealed carry class in Jan. Thanks again
EricStanford
I always suggest first hand guns to be 22LR. Good ones will last a lifetime. They are cheapest to plink and target practice, they can kill and severly injure, excellent for teaching others, learning hand gun skills, and are reliable self protection. You can shoot thousands of rounds without getting numb hands...
We have and have had "them all"...still have my original 22's and 9mm's while others come and go...
My wife and I both carry Walter P22's, practice with them and Rugers.
...for what it is worth...
JP
Are there any owners of the colt m1911 a1 compact 3 1/2in bbl? I just purchased one and I was wondering how it performs... Anyone help me with
some info on it's reliability to be a ccw... thx JP.
fordvg
The Colt 1911A1 compact will be a great pistol for CCW. I have owned 3 1911's and I have not had a problem with any of them, great pistols.
Pkato
agree and although fordvg likes the 1911's you may pick one up it and may not be comfortable...after that, nothing else will really matter. Local ranges are great places for help...make a list of ones that feel good and then come back and ask about those...that way you won't be influenced to buy one that is not the best feel...
Chuck Norris bites the hand that feeds him and eats their entrails!
8541marine
Cant go wrong with a glock 23 or any glock for that matter. I also like kimber if you got the money
scudrunnernrh
I would suggest the XD. They are decently priced, come in all the "popular" calibers, come in sub compact, compact, and full sizes, and you get all the gear too at no added charge. However, I will agree with the above, what ever fits your hand the best and feels comfortable to hold, shoot, and manipulate (safeties, slide catches, mag release) is the gun for you. As far as calibers go, and I dont want to make enemies by knocking any of them, I personally would go for a .40 or .45 just for the knock down power. For revolvers, I used a Ruger GP-100 in the past on duty,(it was an issued weapon), and really liked it. It was a good shooting gun and was very controllable in double action. The hammer staged well every time.
Tack
My first handgun was a ruger 9mm. May not be much to look at, but they are as durable as any other out there, accurate enough, plus the price can't be beat. The 9mm seems to be a great entry level round. Not too heavy a recoil, yet not to light to become complacent. From there you can get good feel for what type of firearm is best for you. And thats the key... what's best for YOU.
Tack
Snake
Has anyone seen Sytasyn_syn in a while?
Reaper308
no, I have not SEEN sytasyn, we went awol
samD
to let sleeping dogs lie?
Been nice and peaceful around here. He (sytasyn-syn) went on leave 4 weeks ago. He has 30 days annual like everyone else, doesn't he?
So when you least expect it...