Author Topic: Need Some Help on Selecting a Pistol (Read 1674 times)

jasonprox700 · « **on:** May 18, 2010, 06:00:40 PM »

I having been craving a handgun for quite a while, but I'm not sure which one to pick. I currently own a Browning Buck Mark, but that's it as far as pistols go and I don't have a lot of experience either. I have shot my friend's Kimber 1911 in .45 ACP quite a bit, but that's about it. I handled my FFL's Glock (.40 S&W), but I wasn't really that impressed.

As far as caliber, I wanted to go with either a 9mm, .40 S&W, or the .45 ACP. I will most likely go with the 9mm because of the lack of recoil and cheap ammo.

As far as gun and model, I don't really have a clue. I really like any of the 1911's. But, if I get a 1911, I think I would like one in a .45 ACP (kind of a novelty thing!). One that I really like is the Springfield Armory's XD. They fit my hand nice, have had rave reviews, and look sharp. I also like the Beretta's. Even though I have never fired a Glock, I would still like to consider it. I have really never heard a complaint about them.

I will be using the gun for plinking and home defense. I want a gun that is "cheap" to shoot, something my 8 year old may be able to handle, and something I can use for home defense.

Any and all suggestions/opinions will be appreciated.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2010, 07:43:14 PM »

Glocks are good guns, but the triggers can take some time to master, at least it took a while for me. I own a G-19 and think it's about the best compact 9mm out there. Lightweight, rustproof, high capacity, reliable.
XD's seem to be very good shooters. I shot a friend's 4" XD .40 and did real well right away. I was very impressed with that gun, comes with lot's of accessories too.
The big Beretta 92 in 9mm is a very soft shooting gun with a nice trigger, easy gun to learn on. I had one with a .22lr conversion, sweet setup.
I like Sigs P226's too. Soft shooting and the most accurate of the gun's I've mentioned. Highly reliable.

RB1235 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2010, 09:34:56 PM »

For target I favor a springfield xdm. Second would go to a walther p99. With 45s again I favor an xd. For budget shooting you are pretty well pinned into 9mm or a 22 conversion. If looking into conversion, glock may be the way to go. If you do not intend to carry concealed a browning hi power sa is about the most accurate center fire pistol I have shot. The DA are not as good due to the trigger. I would tell you what I think of a 1911, but honestly don't want to be tarred and feathered since the supporters of them can often be a tad biased.

williamlayton · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2010, 12:54:39 AM »

OH COME ON RB1235---don't be afraid too start a flame---it is good for the heart.
Remember though--when you start the flame---take your feelings off and put 'em in your pocket.

Blessings

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2010, 02:11:03 AM »

"I would tell you what I think of a 1911, but honestly don't want to be tarred and feathered since the supporters of them can often be a tad biased."

Now just what the hay ever gave you that idea?? We're not like that on this forum, but if you drop on down to the 45 acp/1911 forum we will have the tar waitin' fer ya son, an a whole buncha feather pillows and a large bunch of guys already puttin' the roller skates on the rail so we can ride your tarred and feathered butt around for a while.

Actually, your opinion is welcomed - we just don't have to agree with it although many will agree that the Browning High Power is about the best 9mm out there even though many of us would easily carry it concealed.......

If you like the XD, send us some photos of your targets shot with the XD and let us see how it shoots.......

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2010, 03:11:46 AM »

If you like the Browning 1911 but would rather have a 9mm for cost of ammo then look to the Browning High Power . I don't think there is a better pointing pistol made . If you decide to go 40 S&W it can be had in that also. You won't find plastic frame or blocky slides . You will find an all steel well shaped handgun that the owner can take pride in shooting or showing a friend. Like the 1911 seems just right for the 45acp the BHP seems just right for the 9mm . John M. Browning was good at getting it right so it is as it should be .

RB1235 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2010, 03:14:31 AM »

See what I mean. After a comment like that a glock guy would chuckle and move on. A 1911 guy will chuckle and try to get a punch in.

Come on guys let's not sidetrack this thread. If you want to tar and feather me. Do it PM.

My problem with a sa hi power was I carried it cocked and locked. Had the safety come down twice while carrying. Carrying empty chamber or hammer down is just to slow of a reactionary time for me. Can't risk an accidental, so not good for a concealed for me. But perfect for a target pistol.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2010, 03:37:20 AM »

Maybe you should consider a new way to tote your weapon if you wipe the safety off so much as many who carry it do not.Try a holster with a strap between hammer and gun . Glock guy

Come on they have one of the worst out the box triggers made IMHO, it reminds me of the cap pistol i had as a kid.Whats that snap just before the trigger breakes anyway . And carrying one is like trying to hide a brick IMHO. Why would a 1911 shooter (as many are not guys) find fault with Brownings improved pistol ? Consider he didn't want to include the grip safety on the 1908 , 1910 or the 1911 . His other pistols lacked them also. Consider more BHP's have been carried by more Army's over the world than any other hand gun . Besides the DA or DAO pistol was a cure for a problem that only existed in the minds of lawyers if truth be told. Don't you find it odd that many who know they are going in harms way still choose a single action auto ? they prove its all about training with the weapon not buying safety .

guzzijohn · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2010, 04:29:54 AM »

Ever thought about a Makarov? I bought a 98% Bulgarian made two years ago for $115 out the door at a pawn shop. Good ones now go for between 2-300 dollars and you can find ammo relatively cheap. They are easy to clean, very reliable, easy to carry and shoot good. Due to the blowback design recoil is a bit snappy but not bad by any means. Anyone that has fired mine is impressed. My two cents worth.
GuzziJohn

williamlayton · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2010, 03:53:46 PM »

I like HP's a lot.
Blessings

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2010, 04:21:24 PM »

pick up a ruger in 9mm. There not a nice as the more expensive guns but there very reliable and inexpensive.

pneuby · « **Reply #11 on:** May 20, 2010, 07:28:38 AM »

I don't know exactly how your 8yo fits into this. I'm assuming the child has shot your BuckMark? If so, then a single-action pattern like the .22 would be an easier ajustment. That leaves you the 1911, and the BHP, as the most popular. However, you also mentioned the XD. I don't know about the 9mm version, but their .45 can be had with a thumb-safety. So, too, can certain M&P pistols from S&W.

That said, my son is nearly 9, and large for his age. He's been able to shoot the 9mm Glock 'OK'. However, God bless him...he has this thing for revolvers.

williamlayton · « **Reply #12 on:** May 20, 2010, 10:13:35 AM »

PN
Just be glad hedoesn't have a thing for GLOCKS. Just think of the embaressment too the family.

Blessings

rockbilly · « **Reply #13 on:** May 20, 2010, 10:24:26 AM »

Go with a SIG................if your butt is ever on the line and you need to use it.............you will thank me for this advice.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #14 on:** May 20, 2010, 10:49:40 AM »

If you know your butt will be on the line go Remington 870 , trust me you will be able to thank me !

Old Griz · « **Reply #15 on:** May 29, 2010, 11:45:35 PM »

Forget the Glock v Sig v Springfield garbage! Beat them all and get a .357! You can shoot light .38 loads for plinking, hunting small game, and teaching your honey dew and young 'ens how to shoot, and have the .357 loads for the deer hunting/home-self defending kinda stuff. With no magazines or jams to mess with, it's easier to teach a novice how to shoot. You can get different grips for it, too. Big, hand filling wood grips of all shapes and sizes, or Hogue soft rubber grips. (Changing the backstrap doesn't count.) Wheelguns are real guns! Don't let the spray and pray sissies talk you into those silly automatics! Be macho! Be American!

Now I'm gonna duck cuz I can hear dem flames a comin'! (Ain't dis fun!)

obiwankabaldi · « **Reply #16 on:** May 30, 2010, 03:46:09 AM »

The XD is a great gun, I would also consider the S&W M&P in 9mm or 40S&W I have both the XD and the S&W and depending on the day either one of them is the best I have ever owned. They eat all types of loads, brands and bullet configurations. I have 1000+ rounds thru both and they are flawless. The trigger on the Xd I think is better but an inexpensive trigger job on the S&W has improved them tons. Hard for me to tell you which one is the best but either is a great choice. Try shooting these two and I think one will follow you home.

photobear · « **Reply #17 on:** May 30, 2010, 04:58:04 AM »

I've had Glocks in 9mm and .40, a sig in 9mm, and a beretta in 9mm. The beretta was the easiest to shoot because of its weight, and all three were reliable for me.

That said, if you're going to use your pistol for plinking and home defense, I'd suggest a Ruger SP101 .38/.357 revolver or a S&W 686. Total reliability (no jams or failures to feed), safer and less complex, in my opinion, than a semi-auto, and you can use light loads in .38 for plinking and .357 for defense. I myself am switching from semi-auto to revolver for those reasons.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #18 on:** May 30, 2010, 05:51:57 AM »

The XD is a fine choice, the wife carries a 9 sub compact. With the short mag it's very easy to carry, with the extended mag it feels like a fullsize weapon. I would also recommend a SIG Pro 2022 no sweeter trigger on a DA/SA pistol, the grip is pretty meaty which can be good or bad, handle one for yourself.

dan3 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 16, 2010, 11:02:09 AM »

As far as your choice of caliber - I'd go with the 9mm over the .40 or .45 - less recoil,etc.,etc.,

When it comes to the platform - my best suggestion is to go handle as many different pistols as you can - find the one that feels like a part of your arm. Smiths, Glocks, Sigs, Rugers, etc., and all the others make good products - it all comes down to your preferance.

I personally love the Browning HiPower - carried that or the Colt 1911 .45 in the military (depending on where/what the op was). Dang !! just remembered how long ago/far away that was!!

Then again - you could always Come Over To The Dark Side (We Have Cookies!!) and go with a nice, reliable revolver in .357 and shoot light .38 specials or hotter .357 magnums in the same weapon!!!

williamlayton · « **Reply #20 on:** June 17, 2010, 03:46:19 AM »

Calibers---hummmm.
.45 makes a good hole. recoil is not bad until you get to smaller sized compact--IMO. It is/can be as accurate as any caliber. Overpnetration is less of an issue than in 9mm.
.38Super/9MM/.357/9x23---really the same bullet. Super and 9x23 can do anything--in a semi-auto platform--that a .357 can do in a roller. Again, when you start talking sub-compacts you bring recoil into the occasion.
Personally, the reason I like 1911's is recoil/volumnand most of all the shootability that I don't find in revolvers. They just feel better in the hand.
Sigs--SIGS-the love of my life--if we are talking about loving life. It is just about as big--as in fat--that I can handle. Its ergonomics are just about the same as a 1911--imo.
Accurate and reliable.
I like government sized and Commandersized.
If I am going too a sub-compact it will be in 9mm.
Just my outlook on the handgun world.
Blessings

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #21 on:** June 18, 2010, 05:03:11 AM »

Mmm P220, nice, it's a classic four good reason. P225 / P6 much the same in a 9mm, mid $300 range should get a used one home.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #22 on:** June 18, 2010, 08:38:36 AM »

Get a Browninh HP in 40s&w . They you have a gun that has proven itself world wide.

Brett · « **Reply #23 on:** June 18, 2010, 09:32:58 AM »

Check out S&W M&P line of pistols. They are made in the good ol' US of A. They have excellent fit and finish, are accurate and dependable. They have great ergonomics and pointability. They come with 3 different sized interchangable back straps for a customized fit for your hand. They sit low in the hand which reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise. They come in 9mm, .357Sig, .40S&W and .45ACP. I have yet to hear anything bad about the S&W M&P pistols.

JLCook80 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 18, 2010, 06:14:27 PM »

I would go with a eaa witness in 9 mm. Eaa sells coversions for 22 or 40 10mm 45. I have complaints about my witness in 45 acp. I hear the witness elite match is a great deal. Or if you like a CZ 75

torpedoman · « **Reply #25 on:** June 18, 2010, 06:34:19 PM »

my suggestion would be a CZ82 in 9mm makarov ammo is cheap and readily available. very accurate pistol and now selling in the low 200's same as a cz83 different caliber

Old Griz · « **Reply #26 on:** July 08, 2010, 09:32:54 PM »

I finally caved in and bought a 9mm just because of the price of ammo these days. I got the Ruger SR9 because (1) it was meant just to be a fun gun, not a carry gun, and (2) I like to buy American when I can. It has been 100% reliable so far with the cheap Russian ammo, and dead on accurate. I've been very pleased.

Now for a carry gun I like to stick with either a .45 ACP [G21], .44 Special [S&W 24-3], .41 mag [S&W 57], or .357 [S&W 66 or 19].

yukondog · « **Reply #27 on:** July 18, 2010, 04:35:18 AM »

For me I like a 1911 [45] and the HP in 40 cal. but sleep with a .357 on my side and another one on the wifes side, dont have to think about it at 2am just pick it up and pull the trigger and no more crack head!

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 18, 2010, 06:36:19 PM »

You didn't put a price tag on the pistol so evidently it's not an issue so I will suggest you take a look at the Para's with the LDA trigger. I haven't had the chance to make one go bang but the ones I've had in hand sure feel good and the LDA trigger pull beats the Glock, XD and other DAO pistols I've got to finger. The LDAs come in 9mm and 45 ACP.

I don't think an 8 year old will be able to shoot many of the pistols mentioned very well unless he's way bigger than the average 8 year old. Any more, I think one needs a .22 LR similar to the centerfire for plinking and trigger time. Ammo cost isn't going down anytime soon or at all.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #29 on:** July 19, 2010, 04:24:19 AM »

LDA , OK a tie with a Browning HP . Just remember to never thumb cock it !