I am sure you guys are tired of these, sorry (newbie here)

You've mentioned ammo availibility for the Makarov and CZ-82 a few times. The 9MM Makarov round (9x18) is inexpensive and easy to find, especially on the net. Its much cheaper than .380 and is about 10% more powerful. I'd go with the surplus CZ-82 right now due to its low cost.


This is just one place to get 9x18, but many stores stock it as well as Midway, Cheaper than Dirt, and a plethora of on-line ammo dealers.

http://www.ammoman.com/index.htm

The Rugers you listed are fine also.
 
You can still find "Third Generation" Smith & Wesson semi-auto, police trade-ins, in very good condition at affordable prices. Reliable and well-made pistols that are as good or better than most anything else out there for self-defense.
 
I'll see if I can find any CZs or trade-ins at the gun show. I don't want to buy anything I can't hold first.

As of now, though, I think I'll go with the SP, or something comparable, in a 3" barrel. I don't think that would hinder concealability, and shoukd shoot better. (I guess?)

Any gun show tips? Anything I should be wary of?
 
Although it's not on your list I will recomend the gun I recomend to everybody got their first gun. S&W Model 10 4in. heavy barrel. It and it's cartridge will get the job done and has for a long time. They can be found around the $200 range in most areas. It is effective, controlable and has a superior sight radius to the others. Not that hard to carry concealed either.
 
#1:

I am sure you guys are tired of these, sorry (newbie here)
Click to expand...

Not at all. On the contrary, I am more than happy to give advice, because when I started out trying to start handloading 15 years ago ( I had no Internet), even people selling reloading equipment were shall we say.....less than helpfull. Condescending would be a good word.....

Anyhoo.... #2: I would suggest keeping momma as happy as possible: keep the budget down. If momma ain't happy, nobody is happy.

Don't let your shooting habit affect your current budget. Find a way to pay for it. I quit smoking, and put the cigarette money into a gun collection. And reloading. Now I have a bullet habit.......

I was going to suggest you looking for a used 4" k frame Smith & Wesson ..... but a quick internet search indicated asking price of these guns is double what it was last time I looked...... It'd be cheaper to get a brand new Ruger sr9c.

Of the guns you listed, I've only shot the Bersa, the Rugers, and the Smith.

I would stay clear of any .380, as ammo is expensive and not always available. With the cost differential between 9mm and .380 per box, you could buy several guns over a ten year period, assuming you shot 100 rounds /month.

I like the Rugers. I have an sp101 (3" barrel, paid $400 for it used a couple of years ago) in .357 and like it, though I have not figured out a way to carry it comfortably IWB yet. My brother has an sr9c and likes it a lot (paid $425 NIB OTD). I shot it and it suprised me: I don't like striker fired guns, generally(1911 guy!), but I liked that one. Not as long a pull as the Glocks I fired.

I didn't like the Smith..... a large semi auto with a trigger pull harder than my 101?

My best suggestion is to learn to hand load, especially if you pick a .38 or .357 revolver, so you can afford to actually shoot the gun. It does not get any simpler or cost effective than reloading for .357/.38...... can be done with a set up that costs $100 and fits in two shoe boxes, including components.

Another great idea would be to get your wife involved in the gun thing...... that's the only way you will get a bigger budget for bullet launchers.
 
Would you say the Sr9c is much easier to conceal than the SP? I handled an SP and it looked small enough to tuck in my waistband.

Too be honest, I am still on the fence on the semi. I like the look of the gun and the features. Ive just been a little scared off by folks saying to get a revolver first.
 
I have a Beretta Cougar 8040. It is a relatively large gun, compared to the SR9c. I like the gun but cannot imagine trying to conceal it, it is a full size weapon. A friend of mine carries a Mini Cougar but he's about 6' 3" and 350 pounds. And it is still a "bulky" gun.

Once again, I love revolvers but I do not see the need to get a revolver first. Although the first gun I ever bought myself was a Ruger Security Six.
 
Just figured I'd let you guys know that I decided on the Sr9c. I purchased it this morning, in fact.



Just finished stripping it and cleaning it. Now I'm off to shoot it. And maybe name it.

Thanks for all the help.
 
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I read your post about being hesitant to go with a semi with people suggesting you get a revolver as your first gun for simplicity reasons. I was going to respond, but then I read you went with the SR9C.

I'm glad you went that way. A semi can be simple and reliable if you know it and understand it completely. Yes, it takes more effort to learn the mechanics, but if you're willing to put in that effort, you will be rewarded with a weapon that is much more versatile, and will get more bullets at your target in a shorter span of time. So practice shooting it, and practice disassembling it, and practice re-assembling it. Then repeat. (This should be done with any weapon you own.)

True, for some folks a revolver is the best thing. I like them too. But a semi is certainly nothing to be afraid of even if you're a newbie. And since your original post mentioned that you "caught the gun bug" I think the semi will give you more mileage before you get tired of it.
 
Basic or entry level handguns...

Hello & welcome to TFL;
In short, I would buy a new Ruger SP101 .357magnum in either the DA only model or the larger 3.16" length barrel.
A DA only snub SP101 in .357magnum was my 1st handgun purchase in 1993.
A SR9c is a good budget choice but I would select a well made DA only stainless revolver first. A used/good condition police trade in like a S&W model 10 or a 15 or maybe a DA only 64 could be useful too. See JGsales.com.
I'd also start with a +P or +P+ round for defense/home protection. It can serve your needs and you can move on to the powerful .357magnum loads later. A Speer Gold Dot 135gr JHP +P, a Corbon DPX round, a Hornady Critical Defense or a 125gr JHP +P Golden Saber could work. The Buffalo Bore 158gr lead SWC-HP +P or the Ranger T .38spl are well made too.
Learn your local gun & use of force laws. Get proper skill training if you can and join the NRA. They support 2A issues and work to improve gun rights/laws.
Good cleaning-service products are sold here: www.Brownells.com . Mpro7 LPX or Ballistol or maybe Weaponshield can clean-lube a handgun.
Clyde
 
I read your post about being hesitant to go with a semi with people suggesting you get a revolver as your first gun for simplicity reasons. I was going to respond, but then I read you went with the SR9C.

I'm glad you went that way. A semi can be simple and reliable if you know it and understand it completely. Yes, it takes more effort to learn the mechanics, but if you're willing to put in that effort, you will be rewarded with a weapon that is much more versatile, and will get more bullets at your target in a shorter span of time. So practice shooting it, and practice disassembling it, and practice re-assembling it. Then repeat. (This should be done with any weapon you own.)

True, for some folks a revolver is the best thing. I like them too. But a semi is certainly nothing to be afraid of even if you're a newbie. And since your original post mentioned that you "caught the gun bug" I think the semi will give you more mileage before you get tired of it.
Click to expand...

I've had nothing but a great experience with my SR9c so far. No problems, and it is a joy to shoot. I've "practiced" carrying it concealed around my house, and I am certain it will fill that role as well once I get my CHP.

Great gun for the money, and I would recommend it to anyone.






...now to convince my wife that I still need to get an SP101. ;)
 
You made a fine choice with the SR9c! After much deliberation I bought it as my first gun. I've got 1500 rounds through it with no problems! It's a great gun to learn to shoot with as well. The trigger has a nice reset, and recoil is minimal, so I can run 200 rounds in a session comfortably. All the extra safeties were a plus, for me, as I got used to handling a gun and carrying for the first time. I carry a lot in the appendix IWB position, so I LIKE the thumb safety! ;).

Did I mention how easy it is to conceal?
 
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