To the handgun afficianados...

[Conky]

If I could have only one semi-auto pistol it would be a Glock without a doubt. Reliability is the main reason.

Besides Glock, I would recommend Sig Sauer and HK pistols in that order. :thumbsup:

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: RGN
Good grief... I don't know one gun enthusiast that would recomend a Ruger Auto. Not one... They make good wheel guns, but the autos are crap. Total crap.

Most gun snobs won't recomend them.

 

[RGN]

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: RGN
Good grief... I don't know one gun enthusiast that would recomend a Ruger Auto. Not one... They make good wheel guns, but the autos are crap. Total crap.

Most gun snobs won't recomend them.

Well, having seen 5 different ones over the last 6 or so years and each one misfired/misfed/jammed (all with good ammo) in some sort of way I guess that I'm a gun snob too... I've just not see the same sort of problems with other guns. Maybe something like Llama is on the same plain.

 

[jcovercash]

Originally posted by: RGN

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: RGN
Good grief... I don't know one gun enthusiast that would recomend a Ruger Auto. Not one... They make good wheel guns, but the autos are crap. Total crap.

Most gun snobs won't recomend them.

Well, having seen 5 different ones over the last 6 or so years and each one misfired/misfed/jammed (all with good ammo) in some sort of way I guess that I'm a gun snob too... I've just not see the same sort of problems with other guns. Maybe something like Llama is on the same plain.

OMG, Don't say Llama around me.... That is the ABSOLUTE worst gun ever made....

However I own a ruger P90, and my Dad has a P89, and they are both GREAT guns, not 1 problem from them. My dad has a security six also, now that is a sweet shooting revolver

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: RGN
Good grief... I don't know one gun enthusiast that would recomend a Ruger Auto. Not one... They make good wheel guns, but the autos are crap. Total crap.

Most gun snobs won't recomend them.

I may actually get the Ruger that you and AMDman12GHz recommended for a second handgun.

Ruger makes good quality sturdy guns priced very competitively :thumbsup:

I still own a Ruger bolt action 7mm Remington Magnum rifle (bought in the early 80s) that has bagged me many elks.

 

[RGN]

Those Sec Six's are very nice. One of the best.

 

[KarenMarie]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
one of the nicest feeling 9mm i ever shot was the Barretta 92F.

Very accurate. Nice feel. Reasonably priced.

Aren't you originally from England?

No.. a New Yorker. But I was married to a Brit and we lived there for years. Then I moved to Nashville and had a real southern boyfriend for 3.5 years who was obsesses with firearms and stuff... hence my interest in the same.

In NJ now... so had to leave my stuff in TN.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: RGN

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: RGN
Good grief... I don't know one gun enthusiast that would recomend a Ruger Auto. Not one... They make good wheel guns, but the autos are crap. Total crap.

Most gun snobs won't recomend them.

Well, having seen 5 different ones over the last 6 or so years and each one misfired/misfed/jammed (all with good ammo) in some sort of way I guess that I'm a gun snob too... I've just not see the same sort of problems with other guns. Maybe something like Llama is on the same plain.

I have owned two, a P89 and P90 (still have the P89). Only ever had one FTF and that was caused by a dead primer in the P89. My P89 has eaten evey ammo I have thrown at it including a steady diet of Winchester +P+ .

There are tons of crappy aftermarket mags out there for Rugers than can cause problems so that is one thing to watch for.

Usually the people that say they have lots of problems are the ones who have never used or owned one.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: Promethply
Much appreciated, and what do you guys think about the Glocks?

Edit: didn't see AMDman12GHz's post above.

I've fired mine when wet, have been lackadaisical about cleaning them, and both still fire as if they are brand new, and one is old (it was a Missouri State Highway Patrol Pistol 2nd Gen Glock). I love Glocks. Simple, cheap, accurate guns.

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: Promethply
Much appreciated, and what do you guys think about the Glocks?

Edit: didn't see AMDman12GHz's post above.

I've fired mine when wet, have been lackadaisical about cleaning them, and both still fire as if they are brand new, and one is old (it was a Missouri State Highway Patrol Pistol 2nd Gen Glock). I love Glocks. Simple, cheap, accurate guns.

OK, thanks -- they are very reliable from what I've gathered.

 

[OFFascist]

The only double action 9mm pistol I've ever tried was a Beretta and I hated it.

Honestly when I do buy a 9mm pistol I'm getting a Glock 17, double action doesnt seem all that important to me. Just dont pull the trigger till you are ready to fire.

That being said 1911 4tw, cocked and locked the way it should be IMO, double action is important for revolvers not automatics.

 

[poopaskoopa]

My order of preference would be:
1. Springfield XD9(5-inch barrel)
2. Sig P226
3. HK USP
4. CZ75BD
5. Berreta 92
11. Glocks

I don't like Glocks' grip angle and triggers. My opinions are based on my experience putting 100-300 rounds through them(except for the CZ75BD that I own), so I have no opinion on the reliability of these guns as I only own one gun on that list(CZ75BD), other than to say that I've never had those guns jam/FTE on me while renting them.

Except for XD and Glocks, those pistols are usually DA/SA though... I guess you can get them in DA-only configurations, but man... why would you want to shoot these things in DA? SA is where it's at, IMO. I think it'd also be somewhat difficult to try/rent DA-only version of these guns at most shooting ranges too...

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: poopaskoopa
My order of preference would be:
1. Springfield XD9(5-inch barrel)
2. Sig P226
3. HK USP
4. CZ75BD
5. Berreta 92
11. Glocks

I don't like Glocks' grip angle and triggers. My opinions are based on my experience putting 100-300 rounds through them(except for the CZ75BD that I own), so I have no opinion on the reliability of these guns as I only own one gun on that list(CZ75BD), other than to say that I've never had those guns jam/FTE on me while renting them.

Except for XD and Glocks, those pistols are usually DA/SA though... I guess you can get them in DA-only configurations, but man... why would you want to shoot these things in DA? SA is where it's at, IMO. I think it'd also be somewhat difficult to try/rent DA-only version of these guns at most shooting ranges too...

Out of curiosity, do you prefer Single Action semi autos because their trigger action gives you better feedback/control, less travel, etc?

 

[OFFascist]

Originally posted by: Promethply
Out of curiosity, do you prefer Single Action semi autos because their trigger action gives you better feedback/control, less travel, etc?

I'll speak for myself but I like single action because its just plain easier.

Why would you want to make more work for yourself.

The only reason I can think of for anyone wanting a double action only pistol is out of some misguided notion about safety. But if you want to be safe about it then just dont put your finger on that trigger till you are ready to fire.

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: OFFascist

Originally posted by: Promethply
Out of curiosity, do you prefer Single Action semi autos because their trigger action gives you better feedback/control, less travel, etc?

I'll speak for myself but I like single action because its just plain easier.

Why would you want to make more work for yourself.

The only reason I can think of for anyone wanting a double action only pistol is out of some misguided notion about safety. But if you want to be safe about it then just dont put your finger on that trigger till you are ready to fire.

Oh I see, thanks for that.

 

[poopaskoopa]

Originally posted by: Promethply

Out of curiosity, do you prefer Single Action semi autos because their trigger action gives you better feedback/control, less travel, etc?

Something like that, yeah. And I shoot more accurately in SA.

 

[Nebor]

It should be noted that sigs are Single\double, while glock's are DAO. To me, that's a big deal. I like being able to cock it for a crisp first shot sometimes.

I have a P229, it's a great gun too! So's the P220, and the 226 and the...

 

[RGN]

LOL @ from a weaponsforums post where the OP posted about no external safety on the Glock:

"Quite simply, the Glock is a battle pistol. There are applications for which the Glock is ideal, and application where the Glock design leaves something (or several things) to be desired. The easy shootablility, high capacity magazine, durable construction, etc etc etc. make the Glock a good, simple, cheap, no-frills battle pistol.

I wouldn't recommend a Glock for your first Conceal Carry pistol. The Glock safe trigger can be depressed if it snags your clothes (e.g. when you're holstering with a loose shirt, etc.). Instead, I would recommend something with additional safeties, such as a 1911 with its thumb safety and grip safety.

In addition, ANY IDIOT can shoot a Glock. It's THAT simple. Good for an easy learning experience; bad when some street hood gets the drop on you and manages to get your pistol away from you. The extra seconds it takes a thug to figure out how to make your pistol fire can save your life. The thumb safety, etc. features of carry guns will give you this time. A Glock won't. Pull the trigger, and it will fire.

I own a Glock, and carry it from time-to-time. It's fast, simple to shoot, fun at competitions, carries 17 rounds, and I'm wicked accurate with it. But I'll opt carry a 1911 cocked and locked before I trust life and limb to a Glock, condition 1."

Gotta agree. The 1911 style gunis awesome.

 

[K1052]

Never get caught in the crossfire between the Glock vs. 1911 fanatics, nobody makes it out alive.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: RGN
LOL @ from a weaponsforums post where the OP posted about no external safety on the Glock:

"Quite simply, the Glock is a battle pistol. There are applications for which the Glock is ideal, and application where the Glock design leaves something (or several things) to be desired. The easy shootablility, high capacity magazine, durable construction, etc etc etc. make the Glock a good, simple, cheap, no-frills battle pistol.

I wouldn't recommend a Glock for your first Conceal Carry pistol. The Glock safe trigger can be depressed if it snags your clothes (e.g. when you're holstering with a loose shirt, etc.). Instead, I would recommend something with additional safeties, such as a 1911 with its thumb safety and grip safety.

In addition, ANY IDIOT can shoot a Glock. It's THAT simple. Good for an easy learning experience; bad when some street hood gets the drop on you and manages to get your pistol away from you. The extra seconds it takes a thug to figure out how to make your pistol fire can save your life. The thumb safety, etc. features of carry guns will give you this time. A Glock won't. Pull the trigger, and it will fire.

I own a Glock, and carry it from time-to-time. It's fast, simple to shoot, fun at competitions, carries 17 rounds, and I'm wicked accurate with it. But I'll opt carry a 1911 cocked and locked before I trust life and limb to a Glock, condition 1."

Gotta agree. The 1911 style gunis awesome.

If you're basing your gun choice on someone taking your gun away from you, you don't need to be carrying a gun.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: RGN
LOL @ from a weaponsforums post where the OP posted about no external safety on the Glock:

"Quite simply, the Glock is a battle pistol. There are applications for which the Glock is ideal, and application where the Glock design leaves something (or several things) to be desired. The easy shootablility, high capacity magazine, durable construction, etc etc etc. make the Glock a good, simple, cheap, no-frills battle pistol.

I wouldn't recommend a Glock for your first Conceal Carry pistol. The Glock safe trigger can be depressed if it snags your clothes (e.g. when you're holstering with a loose shirt, etc.). Instead, I would recommend something with additional safeties, such as a 1911 with its thumb safety and grip safety.

In addition, ANY IDIOT can shoot a Glock. It's THAT simple. Good for an easy learning experience; bad when some street hood gets the drop on you and manages to get your pistol away from you. The extra seconds it takes a thug to figure out how to make your pistol fire can save your life. The thumb safety, etc. features of carry guns will give you this time. A Glock won't. Pull the trigger, and it will fire.

I own a Glock, and carry it from time-to-time. It's fast, simple to shoot, fun at competitions, carries 17 rounds, and I'm wicked accurate with it. But I'll opt carry a 1911 cocked and locked before I trust life and limb to a Glock, condition 1."

Gotta agree. The 1911 style gunis awesome.

If you're basing your gun choice on someone taking your gun away from you, you don't need to be carrying a gun.

Thats what I was thinking. Take the odds of you ever having to pull a carry peice (next to nil) add to that the chance that a "street hood" is going to be close enough AND want to try and wrestle for a gun (next to nil) and what do you have? A better chance of me being the next president.

 

[Jmman]

P89DC here. Very reliable, and for the $250 I paid brand new an excellent pistol. If you do get one though, I would invest in a better grip. Makes all the difference in the world......

 

[BuckNaked]

Originally posted by: Antisocial Virge

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: RGN
LOL @ from a weaponsforums post where the OP posted about no external safety on the Glock:

"Quite simply, the Glock is a battle pistol. There are applications for which the Glock is ideal, and application where the Glock design leaves something (or several things) to be desired. The easy shootablility, high capacity magazine, durable construction, etc etc etc. make the Glock a good, simple, cheap, no-frills battle pistol.

I wouldn't recommend a Glock for your first Conceal Carry pistol. The Glock safe trigger can be depressed if it snags your clothes (e.g. when you're holstering with a loose shirt, etc.). Instead, I would recommend something with additional safeties, such as a 1911 with its thumb safety and grip safety.

In addition, ANY IDIOT can shoot a Glock. It's THAT simple. Good for an easy learning experience; bad when some street hood gets the drop on you and manages to get your pistol away from you. The extra seconds it takes a thug to figure out how to make your pistol fire can save your life. The thumb safety, etc. features of carry guns will give you this time. A Glock won't. Pull the trigger, and it will fire.

I own a Glock, and carry it from time-to-time. It's fast, simple to shoot, fun at competitions, carries 17 rounds, and I'm wicked accurate with it. But I'll opt carry a 1911 cocked and locked before I trust life and limb to a Glock, condition 1."

Gotta agree. The 1911 style gunis awesome.

If you're basing your gun choice on someone taking your gun away from you, you don't need to be carrying a gun.

Thats what I was thinking. Take the odds of you ever having to pull a carry peice (next to nil) add to that the chance that a "street hood" is going to be close enough AND want to try and wrestle for a gun (next to nil) and what do you have? A better chance of me being the next president.

The fact that a large percentage of police officers are shot with there own gun goes to show that you should at least be prepared for such an occurance, to be ready to employ some type of retention technique, and/or be mentally prepared to essentially fight for your life if someone should make an attempt for your weapon if you ever have to employ it. Thinking otherwise is just plain stupid. Mindset, tactics and technique should be placed ahead of which weapon you ultimately decide on.

That being said, I don't think you should decide on weapon type based on one hypothetical scenario either. I shoot both 1911's and Glocks (model 30). They both have there own good and bad points. Glocks are simple and incredibly reliable weapons to employ, and are more than accurate enough as long as you do your part. The simple to operate part is extremely beneficial in a high stress/high threat situation... people tend to mentally vaporlock when in a situation where you need to draw a weapon. The one thing to consider about the light trigger pull of a Glock (safe action) is, like any other weapon, you should have your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you have mentally made the decision to pull the trigger. A single action or safe action trigger pull is lighter and gives you even less margin of error than a heavier double action should you have your finger on the trigger. Its a natural reaction to clench your fingers into a fist when you are startled, under stress or even trip, and if you have your finger on the trigger or even in the trigger guard, you may send a round downrange that you didn't intend to, with potentially tragic consequences.

I love 1911's, but finding one that is reliable enough to stake your life on out of the box is easier said than done, unless the box came from Larry Vickers... Also there is generally a little more of a learning curve when employing a 1911 in a high threat situation. It depends on how much time and effort you want to spend on training with it.

The thing that bothers me most about the posts here on Anandtech about firearms is while some decent advice is given on selecting a weapon, little, no or wrong information is routinely posted on actuall training. If you think going to a range and firing a box or two of ammo is training, and you get all your information from watching movies or tv, you may be more of a liability than an asset should the time come you actually ever have to use a weapon.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

The fact that a large percentage of police officers are shot with there own gun goes to show that you should at least be prepared for such an occurance, to be ready to employ some type of retention technique, and/or be mentally prepared to essentially fight for your life if someone should make an attempt for your weapon if you ever have to employ it. Thinking otherwise is just plain stupid. Mindset, tactics and technique should be placed ahead of which weapon you ultimately decide on.

Police officer=/ average joe six pack. Trying to compare what a police officer has to deal with and what an ordinary person deals with is a dumb comparison. Lets take out totally the fact that a large percentage of people police deal with are criminals. The reason why they sometimes get in fights over thier guns is because they are in close personal space with these people (frisking and searching) and that increases the risk greatly.

 

[BuckNaked]

Originally posted by: Antisocial Virge

The fact that a large percentage of police officers are shot with there own gun goes to show that you should at least be prepared for such an occurance, to be ready to employ some type of retention technique, and/or be mentally prepared to essentially fight for your life if someone should make an attempt for your weapon if you ever have to employ it. Thinking otherwise is just plain stupid. Mindset, tactics and technique should be placed ahead of which weapon you ultimately decide on.

Police officer=/ average joe six pack. Trying to compare what a police officer has to deal with and what an ordinary person deals with is a dumb comparison. Lets take out totally the fact that a large percentage of people police deal with are criminals. The reason why they sometimes get in fights over thier guns is because they are in close personal space with these people (frisking and searching) and that increases the risk greatly.

So you expect to have to pull a weapon on someone who isn't a criminal?