Author Topic: Looking for first handgun any ideas are good (Read 3222 times)

rparsons934 · « **on:** February 24, 2009, 07:58:39 AM »

I have recently discoverd that in OH a 20 yr old can own a hand gun. By being gifted by the parent. So I am looking for a hand gun. I am looking for realibility over all. This guns main purpose will be for home defense and plinking at the range or some target practice at a friends farm. I have been looking all around the web. I no they say shoot one before you buy it. Well thats not possible in my case because I my self cant purchase a handgun. Now i have shot before. I am not recoil shy so to speak. My frame is about 6'3" 225LBS. In that aspect I am able to shoot fine. I am here to ask GBO what they would recomend as a good all around gun. I am on a budget and i am not trying to spend more than $500(a little over is fine.) I was looking at some bersa fire arms as well as S&W. I like the sig40VE from S&W. So thought on that gun would be helpfull. I plan to handgun hunt but not with this specific gun. As it is for home protection I would prefer a stronger caliber. I also was looking at Glocks but they tend to be pricy. I will need ammo and a extra mag or 2 as well(but thats not includeing the $500 on the gun itself.) I am open to all sugestions as i know most people here know more about firearms than me. I would like reccomandations on guns you have shot. I am not intrested in a revolver because I will purchase one of those for hunting.

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2009, 08:47:11 AM »

You should be able to pick up a new Glock in the caliber of your choice for around $500 as around here the going price is $499 and used ones normally run around $400 give or take a few bucks. Still based on your over all stated uses for it I'd not recommend a Glock or any semiauto really.

There is no better home defense handgun than a .357 Magnum revolver from a quality maker and it beats the heck out of any of those self defense semiautos for a practical plinker and is fully up to the task of hunting with it as well.

I've long stated that I think everyone's first handgun should be a .22LR and I still stand by that. If you want to learn to shoot well you need to shoot a LOT. To do that with other than a .22LR even if you reload gets very expensive very fast and usually leads to folks not putting in the trigger time needed to become really good with their handgun. The vast majority of handgun owners can't hit a bull in the butt at 25 yards with it and results of street shootings show they really can't hit a human at five yards and under very often.

A 4" revolver makes a decent carry gun for concealed carry if that's an option for you and depending on the kinda areas you frequent might be an excellent choice. If I were intentionally going where I was pretty sure I'd have to use that gun to defend myself I'd likely chose a high capacity .40 S&W and in fact have done just that even tho I will never knowingly go into such a place.

I have a wide variety of choices from .22LRs to powerful hunting hanguns to a variety of sizes and calibers of semiautos and handguns for concealed carry and home defense as well as hunting use. But if I were starting over today owning none a single gun and buying my first I'd chose a .22LR for that first one the same as I did well over 40 years ago when I selectd my first. If I were absolutely not going to listen to that advice and get a centerfire it would be a .357 Magnum revolver from either S&W or Ruger. For me the choice clearly would be a S&W but for many it is a Ruger.

By buying used you could actually probably get both a .22LR and a .357 for not too much over that $500 if you shop wisely.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2009, 09:11:02 AM »

thanks for the advice GB. Now I have shot before. Ive shot 9mm, .45, .22, and a 357. My uncle was a cop (retired got real spirtual) and he used to take me and my cousin shooting. I am intrested in an Auto because simply I live in cleveland. And what I mean by that chances are if some 1 comes in my house they wont be alone. So I like the capacity that a auto has. I like .22s but my personal prefrence would be something with a little more bite. I very much try to stay away from places were I know I will need a gun. I do pland to CCW when I turn 21 in december. As far as used goes unless I know the person/dealer I would feel better with somehting new.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2009, 09:31:25 AM »

Then I'd get a Glock likely either a .40 S&W or .357 Sig. I have Glocks in .40 S&W at both ends of the size range the G22 and G27. The G22 holds 15+1 and with extra mags you can shoot a lot of ammo in a short time if that's what you think is needed. The G27 is 10+1 and is a more compact carry piece. The G23 splits the difference size wise and capacity wise.

There is nothing wrong with a 9mm but I feel better with the .40.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2009, 09:32:54 AM »

Thanks again for the advice GB ill check them out.

skarke · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2009, 09:56:52 AM »

Get a used Glock. Most are very serviceable, though the tritium sights are usually spent. Also, I'd recommend a 40 s and w for the availability of ammo, plus, if you ever get into reloading, brass is very plentiful.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2009, 09:59:28 AM »

Quote from: skarke on February 24, 2009, 09:56:52 AM

Get a used Glock. Most are very serviceable, though the tritium sights are usually spent. Also, I'd recommend a 40 s and w for the availability of ammo, plus, if you ever get into reloading, brass is very plentiful.

Ill check that out 2. I am intrested in reloading but need to find some 1 to show me how. No 1 i no knows how to do it. especially because i my self cant buy ammo for the gun. And im sure my mother will get sick of me picking her up all the time lol. thnks for the advice

Brett · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2009, 03:07:01 PM »

GB has given you some good advice. In addition to used Glocks ckeck out the police trade in Sigs. They are reconditioned by the factory with all worn or broken parts replaced. They may show some wear and tear on their finish but there guts are good as new.

I would still not rule out a good medium 4" frame .375 revolver and a couple of speed loaders. You can shoot .38s (factory or hand loads) for cheap plinking and target practice.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2009, 01:44:13 AM »

heres what id recomend and you can do it for well under 500 bucks. The market a while back was flooded with police trade in model 15 smiths. There 4 inch adjs. sigthed 38 specials. Most are in like new mechanical shape with a little bluing wear and can be had for under 300 bucks. Loaded with plus p hps there a fine defence guns and loaded with wad cutters or round nosed lead there great trail guns. Ammo is relitivly cheap so if you picked one up for 300 bucks it would leave you 200 to buy a bunch of ammo to get used to it. You wont find a finer gun for that kind of money anywhere. Glocks sigs and 1911s are cool guns but there not really my idea of an ideal only or first handgun.

John R. · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2009, 04:50:55 AM »

I agree with Lloyd on this one. A good used S&W in 38/357 is going to be hard to beat for a 1st time handgun. Start with the 38's and move up to the 357's.

Graybeard · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2009, 06:05:42 AM »

Done tried that approach with him. His mind is made up and revolvers ain't a part of it. Mistake in my opinion also but it's not my decision to make it's his.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2009, 06:41:37 AM »

Quote from: Graybeard on February 25, 2009, 06:05:42 AM

Done tried that approach with him. His mind is made up and revolvers ain't a part of it. Mistake in my opinion also but it's not my decision to make it's his.

I am intrested in revolvers. but that is for a later purchase. now if I can find some good used ones and get 2 for the price of 1 I will. I try not to pass up bargins. but in my area used (in good condition) are hard to find. thanks for the advice. I will consiter it all

John R. · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2009, 07:31:29 AM »

Try a Springfield XD in either 40 cal or 45 acp (my favorite). It will cost you $500, comes with 2 mags, a holster, and mag pouch.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2009, 08:30:28 AM »

I don't want to make this sound smug but I think if you do some research you'll find that six shots from a .357 has stopped more fights than the extra nine or ten that glock will give you. Putting the first one or two down usally sends the others running.

If your dead set on a auto thou I get a Sig or S&W, There is nothing wrong with a glock I just don't like the way they feel in my hands.

My personal defence weapons are .357s mostly but I also carry a 1911 .45.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2009, 09:35:05 AM »

I agree with BOB.
Nothing wrong with a 357 as a gun. My house has one next to my bed for two reasons.
A revolver does not know if it is loaded. No spring compression, nothing. It can sit in the draw for years and I never have to worry about will the round in the mag feed.
357 and 6 rounds with a pair of speed loaders is more than enough to deter anyone from trying to come further down the hall.
now you can use 38 Specials to practice with, 125 JHP is what I keep in the gun but I have hunted with 158 grain JSP.
Now if you are looking for a hunting gun why not look at a double action 44mag. Keep 44 specials in it for the house. power of 45 ACP. You can keep 180 grain JHP or JSP if you want the big flash and crash.
After getting a hunting double action I would then look to get a wonder 9, 357 sig, 40, or 45 depending on what you want.
Personally I like Sig guns because they fit me and shoot them in compitition but a big N fram S&W is what I trust my life to in the middle of the night.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #15 on:** February 25, 2009, 10:00:47 AM »

Glock is good . We are seeing some S&W 9's and 40's as police trade ins for $365.00 + or - depending on condition .

spruce · « **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2009, 12:29:16 PM »

I understand your dilemma - like all of us here you can't afford to buy everything you want! However, if you approach your decision by reasoning out what you really NEED you can easily cover all the bases.

As a retired LE officer and firearms instructor I carried a handgun everyday for 27 years. I've shot at least tens of thousands of rounds with various types/calibers of handguns. I would feel confident I could defend myself with a handgun IF I were FORCED to. But, if I ever have the unfortunate experience of defending myself in my home the weapon I will go for is a pump shotgun. Any good quality pump such as a Rem 870 or Mossberg 500 (among others) in either 12 or 20 gauge is ideal for that task.

So, my suggestion would be to buy one of those (if you don't already have one) with a 18"-20" barrel for home defense and a good quality .22LR handgun so you can afford to learn how to shoot handguns.

Best of luck with whatever you decide - and have fun with it!

Autorim · « **Reply #17 on:** February 25, 2009, 03:48:44 PM »

I have to agree with Spruce on the choice of weapons. The 12 ga. pump shotgun is hard to beat. I have two in strategic locations. The .22 rimfire is a hands down winner to really learn to shoot a handgun. When I go practice, which is quite often, I take a 4 inch S&W 617, a 6 inch 617 and shoot them a lot. I then move up to the .357, .41 mag , .44 mag and .45 Colt. I usually wind up by firing the .22's again - sort of like cooling down after the race.

Give me a choice for home defense and it will be the 12 ga. with No. 4 buck although I usually keep it loaded with 3 inch No. 5's.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #18 on:** February 25, 2009, 04:16:23 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard on February 25, 2009, 06:05:42 AM

Done tried that approach with him. His mind is made up and revolvers ain't a part of it. Mistake in my opinion also but it's not my decision to make it's his.

This reminds me of talks I've had with my sons they ask and I tell them what I think they should do then they do what they were gonna do in the first place! Its universal, sometimes I think I should argue in favor of their point then they would do what I really think would be best.

George63 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 25, 2009, 04:50:02 PM »

this would also be my answer for if only one gun ? stainless smith 6in 44mag learning to shoot(for a guy your size) ,home defence, hunt, target, tin cans, watermellons but I am in a state with no CCW Take a ride to IL and in 4 range hours I will take you from 22 to 32 to 38 to 44 with no flinch or bad form I have my 120lb daughter shooting good groups at 15yds with 44 spec other than hunting or competition 4 hours is all you need the rest is just for fun

dbriannelson · « **Reply #20 on:** February 26, 2009, 04:55:08 PM »

I agree with Graybeard, Autorim, spruce, SHOOTALL, mcwoodduck, Badnews Bob, John R., Lloyd, Brett, George63, Oldshooter and skarke.

-Don

buck460XVR · « **Reply #21 on:** February 27, 2009, 04:09:51 AM »

Some good advice here. Altho you are too young to buy a handgun on your own, you certainly can go look at and handle them at gun shops and sporting good stores. I suggest you do just that as much as you can before you have your folks go and buy one for you. Every gun is different and how they fit your hand will determine how accurate you become and how much enjoyment you get from shooting. I'm a wheelgun fan myself, but my experience has been that new handgunners in your age bracket prefer the looks of a tactical style bottom feeder. Last Friday, before buying my .357 carbine, I looked at a new Springfield XDm in .40 S&W. Felt dang good in my hands and came with two 15 round clips for around $500. If I was looking for a good quality auto-loader and I didn't reload, and only wanted to spend $500, this would be the gun I would buy.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 27, 2009, 04:17:24 AM »

I was at gander mountian last night. Was looking at the XD last night. It fit well in my hands to. Now the only 1 they had was used and was $510. I no a place that sells them for $20 more new. So I think ill check around some more. Now There were some nice revolvers there used as well. Thanks for the advice guys keep it commin.

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #23 on:** February 27, 2009, 08:18:49 PM »

It sounds like you have your heart set on a semi auto. Hands down I would go with the Glock 19 in 9mm. Start out with the 115 grain standard FMJ loads and shoot it as often as you can. In the Glock line the 9mm is the longest lasting and has the best reliability as well. Ammo is not as expensive and you can move up to hotter loads like the Speer 124 grain Gold Dot +P or one of the hot Double Tap +P loads running close to a low end 357 Magnum after you spend some range time with the standard stuff. Get yourself a good book on Glocks and read everything you can about your new gun. Glocks are easy to take apart and clean. They are a very simple design. You may want to snap up a few extra high cap magizines while you can still get them. The mid sized Glock 19 carried in a low cost Glock Sport Combat holster will ride high on the belt under a light shirt or jacket. Light weight and 15 rounds of ammo. Glocks are a lot of fun to shoot. You mentioned moving up to a hunting handgun. At some point you could pick up a Glock 20 in 10mm with a 6 inch hunting barrel. One thing to keep in mind with a Glock is they will fire with out the magazine inserted if you have a round in the chamber. But of course they will not fire if you do not pull the trigger.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #24 on:** February 27, 2009, 10:43:30 PM »

Well, I disagree with just about everyone. My recommendation for a first, and very very versatile handgun that someone can afford to shoot many thousands of rounds through...actually learn to really SHOOT, in other words, is always the same:
Buy a Ruger Single-Six .22LR / .22 Mag. convertible or a Ruger Mark II (now Mk. III, if you have to) Target semi auto.

Graybeard · « **Reply #25 on:** February 27, 2009, 11:15:03 PM »

Quote from: Ken ONeill on February 27, 2009, 10:43:30 PM

Well, I disagree with just about everyone. My recommendation for a first, and very very versatile handgun that someone can afford to shoot many thousands of rounds through...actually learn to really SHOOT, in other words, is always the same:
Buy a Ruger Single-Six .22LR / .22 Mag. convertible or a Ruger Mark II (now Mk. III, if you have to) Target semi auto.

That's not actually disagreeing with everyone Ken. In my very first post to him I said this:

Quote

I've long stated that I think everyone's first handgun should be a .22LR and I still stand by that. If you want to learn to shoot well you need to shoot a LOT. To do that with other than a .22LR even if you reload gets very expensive very fast and usually leads to folks not putting in the trigger time needed to become really good with their handgun. The vast majority of handgun owners can't hit a bull in the butt at 25 yards with it and results of street shootings show they really can't hit a human at five yards and under very often.

Seems tho he had his mind made up going in and was really just looking for someone to reinforce that decision not so much to give him the benefit of our experience.

Autorim · « **Reply #26 on:** February 28, 2009, 12:53:48 AM »

Mr. Parsons,

Sounds like you have already decided to buy a semi auto centerfire. If so, I would look at a Glock 19, S&W MP9 or the XD - all 9MM. Ammo is readily available and less expensive than .40 and .45. Personally, I no longer own the Glock 19 now that I have the S&W MP9, but if I were going to buy new today, I would have to give the XD a close scrutiny.

I will stick by my .22 rimfire recommendation. For a semi-auto the Ruger Target model is hard to beat. You should be able to pick up a good used Ruger .22 auto for about half of what any of the centerfires will cost.
Learn to shoot it, try different centerfires. Shooters are usually a friendly bunch and willing to let young shooters try out their handguns. Lots of ranges will let you shoot a demo model. THEN buy the centerfire.

Ken

Freezer · « **Reply #27 on:** February 28, 2009, 04:21:21 AM »

I have to agree with spruce on the shotgun. I've had to put a gun on a human three times and can tell you what happens. First you loose bowel and blader control, then the heart goes thunky thunky, the lungs go heee haww hee haw and the hands go shakie shakie. With a shotgun at least you'll have both hands and a shoulder on the gun and the load in your pants will act as counter balance. In addition rack a pump gun in the dark and the bad guy is going to loose bowel and blader control too

All and all it can get messy and the clean up won't be fun but it sure beats shooting someone. If you pull the trigger on someone you going to spend the night in jail while the cops sort everything out. It's far better if you can convince someone to leave in a hurrry.
My choice for a home defence pistol hasn't been mentioned yet. It is made by Turis and called the Judge. It's a 2 1/2 in 45 colt/410 six shot revolver. In a home defence situation a miss or even a good hit will put a high energy bullet floating through the walls of your house. IMHO that's not a good idea. A 410 shotgun shell with OO buck will have plenty of knock down power, a larger hit zone when your hands are shaking and will dissapate it's energy quickly after it hits something thus greatly reducing colateral damage. It's also small enough for concelled carry with a big bore for intimadation.
The owner of the local gun shop has been in four shoot outs in his store. His coment is, "It's hard to shoot accuratly when someone else is shooting at you".

Oldshooter · « **Reply #28 on:** February 28, 2009, 07:29:34 AM »

Quote

With a shotgun at least you'll have both hands and a shoulder on the gun and the load in your pants will act as counter balance

Never actually thought of it that way!!!! Now that is hilarious neighbor ! the mental picture of that

rparsons934 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 28, 2009, 08:57:36 AM »

Thanks guys for the input. My mind is not made up so to speak on a semi auto. I like revolvers as well. Now for the people who reccomend a shot gun. I have a pump 22"barrel with remmington magnum buckshot in it next to my bed at night. this was for a handgun recomandation. I plan on collecting guns throughout my life and not stick to a few. So this is just here asking the knowlageble people on GBO for a good reliable handgun.