Author Topic: Purchasing my first handgun (Read 819 times)

BlckMgk · « **on:** October 07, 2003, 09:27:51 AM »

Well just recently turned 21, and I've been wanting own my own handgun since I fired my first gun at 10 and the last one I shot till yesterday. I didn't even remeber how it felt, but wow is all i got to say. We went to the local gun range, signed a few papers, paid for a rental, eye and ear protection, bought an Osama Bin Laden target, plus a box of 100 rounds.
Gun I shot was the H & K .45, first round I clipped off, suprised me a bit and got the heart racing. The guy 2 lanes down was shooting his M4 (or looked like it) and a Glock 17 that thing would rattle off so many rounds, he was suprisingly accurate with it.

So yes ... now I want to own my own gun again, its not going to be used for self defense, but mainly for target shooting, was thinking maybe a 9mm, or a .380. (Don't know if I like .22's)

My question to those on these boards, whats an accurate gun, with realtively low priced ammunition that I can start to look into. Most the advice I've gotten is just to stick to major brands and you should be ok as far as reliability in a gun. They also suggest the gun you get depends on the shooter.

Any stories are welcome, advice, sales of, or anything related to guns. (Well maybe not anything, please politics not welcome

)

-BM

ra · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2003, 09:30:24 AM »

You'll put your eye out.

BlckMgk · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2003, 09:50:54 AM »

Yeah becareful RA, while typing so much those keys from the keyboard my fly off and nail ya in the eye!

Hehe j/k, but if it did hit me in the eye I think my eye being out would be the least of my problems... the gappin hole in the back of my head maybe... still not a problem though, cause I really wouldn't care at that point.

-BM

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2003, 10:40:42 AM »

I like Sig for pistols chambered in 9mm.

1911's are my tried and true, but ammunition is expensive if youre just plinking.

Toad · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2003, 10:43:22 AM »

I love .22 pistols. There are some extremely good ones at prices that don't break the bank and it's the cheapest ammo out there.

I have a Glock 9mm but it doesn't give the "bang" that I want from a "big bore"; at least the ammo is reasonable.

Now a .45.... Yeah Baby! But the good ones will set you back a bundle and the ammo isn't as cheap as .22 or even 9mm.

But... it all comes down to what you want and what you're willing to pay to get it, doesn't it?

john9001 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2003, 10:49:01 AM »

damm, ra , i was gona say that

Dune · « **Reply #6 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:07:48 AM »

First off, I don't know how much experience you've had with guns. Therefore, I tell all new shooters to take a safety course. When I went for my CCW, it was required that I take a safety course. Now I'd been shooting for almost 20 years by that time, but you can never learn too many safe habits with guns.

That being said, for a first time owner, I would have to say the Glock in 9mm. They are simple, cheaper, 9mm is relatively inexpensive and they are usually very accurate out of the box.

Sigs are quality weapons, as are CZ's for the 9mm crowd. I've heard great things about Kimber .45's. I haven't shot a new Colt lately, but I haven't had bad luck with them in the past (I own two, a Series 70 Gov't Model and an Officer's Model, both of which I love).

SaburoS · « **Reply #7 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:15:38 AM »

1) Get a small safe to lock up your weapon to protect you legally in case someone breaks into your house and steals your gun. They might shoot someone else and that family of the victim sues you.

2) Choose a .22 unless you're an expert shot already. Learning to shoot well with a handgun takes practice, practice, and more practice. The low recoil of the .22 will make shooting enjoyable, plus keep you from developing bad shooting habits.
Really cheap ammo means more shooting time for the dollar.

3) After you've become a good shot, then choose the handgun of choice. It's a really personal choice that you and only you can decide what you really like how something shoots. Try all your choices out before you buy. My personal fav is a good 1911 type modified. Best trigger. Close second are the Sig series (I own a SigSauer P220-45). Awesome combo of accuracy and reliability right out of the box. If you're planning it as a defensive household weapon, DON'T FORGET TO GET TRIRIUM NIGHT SIGHTS!!! Can't stress that too strongly.

If you haven't, please take a firearms safety course first by a qualified NRA instructor. May save you from doing something stupid.

Charon · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:22:54 AM »

I bough a Taurus PT-92 C for exactly the same reasons. The 92c is a Beretta knockoff made in Brazil with a compact frame, and a fine weapon for the price. Mine had the pre ban 13 rnd clip (wich you can still find on the Web). Cheap to buy, cheap to shoot but not a "cheap" pistol.

1911 is the best (IMO), but it does cost to shoot it. I recently inherited a Colt trooper 357, Taurus 357 and Taurus 32 which I have yet to shoot, maybe next weekend

. I may sell the chromed Trooper (it's just too big and gaudy

) to get some cash (but only some) for a good Colt 1911, which just feels like a pistol should feel in the palm of your hand.

Charon

miko2d · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:27:04 AM »

Buy a pistol that has a .22 conversion kit.

miko

nuchpatrick · « **Reply #10 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:37:06 AM »

LOL Taurus better run fast.. the barrel fell off mine after it ejected a round

I stood there looking at the gun in my hand with the barrel sitting on the floor about 4 feet infront of me. The guy in the next stall leaned over to check if I was okay because there was no loud bang. I was just standing there laughing.

I promtly turned it back into the shop and bought my Colt. I now have a Kimber .40 cal. and love the thing.

LePaul · « **Reply #11 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:47:07 AM »

Speaking of pre-ban clips...

Where on the web can i find a clip for a 10/22 Ruger? My 20 round banana clip cracked and broke...the 10 rounder just sucks.

I *hear* they can be had but no idea where...

Gman · « **Reply #12 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:56:49 AM »

Hey Lepaul, move up here to Canada, I've got 250 25 rounders and 100 50 rounders on my shelf right now.

If it wasn't "gasp" against the International Treaty for Arms Reduction, (yes stop laughing), I'd send you some down from up here, they'ld be cheap as hell with your exchange rate.

As for the topic, IMO it's just plain WRONG to not have a Ruger MkII .22 pistol as your first handgun. In fact, I hear some states have a rule in effect which covers this.

Miko's advice is swell too, grab yourself a decent 9mm pistol with the .22 conversion kit if you can afford to do so.

Also, the other advice regarding training = probably the best thing said here. No matter your level of shooting, there is a thousand guys out there that'll teach you something.

miko2d · « **Reply #13 on:** October 07, 2003, 12:06:37 PM »

Just do not try shooting .22 in you room/basement. I shot couple of rounds into a still trap and examined the effects. The trap, works perfectly but the led is literally pulverised into the finest dust. You will get led poisning in no time.

I saw .22 conversion kits sold for 1911.

miko

davidpt40 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2003, 12:11:02 PM »

Remember, a gun is a tool.

You can use it to :Open beers/cokes, turn off the television, stop birds from singing, stop cats from mating, to open a window, and to turn off your computer.