Posted on 01/08/2002 11:21:45 AM PST by 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.
As a stand alone statement, I would agree. Revolvers are generally more reliable than automatics but if one were to limit themselves to high quality guns, I think centerfire auto's just might be more certain to fire.
I have owned a lot of guns, in fact at one time over 250. Of all the Sigs, Brownings, Glocks (except one), FEG's, Makarov's and probably a bunch more none have ever jammed. Not even once. I did have a Browning HP jam once when a very petite girl fired it with 90 grain HP's, I am sure she limp wristed it.
The fact is that there are a lot of things which can trip up a revolver. Some of them are, dirt in the action (revolvers will be jammed by dirt much quicker than automatics), a bent crane, a bullet, especially on magnums, coming out of the case on recoil and protruding past the cylinder mouth, and high primers. Some other problems are too tight cylinder to barrel gap, bad timing, lead buildup on front of cylinder (this has to be combined with out of range cylinder), and I bet I could think of a few more if I took the time.
All in all, high quality automatics, using good ammo are near totally reliable.
If you shoot cheap crap ammo in any automatic,it will jam eventually.
1) First shoot a variety of pistols from single action only to combination to double action only to semi-auto to revolver. This way, you will know what you like. For me, I hate Taurus and wasn't overly fond of Glock. Seems like you may have already done this.
2) You may need to buy a good bang for your buck pistol and practice before you move to the type you ultimately aim to own. I started carrying a Ruger .45 before I moved up to 1911 style .45's. The difference was $350 to $800 (and climbing as I modify). This way you may not be in too deep with your first gun. Of course, others would maintain that it is just the first of many purchases.
3) Understand that some types of pistols are definitely not for everyone. I own a single action only 1911 style that I carry daily. This gun has advantages and disadvantages and is most certainly not for everyone. It requires practice and discipline to carry a "cocked and locked" weapon.
4) There is no gun that is too big that it cannot be properly hidden or carried comfortably. There is no gun that is large enough when you must use it to defend yourself. My weapon has a double-stack grip, a 4in barrel, and a slightly shortened grip from the std 1911 governemt model. I have no difficulty carrying it in a shortcut under my shirt.
6) The bigger and heaveir the gun, the easier it will be to control in a stressful situation (to a certain point). You need to find what works for you. Mine is 36oz empty and carries 12+1 and makes for a more heavy gun than some 22oz featherweights I handled.
6) There is no caliber that is too big or really too small. Just keep in mind that a handgun stops by the size of the hole it makes. So, nobody wants to be hit with even a .22, but would you hang your life on a single .22 bullet? That said, anything less than a .45 is just insane. ;-)
7) Don't cut corners for a cheaper gun. You are selecting a piece of hardward upon which you may depend for your life. It must function well.
I have never seen anything that purported that. Evan Marshall had for a long time listed 125 gr .357 loads as the best load for one-shot stops (exceeding even the best .45 ACP loads by a small margine) based on data collected from actual street shootings.Haven't seen any recent data and do not know if Marshall still compiles it (or is still alive)
Otherwise a great post.
earlybirdnj
http://www.amderringer.com/
Hi-Power's are single-action.
I could have sworn that was the 125+P .38 load. It's been years, and I could be wrong...
Thanks for the complement, though.
Mark
Whatever you get, get thee to a range and practice until you can handle the weapon proficiently under a variety of circumstances. You don't have to be a deadeye shot, but you need to know the mechanics well enough to lock and load, clear a jam, reload the magazine quickly, get the safe off and on in the dark, lowlight, or slippery conditions, etc.. Lying in the dark with some goon on the other side of a jiggling doorknob is not the time to be wondering why the darned think won't cock.
as many as you can lug around!
1. Some people say that if you're buying a pistol for the first time, get whatever standard sidearm your local police officers are issued by their department. Most departments let them carry their own, but you should find out what your local donut-ninja's basic duty pistol is. In some localities, adopting the local PD's sidearm could be a tremendously bad idea, so don't take this item too seriously.
2. Others say that the first pistol you should get is a quality .357 Magnum revolver and practice with .38 Special ammo. Load it with .357 Magnum for protection.
3. My firm opinion is to stay away from 9mms of all types. My 1985-vintage Glock 17 that holds 20 rounds of 9mm stays in my gun safe collecting dust while my 7-round Springfield Armory .45 automatic clone is the one I keep handy. Trust me on this one.
4. Sig-Sauers are better built, have nicer sight-picture, shoot smoother, and just plain feel better than HKs. I have several HKs (rifles, carbines, and pistols), and it took a lot of money for me to realize that HK isn't all it's cracked up to be. I still like HKs, but Sig-Sauers are the ones that are truly made by little Swiss elves living in gingerbread houses who use magic in their product.
5. Glock, schmock. They're generally of good quality, though.
6. Buying used pistols on consignment ('used') at a gun shop can net you a wonderful bargain. You can also get completely hosed, too. Let the buyer beware.
7. I'll chase you down your street with my truck if you buy anything made by Ruger. If I see you with a Ruger P-89 and a Mini-14, I'll use a hay combine.
8. Got too much money in your bank account? Buy a Les Baer .45 Government clone. If you buy an HK SOCOM .45 with that kinda money, see item #7.
9. Desert Eagles are fun to shoot until they stop working and you have to sell them on consignment. See item #6.
10. Shoot frequently.
The ammunition questions can be answered as far as recoil and the best handling characterists of caliber. I noticed that 9MM is very popular at the matches. The failure of 9MM's to perform has been given Urban Legend status but the design of the bullets has been greatly changed in the last couple of years. OSS[One Shot Stops] are in the 90% range. I was able to shoot a small .40 Smith and Wesson and it hurt. I was surprised at the sharpness of it. .357 Sigs are loud! I thought the guy was using a .44 mag. I'm a fan of the .45 Auto but don't take my word for it.
. Ages ago, men had to wear swords and they became used to it. The secret to carrying a gun is to have a good holster, belt and something like an extra magazine or knife on the other side to balance it out. My carry pistol is a Springfield V-10 Ultra-Compact .45 with a Galco Royal Guard holster and a Wilderness instructor's belt. I have a spare magazine on the other side. I started carrying at 9:00 am and I haven't taken it off and it's 10pm.
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