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 Peoples 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.
Roger that.
Don’t be a stranger, eh?
Will do!
It’s been a while since we had a “I want to buy a gun, what sort of gun should I buy” thread.
Out here, I'd agree with you, but he's in Maryland. I left there in '92 and if you popped someone with a "cowboy gun" the press would turn you into the love child of Jesse James and John Westley Hardin.
I’m not afraid to admit ignorance ;-)
Way too big. I have had a number of .45 Smith revolvers and they're not a carry gun unless you're a linebacker wearing a mumu. Ever see that silly movie "Johnny Dangerously" and Joe Piscopo says "It's an .88, it shoots through schools."? What he had was a Colt New Service in .45 Colt. Huge gun.
Good for you.
If i tried the same stunt here, i would be resident of the California penal system now.
Mine has a longer barrel (I think). Also, the wife wants to practice. She’s interested in this.
Will consider what you are saying. I’m going to find a range where I can shoot several types to see what “feels” right.
I have 2 carry .45’s, one is the Sig C3 ( a 1911 variant) and the other a Sig P220 Carry. I actually perfer my Sig P220 in .38 Super which is like a .357 Mag with 9mm recoil, but it’s a weird caliber for the east coast (popular her because Mexico likes it).
Mrs. Slim, who does not like recoil in the least, I got her a Smith 351 PD, which is an 11 ounce 7 shot .22 Magnum revolver. May not have great stopping power, but whoever she shoots at will likely be on fire and deaf due to the muzzle flash and blast from that cartridge.
In .45, take a look at the Kahr’s. Simple, nice triggers, and controllable.
I have revolvers and semi auto pistols. I shoot pistols much better. The 45ACP is not more powerful than the 357 magnum and is much easier to shoot for me. Pistols seem to recoil less than revolvers. Part of the revolver recoil is the flip that happens because the barrel axis is higher above the hand. Also, the movement of the slide tends to spread out the recoil over time so it feels like less recoil. To me, 45ACP does not recoil much.
Just a thought, pump action rifles are almost as fast as semi auto, and fly under the radar, Oh So Well.
Years ago, a South African firm offered an AK47 look alike in pump action. VERY sweet weapon. It performed better than the real AK, used the same hardware, but wasn't considered a "threat" because of its "manual" action.
Don't know if they are still available. Just some food for thought.
Mrs. ‘Pod sez “hello.” She’s upstairs making dinner. She told me she is glad you are still around.
FWIW I used to shoot at the On Target in Fort Meade about 20 years ago, it was a well run range and had a number of rental guns.
Consider a CZ 9mm, if you can find one. Advise going to a shop with a range where you can try out a few before you make your choice.
Will definitely consider.
I want one.
Thanks, tell her “Hi!” from me, and that I’ve mastered the secret of longevity on FR... don’t discuss politics or religion. ;)
Will do. A couple have been suggested to me.
.
Experience
Instinct
Practice
Speed
I carry a .44-40
Sometimes with a backup .44-40
By the time anyone has a handgun in a 2-hand grip I will have 2-3 in their upper body using my old point & shoot
You need a handgun you are comfortable with and lots of regular practice
If you hesitate you are likely to encounter someone who is much faster than you can ever be or who already has handgun in his hand - say a professional thief or even a door kicker
For home defense I doubt you will be carrying in a pocket - but if you go that route plan on shooting thru your pocket
One of the fastest revolvers I had was an old breaktop S&W .38
While you look for a large caliber do not plan on a accurate lightweight handgun with a short overall length
If anyone enters my residence they will quickly see a row of various handguns hanging in holsters
By that time they will quickly backing out the door they came in thru
Or on the floor
There is always someone bigger or faster or with more experience that shoots instinctively
Blue Glasers are good cartridge for inside work
It sounds like you needed to already have many years of experience
Get a dog
Get two dogs
Anyone stupid enough to break in your house will be scared stiff of dog(s)
Life is not a movie
He will not shoot your dog - in any case not two dogs
2-3 in the upper body
Strengthen your hand and fingers
Have the action checked and you might lighten the pull
I tune my own Colts but I can handle any handgun ever made
Adapt
Get proficient
As far as cost goes - you know how much your life is worth
Saving $200-$300 or more is not worth dying for
I suggest you find someone that can teach you how to shoot properly
Then you will/should have the skill and the confidence that is needed
Time is a’wastin’
.
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