Forums / Gun Discussion / New Member With Question

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

why not take a beginners class in handguns? can't hurt

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...

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.

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...

Cant go wrong with a glock 23 or any glock for that matter. I also like kimber if you got the money

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.

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

Has anyone seen Sytasyn_syn in a while?

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...