Need Advice on a Firearm Purchase (Only 2nd Vanity ever)

10/04/02 | me, myself and I

[seeker41]

Help me decide witch one of these firearms to purchase as I am confusing myself. Currently I own a SW 357 revolver and that's fine for home. I am female with small wrists and average sized hands, kinda long fingers and would value FReeper advice if you have experience with either of these weapons. Should I look at Glocks as well? I don't care for 9mms such as Ruger etc. Thanks in advance.

Here is my first choice
HK USP 45

Second Choice

[RIGHT IN SEATTLE]

9-3/4 lbs. dry, 9 rounds, semi or pump, arm hook for around the corner shooting

[donozark]

Accuracy depends on the individual shooting. But yes, MAKAROV's can be amazingly accurate for such a small, low-cal. weapon.

The East German models have adjustable sights, but I prefer the Bulgarian. They don't snag easily on clothing,etc. I shoot mostly WOLF or S&B. Cor-Bon for "home use."

[Robert_Paulson2]

I consider Sig Sauer the best hand gun out there.

indeed, a very fine piece. I WISH I could afford to buy one.

It is available in .45 no?

[BlessingInDisguise]

Actually, I don't smoke at all. Only when I drink. I never get a craving for cigarettes. I used to smoke when I was in High School, but I quit and just have never craved them. I don't like smoking anyways. Old age will make me short enough of breath someday, why speed things up!?

[dix]

I had not fired a weapon for twenty three years until I met all of the fine H.A.T. folks in the Houston chapter. After conferring with the group, firing their weapons, and talking to several law enforcement officers, I purchased a Glock 27. It is a very accurate weapon, and has no kick. You have to avoid the dreaded Glock thumb, but if you hold the weapon correctly, it is a pleasure to fire, and I am very pleased. We go to the range frequently, and we have a variety of hand guns for you to check out. BTW, welcome to The Houston Chapter Of Freerepublic.

[Havoc]

Sorry, no info. Haven't done my homework on sidearms in a while; but, I have weak wrists from sprains, tendenitis and carple tunnel. I prefer the Walther PPK/S. It's small, lightweight, is an excellent .380 sidearm and despite stories of reliability problems, I have never had a problem with it.

[seeker41]

Thank-you.

[seeker41]

Thanks Dix, I'm looking forward to meeting you folks and checking out the fine pistolas. I am not an experienced shooter (short on technical details), but I'm teachable and no wimp.

[seeker41]

Thanks to all for you advice and comments.

[Shooter 2.5]

" You have to avoid the dreaded Glock thumb, but if you hold the weapon correctly, it is a pleasure to fire,

There is no such thing as "Glock Thumb". All semi's will bite if your thumb is in the wrong position where the slide can come back and hit it. I don't care for Glocks but to blame the pistol for placing any part of your hand in the way is an insult to a decent design.

[ezo4]

people should at least try the glocks simply for how the action works. I like my 30. 10+1 45acp very small and comfortable in my hand.

Either that or colt 1911 you can never go wrong with any thing JMB made

[xsrdx]

Glocks suck. There annoying trigger safety should be enough to turn you off. That and everyone and their mother owns one.

LOL, probably the best justification I've heard for not picking Glock!

Glocks actually do just about everything well, but they require your undivided attention and if they don't fit, move on.

Glock fans are pretty rabid, because the guns are supernaturally reliable, accurate and beyond tough - they are also ugly and made of plastic.

1911's have an undeniable romantic appeal, and in custom (expensive) configuration they are de riguer in combat handguns - but while I would trust a test fired, out of the box Glock with my life, I wouldn't trust a production 1911 until I'd shot a few thousand rounds through it - and I have extensive experience with both designs.

Whatever you choose, seek competent instruction in the use of the autopistol before packing it for personal protection - and practice, practice practice.

[seeker41]

Whatever you choose, seek competent instruction in the use of the autopistol before packing it for personal protection - and practice, practice practice.

Thanks for your input, I'll definitely do as you suggest.

[snopercod]

I haven't read the entire thread, so forgive me if I am redundant.

You might want to consider an enclosed-hammer revolver like the .38SPL +P S&W 640 for three reasons:

1. They are small and easily concealable. They are lightweight, too.
2. They can be drawn from a purse (or pants-suit) without hanging up on anything.
3. They cannot be fired "accidentally". You have to pull the trigger hard to fire it.

To understand the reason for this last, read Massad Ayoob's book, In the Gravest Extreme. Everyone considering carrying a handgun for protection should read this book.

[AnalogReigns]

If you're looking for more ummmmph than your .357 or a 9mm, try the round preferred by cops: 40 cal S&W. It's really a shortened 10mm round, and of course is found on various brands of guns other than S&W. No offense, but unless you're a really strong woman, a 45 cal is way too much...., which is even a bruiser for most men too.

I have a Glock 23 (see above) that is terrific. I can't say enough good things about Glock. No wonder after much early skepticism, something over half of all police in the country, and even the FBI, use Glocks. Half the moving parts of an H&K, or other conventional semi-autos. Tough as nails. Can be taken apart for cleaning literally in seconds, 3 safety's, etc., etc....

Here's a "C" (compensated) model firing which greatly reduces kick as well...

If I were going with another pistol, of any brand, especially if a 45 cal, I'd definitely get one with this technology.

[BlessingInDisguise]

If I see the word reliability and "glock" in the same sentence one more time, I think I'm going to puke.

Not that they aren't, but I've seen plenty of G19 jam-o-matics. In my experience, the most reliable auto pistol is a Beretta 92 and that's what I own. A friend of mine had a really bad experience with a Sig Pro SP2340. The thing wouldnt' go more than 2 rounds without jamming. He sold it and bought a nice SA 1911.

[efnwriter]

You ought to be able to get good instruction in Texas. A once a year or so state run course is usually not going to do the job. A long time ago I started carrying and went to Jeff Cooper's Gunsite Ranch in Arizona for a week long course in combat pistol. The site is closed now, I think, but Ray Chapman is another good outfit. I would look hard and long for some expert combat pistol training. Ask policemen you know or other shooters for references to a good training program. And then - practice regularly.

[seeker41]

Thanks for your advice. I'm thinking of going to Thunder Ranch sometime in the near future. Some folks have spoken highly of their training.