Handgun Choice - Help Please

2oakes

[2oakes]

I am trying to choose a handgun for a variety of purposes - target, practical pistol and also for home defense.

I used to shoot a bit when I was in the UK until they took our guns away, but since moving to the US and gaining citizenship, I wish to take up shooting again.

I have been pointed to the Sig Sauer P226 which fits my hands just fine (the Glock 21 is just too big) but would like to seek the opinions of other Freepers before buying.

Thank you

David

[AnAmericanMother]

I like my Sig too. I have the P245, my husband has the big P220. Both have been very reliable and fairly accurate (not as accurate as my tuned up 1911A1, but that's not what they are.)

My only criticism is that the magazines are VERY stiff out of the box. I had to load and unload them many times before I could get that last round in there . . .

[TC Rider]

I went and got a new 'home defense system' this weekend.

I've had my Glock 23 for a while and really like it.

I got my pocket buddy, a Taurus 38sp snubbie in Ti last year.

I went large this year and got a Kel-Tec Sub 2000. Technically it's a rifle, which makes acquisition a bit easier in some jurisdictions. I got the 9mm version that uses Glock mags. What a hoot, we ran about 300 rounds through it yesterday.

I love these threads!

[AnAmericanMother]

Maybe hypothetically a .45 will recoil more than 9mm, but as a practical matter it doesn't happen because the manufacturers lighten up the weight on the 9mms. The Browning "Lo-Power" (sorry! couldn't resist!) probably shoots better because as a military pistol it weighs more than your average 9mm . . .

Worst recoiling pistol I have is a Walther PPK in .380 (talk about a mouse that roared . . . ) Its only advantage is its superior concealability. You can carry that thing darned near anywhere and nobody will know, I refuse to use a purse or briefcase holster (no purse snatcher should get an unexpected bonus), and before fanny packs were available with a holster inside, even my Lightweight Commander was "printing" in my summer clothes . . . :-(

[arm958]

Compared to what? No, 45ACP is not that hot, but it certainly recoils MUCH harder than 9mm, and somewhat harder than 40SW

Perhaps my opinion is being tainted by my first high-power handgun (a compact, steel framed Ruger .357 Mag). After that, any .45 felt pretty good.

[Bizhvywt]

Well now that you are an American, you need an 1911 style .45ACP.

[DrNo]

If you are a real Newbie to handguns then you should buy a .357 revolver which will also shoot .38 Special(s) as well. S&W(new owners), Taurus, Rossi, and Ruger....

Dittoes on getting a revolver.

I see a number of new shooters struggle at the range with semi-automatics that they think the "ought to have."

As G. Gordon Liddy used to say, there is a reason why revolvers don't have "safeties;" they're inherently safe.

I recommend a Ruger GP-100, a S&W Model 28, or a comparable Taurus. A nice small, but heavy, concealable weapon is the 5-shot S&W model 640-1 (or other 5-shot .38 spl revolver).

I haven't shot the higher capacity .357 revolvers (e.g., S&W 686-6) yet, but I imagine they're going to be a bit bulkier and heavier.

Whatever you buy, practice with it, and be sure everyone in the household knows basic pistol safety and handling.

[xsrdx]

I never had a problem with my 1911 failing in any way.

Either your lucky, or you haven't shot it enough (Kidding, just kidding).

I've watched enough Kimbers, Springfields and other "out of the box" 1911's puke at matches to convince me that stock is ok for fun, but not for defensive use. Sometimes it's magazines, sometimes it's ammo, extractors, feed ramps, or whatever, but it happens more often with "stock" 1911's than other pistols. My experience may be anecdotal, but lots of things happen in practical matches that don't happen at the target range, exposing any and all reliability issues with the gun.

If you've got one that works, great, you're certainly not alone. But IMO 1911's take more work than other pistols to be absolutely reliable, to the degree that a typical out of the box Glock or HK is.

[angkor]

Sig 232 (380 ACP) and KelTec P-32 are my carry choices.

[JoeGar]

I have been pointed to the Sig Sauer P226 which fits my hands just fine ...

Excellent choice. If you want something that is more concealable, take a look at the P239.

[toddst]

My only criticism (of the Sigs) is that the magazines are VERY stiff out of the box. I had to load and unload them many times before I could get that last round in there . .

Were the magazines of Sig manufacture? I haven't bought any magazines beyond the two originals with each gun, but have some non-Sig mfg. magazines I was given. None have caused me the problem you describe.

Can't explain what you've experienced. Wonder if Sig added strength to magazine springs as a result of inadequate pressure in some situation or other. Hmmm . . .

[Blue Collar Christian]

I suggest you take a self defense handgun course from a reputable instructor. The instructor or school will provide you with a handgun, usally a 38 special revolver for the initial course. After that, go to a pistol range that rents handguns at their facility. Try out as many different guns as opportunity allows. Do this in serveral different sessions so that you are not firing hundreds of rounds in one visit. Make notes of your comfort, balance, recoil to sight picture recovery times and dedpendability. Discuss this with your reputable instructor before taking the advanced class you should be taking after your purchase.

If you have enough money and love guns, buy a bunch of them and really enjoy some variety! That's what I do. The money you spend on quality professional instruction will not be wasted.

[xsrdx]

If you check the EXCELLENT link at post 49, compare the 1911 threads to the Glock/HK threads, and note the difference in the number of "My New Gun" problems.

[AnAmericanMother]

The P245 is the one I've had the problem with. It's smaller and has a stiffer spring than the P220.

I looked around, and apparently I'm not the only one that has had this problem . . .

P245 review by Alamance Independent

[Intimidator]

Get yourself a shotgun man. I use the Remington 870 super mag for my home defense. You can clear and entire hallway out with it if need be. Handguns are for girly men. :)

[snopercod]

What .22 would you recommend?

I don't own a .22 pistol, but have shot the Ruger mentioned in #23 and liked it. I don't really know enough in that area to recommend anything pro or con.

[xm177e2]

There's a reason the elite Israeli units don't use the Jericho, the upgrade to Glocks or SIGs. It's not a terrible handgun, but it's nothing special.

[upcountryhorseman]

Right ON! I like a Browning BDM 9mm.

[2oakes]

Thank you all for the advice.

I will go test a few of the front runners.

"Her indoors" is also impressed by the number of thoughtful replies - makes my job so much easier

Thanks again

David

[wardaddy]

I like all pistols.....my family has inherited scores from grandpa and uncles and my dad and I intend to pass it all on with many additions along the way to my own progeny.

From a Ruger bull barrel .22 or a NAM Guardian .32 auto to 44 Mag and 45LC and a bunch in between.

For being startled at night, I prefer a bedside revolver...no question.

For a hostile environment to carry, I might go for a Sig myself. I do not like Glocks...just my taste.

When I was younger, I preferred 1911 style 45s and still like them quite a bit but I have a little voice in my head that tells me that in my home and business (mini-warehouses and car washes etc.)....a wheelgun is best. Grab the gun and fire....no fumbling around. .357mag is no question the best all around wheel gun caliber.

I procured a .357/7 shot Rossi for an aunt recently. The new steel has slightly thinner walls between cylinder bores and the cylinder is a bit bigger but it's no more cumbersome than that pistol beating M28 (my first .357) you mentioned earlier.

I have not been in the military and cannot say what's best for that environment but given the preponderance of high-cap, I guess I'd go for a fat handled .45.

CACHE, BLOAT, only only buy guns...never sell.

Regards

[stuartcr]

Ruger P97 45 ACP