I'M IN THE MARKET FOR A PISTOL

[savant365]

Hi all, I am looking at buying a pistol soon. I am going to take some classes with my daughters so they can learn properly also. It has been several years since I have owned or shot a hand gun but I have been wanting to get back into it for a long time now. I would like some advice on a good 9mm semi-auto for around $400. If anyone has any suggestions on brands or maybe a different calibre I would love to hear from you. Also advice on ammo would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Charlie

[savant365]

Thanks Nick, I'll look through this site but what I am really after is opinions from actual owners. I like revolvers too, I would love to have an old six shooter and a tied down holster but I would probably shoot myself in the foot trying to fast draw it...lol. I looked at a Taurus but I just don't know. I'm gonna do some research over the next few weeks and make a decision.
Hey, where are all the recipes I need some new ideas....

HH Charlie

[barber]

A Ruger Security Six in .357, 4 in barrel, should be able to get one for less than $250.00, or a Ruger GP100 in a 4 in barrel. The GP 100 is a little larger and heavier.

[Big Jeff]

I also prefer the revolver, won't jam up when you need it the most. .357 mag carries plenty of hurt. also you can shoot the cheap .38 rounds through it for plinking practice at about half the price.

[Goodyguy]

Thanks Nick, I'll look through this site but what I am really after is opinions from actual owners. I like revolvers too, I would love to have an old six shooter and a tied down holster but I would probably shoot myself in the foot trying to fast draw it...lol. I looked at a Taurus but I just don't know. I'm gonna do some research over the next few weeks and make a decision.
Hey, where are all the recipes I need some new ideas....

HH Charlie

I'm with Jeff Get a 357 revolver If you like the Taurus the model 66 is an exact clone of the Smith & Wesson model 66. for less cost.


Buddy~

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

Geeze gentlemen¨I am surprised, all good suggestions. Agreed, the optimum is a revolver in .357, secondary is an X police revolver in .38 special with full wadcutters, cheapest , in a hock shop.

I no longer trust my life to semis- learned the hard way.

Don Jose de La Mancha

[warsawdaddy]

I agree that a semi is fun to shoot,but,for self defense consideration,always choose a revolver.Everyone's hand size is different so I won't recommend a model other than a 38,357,45,would be more than ample,even a 32mag.

[DigginThePast]

Absolutely nothing against semiautomatics but another vote for a revolver from me for anybody inexperienced with firearms. I own several types of firearms but always recommend that someone new to firearms get started with a revolver especially if self defense is a reason for the purchase. Semi-autos can have heavy slides that weaker hands may have trouble functioning and comparatively speaking complicated safeties that can be cumbersome in a life and death situation. Revolvers (double action) are easy , aim at the target and squeeze the trigger. A revolver can be stored on an empty chamber and be as safe as any other chunk of steel. I'd look to Smith & Wesson or Colt for a used .357 and have the versatility of the magnum load and able to shoot .38 special.

Okay, now to answer your question. I've owned S&W 5906 and Beretta 92F as well as a Colt Commander all chambered in 9mm and have not had any problems reliability wise but just turned out not liking the feel of the Beretta.

[GL]

Look for a used Glock 17 for a solid, reliable and easy to use semi automatic that is full sized and full capacity. The G19 is the midsize and the G26 is the subcompact. The G17 and 19 are availible in ported versions(C model) good luck finding a used one. I have owned several Glocks and all of them were dead reliable and tough as a ball bearing. Around $400 would buy you a used one at a gun store, at least around here it would. I am personally a 1911/Glock 21 guy. I like 45s.

For a revolver you really can't go wrong with a Ruger GP100 or even an SP101. My SP101 was actually chambered in 9mm and I used moon and half moon clips for it. If you get a revolver, get a 357 so you have the punch when you need it and the ease of using 38 specials when you don't. Currently I own a Smith & Wesson Model 36 in 38 special, 2" barrel. It is the wife's and she loves it. It has a nice easy kick that doesn't wear her hand out(she's 5'3"/105lbs).
For self defense I'd go double action revolver since they don't jam or fail to go bang and if they do the next shot is a squeeze away.

[Saturna]

I have a question, maybe Nick can answer this please. When I become US citizen permanently, I can have a gun too ?

Doesn't the government in Israel give you Galils and let you carry them around?

[Ray S ECenFL]

I use the Ruger SP101 .38 Special. Small, rugged revolver.

You can get it in various calibers, including .357.

http://www.christiangunowner.com/rug...01_review.html

It is also in your price range.

Ray S

[cactusjumper]

Charlie,

Since you mention having your daughters shooting the gun also, I would opt. For a small .38 Special. Learning on a .22 is usually best for kids, but that's for you to decide.

Choosing a handgun is something that should be job-related. What I mean by that, is that you should try to match the gun to the job you want it to do. If you are interested in only punching paper, a single action is the way to go, with .22 working well and cheaply.

Wheel gun or semi-auto is fine for target practice.

Self defense is another matter altogether. If you are going to take the time, effort and expense to become and stay proficient, semi-auto is the way to go......in my opinion. With the right loads, hold and maintenance, it's better than a revolver, because of firepower. More rounds delivered on target and faster.....unless you become highly trained, with a revolver.

If you are looking for pure self defense, that everyone in the house can use, I would suggest a Smith & Wesson Airweight .38 Special with CTC's lasergrips. The gun is small enough where you will carry it, and so can the wife. The lasergrips and double-action only, make it a good choice for folks who don't plan on going to the range on a regular basis. Put the dot on the target and squeeze the trigger.

I have put this outfit together for many people, especially ladies and the elderly. I have one that is carried, just about, every day. It's really fine for weddings, family reunions, bar mitzvah's and other social occasions. If you are going into something serious, and would look conspicuous carrying a battle-rifle or good combat shotgun, I carry a Para Companion in .45. It is a double-action only, and is also equipped with Lasergrips for low-light situations. The Para-Ordnance LDA has the lightest double action in the world.

In the final analysis, you should get the gun that works best for you.......not someone else. Most gun ranges will have rentals which will allow you to try before you buy. In fact, it would not be a bad idea to find the piece you like best and rent it a number of times before you buy one.

Other's have given you, pretty much, the same advise. Don't rush into that purchase. Buy the right gun, and remember, it's different for everyone. Training is the key to them all.

Good luck,

Joe Ribaudo

[Paul in WA]

I would reccomend going to a range that rents guns out. Try a few out & see what your most comfortable with. I'm an avid shooter, and own many different types of firearms, so I'm gonna put my 2 cents worth in here. If you have to have a semi auto, get a good one. Cheaper semi's can & will jam up on you. On top of that, you will be dissapointed with how inaccurate they are. When your talking semi auto's, you get what you pay for.....period! When I carry, it is either my Kimber, Pointman 7 ,or Wilson combat......I just like 45's. If you can't find a place that rents guns, and you have to buy without being able to shoot, than I agree with the others.......357 revolver.....can't go wrong. I would also reccomend a course if possible.

Here is a video of an inexpirenced shooter.......



Paul

[Paul in WA]

I have a question, maybe Nick can answer this please. When I become US citizen permanently, I can have a gun too ?

You can own one when you become a perminant resident alien

[rwsnc]

I just took my new H&K P2000 SK .40 cal to the range today for the first time. It came in yesterday. That might be the best and most accurate "out of the box" pistol I've ever owned. Very manageable kick and small enough to conceal (legally).

[Paul in WA]

The girl in the movie is shooting a Desert Eagle .50 cal No ?

Probably.... The desert Eagle came in a few different calibers.

Her husband/boyfriend should have known better.

[rwsnc]

I'd guess he pretty much knew what was going to happen. Based on the results AND his choice of tee shirts, I'd say he was probably an idiot.

[Lowbatts]

Decided to teach the younger kid to shoot a couple years ago. I was behind her but she still somehow managed to bounce those rounds off something other than the bullet trap and back to my foot and hand.

Of course that was a .177 pellet gun. That was also where my tutelage ended. We went, together with the wife as well, to an NRA certified instructor for basics very immediately after that. The kid outshot me first time out on the range. Way back when me and the wife used to shoot more often, she likewise outshot me after I taught her. Guessin' they just like the notion of blasting away at paper, tin or plastic.

Get educated in the basics first, then get around to those you know and see what they like to fire and why. While I'm not that good with the sidearm, I do prefer the semi to the revolver if just for carry capacity. As long as you pick a good gun and know you've got good loads you'll be good to go.

[savant365]

Thanks for all the great advice. I used to shoot a lot when I was a teen but when I got married my now ex-wife (thank God) made me get rid of my guns. It's been a long time since I really thought about getting one but I miss it. I don't really think I need one for self defense but you never know. I do think it is important for my kids to be comfortable and knowledgeable with firearms though. Nobody knows what things will be like in 5 or 10 years. Besides it's a lot of fun to go out and target practice, it'll be one more thing we can go outside and do together.
I agree that classes or a training course is a good idea. I learned from just going out and doing it but I think it would be fun to get out with some other enthusists and learn a few things and make some friends. I haven't really looked yet but there is probably a club close by. Thanks again, Charlie.

[Lowbatts]

Thanks for all the great advice. I used to shoot a lot when I was a teen but when I got married my now ex-wife (thank God) made me get rid of my guns. It's been a long time since I really thought about getting one but I miss it. I don't really think I need one for self defense but you never know. I do think it is important for my kids to be comfortable and knowledgeable with firearms though. Nobody knows what things will be like in 5 or 10 years. Besides it's a lot of fun to go out and target practice, it'll be one more thing we can go outside and do together.
I agree that classes or a training course is a good idea. I learned from just going out and doing it but I think it would be fun to get out with some other enthusists and learn a few things and make some friends. I haven't really looked yet but there is probably a club close by. Thanks again, Charlie.

I'd still be single if the woman said the gun has to go. And of course it's important that your kids know how to handle firearms, not so they can go out with a bunch of hoodlums, but so they know the difference between reality and what some of their teachers will tell them. It was a "classproject" that led me to teach the younger kid, the older one learned long ago, when she was in elementary school, how to shoot. Just got lazy and out of practice over the years between with a heavy workload.