Is there a "Consumer Reports" for guns? [VANITY]

Today, silly | Silly

[rocket002]

My first handgun was a Beretta 92FS. Good quality and easy to maintain/clean. The Beretta has a distinct look and has been chosen by many countries around the world as their official military sidearm. That being said, you’ll find that after you buy one brand, you’ll be looking to try others out. Like an earlier post stated, most of the middle to upper tier guns are fine. I am about to purchase a Glock 26 and will move on to a SIG or H&K next. I keep the 92FS with taclight and laser in the nightstand. Glock 26 will be for CCW.

[Lurker]

Sweet pistol.

This one used to be mine. Now it belongs to Mrs. L.

L

[monkapotamus]

Those are very nice too.

[Lurker]

I love it. With the proper load it's a real pussycat to shoot.

My favorite magnum load is a 210 JHP over 9 grains of Bullseye. If you put .44 Spl in it, the recoil is less than a lot of .38 revolvers I've shot.

Being an N frame Smith, it's built like a rock. I had a trigger job done on it. Shoots real sweet.

L

[USMCPOP]

“Already got the .22,a Browning semi-auto.The old style that ejects downward,made in Belgium about 1960.Perfect condition and shoots great.”

I always wanted one of those little rifles. My brother has about 3 of them, in different grades. Beautiful little gun. For a time, there was a Chinese clone they sold here.

I always wanted a Browning Challenger pistol. It was sort of their version of the Colt Woodsman. I used to see those in the store, back when Woolworth’s still sold guns in the mall, LOL.

[Hazcat]

First, remember that ‘Guns and Ammo’, Field and Stream’, etc are all driven by the advertisers.

I never believe a product review from these sources. They are good at letting you know about new stuff and write ups on old proved stuff (1911 history, 30-06 history etc).

Talk to FRiends here and other ‘gun’ blogs but also remember that guns are very subjective. I don’t particularly favor Glock firearms yet many (most?) do. I like wheel guns (revolvers) many think semi-auto is the only way to go. ETC, ETC.

And always try before you buy if at all possible;e. Just because it is a good firearm in a good caliber for your purpose does not mean that you will like it or shoot it well.

[FreedomForce]

If you’re set on a semi-automatic, a 9mm is probably the best way to go. Lots of nice choices in that caliber. Practice ammo is fairly cheap. Recoil isn’t too bad for a beginner. High quality ammo like Spear Gold Dot is fine for self-defense. Easy to find small guns if you’re looking for something to carry. Ask for advice on specific models at www.thefiringline.com or www.thehighroad.org

A .22 semi-auto such as a Browning Buckmark wouldn’t be a bad pick for a first gun, but you’d need to eventually get something bigger for self-defense. Upside of that choice is that .22 ammo is super-cheap even compared to 9mm ammo.

I still think a 4” 357 Magnum revolver is the best choice for someone who wants a gun but really isn’t “into” guns. Plenty of ammo versatility which means you can use light recoiling .38 Special stuff to learn on and still use the same gun for much more potent self-defense ammo.

I have a Ruger GP-100(357 Mag 4” revolver), S&W 5904(9mm), Taurus 94(.22 revolver, reliable but has a very heavy trigger), and a Taurus 455(.45 ACP revolver, good trigger but the functioning of the gun can be balky—need to have it worked on.) I’ll probably eventually add a .45 semi-auto and maybe a compact 9mm. The Ruger GP-100 is the gun I’ll never get rid of.

Take your time and make sure whatever you get is a good fit both for your hand and for your use.

[Cobra64]

SigForum is the creme-de-la-creme of gun forums. Those folks can answer any question about any make, model, purpose you can ask.

Even though it is labeled a "Sig Forum" the members own not only Sig Sauers but H&Ks, Smiths, Colts, Rugers, Glocks, Springfields, ARs, 1911s, Berettas, Walthers, Winchesters, Remingtons, Stoegers, Ubertis, Benellis, UZIs, FNs, CZs, ...

And they will guide you in the right direction based on your purpose, application, size, weight, age, left-handedness...

[USMCPOP]

I forgot to mention that there are quite a few folks who prefer to make their own firearms. All you need is a metal lathe, a mill and some skill :) Gene Stoner, father of the M-16, just sort of whipped up a couple semi-automatic rifles for he and his wife. The rest is history.

[2harddrive]

BATF = Barbarians Against Truth & Freedom !!!