ATTN: Gun Aficionados

[neoflex]

If you are anti gun like some in the "Gun Pics" thread please hit the back button.




I have been wanting to get into the gun hobby for some time now and have always had an interest since I would go to the range with buddies in the past and now owning our first home I would also like something in the house for protection just in case to boot. So with all this said I am looking to finally make my first purchase after the holidays. I'll admit that I am not to savvy when it comes to firearms but it's never too late for another hobby now is it? Looking to start the hobby off with a handgun, so let me ask all the CS gun Aficionados this one question. 9mm or 45ACP? What are the pros and cons to each and why do you suggest one over the other? Now keep in mind that I am sure like all my other hobbies past and present that I will dive right in and next thing you know I will be going overboard but my first purchase will still need to be dual purpose for all intents and purposes. Surprisingly I was even able to get my wife on board to go to the range to learn how to shoot. Go figure, I guess I am finally starting to rub off on her. So what do you guys suggest? Besides the 9mm vs 45ACP discussion, what make and models do you suggest? Just looking for input to see where I should start as far as researching what to purchase. Thanks in advance!

[jonny0783]

Originally Posted by neoflex

If you are anti gun like some in the "Show your guns" thread please hit the back button.
I have been wanting to get into the gun hobby for some time now and have always had an interest since I would go to the range with buddies in the past and now owning our first home I would also like something in the house for protection just in case to boot. So with all this said I am looking to finally make my first purchase after the holidays. I'll admit that I am not to savvy when it comes to firearms but it's never too late for another hobby now is it? Looking to start the hobby off with a handgun, so let me ask all the CS gun Aficionados this one question. 9mm or 45ACP? What are the pros and cons to each and why do you suggest one over the other? Now keep in mind that I am sure like all my other hobbies past and present that I will dive right in and next thing you know I will be going overboard but my first purchase will still need to be dual purpose for all intents and purposes. Surprisingly I was even able to get my wife on board to go to the range to learn how to shoot. Go figure, I guess I am finally starting to rub off on her. So what do you guys suggest? Besides the 9mm vs 45ACP discussion, what make and models do you suggest. Just looking for input to see where I should start as far as researching what to purchase. Thanks in advance!

My first of many was a Glock 23 which is a .40 cal very accurate and dummy proof very tough gun. The Springfiled is a GREAT weapon and they come in many calibers 9mm to a .45 Gap. IMHO I would stick with a .40 cal enough to do the job but not too much. Hope this helps. I have some pics in this post at the bottom these are my guns so far.

Jon

[replicant_argent]

I can open up the discussion with:

Budget?


Conservative design or cutting edge?


Home defense or Punching holes in paper?




Carry or not?


More than one user needing to be proficient on the same weapon?


It is impossible to intelligently suggest what might be a better choice for you unless your needs and requirements are more fully described.

Edit: I noticed that you mention 2 semi auto calibers, and left wheel guns out, which should definitely not be overlooked depending on your skill levels and training plans, not to mention easier maintenance and simplicity.


Another site definitely worth a look, barring offending any more sensitive stances that may pop their heads in here.
http://www.kimdutoit.com/

Have at it, more knowledgeable hoplophiles.

[Rahllin]

Well typically .45ACP will only hold 7-8 shots in a standard magazine, while 9mm can hold as many as 12-15, but thats not much of a point to make. If you're planning to keep it in the house for personal defense, I'd consider the 9mm for the simple fact that it would be an easy gun for you and your wife to handle. My first gun purchase was a Springfield XD-9 which I still use and love, so my opinion may be a little biased towards the 9mm, although, I've been itching to get my hands on my first 1911 purchase

[jmcrawf1]

Neo, you bring a tear to my eye.....

Really it all depends on your uses for the gun. I personally own a .40 and .45 acp. For the money you ought to look at the Springfield xd line. I own a xd .45 and couldn't be happier with it. The main advantage to the .45 caliber over 9mm is stopping power. You'd want to consider this if this would double as a self defense gun.

Oh, go here... www.thehighroad.org there's more info there than your brain can handle. Feel free to PM if I can help.

[JaKaAch]

I would chose a .45, bigger is better. Recoil is not that bad with the .45ACP
I have both a Springfield, and a Para-Ordanace 1911 style .45, Kimbers are also a great .45 pistol.
A pump 12 guage shotgun would also be a good home security firearm until you become proficient with the pistols.
Handguns take a lot of practice to be used as a home defense firearm.

[RETSF]

Originally Posted by neoflex

If you are anti gun like some in the "Gun Pics" thread please hit the back button.




I have been wanting to get into the gun hobby for some time now and have always had an interest since I would go to the range with buddies in the past and now owning our first home I would also like something in the house for protection just in case to boot. So with all this said I am looking to finally make my first purchase after the holidays. I'll admit that I am not to savvy when it comes to firearms but it's never too late for another hobby now is it? Looking to start the hobby off with a handgun, so let me ask all the CS gun Aficionados this one question. 9mm or 45ACP? What are the pros and cons to each and why do you suggest one over the other? Now keep in mind that I am sure like all my other hobbies past and present that I will dive right in and next thing you know I will be going overboard but my first purchase will still need to be dual purpose for all intents and purposes. Surprisingly I was even able to get my wife on board to go to the range to learn how to shoot. Go figure, I guess I am finally starting to rub off on her. So what do you guys suggest? Besides the 9mm vs 45ACP discussion, what make and models do you suggest? Just looking for input to see where I should start as far as researching what to purchase. Thanks in advance!

For target shooting and home defense and as a last resort, keep it simple "Point and Shoot": Double Action Revolver .357mag or .38 cal ctg with a 148gr wadcutter. Advantage; low recoil allowing a rapid or subsequent shot to be made accurately without sights. Accuracy in a close-in and personal hostile situation means "a hit on the man size target". Autos are nice, but in the hands of a new shooter who has never been confronted by a hostile or violent offender, the defender will be toying with the firearm to ready it, for example is there a round in the chamber, is the mag loaded and properly seated, safety on or off, is the hands properly position to where the shooters hands won't cause a malfunction of the slide and subsequently jam the firearm and injure the body part in the way of the slide.

When it comes to standard "Hight Velocity" pistol/revolver ammo keep in mind that standard ammo will penetrate multiple sheets of plywood and sheetrock. For example a local store owner shot a badguy during a hold-up. The bullet found its mark but penatrated and exited the perp, went through the store walls and impacted somewhere outside the store. Hense stick with the low powered sub-sonic safety rounds or wadcutters for home defense. Personally I like a short barelled 12ga shotgun with #4 or 6 shot when possible.... Just my

[Ashcan Bill]

Originally Posted by neoflex

If you are anti gun like some in the "Gun Pics" thread please hit the back button.




I have been wanting to get into the gun hobby for some time now and have always had an interest since I would go to the range with buddies in the past and now owning our first home I would also like something in the house for protection just in case to boot. So with all this said I am looking to finally make my first purchase after the holidays. I'll admit that I am not to savvy when it comes to firearms but it's never too late for another hobby now is it? Looking to start the hobby off with a handgun, so let me ask all the CS gun Aficionados this one question. 9mm or 45ACP? What are the pros and cons to each and why do you suggest one over the other? Now keep in mind that I am sure like all my other hobbies past and present that I will dive right in and next thing you know I will be going overboard but my first purchase will still need to be dual purpose for all intents and purposes. Surprisingly I was even able to get my wife on board to go to the range to learn how to shoot. Go figure, I guess I am finally starting to rub off on her. So what do you guys suggest? Besides the 9mm vs 45ACP discussion, what make and models do you suggest? Just looking for input to see where I should start as far as researching what to purchase. Thanks in advance!

You say that you're looking at shooting as a hobby, with self defense being a secondary consideration. You also mention the 9mm and 45acp rounds, which tells me you're probably looking for a semi auto, as both are primarily semi auto rounds (although I have wheel guns in both calibers).

Given your criteria, although I personally prefer a .45, in your case I'd recommend a 9mm. The 9mm is an excellent self defense round, exhibits minimal recoil, and they're a lot less expensive to shoot than a .45. It's a good all around multi-purpose round, and I think it's a good place to begin.

Then you can join one of the gun forums, and jump into one of the endless caliber debates.

[uncballzer]

I've just gotten into it myself recently--I've only gotten glocks so far and I love em. I've got the full sized .45 (glock 21), and the .40 (glock 23--not sure if it's subcompact or full)--but I wouldn't go for a 9mm if you're going to use it for protection/home defense also, etc--at least that's what I keep getting told when I asked around. Apparently, if you want to hurt the person that's trying to kill/rob you--don't go for a 9. And after shooting that .45, it'll do some damage. Now the .40--I really like it, esp when I carry (use an inside the pants holster) cause it is surprisingly a lot smaller than the .45 when you carry it--it doesn't jab into my side like the .45--making it much easier to get in and out of the car with. Just got the .40 recently and haven't shot it much, but I think it's better well-rounded than the .45--easier to carry, packs more than enough punch for home defense/personal protection and for target practice. Cartridges weren't too expensive either at wally-world (100 for $20 or something like that, if you want some cheapo's to shoot around with).

[livwire68]

If you plan on using it more for target, keep in mind the cost of ammo, 9 is cheaper. If a Woman will be also using it keep in mind the recoil, with a 357 you can use 2 different rounds. It was explained to me at one time why one is better for self defence in some situations. Look at the end of a 9 and 45 hollow pt. there is a size difference, in a cold weather situation where you might have to use it for selfdefence, think of the multiple layers of clothing it has to go through, the smaller 9 may not hold together and/or expand properly keep its weight as well to do the damage you need. Thats the theory anyhow. I own both 9 and 45, I do not care for the 9, but my Wife loves it. I would also look at the 40 as mentioned. Springfields are nice firearms, do not really know much about the xd's but I love my ultra compact. I believe this could be a debate which could go on for ever. Any firearm can be deadly, but its up to you to place the shot. If you get a chance find a gun shop where you can rent different models and find out what you are comfortable with!

[foxtrot7]

I agree with the people who mentioned the .357. They are great for target practice because you can use the cheap 38 special rounds. Home defense you can load the magnums...even if you miss the hostile will probably crap his pants in fear (not to mention he wont hear anything.)

Just remember if you are taking your woman out to practice start her out with a 38 round and load only ONE into the revolver then let her get used to it then move her up to the mags.

[casadooley]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

I can open up the discussion with:
Budget
Conservative design or cutting edge?
Home defense or Punching holes in paper?
Carry or not?
More than one user needing to be proficient on the same weapon?
It is impossible to intelligently suggest what might be a better choice for you unless your needs and requirements are more fully described.
Edit: I noticed that you mention 2 semi auto calibers, and left wheel guns out, which should definitely not be overlooked depending on your skill levels and training plans, not to mention easier maintenance and simplicity.
Another site definitely worth a look, barring offending any more sensitive stances that may pop their heads in here.
http://www.kimdutoit.com/
Have at it, more knowledgeable hoplophiles.

All great questions, so without knowing the answers, here are some recommendations:

For ease of use-9mm(yes I know there are more powerfull sizes, the 40 and 45 cal for example, but if you can't control it, you can't hit it.
Make of gun-Glock(It's a tool, plain and simple, that you can use and abuse and it will work Every Single Time you pull the trigger(ask any NY cop)
Ammo for use indoors-Glaser safety slugs(they will do Great damage to whomever you shoot, but Will Not rip through your walls and into your loved ones)
Cost to shoot-the 9mm is easy to buy cheap ammo for so you can practice,practice,practice(the more you shoot, the better you will get)

I have a Military backround and have carried concealed (legally) for decades. I hope this helps.

[icehog3]

Some good discussion here:

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...ighlight=sauer

[Junior]

I would go with a 40. It is a good compromise between the 9mm & 45acp. My wifes first handgun was, and is a 40, Me I find the recoil on the 45 easier to handle (it's just a different feel)

Springfield XD Sub compact will probably be my nest auto on my purchase list. They also make a compact that will hold the full size mags. If in the budget it is always nice to have at least on wheel gun around, they are pretty fool proof.

For strictly home protection nothing will hold a candle to a good pump shotgun. I keep a Mossemburg 590 riot shotgun always in close reach. Nothing will turn an intruder like the sound of the round being chambered.

I am a huge 1911 fan, but it takes a while to warm up them if you start out with a double action, which you should. Once I got used to them it is hard for me to shoot my old Sig DA/SA.

Good luck be SAFE.

[68TriShield]

You said the first one is for home protection.For that purpose there is only one.
Mine is a 18 1/2 inch barrel(legal) smooth bore 12 ga. Mossburg,loaded with 3/O buckshot...