Posted on 04/26/2010 7:56:18 AM PDT by SnakeDoctor
Although I own a couple of guns, they are mostly heirlooms or antiques, and don't get much use. I am in the market for a good all-purpose defensive handgun -- for home defense, target practice, concealed carry, and general training. I don't have a CHL at this point, but want to begin training to get one. I have had several models recommended to me -- HK USP Compact (45 or 9mm), Kimber 1911, Walther P99, Sig Sauer P229, Glock 19.
I went out shopping a bit this weekend at a local dealer. I was inclined to go with the Barrett 50 cal, but it isn't quite concealable enough (haha). Based on recommendations and reviews, I am leaning toward the HK USP at this point (though I am undecided on whether to go for the 9mm or the 45). From what I have heard, the HK USP is pretty-well the top-of-the-line for defensive handguns. The dealer also pointed me toward some new HK models that are supposedly upgrades on the USP -- the HK45 (the 45 version) and HK P30 (the 9mm version).
So, for FR gun enthusiasts -- what are your recommendations? Is the USP the appropriate choice for a general all-purpose handgun? Is it an appropriate weapon for beginning a training program? Would the Sig, Glock, Kimber, Walther or another model be a better choice? Would you recommend going with a 9mm or 45? And, for those that have tested both the USP and the HK45 or HK P30 ... are the upgrades on the newer models worth the additional $200-$300 price tag?
Thanks.
SnakeDoc
I think that’s pretty much why Bauer has one too — he’s just always in an emergency. Haha. Then again ... his kit only needs to last 24-hours (though he’ll probably need more ammo than your average emergency kit user).
SnakeDoc
Good point! There’s nothing wrong with both (Sig and 1911)!
Less expensive practice ammo=more practice possible.
Granted the full power loads will print a bit differently but I think folks will find that the difference at self defense ranges is negligible enough for combat accuracy.
L
Yah - Bauer might run through a bit more than the rest of us.
If you need to have a gun always by your side at home then maybe a better defense strategy would be to find some place else to live.
Why not both?
I meant 1) 1,500 FPS and 2) the new Hyper Velocity loads.
What do you want to bring down that you can’t with 1,500 FPS?
“some people don’t like the long trigger sweep- i can’t stand glocks because of that and because the handle isn’t comfortable to me, but i’ll never put down their price, light weight, ease of use, and reliability.”
You might look into a Steyr M9 or M9A. They are a much improved (my opinion) take off on the Glock design. My favorites are 9mm and 40 S&W. You can choose between these two with a barrel, magazine and recoil spring change.
The grip is more rounded and thus does not feel like a 2x4 gripped in your fist. The grip to barrel angle is identical to my Buckmark.
The barrel centerline is about as low as is physically possible, minimizing muzzle flip. The trigger pull is enormously better than the Glock.
I tell the tale that it “feels like the Lady of the Lake threw it to me.” Seriously, it points like it grew at the end of my arm.
And I like the weird triangular sights (YMMV, but give them a try). Two contrasting colors of florescent paint (one color on the front sight another on the back) make it almost instantaneous to pick up the sight picture in bad light.
Milt Sparks makes custom holsters for it. I have an VM2 that is very comfortable.
One of the things you need to check out thoroughly is whether the gun will handle hollow points without jamming. Which is why a small revolver might be a good idea. Revolvers don’t care what kind of bullet goes into the gun, they just fire. Many semi-autos do care and they will jam with Hydro-Shocks or other hollow points.
Another issue that is generally not dealt with is that a semi-auto can be disabled if the top of the magazines are dented or bent. That denting or bending can happen if you store your mags in a field bag and they bang around around for a while. I have had this happen and it has put me off semis for a while. I am going to be changing over to a non-semi in the next year or so.
Revolvers can be quickly loaded using moon clips and that shouldn’t be a real consideration. Most encounters (95%?)with perps end after your gun is shown. Of the rest, most perps will voluntariy exit at high speed after you fire the first shot.
The remaining few will require puttin’ steel on target quickly and you are not going to be able to afford to have a jammed gun.
I REALLY like my .45 Glock. However, they are a bit pricey new... you may be able to get one used that fits into your desired price-range.
Ping.
How much are the Glocks? The HK models I’m considering are in the $750 to $1050 range. Haven’t seen many that are more expensive than HK.
SnakeDoc
Seem to run $550 and up here in NM.
PSA opportunity ping.
The better solution is a small, cheap digital gun safe.
$50 at Harbor Freight and others.
You can keep one or four LOADED handguns in it and access them in less than five seconds.
Plus the high performance Aguila 30 grainer .22 breaks out at 1810 fps.
It isn’t where you live - it’s where you have to go...
About $550 with factory Tritium sights and two mags, new.
I love the .22LR and I own 4 or 5 different platforms for it. But the man was asking about self defense pistols and while I'll take the .22 in the belt over the .45 in the nightstand any day of the week let's face facts.
The ubiquitous .22 just isn't a serious self defense cartridge.
If you end up in a life or death situation you want something that's going to stop a bad guy right then and there. And while .22 caliber rounds will kill an assailant immediately given proper shot placement (i.e. right in the brain stem) that just isn't going to happen in 99% of the self defense situations on the street.
It doesn't do any good to fill an assailant full of .22 holes if he's still got half an hour to bleed out and retains the inclination to kill you.
As usual, just my two cents, YMMV and all that.
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.