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.

[blueglide88]

Just came accross this thread.

Go with the Glock 10mm. It's as powerful as you'd ever need, and you can put different barrels in it to shoot different calibers. I often shoot .40 S&W because it's cheaper, but the 10mm packs a wallop that is fun to shoot.

As far as home defense, I think a revolver acn't be beat. No need to rack it, if by any chance you come accross a no fire, just pull the trigger again. If you need more than 6 shots, you're a dead man anyways.

[Mr I]

I can't imagine having a gun for home defence LOL! just seems weird

[Nekrawulf]

Revolver.. for home defense?

I beg to differ.

4-10 shotty with a pistol grip loaded with #3 shot. Light enough recoil for a child to use, and the spray pattern is wide enough for even the most unskilled to maim just by pointing it center mass at the target.

Bonus is that random shots most likely will not penetrate interior walls, keeping family safe in other rooms.

[blm]

The new Ruger LCP 380 is very inexpensive, concealable, and reliable. Under $400 but out of stock damn near anywhere you try to get it.

[blm]

Bonus is that random shots most likely will not penetrate interior walls, keeping family safe in other rooms.

Very important to consider. That is the reason I have my shotgun now that I haven't hunted in years. The sound of a shotgun in the calm of night would make you shit yourself, lol.

[bigscott]

Revolver.. for home defense?

I beg to differ.

4-10 shotty with a pistol grip loaded with #3 shot. Light enough recoil for a child to use, and the spray pattern is wide enough for even the most unskilled to maim just by pointing it center mass at the target.

Bonus is that random shots most likely will not penetrate interior walls, keeping family safe in other rooms.

nice setup = simple and effective

[ROCKETW19]

This post is 4 months old so Im guessing he already has his gun but since i love guns I will reply anyways.
Handgun is simple HK.... home D-fence I would go with the .45cal you live in a free state so you can get the good ones like the MK23 or the combat the new HK45 is pretty nice also.
9mm is easyer and cheaper to shoot at paper but will over penetrait(sp?) and go threw all your walls and maybe your neighbors.
12gauge shot gun would be my (and is) choice for home D-fence. Like said above once you rack it there is almost no need to shoot it. Everyone knows that sound and will run away fast. My 12gauge (HK-Benelli)happens to be automatic but still make that insane noise when chambering a round.