Author Topic: Looking for first handgun any ideas are good (Read 3221 times)

Autorim · « **Reply #30 on:** February 28, 2009, 11:14:51 AM »

Well now, this puts a whole new complexion on the post. For a "good reliable handgun" I don't think you can beat a Ruger SP101 in .357. They are simple, rugged and accurate enough. I think you could run over one with a truck then pick it up and fire it. They are a bit heavy, but that helps make it controllable. It is my wife's favorite and she has a lot from which to choose.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 28, 2009, 02:39:26 PM »

Ok I went to a few local place and looked at a few revolvers and pistols. There was a few I really liked like some smith and wesson revolvers. However there was one i really liked . It was a good price new less than $450 cam with 2 15rd magazines, a case, and a lock. It was a ruger product, the ruger p95 9mm. I put a picture i pulled off the ruger site on here so you know the model im talking about. I would like to know if any of you have expirence with it before i make a final purchase. I have found reviews on line. Olmost all were positive but the glock lovers say a glock over this.( which I agree with but this is more cost efficent.) So any thing you know about this gun would help. Especially if any one owns this or has expirence with it. Thanks

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #32 on:** March 01, 2009, 02:27:21 AM »

those rugers are GOOD guns. there not the sexiest thing on the market but they go bang every time! more then i can say for springfield xds ive shot. Ive shot a couple xds ive shot extensively just werent reliable enough for me. Keep in mind though that i shoot cast reloads and they do seem to work fine with hardball factory crap but i cant afford to buy that stuff. Another good choise would be to buy a police trade in sig in 9mm they can be found for about the same price as a new ruger and are probably a little better gun. In my opinion the sigs are about the best of the black guns.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #33 on:** March 01, 2009, 06:48:15 AM »

I agree with Loyd those Rugers while not flashy are dirt reliable and trustworth guns.

spruce · « **Reply #34 on:** March 01, 2009, 07:31:17 AM »

I agree with Lloyd and Badnews Bob on the Ruger. They're kind of big and "clunky" looking, but the ones I've seen and shot go bang when you pull the trigger.

I just had a thought (scary, I know!). There are a few companies who make .22LR conversion units for some semi-auto pistols. These consist of a replacement slide assembly and magazine that fits your centerfire pistol and allow you to practice using .22LR ammo. The advantage is you have the same grip and trigger and you can shoot 500 rounds for the price of one 50 round box of centerfire ammo.

I could be wrong (it wouldn't be the first or last time that happened), but I don't think anyone makes one for the Ruger.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #35 on:** March 02, 2009, 03:36:39 AM »

can't say i had the same experince . but a shotgun is good

John R. · « **Reply #36 on:** March 02, 2009, 04:53:53 AM »

The XD's that I own and others I have shot, all performed flawlessly. Now, I did not shoot any cast stuff through them, only hardball and hollow points. The Rugers will go bang every time you pull the trigger, but a P95 in particular does not fit the hand very well. Check them both out, and I think you will pick the XD.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #37 on:** March 02, 2009, 05:01:19 AM »

I have not shot the XD but don't they have a grip safety ?
I have heard it said the only reason the 1911 had one was another expression of military intelligence . the HP does not have the grip safety shame the french wanted a mag disconnect . Seems someone always finds a way to screw up a good gun . The french adopted another gun anyway !
Guess thats why Glock is what it is in sales

rparsons934 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 02, 2009, 05:21:11 AM »

I like the XD's. I also like glocks. But glocks are just to expensive and no used ones around here. Now how is the safty feature on the XD. I perfer a manual safty. But if the safty feature the XD offers (which is like a glock) is reliable i would be intrested. Xds are a little more than what im looking to spend but i also am willing to spend a little over 500. I think I will check that out as well. I am buying on the 15th of this month so I still have some time do do research. Thanks guys.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #39 on:** March 02, 2009, 06:08:32 AM »

It looks like you have desided on an auto.
Have you thought of one that has a 22 conversion kit available?
CZ75? With the conversion kit?
That way you can shoot your gun using the controls, sight style, and trigger but do it cheaply with 22LR.
Bottom line is the more you shoot a handgun the better you will be with it.
I know the wonder 9's are cool but you can do a lot with a 22.
When I was in College I had a Browning 22 dad gave me for making the pistol team at Valley Forge. I woould buy a brick of ammo for the 22 for about the same price as 100 rounds of 9mm that my friends had. They would shoot for a while and would run out quickly while shooting at targets on the farm. (can't hunt on Sunday in NC) Well long story short. I was still able to shoot and the 22 will do some neat things to apples, potatos, and clay birds and you can learn trigger control. With all the semi auto pistols I own the 22's are still the most fun to shoot and I use them to get ready for any match with the center fires.
Everyone is telling you to get a 22 for a reason.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 02, 2009, 06:48:34 AM »

On average how much would a CZ75 with a .22 conversion kit cost? I did see a CZ 75 and read some reviews. I have heard good things. I also like the idea of a conversion kit.

Ok I looked at the CZ dan wesson site. The CZ75 alone goes for over $600. The conversion kit alone cost $450. I like the idea but dont have $1000 to spend. If I did I would get a 1911. I apreciate the advice but I dont think I could afford it.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #41 on:** March 02, 2009, 07:43:22 AM »

That's list price.
New and used CZ areavailable.
The conversion kits are around $300 in the stores. Unfortunatly the conversion kits are almost the cost of a whole gun.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #42 on:** March 02, 2009, 07:51:19 AM »

We dont have much used around here. Also the stores here are over priced to begin with.(what isnt over priced). I will check it out and if i can find one at a good price. Now most places around here sell at list price. and some places (gander mountian) a little over. I still have 2 shops to check out in the area. would be intresting to see the price vs list price. Thanks for the advice mcwoodduck,

Savage · « **Reply #43 on:** March 02, 2009, 08:32:18 AM »

The Ruger P95 is a rugged reliable pistol. Bought one back in the mid 80s or so and used it for a loaner at IDPA matches. Gave it to my son a few years ago. To my knowledge, it has never had a malfunction. That said, I would recommend you check out the EAA Witness. They are available in 9mm/.38Super/.40/10mm/.45acp. A .22 conversion is available from a site sponsor, "Reeds Custom Ammo" for about $200 last time I looked. The ergonomics and shootability of the pistol are far better than the Ruger/XD, or Sig for my money.
Savage

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #44 on:** March 02, 2009, 08:14:21 PM »

I would still hold out for a 9mm Glock if you can get a good price on one.

Buckskin · « **Reply #45 on:** March 04, 2009, 07:19:21 AM »

I went with the XDm 40. Better feel, trigger, barrel, larger capacity, ect. Also to many stories about Glocks going KaaBoom from their poorly designed barrels- case support, polygonal barrels.
They don't like lead and most reloading component manufaturers recommend not loading for GLOCK's. Your not even recommended to use brass that was shot from Glocks due to the bulge. Poor design. Not going to buy a gun that most people say you need to buy an aftermarket barrel to make it safe!!!

http://www.larrywillis.com/Glock.html

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #46 on:** March 04, 2009, 07:59:57 AM »

Wolf makes a lead barrel. a few of the guys I shoot with have them for their Glocks. personally the Glock does not fit me or the way i hold the gun and prefer a more 90 degree angle.

jimkim · « **Reply #47 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:34:36 AM »

How about one of these.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/654_774/products_id/411535895

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/654_774/products_id/411536126

rparsons934 · « **Reply #48 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:37:10 AM »

Nice but i dont think i can buy offline. Im not 21 my mother is buying it for me with my money. and then going to gift it to me. She has no credit cards or bank cards. So it would be mine with my name on it.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #49 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:51:26 AM »

Didn't Sarah Brady (of the Brady Bill) get in trouble doing the same thing for her son? Or was that because she crossed state lines with the gun? I forget the whole story.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #50 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:57:57 AM »

I dont know about that. But in the ohio revised code it is legal. I also have spoke to 3 diffrent county sheriff on the matter. They all said that it was legal. But only for hunting, educational purposes, and sport.(the range counts to.) Also the sheriff told me that the person recieveing the gift has to be at least 18.

Also just got it in writing from a sheriff the other day. And it is legal to purchase in a private transaction in ohio for 18-20. I just cant by from a FFL. And it is legal in the whole state of ohio not just my county.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #51 on:** March 12, 2009, 07:24:15 AM »

Well i went to gander mountian yesterday. The guy at the counter was a real nice man. I even got to hold a few. I held the P95 and the 89. The 89 fit better in my hands. Actually it fit perfect in my hands i was real comfortable holding it. So i picked up the blued metal frame p89. I will be taking it to the range sunday will post results. Came with a nice case to mags and a speed loader. I paid $450 out the door. (a dollar and some change less). I was pretty happy with that price. what do you guys think of the p89 vs the p95. Think i made a good descion?

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #52 on:** March 12, 2009, 07:54:36 AM »

Your first handgun should be a good quality 9mm that can be carried comfortably, think Glock 19 or SIG 229, XD compact, Smith M&P. At the same time or within one hour you need to get a Buckmark or Ruger Mark whatever you can find. Get 250rds for the 9mm and several bricks for the .22.

Blast off a hundred through the 9mm, then work through a brick of the .22. Do this till you run outta ammo, you will be much more proficient with both. May I also suggest a red dot on the .22 it quickly points out errors in your technique especially trigger control issues.

You know you want a blaster but you also need to get plenty of range time to perfect your skills. For the price of 9mm ammo used in practice you can own a nice .22 very quickly. Sig has a new thing where you get a pistol with a .22 slide and a voucher for a 9mm/40 to go on it at a reduced price in the future. It might be something to check out.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 12, 2009, 07:59:50 AM »

Well I bought the P89. I did my research on the p-series pistols. I couldnt not find really anything bad about them, It was all good things to say like reliable rugged and great shooter. It fits my hands perfect and IMHO it can be carried comftorbly. I am a large frame person. The gun still seems small to me. I did get a bunch of 9mm rounds.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #54 on:** March 12, 2009, 08:10:24 AM »

You did fine Ruger makes a dependable gun, just a little low on sex appeal. Shoot the tar outta it, get some training as well, you can never know too much. I do remember being on a twenty yr old budget, no fun. You need everything but can't afford anything. If it isn't eveything you wanted get another one that's how collections get started!

Doublebass73 · « **Reply #55 on:** March 13, 2009, 01:59:26 PM »

Good luck with the Ruger, I think it will work out fine for you. My first handgun was a Ruger MK II 22/45 semi-auto .22 LR. It was a great first handgun, I ran tons of ammo through it. I highly recommend one for cheap practice. I ended up trading it for a S&W Model 36 revolver in .38 Special which got me totally hooked on revolvers, I haven't bought a semi auto since. I don't fault you for wanting a semi auto first though because that was what I wanted, too.

rparsons934 · « **Reply #56 on:** March 16, 2009, 05:33:14 AM »

I took the p89 to the range yesterday. I was very happy with the performance of this gun. I shot 500 rounds through it with out 1 jam misfire or faliure of any kind. I fed it all difrent kinds of ammo. It ate all of it no problem. It also was easy to strip and clean. I must say it is an accurate gun. every shot i did was in the kill zone on the target. The recoil is so light that my 5'2 110LB girlfriend can shoot it to. She really enjoyed shooting it and was pretty accurate as well. Over all i am very happy with this gun.

Skunk · « **Reply #57 on:** March 16, 2009, 06:05:10 AM »

Did you save all your brass?

rparsons934 · « **Reply #58 on:** March 16, 2009, 06:56:17 AM »

No I gave the brass to my local range. There good people there. But maybe i should start.

Skunk · « **Reply #59 on:** March 16, 2009, 07:01:29 AM »

Well, giving it to the local range is commendable. But if you start reloading, which you probably will one day, then it's nice to have a bunch of once fired brass on hand.