handgun purchase

[etrigan420]

My advice: don't bother. I bought a gun a few years ago for much the same reasons. I had just gotten a new job, I had a fair bit of extra money, and I thought I'd like having a gun for protection and target shooting.

I ended up taking it to the range maybe four or five times. Obviously I never needed to use it for self defense; if you think about it, the chances of you being targeted in a crime are small, and the chances that you're actually at home within reach of the gun when someone attempts to commit a crime are even smaller. That's not to say I think guns are worthless for defensive purposes; I still do believe they are an "equalizer" and I don't really buy into the whole "you're 40x more likely to be shot by your own gun than blah blah blah" crap. It's just it's very, very unlikely. There are a lot of things you can do to make your life safer to a greater degree. I mean, look at how many people die in car accidents vs. getting murdered by burglars.

Oh yeah, and then I got married and my wife has an irrational fear of guns, as many people from non-gun owning families do. When we got pregnant she said she wouldn't want me to keep the gun in the house once the baby is born. She didn't force me to get rid of it; she would have been okay with me getting a lockbox or something, but I didn't care enough to want to spend even more money to hold onto the thing.

I agree in principle with owning a gun but in the end it just wasn't worth the time, money, or effort. I was actually just glad to recoup some of my money. If I want to go shooting again, I'll rent a gun from a shooting range.

Also consider getting something cheaper and more fun like a rifle. I shot a Mosin-Nagant in a field once and it was a blast. You can get them for under $100, the ammo is cheap, and outdoor shooting is way better than indoor. Plus you own a piece of history.

Good post. :thumbsup:

EDIT: Shit, forgot...

Beretta Px4
S&W M&P

 

[Vic Vega]

...

 

[BladeVenom]

I don't want to sound like a gun nut because I'm not, but I've shot a .22 before and it just feels like shooting a BB gun, not very fun at all. While a 9mm is not that much more power, I want to be sure my zombies are dead without having to unload an entire clip on them.

Of course that's one of the advantages to a .22. You get in the habit of not flinching or anticipating recoil. Besides the cheap practice.

You want to skip that, get a Glock 20. The most powerful Glock they make. Full power 10mm loads are just as good or better than a .357 Magnum. One advantage to the Glock 20, is it can be easily converted to shoot the less expensive and more common .40 S&W with just a barrel and spring change. Or even .357 Sig.

Check your state hunting laws, you may even be able to hunt with a 10mm. I hear they do well on deer and feral hogs.

 

[twinrider1]

1. Take the Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Learn proper handling. 4 hours classroom/4 hours range time. When I took mine it was just $50 and I got to shoot everything from a .22 to a .44 magnum. The instructor even let me shoot his personal Delta Gold Cup (10mm). Get an idea for what feels good in your hand.
2. Visit a number of local gun stores/ranges.
Find one where you feel comfortable, not pressured. Take your time.
3. Buy a .22
I think a .22 should be everyone's first gun. Very low recoil means fewer bad habits. And ammo is MUCH less expensive; roughly 5¢ vs. 20¢ per round.

Also, budget $100 for eye/ear protection, cleaning supplies, range bag, and a means to secure the gun (GunVault, Bulldog, etc.)


EDIT.
lol, I need to type faster.

You're right, a .22 is too small to hurt someone. So you'll let me shoot you with a .22, right? Ok, buy the .22 and RENT a .44 magnum once in a while. Making a big boom is fun once in a while, but it's expensive and the fun wears off after a while.

 

[Zargon]

A lot of people hate the ergonomics of a Glock, I am one of them...and you can get an XDM from Buds HERE for under $600, but xfer fees would probably take it just a hair over

have you tried the new glocks?(gen 4)

also the 9 dollar hogue slip ons work wonders

Kel tec PMR-30 .22 magnum. 30 rounds. 300ftlbs. $415.00

also a great gun

1. Take the Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Learn proper handling. 4 hours classroom/4 hours range time. When I took mine it was just $50 and I got to shoot everything from a .22 to a .44 magnum. The instructor even let me shoot his personal Delta Gold Cup (10mm). Get an idea for what feels good in your hand.
2. Visit a number of local gun stores/ranges.
Find one where you feel comfortable, not pressured. Take your time.
3. Buy a .22
I think a .22 should be everyone's first gun. Very low recoil means fewer bad habits. And ammo is MUCH less expensive; roughly 5¢ vs. 20¢ per round.

Also, budget $100 for eye/ear protection, cleaning supplies, range bag, and a means to secure the gun (GunVault, Bulldog, etc.)


EDIT.
lol, I need to type faster.

You're right, a .22 is too small to hurt someone. So you'll let me shoot you with a .22, right? Ok, buy the .22 and RENT a .44 magnum once in a while. Making a big boom is fun once in a while, but it's expensive and the fun wears off after a while.

hes not off target either

 

[corwin]

have you tried the new glocks?(gen 4)

Nope, but next time I'm at the store I will have to hold one to see...always looking for an excuse to add something to the collection

 

[highland145]

Nope, but next time I'm at the store I will have to hold one to see...always looking for an excuse to add something to the collection

Zombies....always a good excuse no matter how many times you use it.

 

[Vic Vega]

...

 

[corwin]

Zombies....always a good excuse no matter how many times you use it.

Excellent point:awe:

I guess I have yet to actually put out a recommendation so how about a Bersa, I carry the Thunder .45 UC and it's been 100% reliable with any ammo I've used, they also come in .380, 9mm, and .40 so take your pick...prices are pretty reasonable too, mine was just a hair over $400 through a local shop

 

[Gothgar]

A lot of people hate the ergonomics of a Glock, I am one of them...and you can get an XDM from Buds HERE for under $600, but xfer fees would probably take it just a hair over

I hate the grip angle on a Glock

 

[Zargon]

Nope, but next time I'm at the store I will have to hold one to see...always looking for an excuse to add something to the collection

the gen 4's have 2 extra backstraps you can put on. I need to get a hogue for my gen4 though

I loved my gen1 17, and almost wish I hadnt sold it for a gen4. it was a total tack driver, and I am not used to the 19 yet

 

[highland145]

I loved my gen1 17, and almost wish I hadnt sold it for a gen4. it was a total tack driver, and I am not used to the 19 yet

Bought mine in 1991. Still have it, original box/papers and receipt.

Make me an offer I can't refuse.

 

[twinrider1]

I hear this absolutely absurd statement often and despite your smiley face I think you're serious.

We're talking about .22 Long Rifle by the way, as there are many .22s.

For the record, I have been shot with .22LR and I'm still alive.

The point is that despite whatever capability .22LR has it pales in comparison even to .380 ACP, not to mention 9MM. If you're going to depend on a gun for your life and .22LR is all you have, well, it's all you have - make those shots count and hope for the best. When I was shot with .22LR I was no where near incapacitated. But if you have the opportunity to buy a gun for defense .22LR in a pistol should not be your first choice.

What were you doing when you were shot?

 

[Vic Vega]

...

 

[schneiderguy]

For a first handgun .40 is a bad choice, too much recoil. 9mm is also much cheaper to shoot. Don't listen to anyone that says "hurr 9mm doesn't have enough stopping powah", pistol bullets are all fairly weak in comparison to rifle rounds and the differences between 9mm, .40, and .45 (assuming you're using a good load) are small.

I'd go with the M&P 9mm (I've got one :awe. IMO no reason to get the XD when there's other guns at the same price point that are superior. Also I hate Springfield.

M&P:
Lower bore axis (so less muzzle flip)
More ergonomic (changeable backstraps)
More reliable
Made in USA

XD :
Made in third world country
Marketed by company that lies about being "the first name in American firearms" when they have no connection to the original Springfield and make most of their guns outside of the US
No major police/military contracts (because it can't pass their reliability tests)

 

[corwin]

What were you doing when you were shot?

Just hanging out at church I bet:awe:

Too soon?

 

[Vic Vega]

.40 in a plastic gun can be harsh, it's better in a metal gun.

I don't mind the recoil myself. It just depends on the shooter.

 

[schneiderguy]

I don't want to sound like a gun nut because I'm not, but I've shot a .22 before and it just feels like shooting a BB gun, not very fun at all. While a 9mm is not that much more power, I want to be sure my zombies are dead without having to unload an entire clip on them.

 

[corwin]

.40 in a plastic gun can be harsh, it's better in a metal gun.

I don't mind the recoil myself. It just depends on the shooter.

I would agree, especially one with a slim grip if you have larger hands...bought my wife a Kahr P40 for her first handgun, ended up selling it a few months later because she hated the recoil, I didn't care for it either because it felt too small in my hands...

 

[schneiderguy]

Not to mention that you can use the Mosin like a club. 2 4 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU9_4myBXew&feature=player_embedded

I prefer to use mine as a spear :sneaky:

 

[Jeeebus]

This is an idiotic question to which there is no right answer. Go to a gun shop and hold a bunch of different guns. Like others in this thread, I hate the feel of a Glock in my hand. My M&P 9mm is the most comfortable handgun I've ever held. You'll find plenty of people that say the opposite.

 

[corwin]

This is an idiotic question to which there is no right answer. Go to a gun shop and hold a bunch of different guns. Like others in this thread, I hate the feel of a Glock in my hand. My M&P 9mm is the most comfortable handgun I've ever held. You'll find plenty of people that say the opposite.

Listen to the words of Jeeebus and follow his truth on the path to enlightenment:awe:

 

[BladeVenom]

For a first handgun .40 is a bad choice, too much recoil.

The .40 ammo I use has about 400 foot pounds of energy, the 9mm I use to shoot had about 360 foot pounds of energy. I could barely tell the difference.

 

[Texashiker]

I would suggest either a Rock Island 1911 or a Remington 1911 R1.

Thread about the best 45 for the money - http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/1911-talk-formerly-colt-government-talk/85591-best-45-money.html

 

[IGemini]

This is an idiotic question to which there is no right answer. Go to a gun shop and hold a bunch of different guns. Like others in this thread, I hate the feel of a Glock in my hand. My M&P 9mm is the most comfortable handgun I've ever held. You'll find plenty of people that say the opposite.

Agreed. After trying a 3rd gen Glock my thumb felt worn. 4th gen wouldn't do any better. Though I'm wary of suggesting anything by Smith & Wesson, as their quality control has a particularly shoddy history. This includes Walther--German-made versions seem to be better.

Nothing we say here can substitute trying pistols for yourself. Feeling at the minimum, prefer the range. Even after shooting fifteen of varying sizes and calibers I'm still learning what works for me.