[Gman]

One word...Kimber.

OK, actually three: Kimber Custom Classic...

[Ford Fairlane]

The HK USP is one of the best made ever, I have one of the first six 9mm's in Illinois, no problems ever, just make sure it isnt too big for your hands, it has a larger than average grip

[Man from Oz]

I purchased a H & K 45 a couple of months ago. I have enjoyed shooting it. Easy to strip and clean. Costly... Mine set me back @$800

MFO

[Ford Fairlane]

Of course the USP isnt really concealable, i normally carry something a lot smaller

[ALASKA]

I have the compact version, and I love it. I carry it more, by far, than any of my other carry guns.

[Temple Drake]

to "allow" you to buy a gun? What, isn't it your house?

[Temple Drake]

to "allow" you to buy a gun? What, isn't it your house?

[templar]

A 1911 or variant might be a better choice. A Kimber, older Colt Gold Cup, any model well worked for reliability and durability. I prefer standard capscity to hi-cap models, lighter and easier to hold for most woemen if the need arises. Parts and accessories are abundant and repairs can always be had with thousands and thousands of both amatuer and professional gunsmiths thouroughly familiar with them.

I'm not very familiar with the H&K, but it has a rather decent reputation.

But the one you should get is the one you like the most after comparison shooting both.

[and the horse you rode in on]

If you are not familiar with firearms, buy a revolver.
It takesd thousands of rounds of practice to learn to instinctively clear a jam or misfire in an auto.

[demsux]

Great thread...

I just opened a licensed sports aparell/novelty shop. Lots of cash transactions.

What's a good "concealed carry" handgun, we wear khaki's and polo type shirts. I leave the mall with substantial cash.

I think that I can get permitted here in Missouri...any ideas?

[Shooter 2.5]

I like your choice of calibers but it may get a little pricey for a person just starting.

If you buy it because all of the bells and whistles are right where you like them, the grips fit you, the trigger feels right and the sights are easy to acquire, your next step would be finding some ammuntion that works.

I like Federal Hydra-Shoks and my son likes Speer Gold Dots.

[Astronaut]

H&K USP is a very fine gun. H&K has a new model called the P2000 that you might want to look at, if you can find one.

Glock and Sig Sauer are also excellent choices. Ultimately, it has to be something you are comfortable shooting.

[glock rocks]

[ETCM]

I regularly shoot 1911 and and the barretta M9, but my home gun is the USP. The ergonomics make it an outstanding tactical and carry weapon. Location of mag eject and safety/decocker are perfect for me. Any control can be operated without shifting your grip, not possible on most handguns for me. It can be carried cocked and locked and has an accessory rail for a tac-light.

[itzmygun]

I have a feeling you already have your heart set on this gun and are just looking for someone to tell you you are making the right decision. You are! It's a great gun and it's basically the same gun used by US Navy Seals (so how can you go wrong?).

When I bought my first pistol, I had my heart set on a Beretta 92. The guy at the gun shop tried to steer me to other guns, but then I guess he saw the sparkle in my eye. He gave me some good advice: "If you think you want this gun, buy it, or you will always wonder if you made the right decision."

There are just as many people out there who love their USP as there are people who love their 1911 or Glock. If the USP is making your heart flutter, buy it. You won't be disappointed.

[DBrow]

Get something you can compete with, like in IDPA or at least pins and plates, that is cheap to shoot. Something in a .40 or 9, that can be concealed.

If you compete in action shoots, you will get loads of experience in loading, unloading, clearing jams, finding out which ammo gives you 100% reliability.

.45 is nice but if you do not practice in a speed-and-accuracy game with some pressure on, followup shots are tough and inaccurate.

If you really get to know your 9 or .40, the lower power factor will be traded off for accuracy and speed.

Then, get your wife involved in competition, and after a month or two, tell her you need another gun, since you both compete, *then* get your .45!

[Clinging Bitterly]

You've done your homework and gone and tried some out and found one you like. Everybody will have their preference for caliber, brand, and style. The best choice for you will be any quality piece with which you are comfortable. If you're going to carry (probably unlikely FTTB in CA), size & weight would matter most, but just to keep around the house & take places just to shoot for sport that's not so important.

As for the wife, mine lets me buy anything I want. I can buy all the guns, Ham radio & computer stuff, and truck stuff I want (with whatever is left over after she buys whatever useless crap like bonbons & such that she wants). She'll leave me enough to get a box of ammo every now and then, so maybe I should just be happy.

Dave in Eugene

[Khurkris]

HK .45 is a fine piece. Buy it, practice with it. You will be very happy.

[FateAmenableToChange]

HK makes the best guns, period. Glock is a virtual equal, although it is slightly less accurate out of the box. I have competed for years with an HK USPC .45, usually in 3-gun matches requiring 200-400 rounds of handgun ammo in a dusty gravel pit. The HK never stops working. The trigger isn't as fine as a 1911 (I used to shoot a Kimber Custom Classic but stopped because it usually failed at least once or twice during a long match in the dust & sand), but it is still very consistent and controllable.

Bottom line is that I would never carry a 1911 for personal protection and won't use them any more in a match. When they work, they're awesome. But they don't always work, which is my criteria for either personal defense or competition. HK USPs always work and are just a hair under awesome when they're working.

[conservative golfer dude]

I have a brand and style for you. How about Ruger M77 Mark2 rifle in a 7mm Mag!! That will do the trick!