Need purchasing advice (vanity)

Self | 8 Sep 2013 | Self

[sauropod]

Hello all,

I need some advice on purchasing a handgun. I live in the People’s Republic of MD and the new gun control laws are about to take effect (Oct 1st).

I am in the market for a .45. I was looking at cheaper than dirt at several models and would appreciate any hints you can give regarding a purchase.

Have you dealt with buying guns from cheaper than dirt? Do you have a better source/way to do this?

What is the proper procedure for completing this purchase from an on-line retailer?

I would also like recommendations for handguns in the $500 class. Will consider going to $700 if there is a really good reason to do so.

This purchase is for home defense.

[gorush]

Revolvers have that rotating wheel that holds the cartridges. Autos have a magazine that slides up the handgrip.

[sauropod]

Yeah I know. Doesn’t make me sleep well at night. I’ll look into this soonest.

[firebasecody]

Continental Arms in Timonium,On Target by Ft. Meade: rent a few at those ranges and see what you prefer.

[Tijeras_Slim]

How does one measure lethality so you can compare between guns? Is there a standard measure of some kind?

There have been statistical studies of the effectiveness of differing rounds and bullet weights in shootings as to 1-shot stops. (i.e. the perp immediately ceased being a threat after being shot, either incapacitated or dead). The problem is that the sure bets are not always rounds that are easy to shoot (or pleasant).

A bit of judicious searching would probably net you good info.

IMO in your price range, the XDS, slim .45 or the Kahr .45's would be a good bet.

[GSP.FAN]

Originally designed for the Austrian army it had to meet certain criteria to pass the test..
Glock 17 outperformed 8 different pistols from five other established manufacturers (Heckler & Koch of Germany offered their P7M8, P7M13 and P9S, SIG Sauer of Germany bid with their P220 and P226 models, Beretta of Italy submitted their model 92SB-F, FN Herstal proposed an updated variant of the Browning Hi-Power and the home-grown Steyr entered the competition with the GB).

Used by over 65% law enforcement in America..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glock

[sauropod]

My choice would be the AMT in my pocket because a man can walk with a hand in his pocket and no one notices - this can cut your time to draw and fire to under one second, as the gun is already in your hand if the situation seems threatening.

Precisely. Exactly what I am looking for.

[drbuzzard]

As JRandom says, try before you buy. Lots of people will regale you with their favorite gun, but that means nothing when it comes to what actually fits your hand. Find a range which rents a variety of guns and try them out to see what suits you.

I would put in that you should consider a .357 revolver. While most everyone who wants to buy a gun goes out and buys the sexy semi-auto (did the same thing myself), there are significant advantages to a revolver. First, they can be appreciably cheaper for the given quality of gun. Second, a .357 is quite versatile in that you can shoot either full power .357 rounds (and that round is surely a man stopper) or lighter, cheaper .38 special rounds (good for range practice to get the basic skills and muscle memory down). Revolvers are harder to jam, and simpler in basic operation.

[sauropod]

Thanks! Much to look at.

[ThunderSleeps]

That's good advice. I would go to several local firearms dealers and see/hold as many models as you can. It is amazing how different firearms can feel even though by looks/specs they are nearly identical.

If it is for home defense, ie. not carry, I'm with you. Go big, go classic. The 1911 .45 (by any reputable manufacturer) is hard to beat for intimidation factor. Yes, they are heavier than many of their polymer framed cousins. That weight works for you though - absorbing the recoil. You want something that is not punishing to shoot. I know, if your life is in danger you'll drop the hammer on anything. But you want something that you will not dread taking to the range for practice.

Get used to tactical/stress magazine changes as you will only have 8+1. Also get used to the idea that you may be using it as a club to beat down someone you've put a couple rounds into who just hasn't bled-out yet.

Then, practice. At least 3 - 4 times a year, if not monthly if you can afford the ammo. Shoot classic two hand grip, single hand both strong and weak side.

Finally, keep it with you. It does you no good upstairs in a drawer of the bedside nightstand when 2 or 3 thugs kick in your sliding glass door. I keep a weapon on my person or within arms reach at all times while at home. It not only means it is available, it is great familiarization training. It will feel natural in your hand 'cause it has been in your hand (cumulatively) for hours.

[Gen.Blather]

Ah, this isn’t the simple chart I remember, but it will definitely give you good advice.

http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

[Tupelo]

You have an excellent firearm in the Taurus. As others have written, spend some time at a range where you can rent guns. Try several makes, models and calibers. Then do NOT let anyone tell you “what you need”. We are all different and what I want need and desire just may be 180 degrees from your wants needs and desires. By the way that Taurus .357 has more than enough stopping and killing power for self defense. At the 7 Yards or less range, the FBI says most gunfights happen at, that .357 mag is devastating.

[sauropod]

Think I know where Continental Arms is - or where they used to be. I’ll look them up.

[sjmjax]

I'm a fan of the Smith & Wesson M&P 45.

More more comfortable in the hand than the Glock or Sig [in my opinion] and quite accurate. More magazine capacity than the 1911's.

Very reliable with any type of ammo. Comes with small, medium and large backstraps to accomodate most any hand size.

I've a lot of 45 caliber firearms in most platform configurations including revolvers. The M&P is my favorite semi-auto.

[usconservative]

Look real hard at the Springfield XD.

That's one heavy .45.....

[mad_as_he$$]

How does one measure lethality so you can compare between guns? Is there a standard measure of some kind?

Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement......

Somewhere on FR is a report from an retired FBI guy that studied caliber effectiveness. The answer is the above.

Looks like the closest Cabela’s to you is Hamburg, PA. Any big store like Cabelas will do. Even a big gun shop.

[Cobra64]

Agreed. Glocks are cheap but not for me since I don’t like plastic pistols nor the action, and I sold my 9mm G17 a few years ago. Anyway, my .45 autos consist of four 1911s and a Sig Sauer P220ST with a Crimson for nightstand duty.

[JRandomFreeper]

I still don't like the way it fits my hand. That trumps everything. And you can't argue that.

Try before you buy.

/johnny

[Marcella]

I bought a rifle over the net at a weapons store in Kentucky. They had a drop down list of weapons sellers to choose from where they would send the rifle. One of the choices was in my town so I clicked to send it there.

Then, I called the place in town so they would know the rifle was coming. When it got there, they called me. I went there and did the paper work including they did the FBI check thingy and I wasn’t wanted for anything, didn’t have a criminal record, so I got my rifle and left.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement......

As a buddy of mine used to say.. "Shot placement is King, adequate penetration is Queen, and all else are Angels dancing on the head of a pin."

[sauropod]

Thanks.

I do have a Taurus .357 revolver. I think I need something that is easier to carry (more mobile), doesn’t jam, and can still provide the necessary stopping power if needed.