Posted on 12/05/2015 2:27:00 PM PST by MistrX
Let me add my voice to those who advise you to try before you buy. A particular gun may have a famous, prestige brand name and be a poor choice for you. Only by actually firing a weapon can you know if it is comfortable, AND if you can actually hit anything with it. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into making an expensive choice you will later regret!
I completely agree with that. Need to try out what you’re considering if at all possible. There have been handguns I was very enthusiastic about until I actually had one in hand. Some just won’t work for me.
That’s great
Never heard of it
Sounds like a great backup
What nonsense! By your standard both world wars were won by cigarettes by virtue of their inclusion with field rations.
1911 pistols haven't won ANY wars.
YouTube instructional videos are an INVALUABLE resource in that goal.
My work here is done.
Best,
L
LOL
I would suggest that you start with a .22 single action revolver, like the Ruger Single Six.
Next choice would be another revolver in 38 or 357. Once fired cases are cheap. With target loads with 3.2 grains of Bullseye and casting your own bullets, you can reload for cheaper than 22 ammo, if you can reclaim/reuse the lead from your sessions. In SoCal, you should have no problem finding a place to shoot without having to pay range fees.
Practice,practice practice. 50 rounds once or twice a week is not too often.
When you are proficient with your first handgun, then decide on the next one.
And the next,...,...,...
I love the 1911. I carried a 1911 in the service. Colt combat commander was my first carry weapon. I still own several 1911s.
That being said, in today’s world, I would never recommend a 1911 as someone’s first or only handgun. It really breaks my heart to say that but with all the options available today, and with modern ammo selection, a 1911 is luxury. It is something to own because you love the aesthetics, history or have a personal connection.
You love a 1911, you take care of a 1911, you list your 1911 in your will and ponder who is worthy of owning it.
A Glock or any number of other polymer weapons, are the new weapons of war. You beat on them, don’t worry if they get wet or dirty. why? It was ugly when you bought it, they won’t get uglier with use and if you break or lose it it won’t break your heart.
I just bought my first handgun,,, Glock 19. Gen 4. Never been a gun guy, nor anyone in family. The time is now.
I might have purchased the Gen 4 because I like the idea of the backstraps. But Gen 4 is not available in the Peoples’ Republik of Kalifornistan, nor is anything more than a 10 round mag. I’m happy with the Gen 3. I bought 1000 rounds to get aquainted. I think I have 200 left. :-)
The biggest mistake many people make is deciding which handgun to purchase without knowing whether or not it's right for them and what they intend to use it for.
If you have a friend knowledgeable in handguns, or have a reputable gun store with knowledgeable folks, talk to them first.
As for me, I'm an HnK bigot. Anything else is just metal to me. They're expensive, high quality, and well worth it IMO, but they're NOT for everyone.
Sig Sauer, XDM, Beretta and Glock also have big followings here on FR. Plenty of knowledgeable people.
Good luck.
Excellent choices! For the price conscious, the Glock 19 and 17 are great alternatives.
Wow.
The Walther PPS about 1 inch wide, much easier to carry than Glock inside the waist band for CCW.
You can carry 7 or 8+1 has one of the best triggers and costs about $360 plus shipping online.
May as well get a gun that doesn’t have misfeeds of any such problems.
The 9mm was the first semiauto caliber to find widespread acceptance as an issue weapon in law enforcement. The better loads do quite well. If it wasn’t for the introduction of the problematic 147-grain loads, I’m convinced it would still be the most common handgun caliber among the badge guys. I’m aware of many departments that switched to .40 S&W simply to get away from the 147-grain loads. The current generations of 147gr JHPs are vastly superior to the originals, but they still can’t hold a candle to loads such as the CCI 124gr Gold Dot +P or the Win 127gr JHP +P+ offerings. Federal’s new HST offerings and CorBon’s PowR’ball look extremely promising, but we haven’t seen any street results with either yet. Clearly, the best 9mm police loads are the 115- and 124 / 127-grain JHPs driven to +P+ pressures.
Latest one shot stop law enforcement statistics
9mm Service Pistols
Total Stops %
1. Fed 115gr JHP +P+ 209 190 91%
2. Win 115gr JHP +P+ 167 150 90%
3. Win 127gr Ranger SXT +P+ 104 94 90%
4. Rem 115gr JHP +P+ 98 88 90%
5. Fed 124gr Hydra-Shok +P+ 111 99 89%
6. CCI 124gr Gold Dot +P 193 170 88%
7. CorBon 115gr JHP +P 89 78 88%
8. Rem 124gr Golden Saber +P 49 43 88%
9. Fed 124gr Nyclad LHP 271 224 83%
10. Win 147gr Ranger SXT 129 107 83%
11.Fed 124gr Hydra-Shok 261 217 83%
Am late here but if you are a female, make it light and easy to handle.
I’m into 45’s right now but will get a small, light Sig or the equivalent for concealed carry....on the thigh, in the car or in the handbag...
Most important...shoot a lot, get familiar with the weapon and gain confidence in your use of it...yes, it is a matter of life and death.
You can’t go wrong with a Sig. Any Sig.
All of my guns fire every time I pull the trigger.
Glock people say this as though it only happens with Glocks.
Do not impugn my Savior.
Or a Keltec PMR 30 because nothing says security like 30 rounds in the magazine. :-)
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