Author Topic: So I am about to buy a handgun  (Read 497 times)

Offline Mustaine

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« on: September 26, 2006, 11:01:30 AM »
been thinking it over for a long time, posted here before about it...

I am looking into 2 guns:
$349
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=388&category=Revolver

and
$249
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=46&category=Revolver


there are advantages and disadvantages to each. the main reason I am buying this is to go plinking at a range, nothing more. as a first gun I don't want to get something I am not able to handle yet, and I want it to be really cheap to shoot.

the revolver style I like because it is simple, less to clean and maintain, and just feels better. I also have small hands and can not get even a safe grip on most 9mm size gun grips. I have shot a .40 before, and could barely hold it with both hands. it was just uncomfortable.

a revolver also seems "safer" in my mind, as there is no doubt if it is loaded or not. really simple to check, tip out the cylinder and there you go. no guesswork. I have no children and noone to mess with the gun @ my apartment so I don't have to worry about that.

I did look at some cheaper guns, but I really want the tip out cylinder as it is much easier to load / unload. I don't know what the technical term is, but those guns where you load one bullet at a time suck. they are also almost all single action.

first off is there any logical reason I should not buy one of these two? I am not talking about "stopping power" or anything, WI does not allow anyone to carry, and I have no need for "home protection" in fact I am never going to keep ammo in the house.

of the two which is the recommended? I know the difference in caliber. the .22 will be a ton cheaper to shoot in the long run, but that extra $100 right off the bat is holding me back. The .17 will be more expensive to shoot, but may be more fun as the round is louder and more powerful (thats the point of shooting at a range anyway right ;) )

I am curious of what people think about the .17 round becomming cheaper in the future as it becomes more prolific.

also please add any useful comments you think may be relative.

when I do buy the gun, I am going to get a soft case and cleaning kit. the total price for each after tax and background check will be right about $400 for the .22 and about $285 for the .17

thanks.


BTW there are not alot of gun stores near me, and I have only gone to the new Cabela's and the local Gander Mountian. there isn't a huge selection of .22 revolvers, and I don't know what else is really out there. if you have any suggestions of other guns please let me know. I really don't know much about them but can look around. also are those decent prices I am getting? I can barely afford the .22 so any suggestions have to be well under that price range.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2006, 11:04:01 AM by Mustaine »
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Offline Masherbrum

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2006, 12:00:19 PM »
Either one will lay down key fundamentals.   Ammo is dirt cheap and plentiful.
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Offline Mustaine

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2006, 12:07:13 PM »
hmm.. just realised why the .17 is so much cheaper...

it is discontinued. :eek: makes me a bit leary about buying it.
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Offline GtoRA2

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #3 on: September 26, 2006, 12:08:37 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Mustaine
hmm.. just realised why the .17 is so much cheaper...

it is discontinued. :eek: makes me a bit leary about buying it.



I would go with the 22LR, you know it is not a fad.

.17 may well be a fad.

Offline rpm

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #4 on: September 26, 2006, 12:22:08 PM »
The .22LR is the better choice. However, I can't recomend Tarus as a quality weapon. I always considered them the Yugo of guns. Look around and find a Ruger or Smith and Wesson. They may cost a bit more, but you get what you pay for.
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Offline lasersailor184

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2006, 12:55:11 PM »
Never had a problem with Taurus, ever.  Though they do seem to be a little heavier then needed in my hands.
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Offline J_A_B

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2006, 01:27:48 PM »
The .22 is probably a better choice.

It isn't an expensive pistol, but then you aren't out as much if it turns out you don't like shooting that much and barely use it.  If you do enjoy shooting, you'll end up with additional weapons soon enough anyway--they tend to multiply.

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Offline Charon

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2006, 01:32:09 PM »
Quote
The .22LR is the better choice. However, I can't recomend Tarus as a quality weapon. I always considered them the Yugo of guns. Look around and find a Ruger or Smith and Wesson. They may cost a bit more, but you get what you pay for.


I was quite happy with my Baretta clone, though it was made on Baretta mfg. equip. Perhaps the other weapons are different. I eventually sold it, but that was more an issue with losing interest in the type of pistol rather than quality issues, etc.

I am somewahat interested in their titanium 357 and 41 magnum revolvers.

Charon
« Last Edit: September 26, 2006, 01:35:26 PM by Charon »

Offline SunKing

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2006, 02:03:37 PM »
You'll shoot your eye out.

Offline Chairboy

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2006, 02:05:01 PM »
I'd like to throw another "shout out" for my current favorite .22 pistol, the Walther P-22.

http://www.waltheramerica.com/firearms/p22.cfm

It appears to fall into the price range you're "targetting" (ha ha, thank you, you've been a great audience) and my wife and I are both big fans.
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Offline Sabre

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2006, 03:02:04 PM »
Check out the Springfield Armory XD series.  I bit more ($479 for the 9-mm ported model, 4-inch barrel), but it came with over $100 dollars in accessories (clip-loader, clip-holder, and belt holster).  I especially liked the ported 9-mm, as it has very little recoil.  Very accurate, too.
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Offline indy007

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2006, 03:13:02 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by rpm
The .22LR is the better choice. However, I can't recomend Tarus as a quality weapon. I always considered them the Yugo of guns.


:( I have a Taurus 9mm semi, and my gf has a Taurus .38 revolver. Never had a problem with either.

Offline GtoRA2

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2006, 03:16:16 PM »
Taurus may have made crappy handguns in the 70s or when they came on the market originaly, but the current crop of firearms are fine weapons.

Offline Maverick

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2006, 04:50:42 PM »
If it's just for plinking and stuff like that you'll get far far more use out of a .22 than out of anything else. The ammo savings alone will insure you shoot more. Just think about $1.25 or less for 50 rounds of .22 vs. $9.00 to $14.00 for a box of 9mm or .38's depending on where you get your ammo. The .22 will be more pleasant to shoot and far less noise as well.

You can find a used S&W .22 or get a ruger semi auto fairly inexpensively.
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Offline Shuckins

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So I am about to buy a handgun
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2006, 05:02:20 PM »
I bought a Taurus Model 431 in .44Special several years ago.  It is basically a Smith & Wesson frame made on old Smith & Wesson machinery.  If memory serves, Taurus had obtained a license from Smith & Wesson to manufacture copies of their guns.

That 431 with fixed sights will hit pint size bottles at 25 yards with 200 grain CCI gdhp's.  It is solid and reliable.

So in my opinion Taurus makes a reliable, inexpensive, and accurate revolver.  You shouldn't go wrong with purchasing one.

Regards, Shuckins