Need help selecting handgun.

T

The Lost Yooper

New member
I am in the mood to buy a new handgun, but don't really know where to start. This will be my first handgun purchase and this marks the beginning of my research. As an avid hunter, I am quite knowledgable in rifles and shotguns, but not so much with handguns.
What I expect from the gun is home and concealed personal defense, reliability (especially in cold weather), and affordability (perhaps less than $600??).I don't expect to do a lot of shooting with it, but do plan on reloading. I'd prefer something in 40cal or bigger and would like to hear opinions on laser integrated sites.
From what little I've gathered, Glocks and SIGs are good, but each has a lot to choose from. Gun shops are few and far between where I live, so handling and firing specific guns would be challanging.
Where do I start?
Is there any online stores that I can get prices on specific guns?
Also, with your recomendations, could you include the approximate price you paid and/ or the approximate price to expect today.

I truly appreciate any and all advice.

Mike
 
You may have your heart set on an auto, but how about a nice, used S&W revolver in .357/38 special? A model 686 (stainless)with a 4 or 6 inch barrel is one of the most versatile handguns extant. It possesses excellent accuracy, the versatility of mild, inexpensive 38 special use, and the "heat" when desired, of full-power .357 magnum ballistics. Many different grip sizes/styles are on tap, from a variety of manufacturers. IMO it's the best "confidence builder" available. A used example in excellent condition is not more than $350 anywhere in the U.S. Revolvers aren't too "hip" these days, but they offer numerous gifts to the beginner and expert shooter alike. Try handling one when you go to the gun store...you might be surprised. Good luck, and welcome to the forum!
vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
I just LOVE you guys! My dad's a revolver worshiper too, so I respect your devotion to them...

Back to the subject of a .40 auto.

Glock - 23 or 27 www.glock.com
(27 is the sub-compact, and easier to conceal. GREAT gun, but a bit fat for my tastes in a concealment gun)

Kahr K40 or MK40 - www.kahr.com
Both are HEAVY, but both are SMALL. I'm very much a fan of these pistols, but I sure wish Kahr made a polymer .40.

I have no first hand knowledge of Sig, but have heard enough to have no doubts of their quality.

whatever you decide, I'd opt first for the medium size, then small second since you want to conceal your gun as well as protect the family.

But that's just my opinion, and probably not a very good one at that.
 
I'd go Glock 23.

While I would normally recommend the Walther P99, I say Glock because they make the LaserMax for it. Nice gun. Good shooter. Nice size. Nice weight. Plenty of available options. 13+1 rounds of .40. Standard-capacity clip availability. Plenty of holsters.

I'd recommend it over the Sig 229, HK USPc .40, and various others for a few reasons: As a compact, it holds more rounds than the competitors (13 vs. 12), it's lighter than the Sig, better finished than the Sig, standard-cap clips are not available for the USPc in .40, not sure if LaserMax is available for the others.
 
ditto on a revolver. i think that is a great first gun. S&W or Ruger, maybe some of the new taurus.
if you don't end up having the time or interest to spend on a handgun, a revolver will always be there and ready to go.

with a semi-auto, you really need to test every magazine you buy and every type of self-defense ammo you intend to shoot in every magazine to ensure reliability. then you need to rotate magazines periodically, etc.
not everyone will devote time and expense of doing this. if you find out you do, then buy a semi-auto later. you'll have 2 handguns which is probably a good idea anyway these days.

break in your revolver with a few hundred rounds and keep it clean and it will be ready when you need it.

since you mentioned concealment, maybe a smith & wesson "J" frame (small frame) model 60 with 2 or 3 inch barrel or ruger sp 101. some others can make some taurus suggestions.

i would maybe get a stainless steel over the lightweight aluminum alloy or titaniums unless you intend to carry quite a bit.
since this would be an all-purpose gun for you it won't be ideal for every situation but these will be adequate for all. i have light weight .32s (autauga .32 and kel-tec p-32 semi-autos) for carry but larger, heavier guns for the home defense or the car (s&w revolvers).
 
Vanfunk,

Thanks for the reply. You're right, I do have my heart set on an auto. I'm afraid that these may be among the first to be tageted if a certain individual wins in November. I do want to get a 41 Mag or 44 Mag for hunting, but perhaps down the road.
For now, I am looking for a compact, high capacity, and reliable gun. I forgot to mention is my first post, that I certainly would consider a 9mm as well.

Thanks to RT as well.

Mike
 
CZ-75/85 http://www.cz-usa.com/home.html
Base starts at ~$300
Proven design and product. Like mine quite a bit. Severely underrated. Incredible bargin. Do a search here at TFL to see what others have said.

Ruger GP100
(Can't seem to get my regular link to Ruger to connect.)
Base starts at ~$300
Actually don't have a GP100 but have an SP101 and a S.Redhawk. I think the GP100 would be a great starter gun as you can get .357mag and shoot .38spec. My Rugers have been very durable and above average in quality. The SP101 might be a little too small/light for the beginner and the heft of the GP would help in recoil.

For some information on guns in general - http://www.recguns.com/

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- Ron V.
 
Get a 45ACP and you'll never NEED another handgun unless you want to hunt big game.

A Kimber Classic will set you back about $525 for blued one or $50 more for SS. SA Loaded pistol is good too for a little less.

For a reloader 45ACP is great to work with or to experiment and its hard to load bad ammo.
 
Well, if I'm gonna make fun of the revolver guys... I GOTTA pick on the ".45 is the only one you'll ever need" guys too :D

I'm kinda thinking though... if this is Lmike's first handgun, should it be a SA? He said "protect the house, concealed personal defense" and a lot of you guys who love SA .45's say quite frequently that first time handgun buyers should NOT protect the house with a SA pistol. LEO's will often tell you the same thing.

I think .40 is a great choice for this particular requirement. Small pistol for carry, big caliber for adequate protection of the home.

One thing I forgot to mention... I really like the option to mount a light source directly to my house gun. Glock, HK, Walther (eventually) offer this option. Many others can be fitted by SureFire accessories.

Okay, I'll shuddup now.
 
Onslaught:
You are right, I got a little emotional about 45ACP SA pistols.

LMikeW:
Forget about SA pistols... get a Sig220 in 45ACP. Look hard and you'll find one for $600. Forget the laser but you might want to consider a Surefire light attachment later.
 
All this discussion is very encouraging, and I thank all those who have replied. The 45ACP sounds like a good choice. I am not at all familiar with the Sig220, but I'll certainly look into it. How about the Glock 30? Can the G30 be fitted with a higher capacity (pre-ban) magazine?

Thanks again
 
Place me in the revolver corner as well. Preferably in .357 so you can practice with cheap .38's.
But since you have said you prefer an auto I would recommend a 9mm. Frankly I'm not a big fan of the 9 and much prefer the .45. But since it is your first handgun practice is important and the lighter recoil and lower ammo cost will encourage that. (I'd admonish your statement, "I don't expect to do a lot of shooting with it...", but I know that once you get it you will shoot more than you think. ;) For that reason do not discount the lower priced guns such as the Taurus and/or FEG Hi-Power clones. They will leave you money left over for ammo, accesories and maybe enough for that used .44/41 later. ;)
What ever you do, find something that suits you and you enjoy. Handguns are meant to be enjoyed.

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Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
 
The GP-100 sounds ideal. I personally have a Glock 30 and recommend that highly. Forget the light and the laser and get good night sights.
 
Ruger P97 .45ACP - Reliable with all factory loaded ammo - tough - accurate - light - corrosion resistant - $350.00 tax, title and license.
 
One/First handgun?

I have to be in with the revolver crowd, though I would personally bump it up to .44

.44 Mag is more than acceptable/legal for Hunting and .44 Special is every bit as good, or better, than .357 (IMHO shoots softer too, and ia a LOT better than .38 Spl.)

Bigger case is easier to reload too.

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/----------------------------------------------------------\
| HONOR PRAE OMNIBUS | Above all, Honor |
| INIURIA MINIMA OMNIBUS | Do least harm always |
\----------------------------------------------------------/
 
Within your parameters there are literally hundreds of different choices. And I would recommend getting your hands on as many as possible. I believe that the feel of the gun is the most important thing. Also $600 gives you plenty of options. A gun that feels good in your hand will probably serve you better than one that feels like a brick.

Personally if you are new to handguns, I would say go revolver because they are simple, and cheap. Taurus makes some excellent mid size .357s for under $300.

But if your heart is set on an auto, for a lone gun I would recommend something medium sized, easy to conceal, yet still easy to shoot. I carry a 1911, but I'm not convinced its the best "first gun" out there. Though it is my favorite choice.

An excellent value for the money is the Ruger p95 in 9mm, or the p97 in .45 (my wife's choice). There are still plenty of 15 round mags out there for the 95. They are excellent shooters. I have an old p91, and it is darn near impossible to make it jam except for the nastiest crap ammo I can scrape up.

Also look at the CZ 75, good gun, good value.

Feg makes an excellent copy of the hi-power, also lots of gun for the $.

Moving up the money chain, the Glock 19, or 23 are good guns. Usually around $450 in my area. You can't hardly hurt them. I'm not really a big Glock fan, but two of my friends who I have introduced to shooting and helped them pick out guns that suited them went with the G19. You asked earlier but the 30 was designed for a ten round mag. It can take G21 mags (I believe) but they would hang out the bottom.

The Beretta 92 or 96 are also superb guns. I've shot a 96 Border Marshall quite a bit, and love it.

I have only used Sig & HK a few times so I don't feel qualified to really comment on them, except for the fact that they have very loyal followings here.

As far as reliability in cold weather, I don't think that really is a problem while carrying as the gun is held in close proximity to your body heat the whole time. It would only be taken out when you needed it. In open carry I've had my p91 out in the elements (N. Utah gets cold) for hours and it has still functioned fine.

I'm not a fan of laser sights, I've dinked around with them, and it is a lot faster to just line your sights up on the target and shoot it than it is to search for that little red dot. But that is just my opinion. :)
 
Get a .45 ACP. It makes a bigger hole than the .40 if no expansion occurs plus the .45 has a gentler recoil. For under 600$, I recommend a Ruger P97. If your lucky enough to find a Glock 21 or Glock 30 for under 600, also consider that. The Sig P220 is another great pistol, but I doubt you'll find one for under $600.
 
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