School me on handguns, please.

timeless2 · Dec 4, 2010

Gonna get one. Picked up a electronic safe today at Bass Pro on sale, so now I need to fill it.

Handled a Springfield and a Beretta. Both were 9mm.
Please offer up suggestions as to make, model, caliber.
Strongly leaning toward 9mm. No idea on make/model yet.

State why you make your suggestion(s) also, please. Thanks!

Tonys96Cobra · Dec 4, 2010

Springfield XD is awesome if you want full size, Glocks are awesome in a mid size. What are the intended purposes of said gun. If its gonna be a shooter, just get a nice 1911 and be done with it

erichmess_ · Dec 4, 2010

Companies to look at:
Smith & Wesson M&P Series
Glock
Beretta 92FS or PX4
Springfield Armory XD or XDm
FNH

Others to consider (but unnecessarily expensive, IMO)
H&K
Sig Sauer
Browning Hi-Power

Ones to avoid
Hi-Point
Ruger (IMHO)
Kel-Tec

Also, buying guns in stores can be expensive. Check out Handguns for Sale: Pistols, Revolvers, Conceal Carry for some really good deals on guns.

A good forum for you to look at is AR15.Com - Your Firearm Resource. (AR-15, M4, M16, AR-10, H&K, SIG, FNH, FAL, AK-47, 50 Cal, M1/M1A, Carbine, Handgun, Pistol, Training, Hunting, and More!). They have a really good handgun area where you can ask questions.

Lastly, getting a 9mm as a first gun is a good idea. However, try to go to a range and rent the guns you're interested in before shooting them. A gun might feel nice in your hands when you're holding it, but you may hate the way it feels when you shoot it.

jlangholzj · Dec 4, 2010

I'd put my life on a springer XDM in a 9mm. Roomate has one and its a real great shooter! I'm buying that elusive 1911 though

fiveohwblow · Dec 4, 2010

I too am going for the 1911 but I want a kimber

timeless2 · Dec 4, 2010

Tonys96Cobra said:
Springfield XD is awesome if you want full size, Glocks are awesome in a mid size. What are the intended purposes of said gun. If its gonna be a shooter, just get a nice 1911 and be done with it

The guy behind the counter said it won gun of the year for 4 consecutive years...true?
Intent is occasional countryside target practice, range shooting, and personal protection. The electronic safe is now secured and sits right under my bedstand. Beeps are set to silent for stealth acquisition.

erichmess_ said:
Companies to look at:
Smith & Wesson M&P Series
Glock
Beretta 92FS or PX4
Springfield Armory XD or XDm
FNH

Others to consider (but unnecessarily expensive, IMO)
H&K
Sig Sauer
Browning Hi-Power

Ones to avoid
Hi-Point
Ruger (IMHO)
Kel-Tec

Also, buying guns in stores can be expensive. Check out Handguns for Sale: Pistols, Revolvers, Conceal Carry for some really good deals on guns.

A good forum for you to look at is AR15.Com - Your Firearm Resource. (AR-15, M4, M16, AR-10, H&K, SIG, FNH, FAL, AK-47, 50 Cal, M1/M1A, Carbine, Handgun, Pistol, Training, Hunting, and More!). They have a really good handgun area where you can ask questions.

Lastly, getting a 9mm as a first gun is a good idea. However, try to go to a range and rent the guns you're interested in before shooting them. A gun might feel nice in your hands when you're holding it, but you may hate the way it feels when you shoot it.

Very good post; thank you very much.
Yes, we are going to hit the range here in the next week or so. They have a variety of firearms for rent. Thanks again.

jlangholzj said:
I'd put my life on a springer XDM in a 9mm. Roomate has one and its a real great shooter! I'm buying that elusive 1911 though

Why would you do that? Solid gun? Reliable?
What's with the 1911? I'm clueless on this.

fiveohwblow said:
I too am going for the 1911 but I want a kimber

What are the niceties behind the 1911 and the Kimber?

DocG · Dec 4, 2010

I have a Springfield 40 cal. It did win gun of the year several times but couldn't say how many. I have had mine since the XD's were introduced and love it. Only way I would recommend anything else is if you are looking for a full metal gun and not part composite. Some people prefer the weight of full metal.

I am getting my carry permit soon and would likely look to buy another Springer...subcompact model.

erichmess_ · Dec 4, 2010

1911's really depend on what model you get. There are many, many companies that make 1911s. Some are very good, some are not. The first gun I ever shot was a Kimber 1911 rental, and it was terrible. The mag didn't fit right and it jammed constantly. Granted, it was a rental, so who knows how often they cleaned it. Generally, I've heard lots of mixed reviews about Kimber. But, there are people who swear by them, and I'm sure Kimber pretty much makes an excellent gun.

Also, 1911s are a lot more expensive than the other guns you were looking at. You can get inexpensive and good 1911s, like the lower end Springfield models, but a good 1911, IMO, costs about $800 and up. But that is just my opinion, others may have different experiences.

I would recommend against getting a 1911 or a .45 as your first gun. A .45 was my first gun (not a 1911, however) and I picked up bad habits shooting it that might not have happened with a 9mm. But it is a gun you should get eventually.

I, too, have been wanting to get a 1911, but don't currently have the funds for what I want.

Superhereaux · Dec 4, 2010

What's the pistols purpose? Home defense? Concealed carry? Recreational? Two or more of the above?

Have you ever fired a pistol? If not, try different calibers at a gun range to get a feel for each. Most indoor ranges have gun rentals.

I personally prefer revolvers over semi but to each his own, i have a Ruger snub nose SP101 .357 and my service issue .40 HK P2000. I have many hours into the .40 but MUCH prefer throwing lead downrange with .38 ammo out of the Ruger. 5 shots vs. 13 but they each have their drawbacks.
Two guns that really impressed me were my buddies Springfield XD and my ex's service issue Glock 22, both in .40 caliber. Nicer trigger pull than mine and better balance on both.

I personally would never buy a 9mm, but then again, to each his own. If you want compact get a .380, normal size get a .40. Hell, get a Walther PPK, 007's gun!!!

timeless2 · Dec 4, 2010

DocG2828 said:
I have a Springfield 40 cal. It did win gun of the year several times but couldn't say how many. I have had mine since the XD's were introduced and love it. Only way I would recommend anything else is if you are looking for a full metal gun and not part composite. Some people prefer the weight of full metal.

I am getting my carry permit soon and would likely look to buy another Springer...subcompact model.

What made you go for the .40?

erichmess_ said:
1911's really depend on what model you get. The first gun I ever shot was a Kimber 1911 rental, and it was terrible. The mag didn't fit right and it jammed constantly. Granted, it was a rental, so who knows how often they cleaned it. Generally, I've heard lots of mixed reviews about Kimber. But, there are people who swear by them, and I'm sure Kimber pretty much makes an excellent gun.

Also, 1911s are a lot more expensive than the other guns you were looking at. You can get inexpensive and good 1911s, like the lower end Springfield models, but a good 1911, IMO, costs about $800. But that is just my opinion, others may have different experiences.

I would recommend against getting a 1911 or a .45 as your first gun. A .45 was my first gun (not a 1911, however) and I picked up bad habits shooting it that might not have happened with a 9mm. But it is a gun you should get eventually.

I, too, have been wanting to get a 1911, but don't currently have the funds for what I want.

Yeah, a grand is definitely out of my price range. Many are agreeing that a 9mm is a great place to start and one will soon find him/her self wanting a .45.

Superhereaux said:
What's the pistols purpose? Home defense? Concealed carry? Recreational? Two or more of the above?

Have you ever fired a pistol? If not, try different calibers at a gun range to get a feel for each. Most indoor ranges have gun rentals.

I personally prefer revolvers over semi but to each his own, i have a Ruger snub nose SP101 .357 and my service issue .40 HK P2000. I have many hours into the .40 but MUCH prefer throwing lead downrange with .38 ammo out of the Ruger. 5 shots vs. 13 but they each have their drawbacks.
Two guns that really impressed me were my buddies Springfield XD and my ex's service issue Glock 22, both in .40 caliber. Nicer trigger pull than mine and better balance on both.

I personally would never buy a 9mm, but then again, to each his own. If you want compact get a .380, normal size get a .40. Hell, get a Walther PPK, 007's gun!!!

No CC. Rec and home def.
Yes, fired a .357, .38, and a .45. The .357 and .38 were revolvers.

Wow, more kudos for the Springfield. The wife and I held it and compared it to the Beretta. I liked the Springfield way better in my hand.

Tonys96Cobra · Dec 4, 2010

Yeah, I would second the notion that if its your first pistol don't get a 1911. I'm still thinking that an XD or XDM would be a great choice.

sneaky98gt · Dec 4, 2010

If you are looking for something cheap, I'd recommend a Ruger SR9. My dad picked one up several months back for <$400. It's accurate, hasn't jammed a single time, and I personally like the way it feels. I've heard on more than one occasion people recommending against that gun, but we haven't found a single problem with it, and we've probably shot upwards of 1000 rounds through it now.

For a little more money, go with a Glock. One of, if not the most, reliable handguns out there. I like them and they way they shoot, but they are just plain ugly to me. Berretas are in this same class as well (minus the bad looks).

If want to spend some, my favorite is a Sig Sauer. 226 for target shooting or home defense, or 229 for concealed carry. It is just very smooth in my hands. I've had friends who really didn't like the way they felt, but they are in the minority. Best looking handgun out there to me as well.

The best thing you can do is shoot lots of different guns and decide what you like. The exact same gun will feel different to 2 different people.

If you are mostly target shooting, go 9 mm. Only on account of price/availability of ammunition. A year or so ago, I remember when you couldn't find .40 or .45 ammunition anywhere in my area, but 9mm was plentiful.

DocG · Dec 4, 2010

I went with a 40 because primary purpose was home defense. Wanted something less likely to pass through a body and continue through walls. Didn't go 45 because I wanted something the wifey could handle without too much kick. The 40 seemed like a good middle ground. Wifey handles this gun pretty well considering she is a petite gal.

timeless2 · Dec 4, 2010

Tonys96Cobra said:
Yeah, I would second the notion that if its your first pistol don't get a 1911. I'm still thinking that an XD or XDM would be a great choice.

Thanks, man.
Despite wifey not liking the feel of the XD, I'm seriously leaning that way and simply letting her have my .22 semi to plink with.

sneaky98gt said:
If you are looking for something cheap, I'd recommend a Ruger SR9. My dad picked one up several months back for <$400. It's accurate, hasn't jammed a single time, and I personally like the way it feels. I've heard on more than one occasion people recommending against that gun, but we haven't found a single problem with it, and we've probably shot upwards of 1000 rounds through it now.

For a little more money, go with a Glock. One of, if not the most, reliable handguns out there. I like them and they way they shoot, but they are just plain ugly to me. Berretas are in this same class as well (minus the bad looks).

If want to spend some, my favorite is a Sig Sauer. 226 for target shooting or home defense, or 229 for concealed carry. It is just very smooth in my hands. I've had friends who really didn't like the way they felt, but they are in the minority. Best looking handgun out there to me as well.

The best thing you can do is shoot lots of different guns and decide what you like. The exact same gun will feel different to 2 different people.

If you are mostly target shooting, go 9 mm. Only on account of price/availability of ammunition. A year or so ago, I remember when you couldn't find .40 or .45 ammunition anywhere in my area, but 9mm was plentiful.

Now, see, the old coot behind the counter today stated one crucial flaw with Glocks. He stated that after 2000 to 2500 rounds, the mags start to have issues staying locked/retained. True?

Honestly, I was all excited to gander at the Glocks, despite their abundance of polymer. You know, it's Mitch Rapp's weapon of choice.
Then he dropped that bomb.

DocG2828 said:
I went with a 40 because primary purpose was home defense. Wanted something less likely to pass through a body and continue through walls. Didn't go 45 because I wanted something the wifey could handle without too much kick. The 40 seemed like a good middle ground. Wifey handles this gun pretty well considering she is a petite gal.

Thanks for that input. Ever look at a 9mm as an option?
You're just lucky she didn't use it on you earlier this year.

eicht · Dec 4, 2010

I have been a Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, So I have a little experience with handguns. I can tell you that A LOT of what you will get on here is subjective and personal preference especially as it relates to caliber. 9 mm is readily available and relatively scheap to shoot. All that being said, I wouldn't have a 9mm for a combat handgun. (personal preference) If you are not going to spend a lot of time training, a revolver in .38/.357 magnum is a great choice. They are simple and almost 100% reliable. If you are choosing a carry gun there is a trade off between size/caliber/capacity/holster preference that no one can really answer for you. (subjective) If you have a range where you can rent handguns, go there and spend a lot of time trying different guns. I carry a concealed weapon often. My weapon of choice is a S&W M&P 40C (compact .40) which holds 10 rounds. It is a polymer frame, is pretty light and comfortable with the right holster. I have a stainless Para Ord 12-45 (10 or 12 rds .45 ACP) which I carry sometimes but is heavy. I have a 5 inch 1911 Taurus which I keep in the house and take to the range. I personally would not recommend a 1911 for a carry gun unless you practise with the gun A LOT. I dont own any revolvers only because I like the greater capacity of the semi-autos and dont have an unlimited firearms budget. I will get one eventually but it will probable be a Taurus Public Defender in the .45 LC/.410 shotgun.
BOTTOM LINE: Any caliber 9mm and up in a semi-auto or .38 up in a revolver will make an acceptable defense weapon. Buy what feels good to you and take the time to learn how to use it. Caveat- a .380 can be had in a very concealable size for summer carry and I do plan to get one soon. In a gun fight the best gun is the one you have with you at the time. Oh, and if you are new to shooting buy a .22 pistol and shoot the living crap out of it.

The Green GT · Dec 4, 2010

I own a Sig P228, XD45, Glock 19, Taurus PT100 (Beretta 96 clone), and a few other handguns. My favorite is the Glock. Hands down. Next in line would be the Sig, followed by the XD.

Glock all the way.

DocG · Dec 4, 2010

I considered the 9mm but dismissed it for its higher velocity and what I stated about not wanting the slug to exit a body. I might feel bad if it went through a wall and hurt a neighbor or...left a hole in my own wall.

timeless2 · Dec 4, 2010

eicht said:
I have been a Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, So I have a little experience with handguns. I can tell you that A LOT of what you will get on here is subjective and personal preference especially as it relates to caliber. 9 mm is readily available and relatively scheap to shoot. All that being said, I wouldn't have a 9mm for a combat handgun. (personal preference) If you are not going to spend a lot of time training, a revolver in .38/.357 magnum is a great choice. They are simple and almost 100% reliable. If you are choosing a carry gun there is a trade off between size/caliber/capacity/holster preference that no one can really answer for you. (subjective) If you have a range where you can rent handguns, go there and spend a lot of time trying different guns. I carry a concealed weapon often. My weapon of choice is a S&W M&P 40C (compact .40) which holds 10 rounds. It is a polymer frame, is pretty light and comfortable with the right holster. I have a stainless Para Ord 12-45 (10 or 12 rds .45 ACP) which I carry sometimes but is heavy. I have a 5 inch 1911 Taurus which I keep in the house and take to the range. I personally would not recommend a 1911 for a carry gun unless you practise with the gun A LOT. I dont own any revolvers only because I like the greater capacity of the semi-autos and dont have an unlimited firearms budget. I will get one eventually but it will probable be a Taurus Public Defender in the .45 LC/.410 shotgun.
BOTTOM LINE: Any caliber 9mm and up in a semi-auto or .38 up in a revolver will make an acceptable defense weapon. Buy what feels good to you and take the time to learn how to use it. Caveat- a .380 can be had in a very concealable size for summer carry and I do plan to get one soon. In a gun fight the best gun is the one you have with you at the time. Oh, and if you are new to shooting buy a .22 pistol and shoot the living crap out of it.

Awesome post, mate. Much appreciated.
Yep, that's where I'm at. We have a .22 semi auto plinker pistol and we are ready to graduate upward.
With the fact the wife was the one today to suggest we get a bedside safe, I know she is on-board with getting something we can all enjoy and take comfort in knowing it's right nearby.

The Green GT said:
I own a Sig P228, XD45, Glock 19, Taurus PT100 (Beretta 96 clone), and a few other handguns. My favorite is the Glock. Hands down. Next in line would be the Sig, followed by the XD.

Glock all the way.

What puts the Glock ahead of the pack, in your opinion?

DocG2828 said:
I considered the 9mm but dismissed it for its higher velocity and what I stated about not wanting the slug to exit a body. I might feel bad if it went through a wall and hurt a neighbor or...left a hole in my own wall.

Ah, so you wanted to avoid dry walling and mud work. Gotcha.

PULMEOVR · Dec 4, 2010

I'm sure that I don't have as much firearms knowledge as you US guys, but I thought I'd throw in my two cents.

When I was down in Texas, I went to the Dallas Fort Worth Gun Club range (forget the exact name), and I shot a bunch of guns. One of them was a Glock 19 in 9mm. I LOVED this gun! It shot super well, never jammed, was light but felt like a quality piece. Granted, I did only put 50 rounds through it. But for a starter gun, this seems very nice. 9mm ammo is relatively cheap, as everyone else has already said. I would love to have one up in Canada, but they are banned (barrel is too short on the model 19).

I've also heard a ton of good reviews about the newer S&W M&P pistols.

Good luck in your search and let us know what you end up buying!

'13_ImpactBlue_GT · Dec 4, 2010

timeless2 said:
Awesome post, mate. Much appreciated.
Yep, that's where I'm at. We have a .22 semi auto plinker pistol and we are ready to graduate upward.
With the fact the wife was the one today to suggest we get a bedside safe, I know she is on-board with getting something we can all enjoy and take comfort in knowing it's right nearby.

What puts the Glock ahead of the pack, in your opinion?

Ah, so you wanted to avoid dry walling and mud work. Gotcha.

I had a concealed carry permit for 5 years and I carried everything from a .357 snubbie Taurus to a S&W Model 4506 in .45ACP.

My vote would be for a .357Mag/.38Spc revolver.......

School me on handguns, please.

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