Thanks for the helping me choose my first gun.

02/20/2011 | Self

[Salvavida]

Nice choice. I have a 1911 and I carry it concealed.

But I want a .357 Model 19 with Pacmeyer grips. A wheel gun is better for concealed daily use.

[clee1]

Both pistols you mentioned are excellent choices. Two words for whichever you buy: RANGE TIME!

I have a Mossberg 500 in 12ga. 8 shot, several barrels. Love mine!

[occamrzr06]

The 1911 is quite a fine weapon.

You may want to start with a revolver, as those tend to jam less. Otherwise you should practice clearing jams under stressful situations.

A smaller caliber (I know, I know)may be a better option if you are wanting to involve the wife, and she is not experienced with guns or a little intimidated by them.

I’m going shooting tomorrow. I have an M-9 Beretta, but my friend has a .22 revolver that he says I would enjoy. Hell, free ammo, can’t say no.

Good luck.

[taxcontrol]

Remember, a .22 that hits does more damage than a 9mm, 357 mag, .45 or .50 that misses. What ever the caliber, practice practice practice.

[ronnyquest]

Congratulations on your first gun.

[Trajan88]

Awesome.

I have a S&W 20 ga pump and a Belgian-made Browing 12 ga.

This thread reminds me of a coffee table book I purchased about 2 years ago... greatness:

[Kirkwood]

Kimber or Para-USA.

[TheZMan]

When it comes to a 1911 I’d be more concerned about concealing it than whether it fits your hand. I’m small framed and went with a Keltec 9mm (tiniest on the market at the time). No one knows I’m carrying unless I tell them.

[budwiesest]

Here's a comment from Glocktalk.com you might want to read from a poster there, thought it might be helpful:

>>>Don't get too wrapped up in the 1911 name game. If your not shooting competition, the PT1911 is a fine choice for a good reliable weapon. The sky's the limit on this platform.

Those guys who pay up to double for the same gun that everyone else is stamping out will poo poo the Taurus, and claim all sorts of reasons.

I've owned 2 PT1911's, one Springfield, a Charles Daly and currently a Kimber. The Springfield was the worst of the bunch. The Kimber is not worth the money paid for what I do with it. The PT1911's were OK (traded them for Glocks).

The major problem with all 1911 is the design requires lots of parts that integrate and have to function together-- none of which are user friendly. Thus a manufacturing specification issue on the parts, the tighter the specs the harder it gets-- 2 pieces out of spec, or the sear not bent correctly, can throw the whole satisfaction scale out the window. Thus most people want their's custom or hand made, cha ching $$$$- then there are no two that are alike, so they really can't recommend a brand.

For the same money buy a Glock 21 or Glock 30: very few parts, loose specs, mass produced, higher mag capacity, lighter weight, different philosophy in function, low percentage of intrinsic problems. And you can slam the slide as much as you want on an empty chamber without fear of damaging it.<<<<<

[voteNRA]

"I’m small framed and went with a Keltec 9mm (tiniest on the market at the time). No one knows I’m carrying unless I tell them."

If you or anyone reading is interested in a new sub-compact 9, Kimber just introduced its "solo" line. All of their reps had them at the SHOT Show last month and its well worth your time to check one out when they show up at your local shop.

Its a single-stack 6+1 but a rep at the show told me that an extended mag is in production and will expand that capacity to 7+1.

Currently its MSRP is around $725 as of last month but only 300 had been shipped at the time. I'm guessing that price will drop a bit when production catches up with demand.

Take a look at it here:

Kimber Solo

[voteNRA]

I meant to ping you to post 11 as well - for your carry gun considerations

[smokingfrog]

Check out the new SIG SAUER E2 model pistols. If the price is too steep on that one, you can get a Sig P250 for less than $500.

[Vendome]

I don't know why I keep saying I shoot the Tac II.  I have one but the gun I shoot the most is the Kimber Eclipse Target II.

 

I went to the car and got it out to make sure.

 

Don't remember the difference but just prefer the Kimber Eclipse Target II

 

 

[Vendome]

Let me know if you want to know why I love this gun and what I did to it when I first got it.

You will be amazed at what I did, as my testing method is an unforgivable sin.

I am totally and completely confident in the performance of this fabulous tool

Additionally, you might want to hear about my testing with the Springfield M1A. I also committed an unpardonable sin but I am confident in the performance of this weapon as well.

Good luck.

[panaxanax]

“Unfortunately I will have to stop at one handgun....”

LOL! We all said that in the beginning. You’re hooked now. Too late to turn back. Soon you’ll be taking a second job to support your new habit.

Kimbers are beautiful, but a nightmare to break down. One FReeper wisely recommended something more ‘wife friendly’. Good advice. Have you checked out the S&W Bodyguard in .38?

Welcome to the club, my friend.

[edpc]

If you like the look/feel of the 1911, I’d ask that you give the Para LDA line a look. The Carry 9 (9mm), Carry 45, and Companion (both .45acp) are compact 1911-style weapons with a unique, sweet, smooth trigger. I have a Kimber Ultra Carry II with Crimson Trace grips, which I absolutely love, but I’d still recommend checking out the Para line.

[captbarney]

And why would you tell—ANYBODY?

[Loud Mime]

lol....exactly what I was thinking.

[zavvone]

Congats on your purchase! I am in the same boat as you were a few months ago. The Mossberg 930 looks like it would be perfect for me or my wife to have at home. Found a local dealer that offers sales, instruction and training classes. We both plan to take the classes because it has been several years since either of us have fired a weapon.
Also looking to purchase a handgun. I’ve been told that revolver’s are the best for beginner’s since they jam less, which could be an issue for a novice (hopefully not for long)! Any suggestions would be welcome!