YAGT: Handgun differences

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: 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.

Ok.

While a pistol isn't the ideal home defense weapon, sounds like you're looking for a 'catch-all' weapon.

I'm still tempted to suggest .22. The truth is that no handgun instantly drops everyone. There are many many cases of people receiving multiple (up to 14 i believe) gunshot wounds and continuing to fight and be effective. The only way a gunshot immediately ends the fight is if it severs the spinal cord or destroys a vital brain function area...anything else takes time. Hell, high crime area emergency services often give what amounts to band-aids and tylenol at the scene for clean 9mm wounds...they're simply not that damaging unless they happen to hit something vital. More often, people drop from the shock resulting from being shot. In that regard any size round can be effective. This is where hollowpoint rounds really are useful. They increase the internal impact and resultant shock. It's also been shown that intruders will either flee from any gunshot, or not flee from any gunshot. So again, size isn't the issue there. .22 would also have the advantage of having a short penetration, helping to prevent accidentally injuring people in other rooms or outside the house with stray rounds.

If you insist on something bigger, go 9mm. Capacity is high. Size and weight are generally lower. You'll want to find a good mid-sized (bigger (ie longer)= more accurate) reliable weapon. Beretta, Browning, & Glock are among the best, but most expensive manufacturers. Kahr, Kimber, & Taurus are all lower cost alternatives that have always been good to me. You can expect a good weapon from the first set to run 600-1200. From the second set 400-700. The choice should be made by firing a LOT of different weaons and seeing what feels best. Contact local gun shops or shooting clubs and find out where you can test fire a variety of weapons.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Oh, happy addendum:

Check your local laws and regulations because they vary widely from area to area. Also, get some professional training. I'll say that one again: GET PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. Owning a firearm is not a hobby, or an interest, or for fun. If you are going to own a firearm you had DAMN well better understand it and the responsibility that comes along with it. Contact the NRA, contact the local police and get into a few classes...basic safety, defensive handgun use, etc.

Too many people are killed every year because they had no reasonable right to own a firearm, they took no responsibility in it. Especially kids. Nothing as fun as target shooting cans on weekends, until your 7 yr old brother shoots himself in the head with it because you left it out.

If you own a firearm there can never be a single minute that you let yourself forget that you do. It's like having a baby for the rest of your life...it requires CONSTANT attention and care. If you don't agree with this, you have no right to own a firearm.

 

[Ophir]

I prefer .45 1911's (especially mil-spec). That gun just has a great feel to it, and you can't improve on Browning's design. 45's get real expensive to shoot, unless you reload your own ammo; but for fun factor they are tough to beat.

It's more reasonable to target shoot 9mm and .22s. Check Natchez Shooters Supply. They have great deals on ammo. They have a good deal on 9mm S&B ammo. As for a suggested 9mm, I like the Sig P226, CZ 75B, and Glock 17.

For home defense, especially with 9mm and .40, get make sure you load it with high quality hollow points and fire a several dozen without fail (jam/misfire) before you define it "home-defense ready" and keep it loaded inside the house. Also make sure you are extremely comfortable handling, shooting, and knowing the rules of firearm safety. It wouldn't hurt to take a class or two on firearm safety and using firearms as self-defense. Remember, even an accident can cost you a lifetime of heartache and years in the clink.

 

[erikistired]

so i was poking around glock's site...

http://www.glock.com/g18.htm

but seriously, what would you guys suggest for a .22 pistol? majority of use for plinking around the target range, and i'd like to have something for home defense. i realize the bigger the more stopping power, and i have no problem using the weapon, but i understand that the knowledge you have a gun is mostly enough to make most people think about leaving your house. i plan on going to a few shops to check each pistol out but i want to know where i should start and what i might want to avoid. i have experience with rifles and shotguns but not with pistols and i have taken hunters safety and gun safety courses in the past.

 

[AlienCraft]

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. Answered by several with satisafctory answers.
#2. Cost of ammo, flinch factor, But I own a .40 for defensive purposes and a .357 for hunting. A .357 will kill a deer that walks under the tree stand where I would be forced into an awkward stance to bring the rifle to aim.

#3 NO ONE mentioned TARUS. A Brazilian firm which makes quality firearms at a reasonable cost.
I recently purchased a PT140 Stainless in .40 cal and a .357 w/ 6 inch barrel (also Stainless) for $300.00 each. They were Tarus rep demo stock and never fired.
I am still getting used to the .40 cal, but I can do 9's and 10's with the .357 easily.

9's and 10's are the two most inner rings on a target.