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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
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To: Silly

Hi point makes one of the ugliest 9mm you’ll ever see, and it’s so heavy that if you run out of ammo, you’ll still likely be able to register a kill by throwing it at or clubbing the perp. It’s not a good choice for ccw and it’s accuracy is easily bested by high end weapons...but I got mine at Dunham’s for well under $200.


121 posted on 06/20/2016 6:36:38 AM PDT by Jhadur ("I'm shocked, Ricky, to discover that gambling is taking place in this establishment.")
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To: Silly

Did I mention they’re the most reliable gun I’ve ever owned and the no questions asked transferrable lifetime warranty?


122 posted on 06/20/2016 6:40:08 AM PDT by Jhadur ("I'm shocked, Ricky, to discover that gambling is taking place in this establishment.")
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To: mad_as_he$$

You bet it is.


123 posted on 06/20/2016 6:42:49 AM PDT by eastforker (The only time you can be satisfied is when your all Trump.)
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To: 867V309

Okay little pocket pistol. I never buy a self defense weapon based on cheapest cost. My life and family are worth more than trying to save a few hundred dollars.


124 posted on 06/20/2016 6:44:21 AM PDT by Cobra64 (Common sense isn't common any more.)
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To: Bulwyf

Check out the OP’s posting history.


125 posted on 06/20/2016 6:47:53 AM PDT by mad_as_he$$
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To: Daffynition

Real cool and best of all your family is blessed.


126 posted on 06/20/2016 7:25:48 AM PDT by pleasenotcalifornia
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To: Silly

Get the “high powered AR-15 handgun”.


127 posted on 06/20/2016 7:28:04 AM PDT by DungeonMaster (Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.)
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To: miss marmelstein

Thanks, mm


128 posted on 06/20/2016 7:30:43 AM PDT by Silly
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To: miss marmelstein

Laz is very cool, I’ll pick his brain. Thanks.


129 posted on 06/20/2016 7:39:34 AM PDT by Silly
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To: Silly

That’s ok because I’m currently think about buying a handgun.


130 posted on 06/20/2016 7:40:15 AM PDT by miss marmelstein (Richard the Third: With my own people alone I should like to drive away the Muslims)
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To: Lazamataz

Lol — one day maybe!


131 posted on 06/20/2016 7:41:19 AM PDT by Silly
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To: Silly
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.

Standard answer, Glock 19, bunch of Glock factory magazines, crap-ton of 9mm ammo. Done.

Eschew most suggestions for modifications.

132 posted on 06/20/2016 7:43:52 AM PDT by Lee N. Field ("I don't care if there's a billion of you. You're in a cult.")
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To: Silly
In my CHL class, I qualified with a semi, but I actually carry a S&W .38 Airweight revolver. I bought the airweight for my wife because of the light weight. However, she does not like it because the light weight makes it have a strong recoil which hurts her hand.

If you get a concealed carry license, it is important that you actually carry the gun. I know quite a few people who have a carry license but do not carry their guns on their persons. I carry the .38 revolver in my right front pocket with a pocket holster. It does not print. Someone may know I've got something in my pocket, but they won't know what. I carry my wallet and keys in my left front pocket, so both pockets show equal bulk. I only wear pleated pants, so that the extra room makes my pockets look less loaded. I won't wear jeans or non-pleated pants because I want to be able to carry my gun at all times.Pocket holsters are made to stick to the pocket while allowing easy removal of the weapon.

Another reason I carry the revolver is that it is ready to fire all the time, and easy to draw without shooting myself. If you carry a semi, you have to have a round chambered and the safety OFF to be able to pull the gun and shoot it. The former police officer who taught my CHL class stressed that if you don't have both hands free when you pull a semi, it will be useless if you have to chamber a round and flip off the safety.

I had to use my handgun once, and was glad it was a revolver. One evening, while walking my dog, he was attacked by a pit-bull. The pit-bull had my dog (a Pembroke Welsh Corgi) by the back of his neck and was shaking him violently. My left hand was occupied with the dog leash, which was being pulled so hard by the struggle that my hand was blistered by the friction. Once I figured out that there was no owner of the pit-bull to help me (there was NO ONE around), I pulled my .38 out of my right front pocket and shot the pit-bull. It took two shots to make the pit-bull release my dog. There is no way I would have been able to chamber a round or flip off a safety with my left had being jerked so hard. The .38 was a simple point and shoot weapon. By having it in my right front pocket, it was an easy draw. It wasn't some gun that could get stuck in the back of my wasteband or my shirt-tail (lots of guys carry concealed that way).

I think it is good to have a semi-auto at home though, in case there is a home invasion and you need more firepower and quick reloading.

133 posted on 06/20/2016 7:48:20 AM PDT by Sans-Culotte ('''Political correctness is communist propaganda writ small''~ Theodore Dalry)
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To: Lazamataz; Labyrinthos; Silly

While that is pretty convoluted, up here in the Great White North you have to get the federal permit to own any firearm, a second permit for a handgun (the two permits can be combined on a single wallet card) and before you are allowed to actually purchase a handgun you have to prove membership in a gun club.

After those hoops, then you have to apply for a permit to transport said firearm to and from the range. Oh, and the handgun MUST be registered, no barrels under 4 1/4”, either.

You can’t even buy .22 longs without the PAL (possession and acquisition licence).


134 posted on 06/20/2016 8:07:25 AM PDT by Don W ( When blacks riot, neighborhoods and cities burn. When whites riot, nations and continents burn)
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To: Silly

If you can’t keep the firearm in your apt. Save your money and buy better locks. You can demo guns at the range when you want to shoot.


135 posted on 06/20/2016 8:12:55 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
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To: Silly

I recommend Smith and Wesson. I have a.38, .357 and a 44 magnum. I go with revolvers instead of semi-autos.


136 posted on 06/20/2016 9:29:45 AM PDT by the lastbestlady (I now believe that we have two lives; the life we learn with and the life we live with after that.)
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To: Georgia Girl 2

NY law does not allow a person to demo a handgun at the range unless you are shooting under the direct supervision of a certified instructor for the purpose of firearms training.


137 posted on 06/20/2016 9:43:25 AM PDT by Labyrinthos
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To: Don W

Is this the law throughout Canada or just the more urban areas?


138 posted on 06/20/2016 9:45:01 AM PDT by Labyrinthos
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To: Labyrinthos; Georgia Girl 2

Good to know. Every bit helps. Thank you.


139 posted on 06/20/2016 9:57:31 AM PDT by Silly
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To: pleasenotcalifornia

Thank you.

Even B4 our children are Christened ...s/he comes with *papers* for the hope of his/her individual Freedom. We cherish responsibility and pride. God Bless America.


140 posted on 06/20/2016 10:33:58 AM PDT by Daffynition ("We have the fight of our lives coming up to save our nation!" ~ Jim Robinson)
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