[mad_as_he$$]

CTD was/is price gouging during the ammo shortage, they are off my vendor list.

If this is your first handgun go to a bog box store and fondle everyone they will let you handle. Then go to a range that rents that gun and shoot one.

My preference is old school. The genius John Moses Browning designed the perfect 45 acp fifty years before I was born.

http://www.shopguntalk.com/GunTalk-Presents-Fighting-with-the-1911-with-Tiger-McKee-1911DVD.htm

[sauropod]

Appreciate that. If you have a preferred retailer, pls share.

Cheers,

‘Pod.

[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.

[Durus]

Not only were they price gouging (on magazines too) they stopped all online guns sales after Sandyhook to "review" their policies. It appears they only started selling guns after massive pushback. I will never buy anything from them again unless it's a going out of business sale.

[usconservative]

If this is your first handgun go to a bog box store and fondle everyone they will let you handle. Then go to a range that rents that gun and shoot one.

Excellent advice. That's how we ended up with the only Glock in my house, the Wife's Glock 21 Gen4.

[StaffiT]

If this is your first handgun go to a big box store and fondle everyone they will let you handle. Then go to a range that rents that gun and shoot one.

My preference is old school. The genius John Moses Browning designed the perfect 45 acp fifty years before I was born.

http://www.shopguntalk.com/GunTalk-Presents-Fighting-with-the-1911-with-Tiger-McKee-1911DVD.htm

Worth repeating ping!

[ANGGAPO]

That is the right one to have.