Suggestions for a good HD gun with the possibility of CCW?

R

random2001

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I'm looking to purchase my first handgun for HD and possible CCW (my state requires a permit that might take me a while to get due to my schedule). However, I'm not so sure as to what I should get. Here are a few of my thoughts:

-Preference for a higher caliber for stopping power...something like .40 S&W or .45 ACP.
-I'll consider both semi-autos and revolvers, though I have a preference for semi-autos.
-I'm interested in something that can be concealed easily enough should I get the permit. For reference, I have a Umarex PX4 Storm pellet gun (same size as the real PX4 Storm) that seems like it would be too big to carry concealed for me.
-I'll set my budget at $1000, but it's not a hard number.
-I was looking at the Taurus PT145 since it seemed to be a good size and is also chambered for .45 ACP. Any thoughts?


That's about it. Anything you can suggest?


Also, I'm left-handed but right-eye dominant. Am I correct in thinking that I should be shooting right-handed?
 
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I was looking at the Taurus PT145 since it seemed to be a good size and is also chambered for .45 ACP. Any thoughts?
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You'll get a lot of response :)
My only thought is if you're budget allows a grand forget a Taurus :rolleyes:
 
My suggestion just because I am very happy with mine: Springfield XD40 Sub Compact. And about 1/2 your budget price. Saves some $ for ammo!
 
Kahr, glock, Springfield xd, s&w m&p, sig 239. Might help if you list more preferences. Like safety or not, type of trigger, metal or plastic, double stack or single stack etc. I wouldn't sweat the eye dominance thing just practice. I'm right eye dominant and practice with both left and right handed.
 
Kahr, glock, Springfield xd, s&w m&p, sig 239. Might help if you list more preferences. Like safety or not, type of trigger, metal or plastic, double stack or single stack etc. I wouldn't sweat the eye dominance thing just practice. I'm right eye dominant and practice with both left and right handed.
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+1, except I've never used a Kahr so I can't vouch for that. As far as eye dominance I'm left eye dominant and right handed. I just shoot with my left eye closed and it works out fine.
 
if it were my $1000, I'd go for an HK P2000 or P2000sk (slightly shorter barrel and grip) In fact, that's what I actually did with my money (and my wife did too) They're large enough for good HD use as well as small enough for CC (especially the sk) For about $900, you should be able to get a new one with 3 mags and nightsights or for $800 the gun and 2 mags
They're available in .40 (and you can get a 357sig barrel for it and use the same mags) or 9mm as well as SA/DA triggers or 3 variations of LEM which is their DAO version.
Here's a link to a thread in past few days in the semiauto section about the sk--

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412854

there's also a lot of info on HKs on HKpro if you want to learn more about them
 
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Eye dominance in my opinion is a big deal – especially under stress! If you are just getting started, it’s a lot easier to shoot one way or the other than if you are years in. I would say to learn to shoot to the dominant eye’s strength. There are benefits to shooting on your dominant side.

As for handgun – I’ll get flack for this … but I have become a big fan of recommending a revolver first off. Get the pistol once you know you are “into” hand gunning.
 
I would also look at a 357 revolver can shoot 38spl for practice and 38+P for home 357 if desire for carry Revolver were the pistol of choice till the hicap plastic gun craze . They still have their place simple reliable and many people carry every day.
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again...
If you are going to have only one handgun, it's hard to beat the do-it-all S&W j-frame. Perfect for ccw good for manuevering in close quarters and with .38 or .357 proven stopping power. Weights available from heavy to helium.
 
I.ll recommend the Glock model 23, 13 rounds of 40S&W stopping power ,deadly accurate about just over half your budget ,not too big nor small , nothing made is more dependable , guaranteed to go bang Every time! I think they are "perfection"
 
Vomit clean-up on post 12.

(In loud speaker voice) We need a vomit clean-up on post 12. Clean-up.:barf:

Glocks are awesome. The "perfection" slogan is cheesy and let's say "debated" highly. Even alot of the fanboys find it obnoxious.

Good suggestion. Bad pun.
 
I will suggest three....

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Come to think of it, I'd looked into the S&W J-Frames before and liked what I saw. Any specific recommendations for that? I'd prefer it to be on the heavier side to reduce recoil (I'm used to carrying stuff around with me so the extra weight wouldn't be a very big deal).

How do .357 and .38 special compare as far as stopping power is concerned?
 
Rent, rent, rent. Then rent some more. Get every major caliber and trigger system under your belt before you go plop down that $500.

Also keep in mind you'll want to practice a lot at the range and take safety/training classes with it. I wouldn't get something in the more exotic calibers like 357 Sig or 10mm just because ammo is not only hard to find but very expensive.

I started with 9mm. Still use it.

I have an old, all steel J-frame. Quite frankly I really can't stand the gun. The kick with standard range 38 special is rather brisk, and +p would aggravate the issue. I also had a Ruger SP101 and again...recoil is just not conducive to fast follow up shots with 357. I sold it and bought a steel Kahr, which I really enjoy.
 
Do yourself a favor, stay away from Taurus. I've been working at a gun store for the past 6 months, amazed to see all the issues with Taurus. I'm not saying there's nobody in the world who's had a good experience with them.. just saying they're not a good consistent gun.

Kahr PM45, Glock 36, or a single stack 1911 Commander would be my top three choices. If going for 40 S&W a Glock 27 would be my recommendation.
 
Good choices for a CC-home protection type handgun...

Hello
If you have limited handgun skills and a $1000.00 budget range I would suggest the following weapons(in no general order):

A simple DA only .357magnum revolver like the Ruger SP101 or a S&W J frame Bodyguard in .357 or .38spl +P. A used/police trade in S&W DA only S&W model 64 revolver could do very well too. The new LCR .357magnum would do well for deep or pocket concealment but not home defense.

For a semi auto; check out the great SIG Sauer 2SUM offer; a full P250 frame and a compact frame for carry. The frames share the popular well made SIG Sauer DAK(a smooth DA only) fire control system. This could be very practical. The full 250 frame can take white lights or laser dots. Either frame can be fit with night sights(a useful feature on any pistol). These P250s can be converted from 9mm to .40 to .357sig w/o any hassles.

The HK P2000(lem) in .40 or .357sig, the SIG Sauer P229R DAK or P226R in DAK can be good first picks. They are well made, easy to clean and can use lights or lasergrips. IMO the .357sig is the best caliber for protection or carry.

Rent or shoot a few different guns, research the models, features, designs. Learn & follow the gun laws/SOPs in your area and JOIN THE NRA! ;)

Clyde
www.jgsales.com www.gunsamerica.com www.sigsauer.com www.NRA.org
 
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