Your Opinions on Handguns Wanted... (the best, the most suitable, etc.)

myself | 1/8/02 | Pyro7480

[Pyro7480]

I hope to purchase my first handgun after I graduate from college in May. I know that in the past there have been multiple threads concerning this basic subject. Since the search function only goes so far back, and the archives is only periodically available, I would like to get people's opinions on their favorite handgun, their experiences using different kinds of handguns, their recommendations on what to look for, etc.

I'm particualarly looking at the IMI Jericho 941 9 mm, sold in the U.S. as the Magnum "Baby Eagle." I've also seen rave reviews of various Glock, Ruger, Colt and .45 cal and 9 mm guns, so I would also like your take on those.

I also plan to move to a concealed-carry permit state, so I would also like to know about that process too.

[Pyro7480]

Thanks in advance for your posts! :-)

[Libertarianize the GOP]

HK USP 45 Compact with night sites.

[Pyro7480]

Ping

[Billthedrill]

I have a Kimber 1911-model .45 (actually the Custom Target model) and a Glock model 22 in .40 S&W, either of which make a fine self-defense gun if you're into full-size semis. The very best thing to do is to go to a range that rents guns and find out which one seems to (1) fit, (2) shoot straight in your hands, and (3) shoot comfortably.

Or, you could use the BtD strategy - purchase one of each.

[FreeTally]

I'm particualarly looking at the IMI Jericho 941 9 mm, sold in the U.S. as the Magnum "Baby Eagle."

Don't buy that. If its anything like the "Desert Eagle", its probably garbage. I always suggest Glock 27(compact .40) for concealed carry or otherwise.

As for your questions about procedures for getting a CCW, it varies from State to State. Tell us what Stae you are moving to and I'm sure there is a Freeper here who can tell you. I can tell you for Florida, as can others.

[gundog]

Add the CZ-75 to your list of possibles. Any decent Hi-Power clone, as well. I think that Ruger's P-90(it may be the -95) was engineered as a 10mm pistol, but made a 9mm when the bottom fell out of the 10mm craze, ergo, you're dealing with a gun that'll take a serious beating.

[enotheisen]

The answer you seek is actually based on what you want to use the hand gun for. Any of us could make a recommendation but it would be invalid unless we know how you intend to use the tool. If the need is for a reliable self defense arm that can be concealed, a Smith and Wesson Model 36, 37 or 38 (38 Special) would be good. If you are looking for a handgun that is great for target practice a Beretta 92 (9mm) Going for bear Smith Model 29 in a six or eight inch barrel (.44 Magnum). It all depends on what you aregoing to use the tool for.

[wardaddy]

bang!

[knighthawk]

Check out the Heckler&Koch USP series. It may be more expensive, but a very good handgun in 9mm, .40S&W or .45

More info on H&K USA and H&K world

[Pyro7480]

If I get a job in the DC metro area, as I probably will end up doing, I will definitely live on the VA side of the Potomac, since I know VA has concealed-carry.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Kimber Classic .45

[AlaskaErik]

HK USP .40 Compact. Holds two more rounds (10 + 1) than the .45 Compact mentioned in Post 2 and is about as big as you want to go if you plan on concealing. If you try one out, make sure you use the magazine with the toe plate extension. You'll find it should fit your hand perfectly. A fine pistol that is extremely reliable.

[Pyro7480]

I'm mainly looking for a gun best for concealed-carry/self-defense use.

[harpseal]

Okay first, as to firearms selection I suggest you try a number of different handguns before settling on any one or even caliber. Different people have different hands etc. The Baby eagle is a decent and relatively inexpensive 9mm. It is pretty much a clone of the CZ-75 design and it can be very effective and reliable. You will find devotees of just about every firearm that sells well all can be effective tools. I recommend you also consider a .22cal handgun for inexpensive practice. It pays for itself in ammunition savings very quickly. Also used guns can be very good buys.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yotktown

[SirFishalot]

I absolutely love my Para-Ordnance 6.45. It is a single stack 1911 frame 45 with a 3" barrel and holds 6+1. The thing that makes this a standout is that it is a double action that has the lightest and smoothest trigger Ive ever found on a DA. Para makes premo competition guns based on their version of the 1911.

Single action is not a good choice for carry IMO unless you are well practiced on its use. In general, double action is an easier to use carry for the average joe. Some others I like are Glock, HK USP, and SIG.

[dd5339]

IMHO you can't go wrong with anything from Sig Sauer. My personal choice would be for a 245 for CCW. Small package, 45 caliber, and a great shooting pistol. My wife and I own a pair of used Sig 226's, (police trade ins). We routinely run 10K+ rounds through them a year. (We reload our on and love to shoot). The only thing we've replaced have been the recoil springs.

The poster who mentioned Kimber is also right on. My wife has a Kimber that shoots incredible. We just haven't had a chance to run 10K+ rounds downrange through it yet.

I would also suggest that you spend a lot of time at the range. The more practice and gun time you can get the better, especially if you intend to carry concealed.

[Chuckster]

I have found Colt's Combat Commander in 45ACP to be reliable and effective. I have carried one (The same one, a Series 70) on three continents, in all conditions except arctic, for thirty years. It has never failed me and still knocks down bowling pins reliably at 25 yards. I no longer carry it because I'm not allowed, no CCW in my state, but I'm moving out soon.

Yes there are lots of more "Modern" pistols on the market but none will do the job better. The important thing for me is that I KNOW that when I press the trigger the thing will go "Bang" and my target, within any reasonable range, will go down.

Get good training.

Practice regularly.

[Pyro7480]

That's probably a good idea (testing some out first). Thanks for the suggestion. If this helps anyone out, I have pretty big hands, but my wrists/forearms are pretty thin, so I don't want anything that will cause enough force to injure these areas. I'm also tall, if that information helps.

[ArrogantBustard]

Get thee to a commercial indoor range, and try different models from different manufacturers. That which fits someone else's hand, doesn't necessarily fit yours. Suggest you try models from Beretta, Browning, Glock, H&K, Ruger, SIG-Sauer, Taurus. Suggest calibers .38 Spl or .357 Magnum for revolvers, and calibers 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, or .45ACP for pistols.

AB

[George Smiley]

Telling people what kind of handgun is right for them makes about as much sense as telling them what kind of woman is right for them (substitute your pronoun of choice for the 'woman' in the previous sentence. Sorry, ladies.)

1. Find a range that rents handguns.
   
2. Take the safety course.
   
3. Rent one.
   
4. Talk to others while at the range.

   If they know you're shopping, they'll probably bend your ear with a dissertation on why their gun is the best brand on the planet.

   They might even let you try theirs if you appear to be reasonably stable.

5. Repeat steps Three and Four until you know what you want.

Have fun.