Gun guys..I need some advice please.

[Turbo3000]

I know a lot of you on here have a vast knowledge on handguns, so I decided to start my research here. I have always liked guns, since I was extremely young. I would usually get a chance once a year to shot some guns, either skeet, dove, or a handgun at the range was the usual.

I have shot a couple of handguns over the past couple of years, but my knowledge on them is extremely low. I happen to be the type of person that does a ton of research on any new hobby I am diving into.

Last handgun I shot was a Glock .40, and I did like it, but then my friend got a Sig .40 and it felt much better to me, never got to fire it.

I am going to enroll in a beginner class at a range, and after the class I will purchase my gun.

I am pretty sure I would like something bigger then a 9mm, unless there is some reason I should stick to that size.

It will sit in my bedroom most of the time, and in the car at times. I do plan to go to the range at least once a month, if not two times.

I would say a price range of $450-650 for this first one.

[Turbo3000]

I can see my essay writing has carried over into my forum post today, I love my double spacing.

....I just want to finish the paper so I can turn it in Tuesday and play GTA 4 most of the day.

[Stonecold54]

I have only ever shot glocks....I used to have a .40 but now a 9mm. maybe hit up a glock 10mm. The 9 I can shoot all day. I love it....i don't have to reset my sight picture as much as I did with the .40...but its a give and take since the 9 isnt as powerful a round and has a habit of bouncing off people, lol.

[YellowJacket]

First question..

Any plan to get a concealed permit?

9mms are pretty typical, inexpensive to shoot. If youre just shooting for fun, I myself would go with a 9mm as well. Home protection, concealed, etc. Id go with a .45 or a .45. In your price range, you can get ALMOST anything you'd like to play with.

For 9mms, I have a USP 9 by H&K, fun to shoot, never jams, really quality and reliable gun, not to mention it looks smooth. I got mine brand new for around $630. Im also a huge Beretta whore. I have a 92 fs which I baby, so I rarely shoot it.

Glocks are relatively inexpensive, If you're looking at a 9mm the model 19 isnt a bad choice.. It's a mid-sized 9mm, and obviously easier to conceal than than the 17. The model 26 is a new option, but its a "baby Glock" and sometimes difficult to hold onto. ( I shot one a couple weekends a go).

The Sig 226 may be a my favorite as of late however. Looks sharp, very tactical and you can dress it up nicely.

Im just not a fan of the Springfield XD 9 or XDSC 9. No other reason really than it just felt awkward to shoot.

As for .40's, I wont bore you anymore, but I love my Beretta Cougar.

[Turbo3000]

Thanks for the replys.

Yellowjacket, I will be taking it to the range for practice/fun, but it's main job would be home protection. I think I have decided on a .40 for sure.

Do you have some sites you would recommand to read up on handguns? I was looking for the Cougar, but all I can find is the mini .40. Is the Beretta in my price range? I really know nothing about the brand names. The mini Cougar I looked up was nice looking.

[3v1lj03]

A friend of mine just bought a Smith & Wesson .40 Sigma he like it a lot he likes better then his Rugger P90 or the Beretta 9 mm he has put about 100 rounds through it and says it handle very nicely and never jams. Did not hurt to shot very comfortable.

[MickG]

I have a Sig the one the CIA uses. I like it. Also have a Taurus.

[ROCKILLER]

I probably have only slightly more knowledge about handguns than you do but my advice is find a dealer/range where you can shoot several different models in .40. Choose the one that is comfortable and allows you to shoot relatively well. Just about any new or good condition newer gun you buy will be reliable. Everyone is different, its just like bodybuilding, you need to find out what works for you.