Handguns - Suggestions or tips

[EMPshockwave82]

I plan on buying a handgun in the next 2-3 months and am wondering what I should be looking for. I know some of the big names like S&W, Glock, Ruger, Baretta, & Colt. What should I look at first?

This will be my first gun.

Looking at 9mm, .40, or .45
Clip based / non revolver
Under $1000
Comfortable, possible to be used for home protection, and will not cost $100 every time I want to go burn a couple of clips at a piece of paper.

 

[lxskllr]

Revolver. They don't scatter evidence all over the ground.

 

[Nintendesert]

A clip is not the same thing as a magazine. A clip holds multiple rounds and you insert those rounds into a magazine. The magazine then goes inside your weapon.

 

[TheVrolok]

Feel free to search Off Topic, this gets discussed at length every few weeks (months?). But honestly, I'd say that if this is you're very first gun, get a range pistol first and learn how to properly shoot, then get a bigger caliber weapon. Not only is it easier to learn on a smaller caliber gun, but it's also far cheaper to shoot.

 

[kranky]

First thing is to know what your state/local laws are regarding ownership and transport, so you don't get into trouble out of ignorance.

IMHO the most important thing is to find one that is comfortable and that you can shoot well. Go to a range that rents different handguns and try some out before you make a purchase decision.

If you plan to carry concealed, that will factor in to your choice, because you'll want something smaller. Keep in mind smaller guns are harder to shoot accurately. 9mm will be a lot cheaper to shoot than the others.

Then take a training class so you are taught proper technique right from the start, which is much better than developing bad habits you then have to unlearn.

 

[edro]

$500 will get you most standard models in any caliber you want.

Rugers work well and are cheap, but they aren't a premium brand.
Beretta, Glock, S&W are mid grade brands and are all good performers.
Sig and Colt are higher quality and more expensive.

Just get whatever you like the look and feel of.
None will have quality issues and all will easily kill.

BTW, revolvers are better for personal protection because they are easier and faster to operate and less likely to fail. I would definitely try one out before you rule them out.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Revolver. They don't scatter evidence all over the ground.

or jam

 

[LTC8K6]

Fnp 45

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

or jam

Quality (Glock, Sig, etc) semis don't jam very often, assuming taking proper care of them and not using shit ammo.

Also, kind of depends on what OP is planning on using it for. If it's just for fun, then doesn't matter if it jams or not. If it's primarily for home defense, then that is obviously something more important to consider. Are there other people living with OP who will/could use the firearm? etc

 

[bruceb]

I second the choice of either FNP-45 or FNP-40 as nice guns. Another option is a Beretta 90-TWO series in your choice of ammo caliber.

 

[irishScott]

$500 will get you most standard models in any caliber you want.

Rugers work well and are cheap, but they aren't a premium brand.
Beretta, Glock, S&W are mid grade brands and are all good performers.
Sig and Colt are higher quality and more expensive.

Just get whatever you like the look and feel of.
None will have quality issues and all will easily kill.

BTW, revolvers are better for personal protection because they are easier and faster to operate and less likely to fail. I would definitely try one out before you rule them out.

Where are you getting the bolded? There are plenty of safety-less half-cocked double action pistols out there. Not to mention the ease of carry (largely due to flatness) and much increased ammo capacity and reload speed of a pistol.

I'll take 10+ shots of .45 over 6 shots of .357 mag any day.

 

[Nintendesert]

I have to add I like my Kimber 1911. Got it for $600 a few years back. It's fun to shoot and I generally just prefer .45, it also goes well with a Tommy Gun.

 

[Electric Amish]

Fnp 45

Nice gun with 17 - .45 CAL in the mag.

For around $1000 you can also get a nice Springfield or Kimber 1911 .45, but they'll only hold 6-8 in the mag.

Any 9mm you can get at $700 or less. I have a nice Springfield XDM 9mm that hold 19. Great gun.

 

[spacejamz]

Feel free to search Off Topic, this gets discussed at length every few weeks (months?). But honestly, I'd say that if this is you're very first gun, get a range pistol first and learn how to properly shoot, then get a bigger caliber weapon. Not only is it easier to learn on a smaller caliber gun, but it's also far cheaper to shoot.

Maybe we need a sub forum for this???

 

[edro]

Where are you getting the bolded?

Any loaded revolver is faster and easier to pull out and fire in high stress situations.

Revolver: Aim, pull trigger
Automatic: Determine whether or not round is in chamber, pull hammer or rock slide, aim, pull trigger

Yeah, you could always leave a round in the chamber and half cock an auto I suppose... but revolvers eliminate that complexity.

 

[Electric Amish]

Any loaded revolver is faster and easier to pull out and fire in high stress situations.

Revolver: Aim, pull trigger
Automatic: Determine whether or not round is in chamber, pull hammer or rock slide, aim, pull trigger

Yeah, you could always leave a round in the chamber and half cock an auto I suppose... but revolvers eliminate that complexity.

Not always. My conceal/carry weapon (Browning BDA .380) can be carried loaded and then fired in double-action without pulling back the hammer or racking the slide. All I have to do is flip the safety.

 

[kranky]

Nice gun with 17 - .45 CAL in the mag.

For around $1000 you can also get a nice Springfield or Kimber 1911 .45, but they'll only hold 6-8 in the mag.

Any 9mm you can get at $700 or less. I have a nice Springfield XDM 9mm that hold 19. Great gun.

I have that one, I agree it's very nice.

 

[pontifex]

I have to wonder where some of you get your info from, lol.

For a first gun I would say go for .22 or 9mm as they are going to be your cheapest to shoot and less recoil. If you're uncomfortable with the recoil or can't hit anything because of recoil, that might turn you off to shooting.

Browning Buckmaster or Ruger Mark III are probably the best bet for .22 handgun.
A very easy to control 9mm would be a Beretta 92 or Taurus PT92 but they are very large handguns and may not fit your hands if they are small.

Try to go to a range that rents guns and try them out too. Or at least go to the shops and handle the guns so you know what feels good in your hand.

Under $1000 will get you pretty much anything but the most high end models.

Most .45 caliber Government model 1911s are going to have 7 rounds at minimum. You can buy 8 rounders and even 10 rounders in single stack. Don't think I've ever seen more than 10 in single stack.

6 rounds must be for the compact model 1911s.

You should be able to get a Springfield 1911 GI model or Mil-Spec model for about $5-600 or a loaded for about $7-800.

 

[TheVrolok]

Any loaded revolver is faster and easier to pull out and fire in high stress situations.

Revolver: Aim, pull trigger
Automatic: Determine whether or not round is in chamber, pull hammer or rock slide, aim, pull trigger

Yeah, you could always leave a round in the chamber and half cock an auto I suppose... but revolvers eliminate that complexity.

I always carry chambered. So all I need to do is draw and flip the manual safety for a single trigger pull discharge. Not really any slower than a revolver. But I do agree for those that don't carry +1, and I like the simplicity of a revolver as well. I'm saving to pick up a Ruger LCR for an ankle/pocket holster.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Get a medium frame .357 Magnum revolver with a 4" to 5.5" barrel. Great gun for a n00b like yourself. You can shoot .38 Special rounds through it all day long and load it with hotter .357 Magnum loads for self defense.

They are extremely reliable, very simple to operate (no safeties to fumble with) and they aren't overly expensive. And most of them hold 7 rounds now.

 

[Vic Vega]

get a medium frame .357 magnum revolver with a 4" to 5.5" barrel. Great gun for a n00b like yourself. You can shoot .38 special rounds through it all day long and load it with hotter .357 magnum loads for self defense.

They are extremely reliable, very simple to operate (no safeties to fumble with) and they aren't overly expensive.

686

 

[Demo24]

Any loaded revolver is faster and easier to pull out and fire in high stress situations.

Revolver: Aim, pull trigger
Automatic: Determine whether or not round is in chamber, pull hammer or rock slide, aim, pull trigger

Yeah, you could always leave a round in the chamber and half cock an auto I suppose... but revolvers eliminate that complexity.

That works if the revolve is double action. If not then your at the same as a automatic. I won't argue the simplicity and reliability though.

My sig is on par with any double action revolver though. I can easily have it with one in the chamber, and then all I have to do is pull the trigger. No safety but yourself.


I recommend looking at some sigs. I just got an 18rd mec gar mag for my p226 9mm, flush fit and feels fantastic!.

 

[JulesMaximus]

686

I used to have one. Sold it years ago and bought its bigger brother, the 629, with an 8" barrel.

 

[Vic Vega]

8"? Bear gun? I know you're not carrying that thing around in public, hah.

 

[thepd7]

A clip is not the same thing as a magazine. A clip holds multiple rounds and you insert those rounds into a magazine. The magazine then goes inside your weapon.

I knew some ass would come post this but second reply? Nice work. Do you also correct people if they ask for a Kleenex?

I have to add I like my Kimber 1911. Got it for $600 a few years back. It's fun to shoot and I generally just prefer .45, it also goes well with a Tommy Gun.

Haha if OP can find a Kimber for $600 he should get it.

I have that one, I agree it's very nice.

Another vote for the XD-9. Mine was $510 new with night sights at a gun show, the normal version was $425.


OP: you definitely want 9mm, I recommed the following guns:

Glock 19
Springfield XD-9 (I'd probably get the M version today, it wasn't out yet when I bought mine).
Kimber
Ruger SR9
Beretta 92FS


Here's a list someone put together: http://www.best9mm.com/

I have only heard wonderful things about Sig's but they do not fit my hand well. It's extremely important that you handle a gun before you purchase it. Shooting it would be great but that's not always an option.