Handgun. Want something to keep around the house for protection. Not ready to spend the money on it yet, but have been looking around for a while and am starting to learn about them. Looking at Sigs and Glochs right now... Andy, James, etc?
I like modern, tactical looking stuff. Want to mount a light on it too. Whatcha got for me to look at?
-Dan
Good first firearm?
-
Mr1der
- Posts: 36020
- Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2003 8:35 am
- Car: It's still not a Nissan...
- Location: Lebanon TN
Andy's gonna pull for the Glock and I'm gonna pull for a Springfield XD.
if you've never really shot before...caliber wise I'd say go with a .40 S&W. They've got mild recoil with a good track record in stopping power.
Both the Glock and XD will probably run you around 550 more or less.
Sigs are awesome too.
The Biggest question is how much are you willing to spend?
if you've never really shot before...caliber wise I'd say go with a .40 S&W. They've got mild recoil with a good track record in stopping power.
Both the Glock and XD will probably run you around 550 more or less.
Sigs are awesome too.
The Biggest question is how much are you willing to spend?
-
Mr1der
- Posts: 36020
- Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2003 8:35 am
- Car: It's still not a Nissan...
- Location: Lebanon TN
good man.
the best advice I can give you is to go out and hold and try to shoot anything you can get your hands on before committing to buy.
around 500 will get you something you can trust with your life.
you can find some neat surplus stuff cheaper too...but it's here and there, I'd recommend getting something new.
how much experience do you have with handguns Dan?
being that you're in Kansas...I'd imagine there's not much else to do but drive fast and blow **** up.
the best advice I can give you is to go out and hold and try to shoot anything you can get your hands on before committing to buy.
around 500 will get you something you can trust with your life.
you can find some neat surplus stuff cheaper too...but it's here and there, I'd recommend getting something new.
how much experience do you have with handguns Dan?
being that you're in Kansas...I'd imagine there's not much else to do but drive fast and blow **** up.
-
Mr1der
- Posts: 36020
- Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2003 8:35 am
- Car: It's still not a Nissan...
- Location: Lebanon TN
I still need to...haven't taken the time though...probably gonna within the next few months.
Dan, without any experience, Glocks and XD's would be my first suggestion to you. They're simple and rugged. no external controls save for a slide release.
between the two, I'd feel and shoot both and go with what you prefer.
Dan, without any experience, Glocks and XD's would be my first suggestion to you. They're simple and rugged. no external controls save for a slide release.
between the two, I'd feel and shoot both and go with what you prefer.
-
LocAL_anarchy
- Posts: 192
- Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 5:17 pm
- Car: 08 Mustang GT
95 Nissan 240sx
96 Ford Explorer Sport
Re: Good first firearm? (240sx2nr95)
Finally, a topic I can contribute to somewhat intelligently; been lurking way too long, so forgive me if it's lengthy...
A few things to consider even before make, model, and caliber:
Where will it be stored? Since you want it for home defense, I'm assuming you would want it in your bedroom near where you sleep, such as a drawer next to your bed. But do you have kids? If so, you will have to keep it safely out of reach, like in your closet on a top shelf. And even then, you may have to put a lock on it, like a trigger lock or a cable lock. And being in the closet, it's more of a distance away from you while you sleep. These are points to consider because if a situation arises where you need to use it, it will most likely be at night, while you are sleeping. Is your weapon within arms reach, where you can easily grab it while calling the police, or are you going to have to dig it out of the closet and unlock it? All of this at 3 am, in the dark. Just something to consider...
Having no experience, you would want a handgun that is as simple as possible. Mr1der is right on. Something with a simple slide release and a magazine release. No need for de-cocking levers and external safetys, at least not until you have more experience. Again, 3am and dark, you don't want to be fumbling around...
As for caliber, it's really up to you. I would recommend a .45 for home defense, but recoil plays a huge factor. If you have big hands, good strength, some beef to keep it down, then it's manageable. If not, a .40 like Mr1der suggested is the way to go. Don't even bother with 9mm.
I would suggest going with Glock. They have a new line for their .45 models coming out, the SF (Short Frame), making it a little more forgiving to fire the .45 round. And their .40 models are very easy to fire. That's why they are standared issue in most police departments.
Personally, I don't like the Springfield XD. I think it's a little clunky. Sigs are awesome! When you get more comfortable with handguns, and if you feel like spending the money, Heckler and Koch is the way to go. Their p2000 model is incredible. Simple and effective. About 800.
Regardless of what you buy, just get very familiar with it. Go to a range or outdoors or wherever, fire all the rounds you can, get comfortable with it in your hand. As my father would say, you want it to feel like a handshake from an old friend.
A few things to consider even before make, model, and caliber:
Where will it be stored? Since you want it for home defense, I'm assuming you would want it in your bedroom near where you sleep, such as a drawer next to your bed. But do you have kids? If so, you will have to keep it safely out of reach, like in your closet on a top shelf. And even then, you may have to put a lock on it, like a trigger lock or a cable lock. And being in the closet, it's more of a distance away from you while you sleep. These are points to consider because if a situation arises where you need to use it, it will most likely be at night, while you are sleeping. Is your weapon within arms reach, where you can easily grab it while calling the police, or are you going to have to dig it out of the closet and unlock it? All of this at 3 am, in the dark. Just something to consider...
Having no experience, you would want a handgun that is as simple as possible. Mr1der is right on. Something with a simple slide release and a magazine release. No need for de-cocking levers and external safetys, at least not until you have more experience. Again, 3am and dark, you don't want to be fumbling around...
As for caliber, it's really up to you. I would recommend a .45 for home defense, but recoil plays a huge factor. If you have big hands, good strength, some beef to keep it down, then it's manageable. If not, a .40 like Mr1der suggested is the way to go. Don't even bother with 9mm.
I would suggest going with Glock. They have a new line for their .45 models coming out, the SF (Short Frame), making it a little more forgiving to fire the .45 round. And their .40 models are very easy to fire. That's why they are standared issue in most police departments.
Personally, I don't like the Springfield XD. I think it's a little clunky. Sigs are awesome! When you get more comfortable with handguns, and if you feel like spending the money, Heckler and Koch is the way to go. Their p2000 model is incredible. Simple and effective. About 800.
Regardless of what you buy, just get very familiar with it. Go to a range or outdoors or wherever, fire all the rounds you can, get comfortable with it in your hand. As my father would say, you want it to feel like a handshake from an old friend.
-
Repo Man
- Moderator
- Posts: 8980
- Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2002 6:52 am
- Car: 2020 Frontier Pro4X
2003 Honda Accord - Location: Indy
- Contact:
Re: (Mr1der)
Ack, I think I finally got the keyboard plugged in properly.Mr1der wrote:I'd like to think he's confused and plugging a keyboard into a toaster.
not that he's prone to do it or anything...but it's an awesome excuse for him not to be around.
Dan, I would pick the one that feels best in your hand. Caliber is really secondary to picking the proper pistol for you and being able to hit with it. One advantage to the 9mm is that it is cheap to shoot relative to other calibers and is an inherently reliable cartridge due to it being slightly tapered. The old saying "a hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44" is still absolutely true.
Carry on gentlemen. Sorry for my tardiness to this thread.
-
PapaSmurf2k3
- Site Admin
- Posts: 18997
- Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2002 3:20 pm
- Car: 2017 Corvette, 2018 Focus ST, 1993 240sx truck KA Turbo.
- Location: Merrimack, NH
Re: Good first firearm? (LocAL_anarchy)
That is pretty much what I was going to say. Although I don't know if I will ever own a hand gun. Something tells me a rifle will do just fine in self/home protection.LocAL_anarchy wrote:
Regardless of what you buy, just get very familiar with it. Go to a range or outdoors or wherever, fire all the rounds you can, get comfortable with it in your hand. As my father would say, you want it to feel like a handshake from an old friend.
-
Cold_Zero
- Posts: 6714
- Joined: Sun Oct 20, 2002 4:15 pm
- Car: 2003 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Re: (Mr1der)
Good advice James. Shooting other peoples pistols is a good way to get a feel for the weapons with out having to shell out money.Mr1der wrote:the best advice I can give you is to go out and hold and try to shoot anything you can get your hands on before committing to buy.
Quote »I'd like to think he's confused and plugging a keyboard into a toaster.
not that he's prone to do it or anything...but it's an awesome excuse for him not to be around.[/quote]Nah, probably plugging something else into the wall socket.
Dan,As you have said you want to use the handgun for home defense. But you also want to think about the following:1. Future- what will needs you may need later down the road. Will you need a carry weapon? Something that you can use in a shooting competition? And so on. 2. What materials are your walls made out of? Remember if a bullet on the off chance over penetrates you want to make sure it does not leave the house. Then you can be looking at litigation. One reason why I don't use my 454 Casull for home defense, I am not sure where the round will finally stop. That and the muzzle blast coming out of the end of the barrel would blind me and the target and deafen both of us. Though he/she will have to worry about the gaping hole in his/her chest if the muzzle blast doesnt kill first.3. Safety/Storage- as someone pointed out you want to make sure that your handgun is stored safely. You also want to think about if you ever get robbed, do you want your handgun being stolen and possibly used in a crime. I have a nice little gun safe right by my bed that screws into the wall. 4. Handgun Laws- familiarize yourself with your state's laws before you purchase a handgun and also join the NRA. This is one area where gun owners are the most ignorant. 5. Training- get good training from an accredited instructor. I would highly suggest a basic safety course and then a home defense course. They should walk you through what all things you need to think and need to know before you use deadly force.6. Shotgun- do you really want a handgun for home defense? A shot gun works very well in that roll. Not trying to talk you out of buying a handgun, but a shotgun can be a cheaper (in some cases) alternative.
As far as a handgun I would highly suggest picking up a Glock as your first weapon (Sorry James). It is easy to operate, a cheap reliable handgun with plenty of accessories that you can buy. I still love shooting my Glock 19 and to be honest it is my primary home defense weapon. That's right a 9mm. I also wouldn't rule out a good revolver as well. Nice think about a revolver chambered in a .357 magnum is that you can shoot 38 special with out a conversion kit. Same holds true for the 44 magnum/ 41 special and the 454 Casull/ 45 Colt. I love having the versatility of 4 rounds in two handguns. Also as Andy pointed out 9mm and 40 S&W are cheap to shoot. Might not break the bank in your case if you go shooting ever so often. But if you are avid shooter that can make a difference. I pay close to $15 a box for 454 ammunition.
I am looking to pick up a Glock 27 tomorrow to replace my .357 magnum as my carry weapon.
-
Dano
- Posts: 11535
- Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2002 8:01 pm
- Car: '05 Nissan Frontier Nismo CC
'95 Nissan 240SX base - Location: Kansas City, KS/ Phx, AZ
- Contact:
Bud, I appreciate the input and advice!
As far as safety goes, I've thought it all out about storage and was looking at those gun safes that screw into the wall I already plan on taking a training course with it as well.
As far as instructors go, shouldn't be difficult to find a good one, my uncle just retired from my local police dept. as a 20 year veteran, so i'm sure I can find someone with some good experience. He's also aquiring his c&c permits for KS and MO for some private security work right now.
I want a small caliber, like a 9mm or .40. I have no use or desire for a .45, I just don't feel i'd want something that big or need it. I do plan on doing some sport shooting with it down the road, but as of right now that's just something i'd like to do. There's just so much crime happening these days and my parents are getting older, so while i'm still living here, i'd like to have that there just in case. I'm going to be the first one to tell you that i'm overly cautious around firearms. It's not a tool for intimidation or anything to me, it'd be a last line of defense. So yeah, I'm gonna keep looking, like I said, I like the modern, tactical style weapons and plan on looking at Glochs and maybe a couple Sigs.
Again, really appreciate the input and advice!
-Dan
As far as safety goes, I've thought it all out about storage and was looking at those gun safes that screw into the wall I already plan on taking a training course with it as well.
As far as instructors go, shouldn't be difficult to find a good one, my uncle just retired from my local police dept. as a 20 year veteran, so i'm sure I can find someone with some good experience. He's also aquiring his c&c permits for KS and MO for some private security work right now.
I want a small caliber, like a 9mm or .40. I have no use or desire for a .45, I just don't feel i'd want something that big or need it. I do plan on doing some sport shooting with it down the road, but as of right now that's just something i'd like to do. There's just so much crime happening these days and my parents are getting older, so while i'm still living here, i'd like to have that there just in case. I'm going to be the first one to tell you that i'm overly cautious around firearms. It's not a tool for intimidation or anything to me, it'd be a last line of defense. So yeah, I'm gonna keep looking, like I said, I like the modern, tactical style weapons and plan on looking at Glochs and maybe a couple Sigs.
Again, really appreciate the input and advice!
-Dan
-
Cold_Zero
- Posts: 6714
- Joined: Sun Oct 20, 2002 4:15 pm
- Car: 2003 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
James,I am not putting down the Springfield. I just prefer the Glock. When Andy had his XD I was impressed with it. You are absolutely correct though James. If it doesn't fell comfortable and you can't shoot well with it, NO ONE'S perception of the greatest handgun in the world is going to serve your needs.
Dan,Good man. I am glad that you have thought things through first. To be honest, I got my CCL before I even owned a gun. Not that you have to do that, but I thought it was a good idea to start that process off first. Especially since I was going to buy a handgun for the purposes of carrying. I would go to Cabelas (or the equivalent) or a Gun show near you and test drive the Rugers, Glocks, Springfields, Walthers, Taurus, Berettas, Smith and Wessons and the Sig Sauers. H&K tend to be very pricey, but hey if money is no option then throw them into the mix. I tell you, go shooting with friends if you can. It is a great way to test drive handguns before you buy.
Dan,Good man. I am glad that you have thought things through first. To be honest, I got my CCL before I even owned a gun. Not that you have to do that, but I thought it was a good idea to start that process off first. Especially since I was going to buy a handgun for the purposes of carrying. I would go to Cabelas (or the equivalent) or a Gun show near you and test drive the Rugers, Glocks, Springfields, Walthers, Taurus, Berettas, Smith and Wessons and the Sig Sauers. H&K tend to be very pricey, but hey if money is no option then throw them into the mix. I tell you, go shooting with friends if you can. It is a great way to test drive handguns before you buy.
-
PapaSmurf2k3
- Site Admin
- Posts: 18997
- Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2002 3:20 pm
- Car: 2017 Corvette, 2018 Focus ST, 1993 240sx truck KA Turbo.
- Location: Merrimack, NH
Re: (Cold_Zero)
I've been to the shooting range before and just asked random people if I could try out their gun. It helps to bring one with you to let them try too. Everyone likes shooting different guns. If you don't have anything to bring to the table, bring a friend and see if you can barter with his.
BTW Its funny how I am the only one in this thread that isn't a Mod, besides Local Anarchy that is.
BTW Its funny how I am the only one in this thread that isn't a Mod, besides Local Anarchy that is.
-
audtatious
- Moderator
- Posts: 25014
- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 5:31 pm
- Car: 2017 Q60 Red Sport. Gone: 2014 Q50s, 2008 G37s coupe, 2007 G35s Sedan, 2002 Maxima SE, 2000 Villager Estate (Quest), 1998 Quest, 1996 Sentra GXE
- Location: Stalking You
- Contact:
Re: (Cold_Zero)
Is that because you can't shoot sperm?Cold_Zero wrote:I get a bit tingly in the pants when I send lead down range.
Oh, and you should not swallow it either
-
PapaSmurf2k3
- Site Admin
- Posts: 18997
- Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2002 3:20 pm
- Car: 2017 Corvette, 2018 Focus ST, 1993 240sx truck KA Turbo.
- Location: Merrimack, NH
Re: (audtatious)
BURN!!!
haha, and this whole "James" thing keeps freaking me out. I keep thinking you are talking to me. I'm like "Man, I never asked you to go to Nashville..."
haha, and this whole "James" thing keeps freaking me out. I keep thinking you are talking to me. I'm like "Man, I never asked you to go to Nashville..."
-
Cold_Zero
- Posts: 6714
- Joined: Sun Oct 20, 2002 4:15 pm
- Car: 2003 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Re: (audtatious)
^ Ok Kelso, should you be chasing Jackie around or something?
Back on the subject (leave it to the old man to get side tracked)....I was looking at Gander Mountain and they stock the Steyr. Steyr's 40 S&W was pretty nice and at a reasonable price. Just something about a good Austrian handgun!
Leave it to the OLD MAN to make a ED joke. Tell you what Matt, I don't need Levitra, Viagra or Cealis (I have no clue how to spell their names), proof being is my 2 year old daughter. Lets just say, there is/was no need for a paternity test when she came along. Unless you wanna doubt who the mother is...audtatious wrote:
Is that because you can't shoot sperm?
Oh, and you should not swallow it either
Back on the subject (leave it to the old man to get side tracked)....I was looking at Gander Mountain and they stock the Steyr. Steyr's 40 S&W was pretty nice and at a reasonable price. Just something about a good Austrian handgun!
-
audtatious
- Moderator
- Posts: 25014
- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 5:31 pm
- Car: 2017 Q60 Red Sport. Gone: 2014 Q50s, 2008 G37s coupe, 2007 G35s Sedan, 2002 Maxima SE, 2000 Villager Estate (Quest), 1998 Quest, 1996 Sentra GXE
- Location: Stalking You
- Contact:
Re: (Cold_Zero)
Now you are mad at meCold_Zero wrote:Leave it to the OLD MAN to make a ED joke. Tell you what Matt, I don't need Levitra, Viagra or Cealis (I have no clue how to spell their names), proof being is my 2 year old daughter. Lets just say, there is/was no need for a paternity test when she came along. Unless you wanna doubt who the mother is...
-
PapaSmurf2k3
- Site Admin
- Posts: 18997
- Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2002 3:20 pm
- Car: 2017 Corvette, 2018 Focus ST, 1993 240sx truck KA Turbo.
- Location: Merrimack, NH
Re: (DanO)
http://www.cabelas.com Good luck buddy!
-
Mr1der
- Posts: 36020
- Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2003 8:35 am
- Car: It's still not a Nissan...
- Location: Lebanon TN
you can go by a Buyer's Guide.
don't ever pay MSRP though. or more than that.
have someone you might know that's knowledgeable in them go with you to a store and just kinda look around, tell the guys that work there you situation and maybe you'll get lucky and be in a shop that doesn't have a lot of jackasses working in it. I'll tell you right now though that a lot of employees or owners tend to be elitist retards. Don't let them ever tell you one certain pistol is the best thing ever. Or caliber. The gun market has so many models and calibers that are tailored to different needs and cirumstances.
You'll be hard pressed to get one Do All gun.
most people consider the closest thing to it a Smith and Wesson Model 29 Mountain gun though....which in no way can I recommend for a first gun or by any means a first choice as a carry gun.
don't ever pay MSRP though. or more than that.
have someone you might know that's knowledgeable in them go with you to a store and just kinda look around, tell the guys that work there you situation and maybe you'll get lucky and be in a shop that doesn't have a lot of jackasses working in it. I'll tell you right now though that a lot of employees or owners tend to be elitist retards. Don't let them ever tell you one certain pistol is the best thing ever. Or caliber. The gun market has so many models and calibers that are tailored to different needs and cirumstances.
You'll be hard pressed to get one Do All gun.
most people consider the closest thing to it a Smith and Wesson Model 29 Mountain gun though....which in no way can I recommend for a first gun or by any means a first choice as a carry gun.