Author Topic: Looking to get a Handgun (Read 1171 times)

Munkii · « **on:** February 07, 2004, 05:06:01 PM »

I'm looking into getting a Hand gun for some range shooting and such. I've been looking around at various calibers, and a 9mm looks like the best bet, but I haven't ruled out anything just yet. I don't want to spend too much, 400 or so.

The weight of the gun doesn't matter to much, just don't want something that will break my wrists with the recoil.

Anyone have any recommendations?

I already have an antique .22 rifle, and a .22 pistol isn't out of the question, but I'd like to shoot something a little larger.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2004, 05:10:57 PM »

May I recomend a 1911? Fun gun, big bullet, bigger blast.

Chairboy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2004, 05:26:04 PM »

...and slightly larger then a .22.

A good place to try out different guns and calibers is at a shooting range that rents pistols. A .45 might be a bit overkill, you might want to try a .38 and 9mm. Oh, and Glocks are sexy, but if you're not used to a lot of recoil, don't get tunnel vision on the Glock, as I've found the lightweight barrel makes barrel jump more likely.

Seraphim · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2004, 06:00:03 PM »

S&W 38 revolver is very good starter pistol, also 9mm barretta's. Both are light & easy to aim, with low recoil.
I have a 1911 & it's fun but wouldn't recommend for your 1st pistol.

Munkii · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2004, 08:22:26 PM »

Thanks for the reply's, I had looked at a 1911, but they were fairly large. I've shot everything from a .22 Ruger to a .50 DE, but I never felt connected to the particular pistols, but I haven't shot every brand. Things I've shot:

Ruger .22
S&W .38 Revolver, don't like revolvers much
Browning 9mm Collectors Edition
Colt .45 Revolver, was a lot of fun, big recoil
.50 DE, WOW! if it wasn't so much, this would be my first gun, can't rapid fire it, but one hit takes out half the target lol.

I was looking at a Glock, Baretta, or Sig. I've heard good things about baretta's and a few about glock, nothing about Sig. I'd love to have a Sig 57, I think that is the .22 version, but they seem pretty expensive. Anyone know anything about the Glock 17?

rpm · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2004, 09:21:12 PM »

2 guns I suggest you try:
Ruger .41 Mag Blackhawk
S&W .357 Mag

Both are fun to shoot and the .357 has less recoil along with cheaper ammo.

lord dolf vader · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2004, 09:29:33 PM »

Tanfoglio Witness

available in .22 9mm 10mm .40 .45
takes about 1 min to change calibers from anyone to anyother.

can be gotten brand new 250 bucks

Yeager · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2004, 09:46:21 PM »

Get a Glock

"Glock em till they drop"

Capt. Pork · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2004, 10:49:57 PM »

I've shot just about every popular caliber, from .22 to .25 to .380, 9mm, .40 .38, .357, .44, .454 Casul, .45 and the ever-pricey .50mag.

.40 is probably the most practical, all things considered. Lots of stopping power but more controllable than the .45. 9mm is tons of fun but I just don't see it as the best defensive caliber--something I don't know about in practice but am assuming based on recoil and muzzle velocity. .45 is awesome, and the 1911 is an incredibly designed piece. .44 is a cannon and the .50 is absurd, not to mention really expensive at about $1.50 a pop(at least at the range where I rented mine). My all time favorite is the rifle-like .357. Well balanced with a 6inch barrel and laser accurate. Lots of stopping power with the magnum velocity.

If you're just starting out, though, 9mm is great. Ammo is cheap, selection is wide and prices are reasonable. There's a great Czech knockoff of the glock that my buddy owns. Very nice little machine.

Munkii · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2004, 11:11:02 PM »

Again, another round of great selections guys. I'm not opposed to revolvers, infact I welcome all suggestions. The primary reason for this gun is for range shooting. I can't keep the gun with me and it will be stored at my grandparents house. I live in an apartment complex next to my University, and one of the agreements for the lease was no handguns of any type. I can see their reasons, I suppose.

Holden McGroin · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2004, 11:19:12 PM »

I have a Sig P226 --- 9mm it is an excellent quality pistol, I have no complaints. I backpack with it and it is not too much weight to carry. P226 is available in several calibers, the law likes .40 now, better stopping power than the 9mm, although when I first shot some 9 mm hollow points I was amazed.

9 mm ammo is cheap enough for plinkin' and 9mm auto kick is minimal. Go out and shoot 100 rounds and you could immediately pick up and play your guitar.

U.S. Navy SEALs, Federal agents, Ohio, Texas, and Michigan sate police all use P226's to name a few.

It may be at the upper end of your budget though, I think I paid 450 or so 6 or 7 years ago. (when I could still get 15 shot clips)

>edit: I must have got a hell of a deal, sugg retail price in 2003 catalog starts at $840!

Capt. Pork · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2004, 11:21:36 PM »

if it's not for protection, but for the range, I seriously advise you to go out and testdrive a .357 whereever you can rent one. Revolvers, I've found, are generally more consistent for target shooting--however, I haven't shot too many pistols that weren't owned by a range, thus being well used and equally worn.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2004, 07:57:21 AM »

When you make your decision, go to holeinthewall.com
I picked up a nice Taurus .40 S&W for $401 (Back ordered, had to wait 30 days). MSRP for this pistol at the Manufacturers website was $655.

Nilsen · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2004, 09:34:04 AM »

I have used the Glock alot and im happy with it. Only jammed once due to very crappy ammo.

lazs2 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2004, 10:19:15 AM »

I am a revolver fan... relaoading has something to do with that but they are just inherantly more versitle and accurate in centerfire. I have a lot of fairly expensive and custom handguns.. I like my kimber in .45 but... my belly gun 4 inch despured ruger in 44 mag outshot it at the range yesterday. revolvers in .357 are a good comprimise between power and size.

but.... If I had to use an autoloader... I wouldn't get the 9mm... much as I hate to admit it... the .40 is probly the best autolaoder round... slightly better than the .45 ( of which I have 3) in that it can hold more rounds and is very powerful..

now... worst of all... I will concur with dorf vader.... The witness would make a perfect first gun for a guy who had to have a high capacity autoloader for his first gun.. it is black and it is metal and it looks cool.... it is double action and 10 round capacity and it is ded reliable... Accurate... sometimes the factory sights are not right for elevation... my .45 witness shoots 12" high... had to grind down the rear sight...

but... the gun sells for about 400 something none of the others do... it is also very easy to operate and to take down and.... best of all... convert. Yep... if you make the wrond caliber choice... no big deal! You can convert it to just about any caliber you want... the kits are about 200 bucks or so and take all of 20 seconds to install and.... ta da... your wimpy 9mm is now a .40 or .45 or 10mm or even a 22 rimfire with target sights.

mine is .45 with a 22 conversion kit. The barrels use HK type rifling and the guns are very accurate for autoloaders.

still... an 8 shot .357 smith modified for full moon clips would be my choice but what do I know.. I'm a dinosour...

lazs