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

Skip to comments.

Vanity - Advice on which handgun to buy

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?


TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: banglist
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100101-116 next last
To: Travis McGee

First, can you please tell me when/where I stated that ANY police department had “banned” the 9mm as “ineffective”?


61 posted on 02/19/2015 5:38:40 AM PST by WayneS (Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee

Thanks.


62 posted on 02/19/2015 5:39:39 AM PST by WayneS (Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee

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.


63 posted on 02/19/2015 5:42:34 AM PST by WayneS (Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: Eagles6

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).


64 posted on 02/19/2015 5:46:57 AM PST by WayneS (Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee
Exactly. I assume the centrifugal force just spins them out
65 posted on 02/19/2015 5:47:34 AM PST by Eagles6 (Valley Forge Redux. If not now, when? If not here, where? If not us then who?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 56 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee

Not bad. Thanks.


66 posted on 02/19/2015 5:50:28 AM PST by WayneS (Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: WayneS

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.


67 posted on 02/19/2015 5:51:57 AM PST by Eagles6 (Valley Forge Redux. If not now, when? If not here, where? If not us then who?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 64 | View Replies]

To: Eagles6

Agreed. Except my .45 LC is a Ruger Vaquero.

The ‘hand-held shotguns’ are fun to fool around with, though.


68 posted on 02/19/2015 5:59:08 AM PST by WayneS (Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 67 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee
Glocks sometimes go BANG by surprise.

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.

69 posted on 02/19/2015 6:00:57 AM PST by Pollster1 ("Shall not be infringed" is unambiguous.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Perdogg

Don’t get a Taurus TCP 380.
Jams too much and is persnickity about HP ammo.

But quite cheap. and rightly so.


70 posted on 02/19/2015 6:03:28 AM PST by left that other site (You shall know the Truth, and The Truth Shall Set You Free.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: WayneS

Nice gun. My buddy has one. Have a number of Rugers and like them a lot.


71 posted on 02/19/2015 6:04:22 AM PST by Eagles6 (Valley Forge Redux. If not now, when? If not here, where? If not us then who?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 68 | View Replies]

To: Perdogg

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.


72 posted on 02/19/2015 6:18:37 AM PST by Praetorian
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Perdogg
Like many others have said here, you need to shoot something before you know it's going to work for you. Rent every pistol you can before making a decision. I've shot a Glock for years in competition and I learned to hate it. I tried a Springfield XD and while it was comfortable while holding it, shooting it it felt really strange. The S&W M&P is what finally replaced the Glock at least in use, I can't force myself to get rid of the damn thing. Still the pistol that feels absolutely the best in my hand is the 1911.

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.

73 posted on 02/19/2015 6:28:58 AM PST by Durus (You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality. Ayn Rand)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Jim Noble
Rent several and try them out


THIS!
74 posted on 02/19/2015 6:52:07 AM PST by mrmeyer (You can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him. – Robert Heinlein)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Perdogg
I would get a revolver first. Master it. Then move to semi-auto. GLOCKS are reliable. But can go bang at the wrong time if a round is up the pipe. More than one cop has shot himself or his car door when exiting.

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.

75 posted on 02/19/2015 6:54:26 AM PST by donozark (On the other side of fear lies freedom)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee

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.


76 posted on 02/19/2015 6:57:12 AM PST by lostboy61 (Lock and Load and stand your ground!.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Perdogg

If you are new to them, stick with simplicity- I would recommend a .38 revolver


77 posted on 02/19/2015 6:58:09 AM PST by Mr. K (Palin/Cruz 2016 (for 16 years of conservative bliss))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Perdogg

bfl


78 posted on 02/19/2015 6:59:27 AM PST by locountry1dr (Political correctness kills)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Perdogg

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).


79 posted on 02/19/2015 7:08:20 AM PST by LowOiL ("Abomination" sure sounds like "ObamaNation" to me.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee

TM, enjoying your advice on this thread.

I like the idea of a safety grip on the Springfield XD.


80 posted on 02/19/2015 7:09:02 AM PST by exit82 ("The Taliban is on the inside of the building" E. Nordstrom 10-10-12)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 59 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100101-116 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