What should I get?

Soto

Inactive
So I am torn between getting an m1 Garand I saw the other day or waiting until my birthday on June11 to get my pistol premit and going out and getitng my first handgun. I don't know exactly what I would get, I was thinking probably a Glock of some sort. What would you guys get?
 
If the Garand is a good buy and in good condition, I'd go with that. There are only so many of them out there, and there will always (we hope) be pistols.
 
If I had no guns, I'd buy a CZ 75B 9mm in Glossy Blue. Why?

1. It's a really good quality gun that can be upgraded to a great gun, if you ever desired to do this.

2. It's accurate, durable (not necessarily the finish, though) and reliable.

3. It's high capacity. Buy 'em while you can.

4. It's 9mm - my favorite handgun caliber

5. It's really pretty!

6. It all steel and doesn't have an ugly rail on it.

7. It's kind of rare in glossy blue, but affordable.

8. It will be easier to shoot; cheaper to shoot and you will be able to shoot it in a larger number of places than a Garand.

9. If you are going to buy a Garand, you have a lot of studying to do to make sure you are getting exactly what you think you are getting.

While I like the Garand, and wouldn't mind having one as a collector (not as a shooter, or maybe as an occasional shooter - just don't have any need for a big heavy semi-auto 30-06), the more I've read about them, the collectible ones are fairly rare, expensive and you need to know your stuff when buying one.
 
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I can't disagree with Skans, my daily carry is a CZ75B (not blued though - it has the more common "paint"/epoxy finish). It is a wonderful pistol and I trust it implicitly, and it still shoots more accurately than I can hold.

But - if you get your Garand from CMP you will get a good/serviceable one, and you will never regret having it. Conversely, if you never get a Garand, you may always regret not having one.

I shoot mine in the Garand matches at our club, about 4 or 5 matches per year. I seldom take it to the range "just for fun" - except to allow someone to shoot a Garand who never has.

You will get a lot more use out of the pistol, but the Garand will exercise your smile muscles in your face and in your - well, I don't talk about "souls" a lot, it seems pretty weird to talk like that - but there is something primal and satisfying about the Garand.

Not being real rational here, but it is early and I need more coffee...
 
cz 75 compact.

M1 garands are incredible rifles, but I wouldn't feel safe without a handgun. I would see it as mandatory emergency equipment. After you have the means and training to protect yourself and your family(if applicable), then save for old toys and have fun
 
Soto,

Pistol permit? I assume you mean a concealed carry.

Here in North Carolina a Pistol Purchase Permit or a valid CCL is required to buy a handgun. The Permit is good for one purchase, but you can buy multiple handguns with a CCL. Permits can be processed online by the local sherif's dept or in person for about $5.
 
May I suggest getting the Garand --- before the supply of them runs out.

James River Armory sells them. The supply of 1903 Springfields is also running out.
 
I would also say get the garand. The suppy is getting lower and the prices are going up. I love shooting both of mine. Have even used one to take 2 deer. Wonderful pieces of history. You can always buy a pistol but a Garand is something you will keep for your lifetime. As long as they are still legal to own which I hope they always will.
 
Are you looking for something for self defense, or something to shoot? A handgun in 9mm will probably be an easier first gun to shoot than a Garand while being much more practical for self defense. The Garands are going away and if you're looking for a collectible, prices will only rise. It's also probably better suited target use and marksmanship training and you could use it for hunting depending on your local laws
 
What would you guys get?


Depends on the purpose or the niche in my collection I was trying to fill. You tell us nothing of that other than the Glock would be your first handgun.

The Garand for most folks has very narrow parameters. It generally is not a rifle bought by folks with a limited number of firearms, that intend to use it for a regular range toy. Unless you reload, ammo can be expensive. The price or the Garands is driven high because of collect-ability and nostalgia. It is a piece of art and a piece of history. It is kinda the "trophy wife" of firearms.

The Glock on the other hand is that ugly girl that can cook, clean house and keep you warm at night. You can get at least two Glocks for the price of a Garand. They shoot well, are very reliable and take little maintenance. They are not my choice of handguns, but are a good first handgun or only handgun.

I suggest you consider what YOUR wants and needs are and not just buy a firearm for the sake of buying a gun. If you prioritize what you will using the firearm for, your choice or suggestions of choice will be easier and more viable, especially if your firearm collection is small.
 
Garands will never be banned. There's a chance that large capacity 9mm handguns will be banned.

There are and will be plenty of Garands available - just look on Gunbroker if you don't want to buy one through the CMP program.
 
Those advocating Garands may not have trudged Fort Ord carrying one through poison oak while sweating profusely. :D

I ...SWORE... to never touch another one. But I caved and did.
Later sold it.
Sorta miss it but not much.

HEAVY! Fine off a bench or when needing to defend at 300 yards plus.
Get the handgun.

Skip the semi and get a versatile 38/357 and learn what fun is.

Or..... ONLY handgun?

22LR without question. :)
 
You cannot defend yourself or your family with a Garand, unless you are fighting Imperial Japanese or Wehrmacht troops.

You can get a Garand now, you can get a Garand in a few years. Prices will change, so what.

You can get a Garand any time you like, money is the only issue. You cannot get a new family or a new you. I'd put that higher on my list than saving a few bucks for a Garand.

That's my opinion, and it's worth exactly what you paid for it.
 
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