Lookin' for a handgun, any advice?

[Brad]

Glock 19.

Affordable, reliable, 9mm so you can afford to practice, and tons of accessories available. You won't be able to get a new one for $300, maybe used for around $350.

[jmcrawf1]

Originally Posted by Brad

Glock 19.

Affordable, reliable, 9mm so you can afford to practice, and tons of accessories available. You won't be able to get a new one for $300, maybe used for around $350.

Everything he said 1000% My G19 is my favorite gun!

[billhud]

How experienmced are you and how often do you plan to shoot? If your answer to both is not much, I highly recommend you get a revolver. And then to look to Smith and Wesson. Great used S&W wheel guns can easily be found in your budget. Their manual of arms is simple. And they are the most reliable handgun choice out there. Again, I highly recommend you go with a revolver first. You can always get a pistol later if you choose.

Regardless of handgun choice, I also recommend you receive training.

[68TriShield]

If you aren't a *guy guy*,a wheel gun (revolver) is the way to go.They are very very simple to shoot and operate.

On the home defense side of things,a short(legal)barrel smooth bore 12ga. shotgun is the only way to go imo.

[billhud]

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

If you aren't a *guy guy*,a wheel gun (revolver) is the way to go.They are very very simple to shoot and operate.

Wheel guns are great for *guy guys* too. No gun collection is truly complete without several!

[WyoBob]

A couple of good resources that have forums on both revolvers and semi-autos:
http://www.thehighroad.org/index.php
http://thefiringline.com/forums/index.php

Buds has pretty good prices. A good site for price checking, anyway:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

For a first handgun, I'd recommend a revolver. I like the Ruger GP100 4" Stainless Steel .357 magnum. You can shoot softer shooting .38's out of this gun. I don't own one but have shot a friend's. (I have a Ruger SP101 .357 snubbie which is a 5 shot.) .38's are reasonably priced (as are 9mm's if you dedide to go with a semi-auto.) S&W make some good revolvers (although a lot of people don't like the newer models with the "key lock" safety).

I have more semi-autos: a couple of 1911's (45), a CZ Compact an Kahr CW9 (both 9mm) and like them all. But, as a few other's have stated, a revolver is probably the best to start with. I've owned a S&W M&P 9mm and a Springfield XD 40 S&W sub compact and they were both reliable pistols. I did prefer the 9mm M&P to the XD 40 SC. (I do prefer shooting 45 ACP or 9mm to the 40 S&W).

If you're located where there is a range where you can shoot several different handguns, that would be a good idea. I'd rely on the gun guys on this group or on some of the links I listed before I took advice from "gun store commandos".

If you start with revos, I'd stay away from the lightweight models. A heavier handgun will be easier to master for a first time shooter.

My personal opinion: I'd stay with Smith, Ruger, Springfield (I know there are other "bullet proof" manufacturers but these are the ones I have experince with.) Glocks are good but I don't like the grip or the way they point but millions do I wouldn't buy a Taurus based on a bit of experience with a few of their revolver's and the experience of other's as written about on various gun forums.

Getting instruction from a qualified instructor is a really good idea.

WyoBob

[Hank]

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

On the home defense side of things,a short(legal)barrel smooth bore 12ga. shotgun is the only way to go imo.

A 12ga. is without a doubt the way to go for home defense, everyone
no matter what language you speak knows the sound of a 12ga. cycling
a round.

But if you want a handgun I would go with a glock, I heard someone
once say if you are going to treat your gun like a Lawn mower get a
glock. They are very reliable I like the G30 (.45). Check out some of
the gun forums lots of info out there.

[Freight Train]

Originally Posted by pearson

S&W M&P's are awesome.

[pro2625]

Originally Posted by Hank

A 12ga. is without a doubt the way to go for home defense, everyone
no matter what language you speak knows the sound of a 12ga. cycling
a round.

But if you want a handgun I would go with a glock, I heard someone
once say if you are going to treat your gun like a Lawn mower get a
glock. They are very reliable I like the G30 (.45). Check out some of
the gun forums lots of info out there.

This guys knows what he is talking about

[Mark C]

Thanks for the tips guys! I have no experience with hand guns now, but I can't imagine spending that much on something that'll just collect dust. Whatever I buy, I plan to shoot often and take very good care of it. There's one range fairly close, though most people at another forum bash it endlessly, and there's another ~25 mi away that's supposed to be 'olympic quality' pistol range. I'll have to head to one or both of those and see how things feel to me.

Seems like most of you like the 45. I want my wife to be able to handle the gun too, not sure she'd be happy with that caliber. Most of the guys at the shop I went to this afternoon were carrying 0.40. They suggested a Glock 17 straight off, for $500, I asked for something cheaper and they suggested the S&W.

I've seen used Sig P6s advertised online for <$300, but they're all apparently backordered now. I'll have to make a few calls tomorrow and see if they actually do expect to get a new shipment, or if they're backordered indefinitely. That's mostly what I used to set my price range. If they're not around any more, I'll have to bump it up a bit.

[SUOrangeGuy]

My local gun store has a bunch of police trade in S&W 4046's for $300. They are .40 S&W, with 11 round magazines, maintenance records, and have night sights.

I know nothing about this gun but have seen many available online under similar circumstances. They were carry guns so will have finish wear.

Here is a link to an online store. http://www.keepshooting.com/firearms...uns/sw4046.htm

[Wattsie]

My brother bought a Beretta 9000S and he loves it. I have no experience with it aside from a few shots in the back yard, but he speaks highly of it so I'd reccommend at least checking it out.

[flat6nut]

Since you stated that you have no experience with hand guns I cant offer up my first suggestion. I personally stand firmly by my 45 1911. But would not reccomend one to a "newbie" gun guy. (heh, heh, I got to call someone else a newbie on here besides myself ).

Home defence pistol that is very "family" friendly??? I would go with a revolver for someone untrained. Very easy, point and pull the trigger.

I would highly suggest getting some formal training. I would also reccomend investing some time at a gun range where you can rent dif pistols to try out. The best weapon is the one that YOU are most comfortable with and use with consistancy.

Good luck.

Michael

[uncballzer]

I've got a glock .45 and .40, love them both. The .40 is just small enough to carry easily. Both will be $500+, but worth it IMO.

[Kayak_Rat]

Ford, Chevy, Dodge deal IMO. Most brands have extreme highs and lows. Same with ammo(grains, hollow/nonhollow,etc). A gun shop, like a good cuban source, should be fully trustworthy. Talk to your local guy, more than once or twice. Palm a few guns and see what feels right in your hand. I have large hands, and a big .44 feels great. You may have smller hands and a .357 or .380 might feel better. Also you metioned your wife possibly using it.....take her along. Hard I know, but if she is afraid of the gun, she will never learn to use it. Your price range almost requires a used gun, so see if you can fire the ones you are serious about. Might even get the owner to meet you att he range.

I am partial to .357 in a revolver and .45 in an auto. Both staple rounds and easily shot. Revolver is kinda a fail safe and a good choice for women. No need to chamber a round or mess with a safety, just aim and squeeze.

Once one is picked out, sign up for a shooters course or two. These will teach maintenance and common safety. Also it will get you comfortable with your gun in a controlled environment. Whatever you go with, make sure its what you want and not what someone talks you into. A gun should act as an extension of your body, so it should just feel right. Good luck.

Edit: What Flat6nut said......i was slower typing....lol