Purchase advice

[Rasczak]

Been trying to decide...

Buy a handgun in 2 weeks, or buy an AR-15 in 2 months...

When it comes to handguns though, I'm not really in the know. I've shot a PPK, a USP and a Glock 22, oh yea and a Baby Eagle, but that was when I was 9. I like the way the USP shot, it was easier for me to get of good shots. The PPK after getting used to the way it fires was alright, but it's still a bit rough(especially when the slide slices through your thumb).

I'm not sure which way to go though. If I do buy a handgun, what do you recommend for someone who is relatively knew to handguns?
Price is a concern for me, but so is safety and reliability.

 

[A4sForever]

Been trying to decide.........If I do buy a handgun, what do you recommend for someone who is relatively knew to handguns?
Price is a concern for me, but so is safety and reliability.

Impossible to suggest (there's just too many possibilities) until YOU decide what you want the handgun for .... then that narrows the field a bit.

 

[Rasczak]

I'm not quite sure what you mean, but maybe this will answer your question.

I want something I can shoot beer cans with, but also be reliable enough for security. I live out in the country, being where I am, there are a lot of dangers, as I'm sure you are well aware of. So it's always nice to have the extra bit of security. A few years ago, someone walked into my house in the middle of the night. I was asleep in the room he entered. My dad, didn't realize it until a few minutes later. Thankfully, I didn't have to find out if his intentions where malicious or not, but it would be nice to be prepared should such a situation arise again. My father always keeps his handgun close to him, but sometimes it does concern me that it may not be enough.

 

[Capt Morgan's]

For beer can plinking I always recommend a 22 as #1 it is extremely cheap to shoot and fun at the same time.

For defense as A4's said, you really have to know what you want before that can be narrowed down, handguns often match the owner and have to be comfortable to you the shooter.

What one person likes may not be the best choice for you.

If you just want something for home defense a 12 gauge is always a solid decision.

 

[Grant]

Since nobody has mentioned it yet... you might want to consider a 1911/1911A1... I love my Springfield "GI". Those no substitute for a bigger bullet; plus it feeds JHP's without issue.

 

[Rasczak]

Something that fits the user? I'm from Tx...nuff said.

Jokes aside, I want something that will fit in my hand. I've rather large hands. Something not too powerful. I remember shooting the glock 22, I liked it, but I need something just at bit bigger, and maybe a little more comfortable. It felt all kinds of funny in my hand.


While, I would love to have a 1911, most of the ones I've seen in my area are way to expensive. I'd go to the gun show coming up, but I've heard some bad stories about buying weapons from gun shows..

 

[NozeMan]

Get a Glock 19. It's a 9mm so it still can be in the "plinking" category. Load it with some high quality hollowpoints and you have yourself 16 rounds in a reasonably compact pistol. The weapon is very simple, and extremely robust. Accuracy is also pretty darn good in my opinion. A proven pistol.

 

[Rasczak]

Lets try this...

I'm looking for 9mm, with a double action trigger. The grip needs to be about an inch to an inch and a half longer than that of a PPK. I want to avoid compacts because I have big paws, so big grip is a must. Something that I can learn to shoot properly with.

Hell with it. I'm going to the gunshop and seeing which one fits best in my hands. Then I'll come back and ask for input on what I find.

 

[MasterBates]

Springfield Armory makes nice 1911s in the same price range at the Glocks.

I got a middle of the line one for $525, and it was a hicap.

A standard 1911 should be able to be done for $500 OTD.

 

[Capt Morgan's]

Beretta 92F is a decent sized gun that should fit your hand, comes in 9mm which as mentioned above is "cheap" for plinking and also can be used for defense, as well the cost on them is not to bad and you should be able to find a used one for a reasonable price.

 

[FMRAM]

Lets try this...

I'm looking for 9mm, with a double action trigger. The grip needs to be about an inch to an inch and a half longer than that of a PPK. I want to avoid compacts because I have big paws, so big grip is a must. Something that I can learn to shoot properly with.

Hell with it. I'm going to the gunshop and seeing which one fits best in my hands. Then I'll come back and ask for input on what I find.

The weapon you are describing is a Sig Sauer P226 with Hogue grips.

 

[Purdue]

Been trying to decide...
I'm not sure which way to go though. If I do buy a handgun, what do you recommend for someone who is relatively knew to handguns?
Price is a concern for me, but so is safety and reliability.

I purchased my first handgun a month or so back... and I was in EXACTLY the same boat as you. I came from a hunting family, and I knew everything about rifles and shotguns... but NOTHING about handguns.

Go to Bass Pro, or a gun shop... and just ask to HOLD a bunch of them. Find one that fits your hand, because although it is kind of important for a shoulder-mounted weapon... it is VITAL (especially for beginners) that a handgun feels natural and a part of you. Weight, balance, grip, size, etc.

I ended up buying the Taurus 1911b:

It's relatively cheap for everything you get, and I could shoot a tight pattern with it within the first 40 rounds. Comparatively, I've put a box of rounds through my friends Glock and someones .40 XD... And I found neither fit me very well, and the Glock I just couldn't get a tight or accurate pattern to save my life.

I really recommend the Taurus... Everyone who fires mine immediatly starts asking what I paid for it, and two of my friends are currently saving to buy their own.

If you're in the country in Texas, and want something interesting and fun... plus good for home defense, I've been seriously considering the Taurus Judge as well.. it sounds weird, but everyone I've seen with one LOVES it! It's a revolver that swaps .45's or 410 shotgun shells... just load the other round, no barrel changing. Great gun for home defense (a 410 shell clears a doorway at a few feet) and a .45 will put someone down anyway. Plus, if you're in the country... a 410 handgun makes a great snake-gun.

 

[Grant]

While, I would love to have a 1911, most of the ones I've seen in my area are way to expensive.

Not always... I got mine brand new for $475 at Cabelas.

Yeah, yeah, its got a few scratches.

 

[NozeMan]

If a large 9mm is what your looking for....

As mentioned, the Sig 226 fits that bill pretty well. Glock 17 is the full size 9mm, too.

 

[pat]

I have a 229, and it fits my meaty paws quite well. I love it.
Check out the CZ75, it gets overlooked, and is a steal for the price they ask.

If your two concerns are plinking and defense, consider a Ruger MkIII or 22/45 and a Mossberg... that pair will run you less than a Sig or H&K.