THIS!
Posted on 02/19/2015 4:29:18 AM PST by Perdogg
I am looking to buy a handgun this weekend. Right now I am leaning towards a HK-VP9 or a Glock 26 or a Hammerless.
I have never owned a handgun before and I will sign up for lessons once I purchase the weapon.
Any good advice?
First, can you please tell me when/where I stated that ANY police department had “banned” the 9mm as “ineffective”?
Thanks.
PS - My post was in reference to police departments switching from one caliber to another, seemingly quite often. It was not directed at the new shooter and was not a recommendation to him.
I already posted my recommendation, and then changed my mind and agreed with you as regards revolvers.
Did he test the pattern at 10 feet?
Because that’s about what I would consider the effective range of a handheld shotgun.
A “Snakeslayer” two-shot Derringer is rather impressive at very close range, but its effectiveness drops off quickly at distances greater then 10-15’ (apart from its ability to deafen bystanders, that is).
Not bad. Thanks.
Not while I was there. Just seems completely worthless for self defense unless you load it with 45 LC and then I would rather have a Colt SAA.
Agreed. Except my .45 LC is a Ruger Vaquero.
The ‘hand-held shotguns’ are fun to fool around with, though.
To be fair to those who love Glocks and to those who distrust them (and I'm a Glock lover, so I like to be fair), no one should ever be surprised when a Glock goes BANG. There are dozens of well-known videos in which someone careless or showing off shoots himself, and it's always a Glock. People know it's a Glock before they even see the video.
Shooters probably thought of a dozen popular Youtube videos, and this is one of them: "police instructor shoots himself in the foot for the class".
This is another one of them: "Police Officer Accidentally Shoots Himself in Elevator". I could go on, but they're all the same, someone violating safety rules while holding a Glock.
It's always a Glock - but no one ever pulls a loaded Glock's trigger, wanting it to shoot, and just hears "click" or silence.
Don’t get a Taurus TCP 380.
Jams too much and is persnickity about HP ammo.
But quite cheap. and rightly so.
Nice gun. My buddy has one. Have a number of Rugers and like them a lot.
I just purchased my first handgun a short while back. For me, I shoot better with 9mm than .45. I ended up choosing a CZ 75 SP-01. It has all steel construction, is easy to disassemble and clean, has low recoil, and is very accurate (and I am not an expert shooter). The SP-01 has the option of either a safety or the tactical model has a decocker.
It is a very nice gun, but can be a bit harder to find. As a bonus, if you live in real America (not low capacity magazine states), they have 18 round magazines.
Different pistols are good for different things. Your best option for a "nightstand" pistol, might not be the best option for concealed carry. Your best option for IDPA is not likely to be your best option for plinking. Figure out what it is you want to do and choose accordingly. I personally don't think it's a good idea to compromise on a pistol for multiple uses, instead plan on buying a different pistol for each use. Chances are you will end up buying a specific pistol for a specific use anyway.
If you plan on carrying you will going through at least a half dozen holsters. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
You are going to get a lot of advice, and almost all of it will have some use. People have favorite pistols that work for them that won't work for you, but it's a good starting place. You are also going to get a lot of "conventional wisdom" that is plain wrong. The "Judge" is a marketing gimmick that is absolute junk in terms of performance. People may or may not run at the sound of a pump shotgun, but you will give your position away. 9mm, .40 and .45 are all roughly equal and all are inferior to the lowly .223/5.56, so don't pay any attention to the caliber junkies. Revolvers are much more complicated machines than semi-autos. An average person with a manual can detail strip and clean a semi-auto. An average person that tries to detail strip a revolver will need to visit a gunsmith to have them put it back together. If you are thinking about an autoloader then buy one. The manual of arms between a revolver and an autoloader are quite different, learning to operate one effectively does not mean you will operate the other effectively.
IMO every American should own and be competent with a "self defense" pistol capable of being conceal carried, a shotgun, a bolt action rifle in at least a moderate loading, an AR15 or (inferior) equivalent, and a .22 rifle. Once that is complete people can specialize.
I have a 26. Pinky finger hangs loose. Grip extensions can sometimes cause "pinky pinch." Not pleasant. Takes time to get used to holding for proper hits. But I dealt love it....
Post 23 is spot on.
All your reasons are why I carry the Springfield XDM-40 for the last four years 24/7/365. Fits my hand (big) and is the best shooting hand gun I have ever owned. Only thing to add is don’t go cheap as you will be getting another weapon in a year or so. My dream weapon is the Sig 226 in 40 with night sights and trigger job. That’s $1500.00 so that won’t happen soon.
If you are new to them, stick with simplicity- I would recommend a .38 revolver
bfl
I second the notion that it is best to shoot a few different guns. Personally I don’t like the kick on some larger caliber guns and like the sub 40 caliber guns better. Some guns absorb shock better than others, some will leave you feeling like your wrist is about to break after a few rounds. I am a big fellow, can shoot about anything, but comfort counts and that factors into accuracy (which really counts).
TM, enjoying your advice on this thread.
I like the idea of a safety grip on the Springfield XD.
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