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Message
re: Help me buy my first handgun
Posted on 10/2/19 at 10:34 pm to Dr. Morgus
Posted on 10/2/19 at 10:34 pm to Dr. Morgus
As usual, Bapple makes some good points. I agree that since tthe proposed gun is going to be a truck/home gun, there's NO reason to get a compact, semi-compact or ultra-light gun; get a full size handgun in 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 Mag, 357 Sig or 45 ACP. For me, I'd get a 9mm over the 40. Full size guns are generally easier to shoot for a number of reasons. Full size (not "airweight or lightweight") revolvers are fine, but they're not foolproof and have limited round capacity compared to the modern semi-auto. I'd suggest a double stack magazine semi-auto (e.g a Model 17 Glock, S&W M&P, Springfield Armory XD/XDM and MANY other models). I really like handguns by Kahr (I own three of them of them), but I think they're better suited for concealed carry than truck/home defense gun because their single stack mag limits magazine capacity.Personally, I'd get a double action only or a striker fired gun. The single action/double action semi-auto (like the Beretta Model 92) can very good also, but I personally prefer the simplicity of a trigger that's either DAO or SAO. Like some, I find it more difficult to master the DA/SA trigger pull compared to SAO, DAO or striker triggers. Of course, for someone willing to learn it's manual of arms, a reliable 1911 is always a good choice. I also like to handle a gun before buying so I'm confident the controls are compatible w/ my grip and the gun points well for me. I've bought of my guns online, largely because there are no nearby gun stores.For your first purchase, you might be well served by going somewhere that has a lot of guns for you to handle. But be aware the gun behind the counter may not really be the expert he appears to be.
Put a premium on getting a 100% RELIABLE gun from a reputable gun maker, i.e. Ruger, S&W, Beretta, Sig, Springfield Armory, Walther etc. This is NOT where you want to save money, especially for a handgun newbie.
.
Since it sounds like this is your first handgun, I'd consider getting some formal training, as well.
Keep us updated w/ your choice.
Put a premium on getting a 100% RELIABLE gun from a reputable gun maker, i.e. Ruger, S&W, Beretta, Sig, Springfield Armory, Walther etc. This is NOT where you want to save money, especially for a handgun newbie.
.
Since it sounds like this is your first handgun, I'd consider getting some formal training, as well.
Keep us updated w/ your choice.
1
Posted on 10/2/19 at 11:18 pm to TigerOnThe Hill
Great suggestion for the berreta. Should be near the top of most lists for beginners.
Posted on 10/2/19 at 11:52 pm to LEASTBAY
First question - what's your experience level with guns? If your a novice, consider a revolver. A 22 is a great start if you've never used a hand gun. It's convenient to have one if you're introducing your spouse or kids to shooting later on.
Shoot it a bunch, get comfortable with it, and then buy your next hand gun, which should be your choice for your self defense gun.
If your already comfortable handling a semi-auto, skip step one.
Shoot it a bunch, get comfortable with it, and then buy your next hand gun, which should be your choice for your self defense gun.
If your already comfortable handling a semi-auto, skip step one.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 7:36 am to beerJeep
quote:
HK vp9
This. I have one and a glock can't compare in ergonomics.
My wife had any choice of pistol and held sigs, m&p, glocks etc. She got a Walther Creed. Glocks just don't feel good in your hand Imo.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 7:37 am to Dr. Morgus
Since you didn't mention ccw, i add another vote for Glock 19. Very reliable, easy to break down and clean, and midsized to fit in truck but large enough to be a pleasure to shoot often. Most utilitarian handgun made.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 7:47 am to rebelrouser
I'll agree with others who've said to go shoot them first if you can. Also, while the Glock 19 is a fine gun, they don't fit me at all. Weird grip angle or something. Anyway, I much prefer the S&W M&P9. 
Posted on 10/3/19 at 8:00 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
Every semi auto I have ever owned has jammed at least once
Given proper form and technique, you will rarely see a semi auto have a malfunction. Sure, there’s a possibility of 1 round out of every 1000 or so not working but that’s a very high rate of success. I’ve actually seen a few revolvers lock up and be completely unusable. Granted, these were cheaper brands (Taurus was the brand I witnessed) but revolvers can have malfunctions too since there is a lot of complexity inside the firing mechanism. Where it wins out to semi autos is that it doesn’t rely on the cartridge itself to function. I’ll agree with that point at least.
With a little bit of training on malfunction clearing and shooting firm, semi autos are not that difficult for a rookie to work with. In my CC courses there have only been 2 revolvers that have been shot through the whole course and favored over semi autos - a Colt Python (amazing wheel gun) and a S&W 686. Otherwise, the capacity advantage and ease of reloading makes the semi auto a better self defense platform.
quote:
Long double action pulls are safer than the mouse click glock triggers, but still dont have any manual safeties.
I’ve actually seen more shooters have difficulty with accuracy using DA revolvers. The long trigger pull is not needed if your holster covers the trigger and you have shot your gun a lot. You can be more accurate with a predictable, shorter trigger.
quote:
Somebody's gotta knight for the wheel guns around here
Always makes for a lively discussion! quote:
TigerOnTheHill
Posted on 10/3/19 at 8:05 am to Dr. Morgus
quote:
Any recs and why would be appreciated.
I like all metal guns and I choose the tried and true, but pricey, Sig Classic pistols. A full size, 9mm pistol from them is the P226 and a new, no frills gun is likely to run you between $850 and $1000. You can spend up to $1500 on these.
Another all metal choice is the Beretta 92, but I don't like it nearly as much.
Your polymer choices are aplenty nowadays and I tend to fall back on the conventional wisdom of the Glock 17 (or Glock 19 the "compact" version of the 17). Frankly, Smith via their M&P line and Walther are making fine, fine pistols at this point, too.
All of these major manufacturers have a huge user base, accessories, magazine availability is going to be pretty significant.
I also recommend either a full size or no smaller than "compact" (like I said, the Glock 19 or Sig P229), which are not small, just smaller, as a first gun, particularly if there is no need for concealed carry. A big gun has greater capacity, less felt recoil and 99% of shooters will shoot it better, assuming it is not "too big" (TWSS).
Posted on 10/3/19 at 8:24 am to Dr. Morgus
Handle and shoot a Walther PPQ if you can, my favorite of the current striker fired 9mm group.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 8:28 am to Dr. Morgus
quote:
home protection
quote:
easy to carry in my vehicle
Have a lawyer available 24/7 to call if needed.
As a new gun owner let me ask you this: What will you do next if you are involved in a shooting event at 10pm on a Friday night in a public place? Or even in your home.
Too many people hop on the equipment bandwagon and give almost no thought to the legal ramifications of carrying and using a firearm. It is almost never discussed but is critically important.
And there are many other questions too: Do you understand ballistics? i.e. ‘What will happen if I shoot in this direction?’ Will you get involved in situations involving strangers? Etc.
Also, OP please be advised that a vehicle is not a secure place to store firearms for any significant length of time.
I’m not trying to discourage you, but there are many things to consider
This post was edited on 10/3/19 at 12:32 pm
Posted on 10/3/19 at 8:35 am to Dr. Morgus
Posted on 10/3/19 at 10:10 am to Dr. Morgus
SA Hellcat
Posted on 10/3/19 at 10:22 am to bapple
quote:
I’ve actually seen more shooters have difficulty with accuracy using DA revolvers. The long trigger pull is not needed if your holster covers the trigger and you have shot your gun a lot. You can be more accurate with a predictable, shorter trigger.
I'd argue that while the striker guns definitely have easier to master triggers, they are also infinitely easier to glock leg yourself with and in general to have a ND. Revolvers lend themselves to safer handling and that's multiplied for someone who doesnt shoot very frequently.
I carry a striker gun (shield 2.0) when I have to be dressed and I shoot it a good bit. The trigger is light and short, and lends itself to shooting. For the same reason, I cant just put it in my glove box for the same reason, it's absolutely got to be in a holster unless its the only thing in there. With a revolver (or DA self shucker) I dont have to worry so much about it bouncing into something and going bang.
I maintain that for your normal non-tactical dude, a full size double action revolver in 357 mag is the best choice.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 10:38 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
LINK
Former truck gun but now relegated to my bedroom gun. Think dad gave $250.00 for it back in the 90's.
Former truck gun but now relegated to my bedroom gun. Think dad gave $250.00 for it back in the 90's.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 11:44 am to Dr. Morgus
Go to a local range and test a few out. In BR hit FRC or Precision. Glocks will be most recommended and with good reason. I have an issue with the grip angle and ended up with an FN509 variant. But I really, really love my 1911 (Sig Ultracompact).
As for buying, check gunbroker.com for good prices. If you can get a local match, great, if not buy from gunbroker and have it sent to FFL holder locally.
As for buying, check gunbroker.com for good prices. If you can get a local match, great, if not buy from gunbroker and have it sent to FFL holder locally.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 11:44 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
I maintain that for your normal non-tactical dude, a full size double action revolver in 357 mag is the best choice.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 11:46 am to Dr. Morgus
.500 mag
Don’t be a pussy
Don’t be a pussy
Posted on 10/3/19 at 11:50 am to jdavid1
Dont use the supreme tangerine on me. You cant come up with a real reason why they arent, or why the self shuckers are better.
The reality is that odds are you will never use it for defense, so it should be as safe as possible. In the off chance that you do have to use it, it will less likely still be in an offensive manner where the automatics shine.
The reality is that odds are you will never use it for defense, so it should be as safe as possible. In the off chance that you do have to use it, it will less likely still be in an offensive manner where the automatics shine.
Posted on 10/3/19 at 11:53 am to biggsc
No one likes that deal?
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