Handgun recommendation?

[Ausm]

Pack one of these babies and you are going to be the shiz!

http://www.yuma.army.mil/mw/images/01c652.jpg


Ausm

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: FrequencyX

Originally posted by: Specop 007

Originally posted by: FrequencyX
What do you guys think of 9MM Makarov's ? They are relatively cheap and have heard they are accurate. I'm looking at CZ and Makarov's at the moment.

Excellent pistols. Theres guys that use them as CCW and daily carry firearms.

Only problem as I see it is its a tad underpowered. A bit more then a .380, not quite a 9mm. But that brings up the age old argument of caliber, which brings up the age old response of shot placement.

Point is, Mak's are good guns. I personally like the CZ_52 but I will be getting a Mak soon. Probably after I get a Sig.

How comfortable are the CZ-52's compared to CZ-82 or even a Makarov? I tend to lean more on having a comfortable gun to handle and not too awkward to conceal or shoot. They have a Makarov here at a local gun shop for 175.00 and CZ's for about the same price. Do you think the price is right?

I wouldnt get a CZ-52 as a beginners pistol unless you're comfortable tinkering.
That and the grip angle is a bit akward and takes some getting used to. That and its 50 years old, so you dont just run down to the gunshop and buy replacement parts.

As for the Mak price, I dont know right off. I'd have to check around. I think aimsurplus.com might have Maks. SOG might too. You could check Gunbroker as well, but 175 doesnt sound too bad for a Mak.

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: Unheard
I know I'm going to get crucified by some people for saying this, but for the $300-350 price range look @ the S&W Sigma series. I have a Sigma .40, and with over 1500 rounds through it, I have only had 1 FTE (and I'm pretty sure it's because I limp wristed it). From what I can tell, most the people trash talking the Sigma's have either never shot one and are going be hear-say, or have one of the 1st gen guns. The only thing I don't like about my Sigma is the trigger pull, but with some gunsmithing, you can get that reduced. I payed $350 for mine, brand new.

Thats exactly what I had.

Its a genuine combat pistol and very simple. Just enough moving parts to fire a bullet. No more.
I put about 1000 rounds through it with no misfires of any kind. Its the kind of gun I show off to all the fellows who think only revolvers are reliable enough for personal protection. The first generation models were not great, but thats to be expected with any new gun. Why do you think the colt 45 is almost a hundred years old? People find something good and keep refining it.
I too disliked the trigger pull and DAO, but since the gun has no real safeties I figured I could deal with it. After practicing a while the trigger was not an issue.

(I got it for $280.)

1,000 rounds is nothing. Get back to me after you've put 15,000 rounds though it. No automatic is 100% reliable. I've yet to shoot one that is and I've shot all kind of handguns. Hell, you can foul up a revolver if you don't take care of it.

I'll get back to you when you're less snooty.

 

[GRIFFIN1]

I don't know what state you live in, the best gun deals are usually found in your local paper. The problem is that you have to be patient and wait for a good deal to come along. Same states have strict laws that prevent you from buying a gun from someone without paperwork. Liberal states have the most restrictive guns laws.

Glocktalk.com's firearms listings.. Look for someone selling a gun in your city. If you live in a large city, it's easy. Buying a gun from someone in another state requires you that you have the gun transfered through a firearms dealer.

The High Road's gun listings.

Gunbroker.com. You can search gunbroker for local dealers. You will have to pay sales tax and fill out the paperwork if buying from a dealer. Not everyone on gunbroker is a dealer, but most of them are.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: slatr
http://www.gunrush.com/firearm/gun/Beretta-J92F300-Pistols.htm

Yes, it is worth it.

No, its not.

Description
Beretta's most famous series of pistols, the 92FS is the model chosen as standard sidearm issued to the Armed Forces of the USA, as well as many other counties around the world. It is also the firearm of choice for thousands of law enforcement officers all over the country. Built to handle the tough requirements and demanding standards of the US Armed Forces, this model is a 9mm.

Bwahahahahaha....right. I can't think of a single law enforcement agency that still issues them. Everyone I've seen is using Glocks or SIGs now.

I owned a 92 and it is a huge/heavy gun for its caliber. It is the only gun I've ever sold (out of 80 or so that I've bought).

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: Unheard
I know I'm going to get crucified by some people for saying this, but for the $300-350 price range look @ the S&W Sigma series. I have a Sigma .40, and with over 1500 rounds through it, I have only had 1 FTE (and I'm pretty sure it's because I limp wristed it). From what I can tell, most the people trash talking the Sigma's have either never shot one and are going be hear-say, or have one of the 1st gen guns. The only thing I don't like about my Sigma is the trigger pull, but with some gunsmithing, you can get that reduced. I payed $350 for mine, brand new.

Thats exactly what I had.

Its a genuine combat pistol and very simple. Just enough moving parts to fire a bullet. No more.
I put about 1000 rounds through it with no misfires of any kind. Its the kind of gun I show off to all the fellows who think only revolvers are reliable enough for personal protection. The first generation models were not great, but thats to be expected with any new gun. Why do you think the colt 45 is almost a hundred years old? People find something good and keep refining it.
I too disliked the trigger pull and DAO, but since the gun has no real safeties I figured I could deal with it. After practicing a while the trigger was not an issue.

(I got it for $280.)

1,000 rounds is nothing. Get back to me after you've put 15,000 rounds though it. No automatic is 100% reliable. I've yet to shoot one that is and I've shot all kind of handguns. Hell, you can foul up a revolver if you don't take care of it.

I've put 15,000 rounds through a Sig 226 purchased in the 80s. One misfire, due to a dead primer. I've also got a 220, 228, 239, and a 245. Never had an operational error with any of them. I recently bought my first H&K, which I've put about 1000 rounds through, so far error free.

By contrast, I've owned several smith and wesson automatics in the past that jammed every time you took them to the range. I currently own a couple springfield 1911s and a Kimber Ultra Compact, and I wouldn't bet my life on either of them. They jam too.

So, guns, like cars, should come from Europe.

 

[VanTheMan]

Originally posted by: duragezic
I'm sort of interested in the same thing as the OP. I thought you could get a decent 9mm semi-auto for $350 but I guess that's a bit low. I suppose with a $500 limit (fee for the gun dealer, taxes, everything) you could get something decent?

I've read on here that you can get SKSs for like $200?? But a little hangun is about double the price?

I've fired a few of my friends guns one day at a range. He had a .22 handgun (very easy to fire!), two 9mm (either S&W or Glocks I think) one was rifled barrel, one not, and best of all his AR-15 with laser scope and other mods. Now that I'm 21 I'd like to pikc up a handgun for range usage. At school there is an indoor range and the outdoor range I shot at with my buddy is only like $30 a year for students. And I guess it could be used for home defense but as of now I'm living in like one of the safest college towns in the country.

I think I'd choose 9mm since I have small hands, inexperienced shooter, and it'd be for range shooting where I could get a lot of practice without paying out the ass for ammo.

Your friend has a smoothbore semiautomatic 9mm handgun? Autoloading cap and ball FTW?

 

[msi1337]

get a browning buckmark camper 22 target pistol for the range and an XD-9 Sub compact for carry and self defense...thats what I did and I never looked back!

 

[Unheard]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: Unheard
I know I'm going to get crucified by some people for saying this, but for the $300-350 price range look @ the S&W Sigma series. I have a Sigma .40, and with over 1500 rounds through it, I have only had 1 FTE (and I'm pretty sure it's because I limp wristed it). From what I can tell, most the people trash talking the Sigma's have either never shot one and are going be hear-say, or have one of the 1st gen guns. The only thing I don't like about my Sigma is the trigger pull, but with some gunsmithing, you can get that reduced. I payed $350 for mine, brand new.

Thats exactly what I had.

Its a genuine combat pistol and very simple. Just enough moving parts to fire a bullet. No more.
I put about 1000 rounds through it with no misfires of any kind. Its the kind of gun I show off to all the fellows who think only revolvers are reliable enough for personal protection. The first generation models were not great, but thats to be expected with any new gun. Why do you think the colt 45 is almost a hundred years old? People find something good and keep refining it.
I too disliked the trigger pull and DAO, but since the gun has no real safeties I figured I could deal with it. After practicing a while the trigger was not an issue.

(I got it for $280.)

1,000 rounds is nothing. Get back to me after you've put 15,000 rounds though it. No automatic is 100% reliable. I've yet to shoot one that is and I've shot all kind of handguns. Hell, you can foul up a revolver if you don't take care of it.

I've put 15,000 rounds through a Sig 226 purchased in the 80s. One misfire, due to a dead primer. I've also got a 220, 228, 239, and a 245. Never had an operational error with any of them. I recently bought my first H&K, which I've put about 1000 rounds through, so far error free.

By contrast, I've owned several smith and wesson automatics in the past that jammed every time you took them to the range. I currently own a couple springfield 1911s and a Kimber Ultra Compact, and I wouldn't bet my life on either of them. They jam too.

So, guns, like cars, should come from Europe.

Heh, well the Sigs aren't perfect to say the least either, and remember VW is a European car. My buddy has a Sig Mosquito, and you'll get 3-4 FTL/FTE's out of every 50-100 shots.

But I'm glad you brought up a car analogy, because it holds very true in the firearm industry. Everyone has a different gun they swear by just like cars, and everyone has a different experience. In the end it all comes down to you, the buyer.

Remember though, guns aren't like cars in the fact that they don't take huge price hits when you buy them (most of them). So if you get something, and 2000rds in decide you don't like it, you can always sell it and move on.

Keep us updated, I'm interested in hearing what you buy!

 

[VanTheMan]

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: slatr
http://www.gunrush.com/firearm/gun/Beretta-J92F300-Pistols.htm

Yes, it is worth it.

No, its not.

Description
Beretta's most famous series of pistols, the 92FS is the model chosen as standard sidearm issued to the Armed Forces of the USA, as well as many other counties around the world. It is also the firearm of choice for thousands of law enforcement officers all over the country. Built to handle the tough requirements and demanding standards of the US Armed Forces, this model is a 9mm.

Bwahahahahaha....right. I can't think of a single law enforcement agency that still issues them. Everyone I've seen is using Glocks or SIGs now.

I owned a 92 and it is a huge/heavy gun for its caliber. It is the only gun I've ever sold (out of 80 or so that I've bought).

I personally know officers of at least 3 departments that still issue the 92 in one or more of it's configurations. I believe they are all using .40 in it, as opposed to the 9mm that the gun is known best for. Many federal agencies are using Glocks or SIGs now and those are certainly high on the list of CCWs.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: Unheard
Heh, well the Sigs aren't perfect to say the least either, and remember VW is a European car. My buddy has a Sig Mosquito, and you'll get 3-4 FTL/FTE's out of every 50-100 shots.

But I'm glad you brought up a car analogy, because it holds very true in the firearm industry. Everyone has a different gun they swear by just like cars, and everyone has a different experience. In the end it all comes down to you, the buyer.

Remember though, guns aren't like cars in the fact that they don't take huge price hits when you buy them (most of them). So if you get something, and 2000rds in decide you don't like it, you can always sell it and move on.

Keep us updated, I'm interested in hearing what you buy!

The Mosquito is kinda a black eye for Sig, I've heard alot of guys arent happy with them.


My .22 pistol of choice is a Oly Arms reproduction of the Whitney Wolverine. That thing looks like Buck Rogers space pistol and points sooo smoothly.

 

[duragezic]

Originally posted by: VanTheMan

Originally posted by: duragezic
I'm sort of interested in the same thing as the OP. I thought you could get a decent 9mm semi-auto for $350 but I guess that's a bit low. I suppose with a $500 limit (fee for the gun dealer, taxes, everything) you could get something decent?

I've read on here that you can get SKSs for like $200?? But a little hangun is about double the price?

I've fired a few of my friends guns one day at a range. He had a .22 handgun (very easy to fire!), two 9mm (either S&W or Glocks I think) one was rifled barrel, one not, and best of all his AR-15 with laser scope and other mods. Now that I'm 21 I'd like to pikc up a handgun for range usage. At school there is an indoor range and the outdoor range I shot at with my buddy is only like $30 a year for students. And I guess it could be used for home defense but as of now I'm living in like one of the safest college towns in the country.

I think I'd choose 9mm since I have small hands, inexperienced shooter, and it'd be for range shooting where I could get a lot of practice without paying out the ass for ammo.

Your friend has a smoothbore semiautomatic 9mm handgun? Autoloading cap and ball FTW?

Eh rifled was wrong word... I couldn't think of it this morning. I meant it just has a few ported holes so that the air pressure or whatever comes out the holes and pushes the gun downwards to help counteract the kick of the gun upward when firing. They were pretty much identical guns except for that and I definitely could notice the ported one kicked less... so something I'd look for if I get one.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: duragezic
Eh rifled was wrong word... I couldn't think of it this morning. I meant it just has a few ported holes so that the air pressure or whatever comes out the holes and pushes the gun downwards to help counteract the kick of the gun upward when firing. They were pretty much identical guns except for that and I definitely could notice the ported one kicked less... so something I'd look for if I get one.

I wouldnt recommend a ported gun for home defense.
First off the ports give you another part to clean. More importantly you get muzzle flash out of the ports, which can temporarily blind you if you're defending yourself in a low light/no light condition.

Already looked into it. I wanted the ported XD for a pistol, but the ports were not recommended unless its for a dedicated range/race gun.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: VanTheMan

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: slatr
http://www.gunrush.com/firearm/gun/Beretta-J92F300-Pistols.htm

Yes, it is worth it.

No, its not.

Description
Beretta's most famous series of pistols, the 92FS is the model chosen as standard sidearm issued to the Armed Forces of the USA, as well as many other counties around the world. It is also the firearm of choice for thousands of law enforcement officers all over the country. Built to handle the tough requirements and demanding standards of the US Armed Forces, this model is a 9mm.

Bwahahahahaha....right. I can't think of a single law enforcement agency that still issues them. Everyone I've seen is using Glocks or SIGs now.

I owned a 92 and it is a huge/heavy gun for its caliber. It is the only gun I've ever sold (out of 80 or so that I've bought).

I personally know officers of at least 3 departments that still issue the 92 in one or more of it's configurations. I believe they are all using .40 in it, as opposed to the 9mm that the gun is known best for. Many federal agencies are using Glocks or SIGs now and those are certainly high on the list of CCWs.

I haven't seen a Beretta in a holster in a long time and I used to see a lot of cops in the course of my old job.

 

[VanTheMan]

Originally posted by: duragezic

Originally posted by: VanTheMan

Originally posted by: duragezic
I'm sort of interested in the same thing as the OP. I thought you could get a decent 9mm semi-auto for $350 but I guess that's a bit low. I suppose with a $500 limit (fee for the gun dealer, taxes, everything) you could get something decent?

I've read on here that you can get SKSs for like $200?? But a little hangun is about double the price?

I've fired a few of my friends guns one day at a range. He had a .22 handgun (very easy to fire!), two 9mm (either S&W or Glocks I think) one was rifled barrel, one not, and best of all his AR-15 with laser scope and other mods. Now that I'm 21 I'd like to pikc up a handgun for range usage. At school there is an indoor range and the outdoor range I shot at with my buddy is only like $30 a year for students. And I guess it could be used for home defense but as of now I'm living in like one of the safest college towns in the country.

I think I'd choose 9mm since I have small hands, inexperienced shooter, and it'd be for range shooting where I could get a lot of practice without paying out the ass for ammo.

Your friend has a smoothbore semiautomatic 9mm handgun? Autoloading cap and ball FTW?

Eh rifled was wrong word... I couldn't think of it this morning. I meant it just has a few ported holes so that the air pressure or whatever comes out the holes and pushes the gun downwards to help counteract the kick of the gun upward when firing. They were pretty much identical guns except for that and I definitely could notice the ported one kicked less... so something I'd look for if I get one.

Oh, alright.

 

[VanTheMan]

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: VanTheMan

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: slatr
http://www.gunrush.com/firearm/gun/Beretta-J92F300-Pistols.htm

Yes, it is worth it.

No, its not.

Description
Beretta's most famous series of pistols, the 92FS is the model chosen as standard sidearm issued to the Armed Forces of the USA, as well as many other counties around the world. It is also the firearm of choice for thousands of law enforcement officers all over the country. Built to handle the tough requirements and demanding standards of the US Armed Forces, this model is a 9mm.

Bwahahahahaha....right. I can't think of a single law enforcement agency that still issues them. Everyone I've seen is using Glocks or SIGs now.

I owned a 92 and it is a huge/heavy gun for its caliber. It is the only gun I've ever sold (out of 80 or so that I've bought).

I personally know officers of at least 3 departments that still issue the 92 in one or more of it's configurations. I believe they are all using .40 in it, as opposed to the 9mm that the gun is known best for. Many federal agencies are using Glocks or SIGs now and those are certainly high on the list of CCWs.

I haven't seen a Beretta in a holster in a long time and I used to see a lot of cops in the course of my old job.

You see more local agencies (city/township/etc.) with them than county or state agencies.

 

[thereaderrabbit]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

I know what you mean, but your analogy is a lame. In regards to home protection- it's like someone asking for hammer recommendations for pounding in a screw- and you're going after Lazy8s for recomending a screwdriver? But to be fair, 49erinnic also mentioned the range- and there I doubt a dog is really what you want.

 

[thereaderrabbit]

Originally posted by: Meuge

Originally posted by: Lazy8s

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

He was just trying to be helpful.

BUT, I will say that the only kind of dog I'd want for serious home protection is the kind thats way too dangerous for kids.
Hell, a 12 gauge being pumped is just as good as a bark. As for the kids I'd have to say that NO loaded gun should be kept laying around the house, kids or not.
Get one of those little safes with the glow in the dark or textured buttons. You can have that gun out in a couple seconds if you just practice a little.
And practice is probably the most important issue in gun ownership.

Also, just like with fire or sex (two other things that are dangerous if not respected) kids should be made aware of gun safety before you even bring one into the house. And I dont mean telling them to never touch it and hiding it in your bedroom. I mean actually talk to the kids and let them handle it.
EDIT: Alchohol too.

I just posted that because I already posted my gun recommendations then I realized that he might not have considered a dog and I thought it would be helpful. It's true that big dogs are not safe around kids though and I had not really thought about small children.

Also the op was

Hoping to purchase my first hand gun in the near future for practice range/home protection but unsure what to get. Looking for something inexpensive, relatively compact but adequate fire power.

The best home protection would be a Brinks or ADT or whatever security system. Sure you can shoot the robber but without a security system or dog will you know he's in the house before he shoots you in your sleep? I only say this because my good friend's grandparents were lit on fire and killed while they were sleeping and they had no idea the man was in their house.

Prevention is better than protection. Sure you can carry mase to prevent you from getting raped at night, then again you could go to Walmart during the day and not have to worry about nearly as much, right?

Anyways, see the first page for my suggestions. Sorry for trying to be helpful.

Or you could do all of the above.

/shrug

I hate anti-gun people. They're idealists, with no sense of the real world.

I like Heinlein's quote: "An armed society is a polite society; you never know when you'll have to back up your words with your life."

Yes, and I dislike idiots. I don't see where anyone here has been any bit anti-gun. Do you know someone who is anti-gun? Or do you just think guns are appropriate for all occasions such as plane flights, stadiums, and schools while somehow not understanding the fuss?

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: VanTheMan

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: VanTheMan

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: slatr
http://www.gunrush.com/firearm/gun/Beretta-J92F300-Pistols.htm

Yes, it is worth it.

No, its not.

Description
Beretta's most famous series of pistols, the 92FS is the model chosen as standard sidearm issued to the Armed Forces of the USA, as well as many other counties around the world. It is also the firearm of choice for thousands of law enforcement officers all over the country. Built to handle the tough requirements and demanding standards of the US Armed Forces, this model is a 9mm.

Bwahahahahaha....right. I can't think of a single law enforcement agency that still issues them. Everyone I've seen is using Glocks or SIGs now.

I owned a 92 and it is a huge/heavy gun for its caliber. It is the only gun I've ever sold (out of 80 or so that I've bought).

I personally know officers of at least 3 departments that still issue the 92 in one or more of it's configurations. I believe they are all using .40 in it, as opposed to the 9mm that the gun is known best for. Many federal agencies are using Glocks or SIGs now and those are certainly high on the list of CCWs.

I haven't seen a Beretta in a holster in a long time and I used to see a lot of cops in the course of my old job.

You see more local agencies (city/township/etc.) with them than county or state agencies.

That could be true, my most of my work was with the state police. Though I did see a lot of city/county cops too.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Just out of curiosity, what is required in order to go to a range without a weapon but to rent/test out theirs?

I'm assuming a permit in hand is required but would the permit alone, indicate I've had the safety classes as well or would I need additonal documents to go test fire some guns? I'm thinking the rentals at a range may be my best option before purchasing something. That way I'll have a better idea of the mechanics, firepower, safety features, appearance and how it feels in my hand. Could likely get some valuable information there from the experts as well.

I have no idea what kind of permit you're talking about. In most places the only time you need a permit is to hunt or to carry concealed. Otherwise you just do it. Generally need picture ID I suppose, and the money. *shrug*

It's nice when ranges offer guns to try out, but a LOT of them don't - or have so few that it doesn't really help.

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit

Yes, and I dislike idiots. I don't see where anyone here has been any bit anti-gun. Do you know someone who is anti-gun? Or do you just think guns are appropriate for all occasions such as plane flights, stadiums, and schools while somehow not understanding the fuss?

Actually, I've been pleasantly surprised with this thread. I thought for sure the anti-gun folks would threadcrap but nothing thus far. I have learned a great deal about guns on here since starting this thread. Very informative and lots of great suggestions and things to consider. Thanks to everyone who contributed for giving me a lot to think about before I make a purchase.

 

[phantom309]

Originally posted by: Specop 007

Originally posted by: Unheard
Heh, well the Sigs aren't perfect to say the least either, and remember VW is a European car. My buddy has a Sig Mosquito, and you'll get 3-4 FTL/FTE's out of every 50-100 shots.

But I'm glad you brought up a car analogy, because it holds very true in the firearm industry. Everyone has a different gun they swear by just like cars, and everyone has a different experience. In the end it all comes down to you, the buyer.

Remember though, guns aren't like cars in the fact that they don't take huge price hits when you buy them (most of them). So if you get something, and 2000rds in decide you don't like it, you can always sell it and move on.

Keep us updated, I'm interested in hearing what you buy!

The Mosquito is kinda a black eye for Sig, I've heard alot of guys arent happy with them.


My .22 pistol of choice is a Oly Arms reproduction of the Whitney Wolverine. That thing looks like Buck Rogers space pistol and points sooo smoothly.

Those things are insanely cool. My local gun shop stocks them - hopefully they'll put one out for rent soon.
My current favorite .22 is the Sig Trailside. It's been pretty dependable once the Sig people pounded it into my thick skull that it can't use high-velocity ammo. They're actually built by Hammerli and are absurdly accurate and fun to shoot. Sig is phasing them out and CDNN has them pretty cheap these days.

 

[Rumpltzer]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Just out of curiosity, what is required in order to go to a range without a weapon but to rent/test out theirs?

I'm assuming a permit in hand is required but would the permit alone, indicate I've had the safety classes as well or would I need additonal documents to go test fire some guns? I'm thinking the rentals at a range may be my best option before purchasing something. That way I'll have a better idea of the mechanics, firepower, safety features, appearance and how it feels in my hand. Could likely get some valuable information there from the experts as well.

I have no idea what kind of permit you're talking about. In most places the only time you need a permit is to hunt or to carry concealed. Otherwise you just do it. Generally need picture ID I suppose, and the money. *shrug*

It's nice when ranges offer guns to try out, but a LOT of them don't - or have so few that it doesn't really help.

I've been to four ranges in two states. They've wanted a license and a signature on some sort of waiver, and that was it.

Ranges also want you to buy their over-prices ammo if you rent their guns. Rates in Los Angeles are a bit high, so I've included a range in Oxnard to give an idea of what stuff costs. Call up your local range and ask for their prices.

http://www.laxrange.com/
http://www.shootersparadiseoxnard.com/

Buying a gun in California required that I pass a handgun safety test. The study guide cost $0.75 and the exam cost like $35. They gave me a laminated card that expires in 5 years, so I assume I don't have to take the test again if I buy again within those five years.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: phantom309

Originally posted by: Specop 007

Originally posted by: Unheard
Heh, well the Sigs aren't perfect to say the least either, and remember VW is a European car. My buddy has a Sig Mosquito, and you'll get 3-4 FTL/FTE's out of every 50-100 shots.

But I'm glad you brought up a car analogy, because it holds very true in the firearm industry. Everyone has a different gun they swear by just like cars, and everyone has a different experience. In the end it all comes down to you, the buyer.

Remember though, guns aren't like cars in the fact that they don't take huge price hits when you buy them (most of them). So if you get something, and 2000rds in decide you don't like it, you can always sell it and move on.

Keep us updated, I'm interested in hearing what you buy!

The Mosquito is kinda a black eye for Sig, I've heard alot of guys arent happy with them.


My .22 pistol of choice is a Oly Arms reproduction of the Whitney Wolverine. That thing looks like Buck Rogers space pistol and points sooo smoothly.

Those things are insanely cool. My local gun shop stocks them - hopefully they'll put one out for rent soon.
My current favorite .22 is the Sig Trailside. It's been pretty dependable once the Sig people pounded it into my thick skull that it can't use high-velocity ammo. They're actually built by Hammerli and are absurdly accurate and fun to shoot. Sig is phasing them out and CDNN has them pretty cheap these days.

Hammerli made my .44 Mag. Its a sweet pistol IMO. You pick it up and your balls swell just a bit.....Its cool.

That Wolverine pistol also gives me a tingly feeling in my pants too....

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Unheard

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: Unheard
I know I'm going to get crucified by some people for saying this, but for the $300-350 price range look @ the S&W Sigma series. I have a Sigma .40, and with over 1500 rounds through it, I have only had 1 FTE (and I'm pretty sure it's because I limp wristed it). From what I can tell, most the people trash talking the Sigma's have either never shot one and are going be hear-say, or have one of the 1st gen guns. The only thing I don't like about my Sigma is the trigger pull, but with some gunsmithing, you can get that reduced. I payed $350 for mine, brand new.

Thats exactly what I had.

Its a genuine combat pistol and very simple. Just enough moving parts to fire a bullet. No more.
I put about 1000 rounds through it with no misfires of any kind. Its the kind of gun I show off to all the fellows who think only revolvers are reliable enough for personal protection. The first generation models were not great, but thats to be expected with any new gun. Why do you think the colt 45 is almost a hundred years old? People find something good and keep refining it.
I too disliked the trigger pull and DAO, but since the gun has no real safeties I figured I could deal with it. After practicing a while the trigger was not an issue.

(I got it for $280.)

1,000 rounds is nothing. Get back to me after you've put 15,000 rounds though it. No automatic is 100% reliable. I've yet to shoot one that is and I've shot all kind of handguns. Hell, you can foul up a revolver if you don't take care of it.

I've put 15,000 rounds through a Sig 226 purchased in the 80s. One misfire, due to a dead primer. I've also got a 220, 228, 239, and a 245. Never had an operational error with any of them. I recently bought my first H&K, which I've put about 1000 rounds through, so far error free.

By contrast, I've owned several smith and wesson automatics in the past that jammed every time you took them to the range. I currently own a couple springfield 1911s and a Kimber Ultra Compact, and I wouldn't bet my life on either of them. They jam too.

So, guns, like cars, should come from Europe.

Heh, well the Sigs aren't perfect to say the least either, and remember VW is a European car. My buddy has a Sig Mosquito, and you'll get 3-4 FTL/FTE's out of every 50-100 shots.

But I'm glad you brought up a car analogy, because it holds very true in the firearm industry. Everyone has a different gun they swear by just like cars, and everyone has a different experience. In the end it all comes down to you, the buyer.

Remember though, guns aren't like cars in the fact that they don't take huge price hits when you buy them (most of them). So if you get something, and 2000rds in decide you don't like it, you can always sell it and move on.

Keep us updated, I'm interested in hearing what you buy!

I'll let you in on a secret: The mosquito isn't actually manufactured by Sig.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: Unheard
I know I'm going to get crucified by some people for saying this, but for the $300-350 price range look @ the S&W Sigma series. I have a Sigma .40, and with over 1500 rounds through it, I have only had 1 FTE (and I'm pretty sure it's because I limp wristed it). From what I can tell, most the people trash talking the Sigma's have either never shot one and are going be hear-say, or have one of the 1st gen guns. The only thing I don't like about my Sigma is the trigger pull, but with some gunsmithing, you can get that reduced. I payed $350 for mine, brand new.

Thats exactly what I had.

Its a genuine combat pistol and very simple. Just enough moving parts to fire a bullet. No more.
I put about 1000 rounds through it with no misfires of any kind. Its the kind of gun I show off to all the fellows who think only revolvers are reliable enough for personal protection. The first generation models were not great, but thats to be expected with any new gun. Why do you think the colt 45 is almost a hundred years old? People find something good and keep refining it.
I too disliked the trigger pull and DAO, but since the gun has no real safeties I figured I could deal with it. After practicing a while the trigger was not an issue.

(I got it for $280.)

1,000 rounds is nothing. Get back to me after you've put 15,000 rounds though it. No automatic is 100% reliable. I've yet to shoot one that is and I've shot all kind of handguns. Hell, you can foul up a revolver if you don't take care of it.

I've put 15,000 rounds through a Sig 226 purchased in the 80s. One misfire, due to a dead primer. I've also got a 220, 228, 239, and a 245. Never had an operational error with any of them. I recently bought my first H&K, which I've put about 1000 rounds through, so far error free.

By contrast, I've owned several smith and wesson automatics in the past that jammed every time you took them to the range. I currently own a couple springfield 1911s and a Kimber Ultra Compact, and I wouldn't bet my life on either of them. They jam too.

So, guns, like cars, should come from Europe.

I don't own a Sig but I've shot a few...not extensively enough to comment on its long term reliability though. I do own a Glock and while it is extremely reliable it has jammed on me on rare occasion. I've shot some tight Glock .45s that have jammed and those 13 rnd mags are difficult to get 13 rounds into when they are new.

All of my Colts and Para-Ordnance guns have stovepiped or failed to feed a round at one time or another but I still love those guns and will never get rid of them.

Sigs are great guns though and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one for personal defense or for duty carry.

I still think the revolver is more reliable and the better choice for a gun n00b.