OT - need advice on handgun purchase

[Black95GTS]

Hey all,

This is a bit off-topic but I've made up my mind to purchase a handgun. I already own these two rifles; a .22 Henry lever action and a mossberg 535 12 gauge for waterfowl hunting.

My GF surprised the hell out of me when she asked me when I was going to buy a handgun so she could shoot with me more! She likes the .22, but the 12 gauge is too much for her. (Even the 2 3/4 skeet loads).

I don't want a .22 target pistol as I can borrow my friends at any time. After doing some research (at the range) I think a .357 would be a good piece. And depending on the model I can shoot cheap .38 ammo as well as the more expensive .357 magnum.

I don't want a .40 and I don't want a .45 ACP or some other dirty harry size caliber. I'm not buying this for protection or to even carry. Just to have a little fun at the range with.

Any suggestions on makes and models? Would like to spend around 600 or less. Stories? Experiences?

Adam

 

[The Green GT]

I shot a 1911 Colt 45 a while back and LOVED it. They can be gotten for around $400-500 now and they are some cool looking guns and very reliable. And ammo is pretty cheap.

 

[parchisi]

I have a 1911 .45, and I love it. But unless you have strong wrists, it can be difficult to shoot well. If you want something that's fun to shoot, but larger than a .22, I'd say go ahead and go with a 9mm of some kind, such as a Beretta.

 

[mo_dingo]

Yeah I love my dad's 1911. Great gun, simple to disassemble and clean. Very easy operation.

But if you want to dial down the caliber, get a glock 9mm. Tons of rounds, cheap ammo, easy to fire & very light weight.

Another option is a ppk .38 like bond's gun. That's another excellent piece.
Scott

 

[68torinogt]

hey the henry leaver actions are great i saw that and i just thought id express my opinion.

 

[reddy351]

I agree with the 9mm guys. $129 for 1000 rounds. Guns from the Ruger P89 (I have) for about $350 to the Baretta 92F (I want) for about $600-$700 depending on the "deal". The 9mm is a nice "plinking" round. My $.02

 

[MysteryMachine]

Yeah think i'd have to agree on a 9mm. I have a Ruger P90 .45 its a great gun my brother in law has a ruger P89 9mm and its also great fun to shoot and they don't cost alot. My 45 doesn't kick much more then the 9mm if at all but if your set on something smaller I'd go with a 9mm

 

[Therian]

get a glock

you never know when you'll want to shoot something underwater

 

[The Green GT]

Glocks are very nice. People say they suck becasue they are made of plastic. Those people are ignorant. Ive never seen one break or even crack. I shot a 9mm and a 10mm before. They were both very nice. And I love the safteys on glocks too.

 

[Black95GTS]

I'm not opposed to a 9mm, I've just never shot one before. Most people at my range shoot either a .357 or a .40. Smith and Wesson being the brand of choice. Now a 9mm is .354, so if I'm fine with a .357 then I'm sure the 3 thousandths of an inch won't be too much different. I have shot a 10mm, but if I were to go to that size I would say screw it and buy a .45.

In terms of a Glock, I hear nothing but good things from the name, but I'm old fashioned in that I prefer to buy things American. So that would lead me to something like a Ruger or a S&W.

Thanks! And keep the advice / experiences coming!

Adam

 

[68FBJJZ109]

It depends on what you want to do with the pistol. Talk to your local hangun dealer, see what the recommend, its kinda like buying a car, Though I would go with a .22 if you just want to learn "how" to shoot, its cheap. Once you have the basic's down, the move to something else.

 

[v6v8swap]

The .357 is not a bad choice, but I don't know if your gf would like to shoot it much. I personally have never shot the .38 loads in one, but I have shot the .357 loads in one and they are a handfull. I like the 9mm for my plinking gun. I have a kel_tec p11 that cost about $225-250 and also a Browning Hi-Power that costs about $400-$600. Both in 9mm. The p11 is small for carrying and the Hi-Power is a really nice piece; in fact it looks very similar to the 1911 .45's that have been mentioned above. Ruger, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Beretta, and a ton of others make quality guns that will last a long time and be reliable. It just all boils down to what you like and want to spend on a gun. If you really like the idea of a revolver, look into the .22 magnum. It's a step up from the .22 long rifle and it's not terribly expensive to buy. The ammo might cost more than the 9mm, round for round though. Good luck with your decision. And remember, that "Gun Control is hitting what you were aiming at".

 

[S/CBlack95GT]

I would never buy anything less than a .40 IMO. If you want something that is just cheap to shoot than a 9mm would be the way to go. I have a couple .40s and a Kimber 1911 CDP Compact .45. That gun is a blast to shoot. Almost anyone can blast quarter size groups with it at 15 yards. The .45 has some kick but it is a good kick. It is like driving a loud V8. Sure it is loud, but they sound soooo good and have sooo much power.

I have a Glock 27 .40 cal, which to me is not a comfortable gun to shoot. The safety switch on the trigger is really poor/uncomfortable and whole thing feels very "toy gun" like. I bought one simply because I carry it on my ankle for work/off duty and I need something small and able to take abuse.

Revolvers are great guns for target shooting and hunting but I think they are worthless for combat situations. You would be very happy with a .357 revolver for target shooting.

 

[VibrantRedGT]

I would never buy anything less than a .40 IMO. If you want something that is just cheap to shoot than a 9mm would be the way to go.

My thoughts exactly. For home protection I have a H&K USP Compact .45. For farting around at the gun range a 9MM is the way to go.

 

[JOEGTS]

I have owned Beretta's, Ruger's and currently own 6 Glocks. In my opinion you can't go wrong with buying a Glock. If you want a great target pistol buy a Glock G34. It is a 9mm and is a great target pistol. I personally like the simplicity and reliability of the Glocks. The price of 40 is not that much more than 9mm. Go to Walmart and buy the 100 round boxes.

 

[Black95GTS]

I would never buy anything less than a .40 IMO. If you want something that is just cheap to shoot than a 9mm would be the way to go.

My thoughts exactly. For home protection I have a H&K USP Compact .45. For farting around at the gun range a 9MM is the way to go.

I'm leaning more towards this kind of thinking. I spoke with the guy who did my LTC training last night and he said something similar. (He actually recommended a 10mm but thats kind of exotic.) I would like to shoot one first though so I'm gonna hold off till I can get my hands on one.

For home protection I have a 113 pound barking dog and a 12 gauge with 3 inch magnum shells and an open choke. Not that I feel that I will need to use the gun (or the dog) in my neighborhood, but that would be what I'd grab if that situation ever arose.

Thanks everyone,

Adam

 

[Gibbo97]

I got a Ruger .45 and a Bersa .380 acp, the Bersa is argentinian but basically a PPK knockoff- good quality though and cheap.

 

[kruegs74]

i have a ruger p89 and I love it for just shooting target. Very little recoil. my 12 yo cousin shoots with me and has no problems.

 

[MysteryMachine]

I got a Ruger .45 and a Bersa .380 acp, the Bersa is argentinian but basically a PPK knockoff- good quality though and cheap.

P90? If so post some pics of it if ya have any.

 

['66 coupe]

I agree with the majority; 9mm Glock.

I was pretty much in your exact situation; I just wanted a decent semi-auto to practice with.
I got my Glock 17 brand new for $430 after taxes and haven't regretted going with the more affordable gun. I mean, for what you want, is a Sig or USP really gonna be 2x better? Cause they'll cost twice as much.
Depending on your g/f's hands, you may consider a Glock 19. It'd also be easier to carry too if you decide to get a permit down the road. I've held the Ruger, and the slide release is in an awkward place.

If you really want to go cheap, but still get a decent gun, look at a Knock Off brand High Power.