Handgun question?

[Xi Bowhunter]

I am looking to buy a handgun but I don't really know where to start. I know I would like to get my concealed carry permit one day, so I don't want a gun that is too big. I also know I do not want a revolver. I am looking for something accurate but not too expensive.

What caliber/model would some of you recommend?

[trust me]

If CC is a possibility, get a Ruger SP 101 with a 3" barrel in 38 or 357. Strong, stainless, last forever.

[killinmammals]

SP 101s are excellent guns...ive had my eye on a 357 for a while but got a great deal on a taurus titanium 357.
Xi, it all depends on your budget. Have you ever shot any handguns, if so what cal. and kind? I'm a .45 man myself, but some people like a smaller cal. just because of recoil and weight.

[Xi Bowhunter]

I have shot a lot of handguns, just never owned one. I have liked most of the one I have shot except for the .380 I shot. It didn't seem accurate, but it may have been the gun. I actually liked shooting the .50 cal Taurus the most, but I guess I just like a big BOOM!:D

[mmayes]

Before I give my recomendations are planing on just CC or is it a CC and plinking gun?


Mayes

[killinmammals]

Before I give my recomendations are planing on just CC or is it a CC and plinking gun?

Good question too! If you are going to be shooting a lot then you may want a smaller cal. or something with cheaper ammo like a 9mm. Either way though, you need to shoot it a lot and shoot it often if its gonna be a cc gun. You want to be as familiar as you can with it. There is no telling how much $ I've spent on ammo for my XD45 just practicing, obviously more than I actually spent on the gun. In winter my xd45 compact is easily hidden but no so in the summer, I have a keltec 380 for it, but just sold a fullsize 1911 to get a compact 1911 that is nicely concealed with tshirt and shorts. Believe me, there are TONS of choices out there! I might have some free time friday or saturday to run to whittakers, if you want I can give you a call. Im headin out there anyway if I get the time to look at a gun for myself

[bloodhounder]

Along with others, I'd also suggest a small framed revolver but seeing as how they're not on your list, I'd go a "compact" size pistol in .40 or .45. Either of those calibers will be all ya need. As for what brand, it really depends on how much you want to spend. Glocks and Springfield XD's are both "no frills" workhorses and will last you a lifetime.

[mmayes]

If it is a straight CC gun, I would look at the KAHR Arms pistols in either 9mm, 40, or 45 ( I am not a fan of the 40 cal) they are extremely concealable and have enough grip to be able to hold onto them. The Kel Tec pistols are also a nice choice in the pocket pistol category. If you are a .45 (and some can be found in 9mm)fan any of the officer size 1911 pistols from Kimber, Springfield, or Colt.

If it is a CC/Plinker Look at the Glock 19/23(9mm/.40) the Sprinfield XD's ( I am not a fan of due to the grip safety as I feel it is best left on single action 1911's), S&W M&P series, Any Gov't size 1911.

This is by all means not a complete listing of good choices just a preview.

Mayes

[SilentMike]

the obvious solution is to get several handguns.

if that's not feasible, I say you can't go wrong with a glock 23...or a springfield xd compact...or a S&W M&P.......all wonderful guns. You'll just have to get your hands on them and see which feels like it's made for you. All striker fired, all polymer framed, all built to take more abuse than you'll be able to dish out. Glock has the advantage of being around since 1985 so it's long term durability has been able to really be tested. I suspect in 20 years, after they've been around for some time, the XD and the M&P are also going to be known as guns that will take the kind of beating that their predecessor is known to have lived through.

that said, any variation of the 1911, as long as you stick with a reputable maker and don't get it from Ralph's 1911 Bargain warehouse, will be something to consider. There's a reason it's been the go-to auto since it poured forth from John Browning's genius mind.

[Xi Bowhunter]

Before I give my recomendations are planing on just CC or is it a CC and plinking gun?


Mayes


It will probably be the only one I own for a while, so will be shooting it a lot and using it as a CC weapon.

[Auk1124]

It will probably be the only one I own for a while, so will be shooting it a lot and using it as a CC weapon.

Can't go wrong with a Glock 19 for a plinking/carry/home defense pistol.

[deadaim]

I like the Bersa 380 CC you can get one for under 300 bucks and it is an accurate gun I love mine.

http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa_380CC.htm

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w150/deadaim1967/100_5953.jpg

[JDMiller]

My personal favorite is a 9mm. Its fun to shoot with light recoil and fairly compact for concealed carry. The ammo ...at least 115 gr target is economical and allows you to shoot often and get really proficient. Theres a decent amount of personal defense loads for the 9mm and its plenty of gun for what your wanting.

I've owned a couple but Glock or Ruger would be my pick. I also will say I have nothing against larger calibers... I've have a 40 and use to have a 45. Their good guns but I just never had the accuracy I could get out of the 9mm but thats just me. I would find time after time I'd reach for the 9mm before the others.

Also as others suggested... dont overlook a 380. I've wanted a Walther PPK in 380 for some time. I think if I ever bought one the 9mm might fall back a notch on my favorites list. I also like the looks of the new Ruger LCP but have never seen one in person yet.

www.ruger-firearms.com/LCP/ (http://www.ruger-firearms.com/LCP/)

[RVtech24]

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/GTBUSA/DSC_0011.jpg

Check out the Ruger P90...

[Georgia Transplant]

Glock or Springfield Armory XD are good choices. I own a Glock model 17 with a 3.5 lb. trigger and adjustable sights.

[raktrakr]

I was going to say the xd45 compact until you mentioned "not too expensive"
I think Springfields new line of "M" XDs are supposed to be slimmer?

[rick243]

I have a P90 and really like it but IMO it is way too big to carry concealed. Great for the night stand, under the truck seat or in a side holster.

I just recently got my hands on a Kel-tec PF-9 with a ArmaLaser to be used as a CC gun. So far I am happy with it. It is just the right size, fits in my back jeans pocket without anything showing.

Don't expect target accuracy with the PF-9 . there is too much slop in the slide for that. Here is a review:

http://www.gunblast.com/Kel-Tec9mm.htm

http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/pf9.htm

[Tha' Hat]

5-shot J-frame Smith and Wesson .38. Get one with a 3-inch barrel and exposed hammer if you're going to carry it fishing and use it for plinking. For pure CC, get the hammerless 642 Airweight. It's plenty of gun, more reliable than the auto without maintenance (if you carry it all the time, you'd be surprised how fast it gets dirty), and you can carry it about anywhere. That's my No. 1 concealed carry gun, and I live in a place where chances of having to use it one day are higher than average (Memphis).

I've owned three Kel-Tecs. They're OK, but I wouldn't want one for my first/only handgun. SP101 is an equally good choice, just heavier.

[mmayes]

Tha'hat so you still down in Memphrica writting articles? Make sure you carry plenty of ammo as will.


Mayes

[killinmammals]

I was going to say the xd45 compact until you mentioned "not too expensive"
I think Springfields new line of "M" XDs are supposed to be slimmer?
slimmer and more texture to the grip

[Bray]

I was trying to make the same decision a little bit ago. I chose the CZ P-01. I chose it because it was compact, light weight, wasn't plastic, and is one of the most reliable pistols world wide (here are the tests to prove it http://www.czusa.com/media_releases.php?m=4&msgid=37). It is one of the only NATO certified pistols you can buy over the counter. I have been EXTREMELY pleased with this gun. BTW, I got mine for under 400 Brand new.http://www.czusa.com/data/productimg/main028.png

[quackrstackr]

Tha'hat so you still down in Memphrica writting articles? Make sure you carry plenty of ammo as will.


Mayes

Nope.. he's down there working the male strip club circuit. :D

One of these days, I'll actually be at home when you call. I normally have my cell on so you can try that.

[mmayes]

I lost that number a long while back, thats why I try to catch you at the house.

Mayes

[Baymont]

guess it really depends on your price range. Couldn't go wrong with a Glock 19/23, full or compact 1911, or anything else mentioned :D I've got a Beretta Tomcat I stick in my pocket when I feel like it, and have a full size 1911 that hides well enough with just a tshirt
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/5097/dsc02641xi7.jpg

[BadDuck]

I am looking to buy a handgun but I don't really know where to start. I know I would like to get my concealed carry permit one day, so I don't want a gun that is too big. I also know I do not want a revolver. I am looking for something accurate but not too expensive.

What caliber/model would some of you recommend?


Wait a minute....Is this the same guy that has spent god only knows how long chastising all of us CC guys?

That said. My new favorite - Springfield XD .40 cal ported. Small enough to carry and shoots like a dream. Truly one of the best shooting guns I have ever shot in that size gun.

[killinmammals]

So you ever figure anything out yet Matt?

[Xi Bowhunter]

So you ever figure anything out yet Matt?


I ended up buying a 9mm that I can plink around with and really get a feel of before I move on to more expensive weapons. I went to whittaker's yesterday and bought it, and I am itching to fire some rounds out of it.

[rangerman2003]

well what did u end up with.. we need pics