Handgun opinions (vanity)

4/26/2010 | SnakeDoctor

[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

[BCR #226]

Get a SIG Sauer. Trust me on this. The Secret Service, Navy Seals, and a plethora of other high speed low drag units use the SIG’s... These are guys the don’t go by the lowest bidder mantra.

I’ve been carrying a SIG P226 for well over a decade and I never have to worry about it not working or that it might Kb on me.

Avoid polymer frame handguns. They are susceptable to UV light which will make the polymer brittle over time. Or, as many of my customers say... fantastic plastic, the 20 year disposable handgun.

[MHGinTN]

EAA in .357 loaded with 38 Spcl +P HydraShoks. Only better for the money is an eight shot revolver, IIRC, from Taurus in .357 loaded with the same rounds. Gives you the luxury of relying on center mass hits.

[SnakeDoctor]

How would I tell prior to purchase if a hollowpoint or hydroshock is likely to jam a semi-auto? My understanding is that HK USPs (the current favorite for me to choose) rarely jam ... but I wouldn’t know whether they jam on occasion due to particular ammunition. Given how highly regarded they seem to be, I wouldn’t bet that a hollowpoint would flummox an HK ... but I’m not sure of that.

SnakeDoc

[Tijeras_Slim]

I wouldn’t worry about jams in the guns you have listed, all are reliable items. That said, they may like one brand of ammo over another for either/both feeding or accuracy. Try a couple brands to find which one works best.

And buy quality magazines if you want extras. A cheap magazine is a jam waiting and anxious to happen.

[SnakeDoctor]

I've heard great reviews of both the Sig P226 and the HK USPC. They're about even on elite tactical unit usage. SEALs use the Sig. Special forces use the HK.

Jack Bauer used both ...

Jack and his Sig P228, circa Season 1 and 2.

Jack and his HK USPC 9mm, circa Seasons 3-8.

So, no help from Jack.

SnakeDoc

[Forty-Niner]

.45s counter the 9mm’s high capacity mags by the simple fact that 1 or 2 .45 rounds will do the job, while even a full mag of 9mm amy not be sufficient....

Me? Prejudiced in favor of .45s? uuuuhhhh......yeah I am....LOLOLOLOL

The Best gun is the one you have, and the one that you can shoot well.....always....

[texmexis best]

In most cases the salesman will tell you. Generally the instruction sheets will also give you a good idea. I think you should be able to Google it too.

One of the additional objections that I have to semis is that for most of them, the gun will jam when you use reloads and the warranty is voided. Currently I reload, for 14 cents aapiece, a large rifle round that retails at 2.00 to 4.00 per round and I find that I can shoot a great deal more using the reloads. Which is what you need to do with a new pistol until it feels familiar to you.

Tech note:
1. Semis require a certain amount of recoil to operate correctly and trying to shoot with a smaller training load will jam the gun. It simply won’t won’t work. The tech spechs for the round to be shot are fairly narrow.

2 Semis require a stiff wrist in order to allow the recoil to work the slide. I have had situations happen when the stiff wrist didn’t happen and the gun failed to cycle and jammed. I see this as a problem that revolvers don’t have.

Reloading equipment for a .45 is about 25.00 from Midway USA and it works beautifully.

[texmexis best]

By the way, the cheap reloading equipment is for .45 ACP only, not .45 Auto. Two different rounds.

[Lurker]

How would I tell prior to purchase if a hollowpoint or hydroshock is likely to jam a semi-auto?

There's only one way to be sure. Buy 500 rounds and shoot them all. If there's more than one failure in a hundred, reject that style of ammo and try another.

Expensive? Yep. Is your life worth it? That's up to you.

Hence my recommendation of a good used revolver in .357 magnum. Much cheaper from an initial acquisition standpoint and a good solid ROI to boot.

[texmexis best]

Lurker is correct in his analysis in #189.

[texmexis best]

The bottom line:

100% utility comes from the barrel of a revolver, not from the barrel of a semi-automatic.

[tarawa]

Yeah, but I can shoot .45 all day long with no problem. The recoil on the .40 is just a bit... snappy. The recoil on the .45 is actually milder (IMO), and I have always had an easier time with the follow-up shots.

[Still Thinking]

How would I tell prior to purchase if a hollowpoint or hydroshock is likely to jam a semi-auto?

I don't know that you can. I don't know about those pistols specifically, but two apparently identical 1911's sometimes like different fodder. And sometimes it's just a matter of POLISHING (note that I didn't use the word "Dremel" nor "grinding") on the feed ramp. Sometimes that will turn a pistol into a champ that will feed anything, anytime. And keep an eye on the mags. Number them and if you consistently get jams on one particular mag during practice, pitch it.

[Still Thinking]

The recoil on the .40 is just a bit... snappy. The recoil on the .45 is actually milder (IMO), and I have always had an easier time with the follow-up shots.

Don't shoot a 10mm.

[Red in Blue PA]

Glad to hear that home invasions, murders, and rapes never take place in nice neighborhoods! Thank’s for the heads up/sarc

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1871401/posts

[Still Thinking]

I tested my wife by hading her (unloaded guns) at various times, like when she was reorganizing her closet. “Show me that this is unloaded”.

Does she ever check by pointing it at you and pulling the trigger? "Oops, sorry hon, guess it was loaded!"

[Red in Blue PA]

Two different rounds?????

[Red in Blue PA]

Get a SIG Sauer. Trust me on this. The Secret Service, Navy Seals, and a plethora of other high speed low drag units use the SIG’s

The US Marines and LAPD SWAT use Kimbers. That alone is not a reason to buy one.

[Red in Blue PA]

Forgot to add.....you might be surprised at how many people here think the exact way I do and have a gun at their side at all times.

Violent encounters are like lightning.....they offer no predictability. If you carry a gun only when you think you will need it, you will probably not have it at the time when you actualy do need it. Just a simple fact.

[Shooter 2.5]

We really can’t help you.

Go to a IDPA match in your area and ask a lot of questions. The guns used for IDPA are really close to what you need for CCW.