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've tried a Glock 30 and found it a little difficult to conceal because it's a little wide. I tried a Kel Tek P11, but it's difficult to control (it weighs 14 oz.), and the trigger pull is long and stiff. It's also not as reliable as I would like. I've tried a Ruger SP101 in 357, but it only holds 5 rounds and speed loaders are bulky and speed strips aren't that speedy.
CZ holsters are sometimes hard to find.
I like these: http://www.highnoonholsters.com/
skin-tight & swift-skin are synthetic but good
Father Pfleger threatens to murder, “snuff out,” gun shop owner.
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[Obama’s longtime friend and campaign surrogate. Oh, cardinal rebuked him — ‘wow’.]
I lost mine on a recent rock-hunting expedition... Got some nice rocks, though. Never saw me coming.
LOL
For home defense.......get the Judge.
It's that old weight-versus-muzzle energy problem.
It kicks worse than my Colt Officer's Model in .45 ACP.
The little KelTec .380 pocket pistol is even worse, unlikely as that seems. You'll get only one shot off unless you can hang on! Be sure to only put one round in the magazine the first time you shoot it.
I carry the Walther in the summertime because you don't know the meaning of "print" until you've seen a 1911 under a lightweight linen jacket!
Just remembered: you’re a leather cobbler, right?
What you say about the 9-mm vs 45 is true. My company did the qualification testing on the 45s at MARCORSYSCOM around 6 years ago.
Here in Ohio I would expect to pay about $10 an hour (ammo not included)
The original barrel headspaces on only a portion of the rim. The pressures play havoc with the brass and it can't be reloaded - it also sometimes ruptures, and accuracy is a problem.
I shot half-distance metallic silhouette with the .38 Super for years. Great round, very flat shooting and little recoil. Had to hit the rams "just so" to make sure they went down, though, so I eventually switched to a .41 Mag with an 8" barrel. There's something that's definitely NOT a concealed carry!
Right you are, I love my ‘63 Lightweight Commander in .38 Super. Corbon makes a 125 grain HP that is very close to the 125 grain .357 ballistics. And 10+1 is a good thing.
I do some of that on the side...I was just about to write you that I've never had a problem finding stuff for my CZ ;-)
I have a Kimber, Glock and a Sig in .45, .40 and 9mm respectively.
For carry and conceal, the small Glocks are the way to go. Holds 5 rounds and can take regular mags as needed. As far as caliber, with the modern powders and technology, the 9mm has plenty of stopping power, but I am a .4 caliber man so I would go with a .40 or .45
The main thing to remember is your ammo choices. WalMart is likely to stock .45 ammo routinely, and some .40 as well, but may not have a great variety. For carry, you want hot and hard. In the .45 230gr and .40 180gr HydroShocks are the way to go. Golden Sabers are better, but I don’t know if you can find them easily.
Regardless, good luck on your decision!
6’4” 225 here. It fits right in.
LOL!
HK makes a fine weapon and they are not afraid to charge their customers accordingly. However, it my judgement and the judgement of many enthusiasts I know that HK's are not all that and a bag 'o' chips as compared to other, less expensive options. Mag prices, the price and availability of service, and HK's notorious attitude toward civilian customers are the biggest complaints.
I don't see any dropoff in "useable quality" between HK and S&W M&P's, the ubiquitous Glock, CZ, Springfield XD, Sig, etc. Find a range or a buddy that has these models and try them on for size. You can put the savings toward what matters most - training and the ammo to train with.
As far as caliber goes, I've vascillated back to the camp that says all handgun rounds suck and lack real-world stopping power. Pack a 9mm that you'll comfortably carry without fail everyday and with which you can make a bunch of well-placed holes in a hurry - and use high quality expanding ammo.
Your first instinct is usually right. Go with the Barrett - just wear extra baggy pants!
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