YAGT: Handgun differences

[Shanteli]

I'm pretty new to this whole gun thing but me and a friend went down to the range and were shooting 9mm glock 19s. My aim was ok considering it was the 1st time. But then when I shot a .40 I was hitting nothing...is this normal?

I have 3 questions:

1) What is the difference between all the numbers like I know from movies that a .45 or a .50 rifle are pretty powerful but then why did they name a 9mm, "9mm" why not a .09 or whatever it is.

2) Would there be a specific reason to pick a 9mm over a .45 or .40 or .357?? They are all pretty comparable in price. Does it take longer to get better with a higher caliber handgun or something?

3) What is a cheap but decent/reliable gun. I know that glocks are supposed to be great and all but they are kinda pricey considering $ to $ you can get an AK for the price of a glock.

 

[paulney]

Hmm... Pics?
Oh, wait. Wrong YAGT.

 

[StageLeft]

The .40 has more recoil than the 9mm, so yeah it's going to be harder to shoot subsequent rounds after the first one.

 

[Pliablemoose]

We need to know the intended purpose of said gun...

Target, self defense, postal moment, etc

 

[Shanteli]

Oh, purpose is purely target practice. I would "like" it to be useful enough for self defense but I doubt any decent gun would fail in that respect. I would be on the floor in half a sec if I was shot with that glock I was shooting this weekend.

 

[TechnoKid]

If your gonna go for strickly target shooting at the range, I'd suggest picking up a .22 handgun. It is much cheaper ammo than a 9mm or a .40, and you can still have fun with it at the range.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
We need to know the intended purpose of said gun...

Target, self defense, postal moment, etc

Bustin' caps, sucka!!

Anyway, a calibre is a percentage of an inch. So a .45 is 45/100's of an inch wide. The calibre is the round itself, and not the shell/casing. Generally these are similar, but in the case of a lot of rounds you'll have a fairly small calibre with a lot of explosive behind it (like these), so the calibre of a sniper rifle may be smaller than that of a pistol, but it does a lot more damage. mm is just that - milimeters. There are 10 in a centimetre/er, and about 2.5 centimeters in an inch. I don't know why they don't always go by the same, but they don't!

 

[poopaskoopa]

Originally posted by: Shanteli
I'm pretty new to this whole gun thing but me and a friend went down to the range and were shooting 9mm glock 19s. My aim was ok considering it was the 1st time. But then when I shot a .40 I was hitting nothing...is this normal?

I have 3 questions:

1) What is the difference between all the numbers like I know from movies that a .45 or a .50 rifle are pretty powerful but then why did they name a 9mm, "9mm" why not a .09 or whatever it is.

2) Would there be a specific reason to pick a 9mm over a .45 or .40 or .357?? They are all pretty comparable in price. Does it take longer to get better with a higher caliber handgun or something?

3) What is a cheap but decent/reliable gun. I know that glocks are supposed to be great and all but they are kinda pricey considering $ to $ you can get an AK for the price of a glock.

1) That's caliber. 9mm would actually translate to .35 or something, I believe.

2) I'd choose 9mm over those other caliber you mentioned because it's cheaper to shoot 9mm. 100 rounds of 9mm would cost you 10.96 plus tax at your local Wal-mart, where .40 would cost 16.96, and .45 would cost 19.96 for 100 rounds. People would choose calibers for their own purposes(usually it's about the knockdown power for self-defense), but I own 2 9mms over other calibers because I like to targetshoot, and I probably shoot more than 2000 rounds a year, so it was a factor for me. Having said that, 9mm isn't as powerful as the other calibers you mentioned, so many people buy some other caliber like .45, .40, etc...

3) First, you probably want to decide whether or not you want a long gun or a pistol, then you probably would want to decide a semi-auto or revolvers. Having said that, I like CZ75s(9mm semi-auto) for a cheap handgun. They're cheaper than Glocks, and the trigger doesn't suck as much. It's heavier, so it's not a good choice for concealed carry, but that's not a factor for me(I don't carry). I'm sure Glock is as durable as anything in the world, but I think its trigger is lousy, and I don't like its grip angle. One thing about AK or other rifles is that many indoor ranges won't let you shoot anything more powerful than pistol rounds. So you'll have to find a place that will, or go to an outdoor range. That may not be a problem for you, but it is for me.

 

[5ayle]

I think he wants a handgun...

 

[Shanteli]

Originally posted by: poopaskoopa

Originally posted by: Shanteli
I'm pretty new to this whole gun thing but me and a friend went down to the range and were shooting 9mm glock 19s. My aim was ok considering it was the 1st time. But then when I shot a .40 I was hitting nothing...is this normal?

I have 3 questions:

1) What is the difference between all the numbers like I know from movies that a .45 or a .50 rifle are pretty powerful but then why did they name a 9mm, "9mm" why not a .09 or whatever it is.

2) Would there be a specific reason to pick a 9mm over a .45 or .40 or .357?? They are all pretty comparable in price. Does it take longer to get better with a higher caliber handgun or something?

3) What is a cheap but decent/reliable gun. I know that glocks are supposed to be great and all but they are kinda pricey considering $ to $ you can get an AK for the price of a glock.

1) That's caliber. 9mm would actually translate to .35 or something, I believe.

2) I'd choose 9mm over those other caliber you mentioned because it's cheaper to shoot 9mm. 100 rounds of 9mm would cost you 10.96 plus tax at your local Wal-mart, where .40 would cost 16.96, and .45 would cost 19.96 for 100 rounds. People would choose calibers for their own purposes(usually it's about the knockdown power for self-defense), but I own 2 9mms over other calibers because I like to targetshoot, and I probably shoot more than 2000 rounds a year, so it was a factor for me. Having said that, 9mm isn't as powerful as the other calibers you mentioned, so many people buy some other caliber like .45, .40, etc...

3) First, you probably want to decide whether or not you want a long gun or a pistol, then you probably would want to decide a semi-auto or revolvers. Having said that, I like CZ75s(9mm semi-auto) for a cheap handgun. They're cheaper than Glocks, and the trigger doesn't suck as much. It's heavier, so it's not a good choice for concealed carry, but that's not a factor for me(I don't carry). I'm sure Glock is as durable as anything in the world, but I think its trigger is lousy, and I don't like its grip angle. One thing about AK or other rifles is that many indoor ranges won't let you shoot anything more powerful than pistol rounds. So you'll have to find a place that will, or go to an outdoor range. That may not be a problem for you, but it is for me.

Thanks a bunch...that is exactly the info I needed. Yeah so other than the obvious differences between rifles and handguns, wouldn't it be more rewarding to own/shoot a rifle? I mean...considering that I was missing a lot a 15yds with a handgun and only hitting consecutively at 5yds....I think it would be more rewarding to say that you can hit something at 100yds with a rifle instead of 15yds with a handgun. Is there a hidden maintenence cost?

 

[5ayle]

Originally posted by: 5ayle
I think he wants a handgun...

nm...

 

[Koing]

You don't carry an AK around...

2.54cm = 1 inch

Koing

 

[Shanteli]

I wouldn't be carrying the pistol around either though.

 

[kaizersose]

if it's purely for target shooting, get a .22. if you want self defense, get a .357 or a .40

 

[TheNinja]

it's all been said already for the most part but you have to decide.

1. handgun vs rifle
2. purpose (as mentioned get a 9mm for target b/c of price of ammo and a .45 if primarily for self defense b/c a .45 will knock a man down, a 9mm not necessarily. However you can use a 9mm for self defense as well, it'll still kill somebody pretty easily)
3. as for brands - I'd suggest going to a store (preferrable a good gun store) and holding a number of different brands. They each have their own feel to it and will feel better or worse depending on your grip preference and hand size.

 

[Farvacola]

I would go for a high caliber gun and get used to the recoil. Its much more satisfying.

 

[poopaskoopa]

Originally posted by: Shanteli

Originally posted by: poopaskoopa

Originally posted by: Shanteli
I'm pretty new to this whole gun thing but me and a friend went down to the range and were shooting 9mm glock 19s. My aim was ok considering it was the 1st time. But then when I shot a .40 I was hitting nothing...is this normal?

I have 3 questions:

1) What is the difference between all the numbers like I know from movies that a .45 or a .50 rifle are pretty powerful but then why did they name a 9mm, "9mm" why not a .09 or whatever it is.

2) Would there be a specific reason to pick a 9mm over a .45 or .40 or .357?? They are all pretty comparable in price. Does it take longer to get better with a higher caliber handgun or something?

3) What is a cheap but decent/reliable gun. I know that glocks are supposed to be great and all but they are kinda pricey considering $ to $ you can get an AK for the price of a glock.

1) That's caliber. 9mm would actually translate to .35 or something, I believe.

2) I'd choose 9mm over those other caliber you mentioned because it's cheaper to shoot 9mm. 100 rounds of 9mm would cost you 10.96 plus tax at your local Wal-mart, where .40 would cost 16.96, and .45 would cost 19.96 for 100 rounds. People would choose calibers for their own purposes(usually it's about the knockdown power for self-defense), but I own 2 9mms over other calibers because I like to targetshoot, and I probably shoot more than 2000 rounds a year, so it was a factor for me. Having said that, 9mm isn't as powerful as the other calibers you mentioned, so many people buy some other caliber like .45, .40, etc...

3) First, you probably want to decide whether or not you want a long gun or a pistol, then you probably would want to decide a semi-auto or revolvers. Having said that, I like CZ75s(9mm semi-auto) for a cheap handgun. They're cheaper than Glocks, and the trigger doesn't suck as much. It's heavier, so it's not a good choice for concealed carry, but that's not a factor for me(I don't carry). I'm sure Glock is as durable as anything in the world, but I think its trigger is lousy, and I don't like its grip angle. One thing about AK or other rifles is that many indoor ranges won't let you shoot anything more powerful than pistol rounds. So you'll have to find a place that will, or go to an outdoor range. That may not be a problem for you, but it is for me.

Thanks a bunch...that is exactly the info I needed. Yeah so other than the obvious differences between rifles and handguns, wouldn't it be more rewarding to own/shoot a rifle? I mean...considering that I was missing a lot a 15yds with a handgun and only hitting consecutively at 5yds....I think it would be more rewarding to say that you can hit something at 100yds with a rifle instead of 15yds with a handgun. Is there a hidden maintenence cost?

Well, I own a 9mm pistol and a 9mm carbine rifle and let me tell ya.... I don't think I've ever shot at anything beyond 50 yards away from me, so I don't know what it's like to hit something that far away. Besides, hitting something with your pistol 15 yards away is more difficult than hitting something 50 yards with your rifle, so I think there's more challenge(therefore, satisfaction) to shooting handguns. But again, this stuff depends on your personal preference.

Cleaning/maintaining your gun's not that expensive at all, except that it takes a bit of time to clean the guns. Also, your shooting range will charge you money, and it'll add up if you go a lot. The 2 ranges I frequent charge differently. One offers membership, and the other one will just charge you by the hour(1/2 hour, actually). So there's the cost of the membership/range time. Some place will require you to use their targets too, and you'll get charged for that.

 

[JulesMaximus]

My guess would be that you flinched when shooting the .40 caliber Glock. The .40 will kick a little harder than the 9mm, maybe you were anticipating the recoil and flinching.

It is also easy to develop bad habits when you first start shooting. Try to concentrate on squeezing the trigger gently with a smooth even pull and breath regularly pausing for just a moment before you pull the trigger.

Larger caliber handguns generally have more felt recoil than smaller caliber guns (although, I've fired some small revolvers that kick pretty good also). It really is a combination of size of the weapon and caliber. You will have more stopping power with a large caliber gun but it will be less concealable and kick more. It's a trade off. There are many handguns to chose from though so take your time and pick one that you are comfortable with.

Good luck!!!

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: Shanteli
I'm pretty new to this whole gun thing but me and a friend went down to the range and were shooting 9mm glock 19s. My aim was ok considering it was the 1st time. But then when I shot a .40 I was hitting nothing...is this normal?

I have 3 questions:

1) What is the difference between all the numbers like I know from movies that a .45 or a .50 rifle are pretty powerful but then why did they name a 9mm, "9mm" why not a .09 or whatever it is.

2) Would there be a specific reason to pick a 9mm over a .45 or .40 or .357?? They are all pretty comparable in price. Does it take longer to get better with a higher caliber handgun or something?

3) What is a cheap but decent/reliable gun. I know that glocks are supposed to be great and all but they are kinda pricey considering $ to $ you can get an AK for the price of a glock.

It's explained in an above post, but as an addendum: .40 cal is about equivalent to 10mm. As to why, because America is stupid enough to refuse the metric system. You should ALSO know that those numbers explain the diameter of the round, but not necessarily power or usefulness because the round could still vary in many other factors. For instance, a 9mm handgun round is no where near the power of a 5.56mm rifle round, even though it has a larger diameter.

If you're purely target shooting, buy a .22. It's cheapest, the guns are lightest and have the least recoil...not to mention being easier on the ears. If you're practicing for something else, you should ALWAYS fire the weapon you're going to be using. While general shooting proficiency extends across all similar weapons, mastery exists only with the weapon you use most. If you plan on using the gun for defense or if you'll enter a tournament where you have to fire a certain weapon, you should fire ONLY that weapon.

Apples to Oranges. What do you want it for? Be specific, you'd be surprised how much a little thing can matter.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: 5ayle

Originally posted by: 5ayle
I think he wants a handgun...

nm...

like a fleshl......

nevermind

 

[Shanteli]

Thanks for all responses. More specifically then, mainly target shooting, but also for self defense so the .22 does not sound like it would work well for that reason.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: Shanteli
Thanks for all responses. More specifically then, mainly target shooting, but also for self defense so the .22 does not sound like it would work well for that reason.

Self defense in the house, or are you getting a CPL to carry it?

By target shooting do you mean competitive/serious, or just popping off rounds for giggles.

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
We need to know the intended purpose of said gun...

Target, self defense, postal moment, etc

Bustin' caps, sucka!!

Anyway, a calibre is a percentage of an inch. So a .45 is 45/100's of an inch wide. The calibre is the round itself, and not the shell/casing. Generally these are similar, but in the case of a lot of rounds you'll have a fairly small calibre with a lot of explosive behind it (like these), so the calibre of a sniper rifle may be smaller than that of a pistol, but it does a lot more damage. mm is just that - milimeters. There are 10 in a centimetre/er, and about 2.5 centimeters in an inch. I don't know why they don't always go by the same, but they don't!

That little bit o' time on the range had quite an effect on you, eh Skoorby?

 

[Shanteli]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: Shanteli
Thanks for all responses. More specifically then, mainly target shooting, but also for self defense so the .22 does not sound like it would work well for that reason.

Self defense in the house, or are you getting a CPL to carry it?

By target shooting do you mean competitive/serious, or just popping off rounds for giggles.

House only....not interested in CPL Just popping off rounds. I want to get comfortable enough to know that I could actually hiit something I'm aiming at....that is all.

 

[bradruth]

A 9mm would probably be best for you.