Looking to buy a handgun, possibly a 9mm or similar. Have plenty of shotguns...looking something to have for the range and for the home. What would be a good gun to look for?
Can't go wrong with a Glock, but my expertise in handguns is limited mainly due to the extensive regulations up here. That being said, yes, my Glock 9mm is a great gun.....but I don't have much to compare it too.
A 9mm is popular and at one time approximately 80% of the police departments had the 9mm as standard issue. That era is long gone and the 40 caliber auto is used by over 50 percent of law enforcement. The 45 acp has also made a comeback and many of the federal agencies use it.
With all that said I had a 40 cal Glock and sold it. Unless you have very large hands the Glock is not a comfortable gun to shoot. The wide double stack grip makes the gun an ergonomic issue. In my opinion the Glock is not a good gun for target practice, on the other had it is one of the most reliable guns ever built.
If you want a 9mm, Kahr makes both a 9mm and 45 acp. They make them in full size and cc (conceal carry) size. They are as reliable as the Glock, but, they are comfortable to shoot and do not have that double stack issue. At the same time if you want a gun that is a joy to shoot, basically any 1911 type 45 acp is a good gun. The problem is, many people don't like the single action. All the guns above are double action. Once you get used to the cocked-and-locked scheme you would not go back to a double action, Nothing is faster, smoother and more accurate, especially during rapid fire.
With all that said, FN brought out the FiveSeven (5.7mm). That is the new NATO caliber. It is basically a 22 caliber round that comes out of the barrel at 2200 ft/sec. The handgun holds 20 rounds and has absolutely no recoil. Several federal agencies have adopted this sidearm because the above attributes, it is also super light. It is a blast to shoot yet is an extreme effective as a self defense sidearm. It is not for everyone, but, has become my favorite pistol. If you want one, buy it quick the libs are trying to ban it.
I have lots and each one I like for different reasons - 9mm or 45 cal for inexpensive shooting. Seems my guns in 10 mm (Colt Delta Elite) and 40 (Baretta) are the most accurate. A lot depends on your hand size. Go get you a good double action that fits well in your hand.
Can't beat a double action revolver in 357 magnum. You can shoot 357s when you want to put down some serious shit, but throw in some 38s for plinking.
As far as home protection - go get a cheap short barreled pump 12 guage. In a crunch all you have to do it shoot from the hip and "point" in the direction of the danger!!!
The Glock is hard to beat for a reliable high capacity hand gun, can't go wrong there. I like the 12 gauge for home defense also but you do have to aim with it. At distances encountered in the average household, the shot pattern does not spread as much as one would think. Most criminals do know the sound of a pump shotgun racking a shell so that's a big deterrent right there.
For home, use a 14 or 16 gauge shot gun. Something the wife can use, if there is one. Otherwise a mossberg 12 gauge 590. Pistol grips, and a sling.
A - While thinking you are safe with a handgun, a shot gun gives better choice of rounds.
b - intimidation factor, load a round into a handgun vs into a shotgun. Noise facter greater, but very much more worry some.
c - -easier to get permit
I'd do both, and practice with them.
I have a HK 40, with a 13 round magazine. With it I own a 1911 that a tactical armorer has been thru. Full length spring guide with laser mounted inside, change the trigger pull to 7.5 ftlbs. Mahogany grips.
From my experiences, you will find that there are 3 major gun owner camps: Glock, Sig, & HK.
I have only 1 glock, and 4 Sigs. I am a Sig guy. I personally do not like the Glock. I also have some S&W handguns, as well as Kimber, Para, .50 DE, and Walther. I will say that the gun I HATE the most is the Walther PPKS. I bought it for my wife as a surprise, and she can't stand it either. I will be picking up an HK one day, but they dont allow that one I want in CA.
A handgun is a personal preference, and I suggest you rent a few at the range and see what you like.
__________________ Mark in SoCal. "He who has the answer and does not know it is as doomed as he who never knew."
conventional wisdom says that you need to put 1000+ rounds through any handgun before you are comfortable with it. But if you either a) have a big budget, or b) don't subscribe to that belief, get yourself an FN 5.7 .
A lot of good info in this thread. As stated, the gun has to feel good to you-
if it doesn't fit your hand and feel balanced, you'll lose interest in it.
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Kimber, Glock, Sig. But the best caliber and handgun for you is the one you can hit something with. Go to a range and rent several firearms and shoot them a little to see what you like.
i was doing similar research a few months ago, and actually posted a thread.
your best bet, IMO , is to decided the caliber and style of handgun you want, and what your going to do with it ( concealed carry, home protection , hunting ... ect )
then go to the gun store and hold 100 different ones in your hand. The ones that feel comfortable, you will most likely be happy with. You can take it a step further by going to the range and renting the ones that felt nice in your hand. Then make your educated decision.
this is what i did and ultimately ended up with a Glock38 ... its a compact frame ,45 GAP. ( which is a .45 cal in a 9mm size frame ). the subcompact .45 acp felt too small in my hand, and the .40sw compact did not feel good to shoot ... the .45GAP ended up being the perfect balance of size,power and firing comfort FOR ME.
Ive put about 500 rounds through it since i got it and havent had one jam, misfire, stovepipe or anything. Its been great and dead nuts accurate.
I think you will be fine with any of the higher quality manufacturers. Glock, Sig, HK , ect. good luck.
i was doing similar research a few months ago, and actually posted a thread.
your best bet, IMO , is to decided the caliber and style of handgun you want, and what your going to do with it ( concealed carry, home protection , hunting ... ect )
then go to the gun store and hold 100 different ones in your hand. The ones that feel comfortable, you will most likely be happy with. You can take it a step further by going to the range and renting the ones that felt nice in your hand. Then make your educated decision.
this is what i did and ultimately ended up with a Glock38 ... its a compact frame ,45 GAP. ( which is a .45 cal in a 9mm size frame ). the subcompact .45 acp felt too small in my hand, and the .40sw compact did not feel good to shoot ... the .45GAP ended up being the perfect balance of size,power and firing comfort FOR ME.
Ive put about 500 rounds through it since i got it and havent had one jam, misfire, stovepipe or anything. Its been great and dead nuts accurate.
I think you will be fine with any of the higher quality manufacturers. Glock, Sig, HK , ect. good luck.
I shot the 1911, Glock and SIG at the range and chose the SIG.
If you're looking for range accuracy, barrel length, sight radius and balance are primary keys. Buy the quality pistol that is most comfortable to you first. Then experiment with ammo until you find the magic combo and buy a case or two. I can't believe how differently ammo behaves. Some is absolute dog shit while others are truly sweet.
If it ever comes down to home defense, you want muscle memory and consistent ballistic performance.
Glock fan here. I have the G19, G23 and the "slimline" G36. Of all, shoot best and carry easiest with the G36. Can't beat the simplicity, durability and availability of factory and aftermarket parts for Glocks. And has any gun in history been more scrutinized and tested? I have several other auto's and revolvers including a semi customized Colt Series 80 .45, which is a great gun for bullseye. But for carry and range work always seem to grab a Glock.
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My cc gun. Fits my hand like a glove + perfect balance for me. Glock 27(40cal) with grip extension