So I'm thinking about getting a gun

[MrNutz]

I've got a few buddies that are firearm enthusiasts so I've fired a number of high-dollar handguns... HK 9mm, Sig P229, Sig P226, GLock 9mm, etc. (I've only mentioned 9mm guns b/c I really think that's the best way to go for a starter gun / home defense.)

I would have a much easier time waking up in the middle of the night without glasses/contacts on and firing a 9mm semi-accurately compared to a .45 or .357. Plus, 9mm rounds are cheap (esp the S&W box at walmart) so keeping yourself familiar with your gun occasionally isn't as hard on your wallet.

I personally bought a Sigarms P226 after firing it b/c I was so impressed with the accuracy, breakdown/cleaning ease, and reliability. On the other hand, no one could ever convince me to buy a GLock. Last one I dealt with was jammed in the cocked (loaded) position b/c the spring had slightly rusted up. Yes, it wasn't taken care of very well, but the owner hadn't neglected that bad either.

...my 2¢...

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I have a strong hunch that most folks that dislike guns here are from areas like LA and NYC where guns are considered "evil". They've never used a gun before, never gone hunting or target shooting, and have only seen guns on TV where someone is robbing a 7-11 or shooting gang members and drug dealers with them.

Seriously, guys, you need to get out more.

i'm willing to bet thats the deal also.

 

[BlueFlamme]

Another vote for the Sig P229, either in .40 S&W or .357Sig.

My college roommate had the .40 S&W and this is a fun gun to fire with good stopping power. He always carried one mag full of hollow-points (he has a concealed weapons permit and takes this with him pretty much everywhere). However, I'm pretty sure he said that these do not come with a safety, so a trigger or cable lock should be the first accessory you buy.

 

[biostud]

Mount a GAU-8 Avenger in your front yard.

 

[roguerower]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Owning a gun is bad.
Now that that's out of the way, home defense = minigun
Target shooting = M1 Garand

Aight, fixed

 

[Chloraseptic]

BlueFlamme:

You're right about most Sig's not coming with safety's. They have 4 other internal safety's instead of a manual one, the most evident being the DA/SA trigger. If you buy a Sig NIB (new in box), it will always come with either a trigger or cable lock. Most used ones that I've seen always come with one as well.

 

[Kelemvor]

The bigger the better.

 

[dxkj]

9mm is good for home defense too, if one doesnt stop them, 17 shots in a mag might (most handguns have 15 rounds at least where legal)

I would recommend 9mm for a first gun, much cheaper to shoot/practice with, and still practical for home defense.

 

[misle]

Originally posted by: LtPage1
Agreed. Do you have kids? If you do, or you're planning to in the near future, for the love of god and your kids, PLEASE don't get a gun.

How about this: If you have kids, PLEASE be a responsible parent and teach your children about firearms and keep your firearms locked in a safe. Education is the key.

I grew up in a house with 10+ firearms. My parents taught me about gun safety at a very young age. I have been an avid target shooter since I was 8.