Posted on 09/08/2013 2:59:43 PM PDT by sauropod
Hello all,
I need some advice on purchasing a handgun. I live in the People’s Republic of MD and the new gun control laws are about to take effect (Oct 1st).
I am in the market for a .45. I was looking at cheaper than dirt at several models and would appreciate any hints you can give regarding a purchase.
Have you dealt with buying guns from cheaper than dirt? Do you have a better source/way to do this?
What is the proper procedure for completing this purchase from an on-line retailer?
I would also like recommendations for handguns in the $500 class. Will consider going to $700 if there is a really good reason to do so.
This purchase is for home defense.
One more point. Unless you are set on 45 ACP consider 9mm.
Know that modern ballistics allow for expansion of 50% on cartridges lime Hornady Critical Defense. This means that a 9 mm which is .355 caliber expands to .5325, larger than 45 ACP. My XDM in 9mm has a 19÷1 capacity.
Ahh, the ol’ SHTF, well in that case I’d look into a rifle or shotgun. In the words of an Army buddy of mine, pistols exist for the purpose of getting back to your rifle. Though I admit, I’m not exactly sure what level of nonsensical laws MD has attained.
I have a Ruger 9mm....I know some don’t think it packs enough punch but I can shoot a nice group and the damn thing does punish me every time I use it. I’m very comfortable with it and in 1995 I gave $179.00 for it!!!
Get the hell out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMV7phB_4nA
Springfield XDM .45 caliber gets my vote. Compact or standard size. Comes with two mags, a kydex holster, a dual mag carrier, and a nice case. Good value.
The barrel is M for match grade. XDM has a grip safety and a trigger safety.
Glock on the other hand only gives u a cheap case and one mag with a trigger safety. That said, I say glock is a good gun, accurate and reliable.
My two cents.
What is weird right now is that you can buy guns.
Ammo is a different story.
If your revolver is “too big”, maybe you could buy a shorter barrel for it and have a gunsmith put it on. Maybe get some speedloaders for it to reload it faster. That way you can carry it more.
Use .38 special +p hollowpoints that have more power than regular 38 special rounds but do not kick as much as .357 mag ammo.
My next two cents. IMHO.
I have owned many .45’s. I have owned and shot a Sig P220, a Custom .45 1911, a pair of very expensive Kimber Custom .45’s, and a Glock 21 and 21 SF with Picatinny rail (both too large for my medium sized hands, but with which I was able to shoot well, just like the Beretta 92FS/M9 I shot in the Marine Corps). My only .45 now is one I just sent back to Springfield Armory for warranty recall work, a XD-s .45. I LOVE this Croatian-made gun (never thought I’d own anything made in a Slavic country, but they HAVE been at war for eons, and SHOULD be experts at arms). Hopefully, Springfield will fix the flaws in the new design and I will be able to continue concealed carry with it every day here in GA. It is an AWESOME gun and very easy to shoot, being point-of-aim, point-of-impact right out of the box. A PERFECT carry gun with a 5 or 7 round magazine. The power to weight ratio is off the charts. The fit and finish are outstanding. I highly recommend this weapon for concealed carry. If you get one, make sure to buy Talon grips and apply them for for maximum comfort and a secure grip.
Forget CTD, they have proven to be leeches. Buds Gun Shop or Davidson’s is your best option. Both are cheaper, give better service, and have a better “in stock” record than CTD.
New Tech - ruger, Springfield XD, Glock, any one of a dozen others.
Classic - 1911 from any of 20 producers. I have a Kimber Pro Carry II and love it. I prefer the 1911 platform but they require dedication to operate properly in a stressful situation.
New shooter - glock, glock, and glock. I have several, they don’t call it the plastic fantastic for nothing. Pull the trigger and it shoots, everytime.
Option - Smith and Wesson N frame in 45 ACP. Great gun. Hard to conceal compared to some others.
Smaller hands? 1911, even my 110 lb 5’4” wife has no problem gripping it.
Gun for everyone in the family? Glock 19 in 9mm or 23 in .40 SW.
Go to your local indoor gun range that rents and shoot every model that you can get your hands on, regardless of caliber. Choose the one that fits your family the best, again regardless of caliber.
If you have other guns and want to add a 45 ACP? See the above.
springfield xd’s are on a recall status right now per the gun range in my neighborhood.
Was looking at purchasing an xd40
The full size XDMs are not on the recall list.
Mine is a Taurus Ultra Lite revolver, but I think you are looking for an automatic. I had to switch to the revolver because of ARTHUR. And since I have small hands The Taurus Ultra Lite was a perfect fit, and I can even clean it myself, where late hubby always did the cleaning after a bout at the range. Before that I had a Bersa 380 automatic, again a small weapon, big punch. Not real expensive either one.
Home defense why not a 12 gauge with pistol grip? barrel just 1 inch on the legal side. We did not go the pump model.
I am also a CZ fan.
I maintain it is not smart to use an automatic for home defense, unless you shoot with it all the time. Revolvers are inherently safe, they don’t have spring-loaded magazines, they are supremely reliable (they don’t jam.)
When fractions of a second count you don’t want to be messing with a safety or a jam.
Also: Glocks misfire. They do it often. They are NOT all they’re cracked up to be though yes they are light. Don’t take my word for it - visit two or three gun shops and discreetly ask: “is it true that Glocks misfire and may not be all that reliable?” You will get some harrowing stories.
(my apologies to the Glockbots LOL)
Lots of good advice and info already posted. I would add a few things, only because I buy, sell, trade and most of all repair firearms for a living.
The Glock is a good pistol. However, the S&W M&P is equally good and American made. I have worked on both and they are both mechanically sound, and can be upgraded to have better trigger pulls. The M&P comes in a compact model in .45 also.
Stay the hell away from the Taurus’. Like I said, I fix these things for a living, and I am underwhelmed at the quality and function of the Taurii. Yes, they are cheaper, but what is YOUR life worth? An extra $150 bucks gets you a vastly superior and much more DEPENDABLE firearm.
I have done many transfers for people who have purchased a firearm online. Bud’s Gunshop is a great place, but like all of the other large online gunshops they will sell you something that is not in stock and you just have to wait.
Any questions, just message me.
If you live in a free state (I realize the OP is in MD, but others will read the post) and the seller is a private party, no FFL is required.
I did not read the whole thread, so if this has already been discussed, mea culpa.
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