The time has come!

[Bob_Arctor]

I'm looking for advice.

I'd like to purchase a handgun. Any favorites anyone would recommend? Most of my experience is with rifles, but I tried out my uncle's 9mm a few years ago and liked it quite a bit. That seemed like a good size for me; a .45 is a bit more than I'm looking for, being a very casual enthusiast.

I miss shooting - it's been quite a while. I fondly remember spending many hours out in the woods of Oregon while I was growing up, honing my marksmanship...so many innocent cans met a bitter end at my hands!

thanks!

[Timberwolf]

Really, Bob, it comes down to personal preference. I have a .40 S&W and I love it. Have been thinking about purchasing a 9mm, a .357 sig or a .380 for some time. As for brand, that too is preference. Some swear by Kimber, others like H&K, Ruger or Glock. The most important thing is that YOU like the look, feel and action of the gun you're going to buy. After that, practice, practice, practice.

...and, you're welcome. :thumb:

[THEBIRD]

I would love to recommend someting cheap but very reliable.

A new bulgarian Makarov.

They are small and compact. Reliable beyond measure and easily affordable.

You can find them at almost any gun show. [/url]

I run a concealed carry website and many of the over 1000 members buy this gun because its so easliy affordable and has great reliability.
[url="http://www.missouricarry.com"]www.missouricarry.com (http://www.dansammo.com)


I personally carry this while my wife carries a .357 Rossi.

If you get hollowpoints the round can be very good in a pinch as well.

[Black Phoenix]

I'm don't really have a gun, but I have a friend who is practically a gun nut! (I know, I know, "sheesh buddy, if ya got one it would be about time, the way you talk about the 2nd amendment, we all thought you had a tank.". At best I have a few less than fully trained martial art skills and can handle and throw a kinfe, but don't have full training in that either. Hmm, probably would be best to do something about that this summer.) He made a recomendation that anyone who wants a really good gun, buy the brand of your choosing, but not the bullets. Instead, he recommended making bullets on your own so you can customize them for your gun. He believed the clips and bullets sold in stores always ended up rather inferior, though for sure, they'll work. Just an idea, no I don't understand all the reasoning that goes along with it. I trust the guy on guns, he's been using em' since boyhood.

[The_Sonarman]

I prefer Para-Ordinance, but it isn't because they are "superior" weapons. There are many fine choices. My 9mm of choice is a venerable Browning Hi-Power, which with a bit of work became a "tack hammer".

It depends on what you want to do, of course. If it's target shooting, a 9mm is easier to control, IMHO.

If it's self defense, nothing less than a .40 caliber, .45 preferrable.

[BEST45CAL]

If you like the 9mm, I would like to suggest the Browning Hi-Power. It is a single action autoloader. Same trigger pull for each round. Deadly accurate right out of the box. John M. Browning's final pistol design. Sometimes refered to as the P-35. It has been around since 1935 without any major changes to its design, which is a testament to Browning's brilliant mind.

If you're going to be using the weapon for personal protection, you'll want to use hollow points. Target ammo is relatively inexpensive and available almost anywhere on Earth.

http://www.internetguncatalog.com/pics/27652.jpg

[ronin9]

i like the m1911.the one i have is a rock island armory..45 caliber puts a nice size hole in your target.:patriot:

[Wolfcounsel]

What I suggest is buying the gun you are most comfortable with. For home defense, any caliber loaded with hollow points, especially the hydra-shok type, will do the job. The second thing is to practice with a dummy round in the breech. Tape a laser pointer, the one that stays lit with the switch on, to an unobtrusive part of the weapon. Point the gun at a particular spot on a wall of any room in your house, or better yet, tape a target that simulates a person's head actual size, aim carefully and squeeze the trigger. Try to make the laser dot stay on your chosen point all the way through. This will condition you to do correct trigger pulls. Give it a shot.:cool:

Oh yeah. Nothing beats constant actual shooting. Especially stress type (timed) shooting.

[BEST45CAL]

My 40 Smith & Wesson Hi-Power Single Action Pistol

[Bob_Arctor]

Really, Bob, it comes down to personal preference. I have a .40 S&W and I love it. Have been thinking about purchasing a 9mm, a .357 sig or a .380 for some time. As for brand, that too is preference. Some swear by Kimber, others like H&K, Ruger or Glock. The most important thing is that YOU like the look, feel and action of the gun you're going to buy. After that, practice, practice, practice. There is a small range a few miles from me, and they have a big case of handguns - is it common for these places to let you try various models before buying? (I've never actually shot at a range before, I just wanted to see what they had available.)

I'm pretty sure my uncle's 9 mm was a Glock. It was very nice, smooth and accurate with a pretty large capacity clip - 15 rounds maybe? Seemed like a good number, but it has been a few years. Not much recoil either, which was nice.

Also, are gun brands anything like car brands, where certain lines are known for their reliability, and some not, anything like that? I've been well-trained to clean them diligently, but I'm not enough of a gun enthusiast to want to try home repairs or send it out to a shop very often.

Anyway, thanks for all the info!

[Bob_Arctor]

I would love to recommend someting cheap but very reliable.
A new bulgarian Makarov.
They are small and compact. Reliable beyond measure and easily affordable.
You can find them at almost any gun show.
I run a concealed carry website and many of the over 1000 members buy this gun because its so easliy affordable and has great reliability.
www.missouricarry.com (http://www.missouricarry.com)
I personally carry this while my wife carries a .357 Rossi.
If you get hollowpoints the round can be very good in a pinch as well. I looked up the Makarovs; they seem very inexpensive at less than $200.

However, I think they were all used.

Would you recommend a used weapon, or do you have any ideas on where to get a new one?

[Bob_Arctor]

Many of you have recommended hollowpoints.

How "necessary" are these, and are there any weird legal restrictions on them?

I understand one of these bullets has far more stopping power, but then again the gun would be a semiauto :D...

Would it boil down to having to hit someone only once versus two or three times?

Again,
thanks everyone!

[Wolfcounsel]

"Many of you have recommended hollowpoints....I understand one of these bullets has far more stopping power, but then again the gun would be a semiauto :D..." --Bob Arctor

Hollow points are safer for the innocent neighbors around you, and on a farm, for the livestock, because of their frangible qualities. Stopping power depends on the shock factor of the impact. A shot penetrating to the medulla oblongata will probably cause instant death, while a shot to the heart might cause the attacker to keep advancing. Just keep shooting and reload if he doesn't stop.http://freeconservatives.com/smilies/death2.gif:eek: My humble opinion only.

[Timberwolf]

Many of you have recommended hollowpoints.

How "necessary" are these, and are there any weird legal restrictions on them?

I understand one of these bullets has far more stopping power, but then again the gun would be a semiauto :D...

Would it boil down to having to hit someone only once versus two or three times?

Again,
thanks everyone!For home protection, I use EFMJ (expanding full metal jackets). You can read some info on them at the following link... http://www.ammoman.com/40_EP_DESC.htm

They make a nice little hole going in and a really big mess coming out. :D One hit center-mass will stop just about anyone cold.

[THEBIRD]

I wouldn't recommend a used one but you should still be able to find one NEW under $200. Go to a local gun show and ask around for a Makarov. Get a feel for one in your hand and see how they feel.

It's been mentioned here as well if you partner up a makarov with a good hollow point such as a hydrashock, you can't lose.

The other pistols recommended such as a Browning Highpower, Para, glock ...whatever are all great firearms but if your looking for something to carry, something small, something cheap, and something reliable....a Makarov is the best choice overall.

Look around where you live annd I'm sure you will be at least able to order a NEW one for under $200. I got mine new, a bulgarian model for $150.

[THEBIRD]

Bob,

one more thing. Head to a local gun store. I bet if you ask they can order one for you.

Many Wholesalers like RSR deal in these....and they sell directly to the local gun shops.

[ronin9]

Would it boil down to having to hit someone only once versus two or three times? if you are firing at a hostile target,you have to at least double -tap it.you only shoot paper targets with one shot.anything potentially harmfull coming at you ,put rounds into it until it stops moving/screaming.:solder:

[BEST45CAL]

Many of you have recommended hollowpoints.

...Would it boil down to having to hit someone only once versus two or three times?

Again,
thanks everyone!It depends upon the caliber. If you use the best 9mm hollow points, be prepared to expend at least three, well placed, center-mass shots to stop your attacker. They're not very effective at stopping the forward progress of some people, but three shots will help them bleed a lot faster, hastening their demise. If you are skilled enough to get off a headshot, then you can drop them instantly.

On the other hand, one .40 caliber round, placed at center mass will do the trick. It has been around since 1990. In its short life, it has been found to be as effective as a .357 magnum. It has a 96% one-shot stop effctiveness and is the number one cartridge of choice for personal defense and for law enforcement.

The .45 ACP's one-shot stop effectiveness is a little bit lower than the .40 caliber and .357, but one hit from this round will actually drive the attacker backwards onto his ass. The science behind its power is that it has a very broad diameter, plus it moves relatively slow, about 830 FPS. This one makes a large entry hole and lets out lots of blood, too.

[Wolfcounsel]

It is sad that that there are criminal-loving prosecutors out there who may try to hang any home defender who utilizes a head shot. I say it is sad, but clowns will not deter any normal person. Especially when the head shot is done to some intruder in your house who lunges at your child, and the creep has one of your kitchen knives in his hand.

1. Practice.
2. Practice.
4. Practice!

[TheRealLobo]

...
However, I think they were all used.

Would you recommend a used weapon, or do you have any ideas on where to get a new one?
Two kinds of guns in the world.

Collector pieces and those that have been fired at least once.

A used firearm can be a big time cost saver, but NEVER, let me repeat this NEVER!!!!, buy one from a pawn shop unless you know a reliable gunsmith.

If you are going to buy used, go to a reputable firearms dealership and look in their used gun display.

My two carry pieces were both purchased used and both of them shoot exactly where they are pointed with absolutely no errors except those on the part of the wielder.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/paraord_p1445.jpg

It rocks to have 14 rounds of .45 at the ready. Sort of like John Browning's all day sucker on steroids.


The Daewoo (sp?) triple-action .40 (yes, I said triple-action, look it up) is the one that I keep in the truck. It retails for around $300. The P-14 by Para-Ordnance with two high-cap mags plus two 10 rd mags set me back just under a grand (including shipping).

[TheRealLobo]

Most ranges will let you try them out. I am not sure if they will charge a small fee or not, depends on the range. Mine was a 5 dollar rental. I carry the S and W .357 magnum revolver. For me at the time it was the best choice. Looking someday for another though. Just remember practice and get to know your weapon like the back of your hand.
Mom...you know that Glock has a .357 in SA now (Model 33 I think). Gives you all you want from a .357 with more rounds than in a revolver.

More and bigger are not ALWAYS better, but it is when it comes to ammo. ;)

[DoctorDoom]

Re hollow-points, be sure the gun can feed them properly. They're more prone to hangups in autos with a steep feed ramp.

Re ammo in general, if you plan to use rounds designated +P, be sure the gun is rated for it. They generate considerably more pressure than standard rounds. It's at the very least embarrassing to have the weapon explode in your hands when the bad guy charges. :D

[FireForEffect]

For a carry gun I recommend what I have:

H&K USP40 compact
or
Sig P229

Both are excellent handguns. I also have a S&W 4013 (.40) that is a nice compact carry gun. I recommend 40 cal for most applications. Get some good hollow points and you're good to go. Corbons are usually rated about a 93% one shot stop so a double tap will do the job.

For home protection I always go with my trusty Mossberg 12 ga. I have done some work to it but no court will frown on you for using a regular old shotgun.

Also, I have bought plenty of guns from pawn shops in Florida, I have a case of SKS's I got from a pawn shop. They are all great. You just have to check em out first.

[TheRealLobo]

Also, I have bought plenty of guns from pawn shops in Florida, I have a case of SKS's I got from a pawn shop. They are all great. You just have to check em out first.
Like I said, unless you know a reliable gunsmith.

[ronin9]

hey,bob.just don't use it on a republican,o.k.?:thumb: