Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Just became Life Member of NRA. I now need guidance on selecting a handgun.
June 20, 2016 | Silly

Posted on 06/19/2016 9:44:45 PM PDT by Silly

Hi, all, very excited I joined NRA with their EasyPayLife plan on Friday. Now I'm want to move forward.

As I select a handgun, I do plan to try different models at gun ranges and talk with close friends who shoot. I know in time I will find something that I really connect with.

And before I purchase, I will have lots of solid training and hopefully some sort of certification(s) under my belt (suggest a few if you think of them).

Meanwhile, I would appreciate suggestions. I want a model that is classic, easy to care for, good power, and doesn't cost a fortune. It is a one-time purchase, so I won't buy the cheapest thing out there, but I have to watch my money. I will be putting away money each month to build up my firearm savings account so when I'm ready to buy I can do so. And I'd like a model that doesn't require high-priced ammo.

(FYI, I will likely not be able to keep the firearm in my apartment (still checking laws), as I live in Manhattan. So I will find a safe place for the gun outside the city limits to store it (Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey) where I can travel to easily and quickly to train. Just thought I should throw that piece of info in there.)

Mostly now, I'd like suggestions on models and why they should be considered. I'll Google them and really appreciate your help.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: banglist; guns; nra
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100 ... 141-149 next last
To: papertyger

Thanks for the info. I hadn’t heard anything bad about their dependability.


61 posted on 06/19/2016 11:13:23 PM PDT by 867V309 (It's over. It's over now.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 58 | View Replies]

To: Carthego delenda est

An LCR .38 for CC, for sure.


62 posted on 06/19/2016 11:15:23 PM PDT by Mr. Mojo
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: Silly

I hear a lot about the safety of 1911’s.


63 posted on 06/19/2016 11:15:24 PM PDT by Crucial
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: Silly

Glock 40. Enough power to protect but not too much recoil. The gun is indestructible.


64 posted on 06/19/2016 11:18:02 PM PDT by gunsequalfreedom
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Silly

I’d go with a 9mm. Target ammo is less expensive. Self defense ammo is just as effective. Also the 40 has a snappier recoil with more muzzle flip. So the 40 takes more to get the sights back on the picture.

Go to a gun shop and handle a 17, 19 and 22, 23. See what fits in your hand the best. Also check your natural point of aim with each size your interested in.

For me the 19/23 fits my hand the best. The NPOA is dead on.

If you really want both, get a 40. Then order a Lone Wolf conversion barrel from 40 to 9mm. The barrel cost a little over $100 Pick up some 9mm mags. Express Police Supply has KCI G19 mags for 12.99ea. Then you can have a 40 you can change into a 9. This doesn’t work the other way, can’t go from 9 to 40.


65 posted on 06/19/2016 11:21:31 PM PDT by gunsequalfreedom
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Silly

Rent at a range.

Find one you feel is most comfortable.


66 posted on 06/19/2016 11:22:47 PM PDT by NoLibZone (The US is now as corrupt as Mexico. Hillary will be rewarded. The US is only a Goldman Brand now.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 867V309

>2 guns: a revolver for when your semi jams. If you’re not dead.

Or better yet, some training for malfunction clearing.


67 posted on 06/19/2016 11:23:43 PM PDT by fretzer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Noumenon; Silly

I can not recommend anything higher to an undecided shooter like you than a Sig P320.

They are Glock-simple and dependable (without the wonky grip angle), striker fired, and totally modular.

The modularity means you can buy one pistol, then if you should wish to change size or caliber, all you need is the X-change kit which is like getting another pistol for a couple hundred dollars off. All these pistols use the same trigger module so you can go from 9mm to .40sw to .357sig, sub-compact, to compact, to carry size, to full size with what is legally only one firearm.

Maximum flexibility...and we all know “blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken.” ;o)


68 posted on 06/19/2016 11:25:35 PM PDT by papertyger
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 59 | View Replies]

To: Silly
>>>Thanks to all who are jumping in with good advice.<<<

Thank you kindly for the reply, but I offered no advice, was just joking around.

69 posted on 06/19/2016 11:29:24 PM PDT by 7MMmag ( bullets that spin and explode sold separately)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: Silly; eastforker

Get some martial arts training that includes gun handling and take your instructor’s advice on your first carry gun and holster. Barring that go with eastforker’s advice in #27 - maybe with shorter 2 1/2 or 3 inch barrel.


70 posted on 06/19/2016 11:33:11 PM PDT by Garth Tater (What's mine is mine.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: basalt

I like the Glock 23 on my right hip and something with a longer range on my left hip.


71 posted on 06/19/2016 11:37:40 PM PDT by Bogie (Just a coincidence?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: pleasenotcalifornia

We have a tradition in our family. When a child is born in to our clan, s/he is automatically made a life member of the NRA.

Was a bit more dear last year, when my son had twins. Heh.


72 posted on 06/19/2016 11:48:03 PM PDT by Daffynition ("We have the fight of our lives coming up to save our nation!" ~ Jim Robinson)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: 867V309

I’m not knocking Keltec for dependability. It’s just that surviving torture is not their forte’: design is.

Who else makes a carbine you can fold in half and put in your backpack? They make a pocket 9mm that’s thinner than your wallet. And I believe they were the first to produce a duel magazine shotgun that holds fourteen rounds but still barely makes the legal limit for overall length.


73 posted on 06/19/2016 11:50:19 PM PDT by papertyger
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 61 | View Replies]

To: Silly

My suggestion is to move out of Manhattan to a location where sane firearm laws prevail. Otherwise, heed Freepers advice, as there’s a wealth of knowledge here.


74 posted on 06/19/2016 11:54:48 PM PDT by gigster (Cogito, Ergo, Ronaldus Magnus Conservatus)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Silly
Okay, well stated. 1 semi, 1 revolver. Check.

Not so fast there, FRiend.

This gets back to the "what's it for" question. Revolvers are for shooting and/or hunting. Autos are for fighting/competition. Different skill sets.

Sure, you can hunt with an auto, or fight with a revolver, but they're not optimized for those activities.

75 posted on 06/20/2016 12:02:08 AM PDT by papertyger
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Carthego delenda est

I’m partial to the MCX Glock Ar-47. Get the exploding bullets for it.>>> do the exploding bullets explode before or after you shoot them? do they go bang very loudly. that seems to make the bad guys run away without firing a shot. Will they scare me when i shoot them. do the AR47’s come with high heels? and can i get one with pink camo?/s


76 posted on 06/20/2016 12:10:44 AM PDT by kvanbrunt2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: Silly

You certainly don’t need an AR-47 or a Glock that has lots of clips.


77 posted on 06/20/2016 12:48:15 AM PDT by Organic Panic
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Silly

You need a Magnum Research BFR revolver in 45-70 for concealed carry and predator control. Loaded with Cor-Bons, Garrett Hammerheads or
Buffalo Bore ammo you could take out Achmed, Abdul and Mohammed
with one shot as they follow one another through the door.


Seriously, get a tool box, bag, suitcase to tote your “stuff” to the range.
It is real easy to go off and leave things you need.
Ammo cans are dandy for storing ammo.

Find out about semiauto mag capacity laws and also how hard are
mags to find and how expensive if you opt for an auto.


78 posted on 06/20/2016 1:09:51 AM PDT by Rockpile (GOP legislators-----caviar eating surrender monkeys.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 77 | View Replies]

To: Talisker

If you’re an inexperienced gun owner and you don’t come from a gun culture, you don’t always know the best way to proceed. I can see somebody becoming an NRA member before buying a gun.


79 posted on 06/20/2016 1:11:59 AM PDT by Jonty30 (What Islam and secularism have in common is that they are both death cults)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: Silly

No worries. Some people are too bloody suspicious for no good reason.


80 posted on 06/20/2016 1:16:22 AM PDT by Jonty30 (What Islam and secularism have in common is that they are both death cults)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100 ... 141-149 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson