Gun Appreciation and Advice Thread

[wargunfan]

Originally Posted by rpmGator

Count me in on the .357 also. Lot's to learn about safety at first, and for a first time owner, just safer to shoot and carry.

It can use .38's also which is a much cheaper round, so you can practice with those and shoot more for less until you are ready to shoot the more powerful .357.

It is also easier to find ammo when you can shoot two different types.

At some point, you may run into a Biden rule on clip size, and revolvers won't be as much hassle down the road without any clip rules.

I am thinking a .12 guage double barrel coach gun for my next buy.

You make an excellent point about revolvers not being subject to future magazine restrictions. Becoming proficient with speed loaders would be one answer to a revolvers limited capacity. A .357 with a couple of speed loaders would, with practice, be almost as effective as a semiauto.

[MichiGator2002]

Getting out in front of possible future magazine restrictions sounds like part of the appeal, though. If I got a 6-round revolver, I might feel like I am humoring the control lobby

[MichaelJoeWilliamson]

Originally Posted by MichiGator2002

Getting out in front of possible future magazine restrictions sounds like part of the appeal, though. If I got a 6-round revolver, I might feel like I am humoring the control lobby

Any gun with a magazine that holds more than a 6 or 8 round s might not be as usefull for concealed carry.

My wife has a small, five round SW .38 revolver. When I want to carry, I usually strap that on the ankle or put it in my pocket instead of my sig.

[Minister_of_Information]

Originally Posted by MichiGator2002

I had looked at the SP2022 as well. "Looked at" is still at the "reading manufacturer information and reviews" stage. I am trying to make a manageable list of weapons I would like to handle instead of standing in a gun store like an insomniac night at Hollywood video or Blockbuster trying to find something to watch. Like 5 or 6 semiautomatics and revolvers each.

Anyone have any experience with the Steyr M9A1? Something about hoe it looks like it would sit in my hand is appealing. I am finding that any discussion about polymer semiautomatics on these sites all turn into unhelpful crossflaming between Glock lovers and Glock haters.

I have a large hand as well. Don't know about the M9A1 but the Steyr GB80 was the best fitting and performing 9mm I ever shot. For pure home defense and most importantly deterrence -- other than a psycho who wants to kill someone unless it is absolutely necessary -- let me agree wholeheartedly with the shotgun idea. The sound of a pump shotgun alone will send most criminals scurrying like cockroaches when the light comes on. And if it doesn't, they are in a world of hurt. Stick with #4 Buckshot.

[MichaelJoeWilliamson]

Here is a nice review of the SP2022

[Lawdog88]

Michi, for handgun self defense inside a dwelling, you also may consider keeping a reliable, small, and blinding flashlight, such as the Surefire Elite (cheaper 3v versions are out there as well), on the nightstand, to hold in the other hand away from your body, until you determine exactly what the threat is. I prefer hand-held instead of firearm mounted, for obvious defensive reasons.

Unless you have available light and / or don't care to determine exactly what the threat is before . . . .

Just an idea.

[Minister_of_Information]

A good tactical light on a shotgun... you own the night, unless someone throws a flashbang.

[Palhaco1]

The single biggest thing is what feels best in your hand. Go to a gun store and pick up several and see. There are pistols that will fit many hand sizes and many have interchangeable straps now. My three favorites are sig p226, HK45 or HKp30 and the Springfield xd series. The sig and HK are gonna be more pricey but are as reliable as any pistol made today. The Springfield is more price friendly and still has excellent reliability.

Go to a range, rent several and shoot them. Pick which one you shoot best and what caliber you are more accurate with.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by MichiGator2002

This seemed topical, and figured go ahead and start it in Too Hot to save moving it here later

I am looking at purchasing my first gun. I would like something that is suitable for self-defense, but I am not sure what I should look at in terms of size or style because I have pretty big hands and I am skeptical of being comfortable holding a lot of the compact models. I don't have any definite preference between a revolver and a pistol, or in terms of caliber, just want something reliable and (relatively, since it is a gun after all) fairly beginner friendly.

I will admit up front part of me wants to get something that I know takes high capacity magazines (Glock 19 9mm is one I saw, for instance), but mostly for the passive aggressive delight of being able to tell people that it would annoy that I own one. Other than that minor factor, I would consider anything.

I read some review sites, i.e. the truth about guns, but the bottom line is, I don't know enough. And until I take some classes and maybe find a range that rents, I still won't know. But I also trust the experience of our gunowning community.

A couple things that caught my eye in research were the Walther P99, the Sig 226 or 229, the SW M&P among the pistols, and any number of S&W or Taurus revolvers (I think the Judge sounds/looks awesome, but doesn't seem to review well in what I have seen?).

Anyway, figured both for my own advice but also anybody else that wants any or for our gunowners to talk about what they have and like and why, here is a thread.

First gun?

No, you do not want to go Glocks and slide SA/DA pistol right now, that is if you don;t have any experience with slide action/clip-fed pistols. If you do, if you understand how to operate one well enough, that's one thing, but for your first gun without much experience handling or firing handguns?

A revolver is the perfect platorm to buy, preferably a .38 with a 2 1/2 - 4 inch barrell. Good stopping power, and comes in varying sizes for conceal carry and transportation within a vehicle.


There are also smaller caliber revolvers that are .22's, 22 magnums (and don;t believe a .22 can't inflict a lot of damage, because the right .22 ammunition will), and .32's, .380's, and 9mm's.


If you go slide action, then go with the smaller .380, 9mm, or .40 for conceal carry or you can go with a Glock, or various 1911 style 9mm's. Plenty of great company brands like Rugar, Smith & Wesson, Glock, Springfield, Colt, etc.

If you're not used to handguns, go with a lighter caliber first and get used to it then move up.

Myself, I use a Ruger LC-9 9mm with a Crimson Trace laser for conceal carry. Also, for self defense, use jacketed hollow points as they are better for inflicting tissue damage on the target and won;t go through the target like a full metal jacket would, and injure someone behind the assailant.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by MichiGator2002

Honestly, I think I might buy a revolver for actual purpose and then buy an automatic with a 12+ round capacity magazine just to keep in a safe on general principle until such time as I want to master it. I wasn't kidding when I said I was at least partly motivated by the chance to offend someone ).

Revolver owners in particular, am I right that S&W, Ruger, Colt, these are the names in revolvers?

The one thing I suggest about owning a handgun is... take trainging courses using them. It's not about how many shots you have to fire, it's about how you handle the situation in the first place.

I would feel just as secure and safe with a 5 or 6 shot revolver (many today also go up to 8 rounds for bigger calibers too), because I know in an exchange, I will hit my target within 1 - 3 shots. Also, having a revolver speed loader available will help too.

As for my slide action LC-9, I always have a spare clip with it too.

[MichiGator2002]

Oh, I'm not purchasing anything until after I have done at the very least basic gun instruction, defensive training, etc -- every place seems to have their own curriculum they offer, obviously. In fact, if anyone knows a range with good instruction and ideally gun rental so I can try several options, in the Jacksonville area, I'd be all for it.

My position on the automatic is that I know I do want one, and therefore may buy one, but walk-before-we-run, and it would probably stay in its box, in a safe, until I've put several hundred rounds through it, as much as possible of which under instruction. I mean, the only point of this would be if myself and others would be safer for me having a gun, not in more danger.

As for a revolver, I have actually shot a .38 a few times before, but it's been years. That's the sort of thing I know I could refamiliarize myself with in fairly short order and rely on or even carry pretty quickly.

In a perfect world, I'd like to buy two guns, a revolver and an automatic, both suitable for personal/home defense and reasonably concealable for a big guy. The trick would be finding suitable quality and be out the door with both for $1000-$1200.

[gator10010]

For a first time gun owner, possibly looking at a 9mm, I would recommend the Browning 9mm High Power. This gun is safe, accurate, and easy to shoot. It's a simple and smooth gun perfect for a beginner.

[Minister_of_Information]

Originally Posted by gator10010

For a first time gun owner, possibly looking at a 9mm, I would recommend the Browning 9mm High Power. This gun is safe, accurate, and easy to shoot. It's a simple and smooth gun perfect for a beginner.

Disadvantage: compact frame. MichiGator has large hands.

[RealGatorFan]

Originally Posted by MichiGator2002

This seemed topical, and figured go ahead and start it in Too Hot to save moving it here later

I am looking at purchasing my first gun. I would like something that is suitable for self-defense, but I am not sure what I should look at in terms of size or style because I have pretty big hands and I am skeptical of being comfortable holding a lot of the compact models. I don't have any definite preference between a revolver and a pistol, or in terms of caliber, just want something reliable and (relatively, since it is a gun after all) fairly beginner friendly.

I will admit up front part of me wants to get something that I know takes high capacity magazines (Glock 19 9mm is one I saw, for instance), but mostly for the passive aggressive delight of being able to tell people that it would annoy that I own one. Other than that minor factor, I would consider anything.

I read some review sites, i.e. the truth about guns, but the bottom line is, I don't know enough. And until I take some classes and maybe find a range that rents, I still won't know. But I also trust the experience of our gunowning community.

A couple things that caught my eye in research were the Walther P99, the Sig 226 or 229, the SW M&P among the pistols, and any number of S&W or Taurus revolvers (I think the Judge sounds/looks awesome, but doesn't seem to review well in what I have seen?).

Anyway, figured both for my own advice but also anybody else that wants any or for our gunowners to talk about what they have and like and why, here is a thread.

Home defense = Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 and for the love of God don't use slugs (they can miss the target, go through your wall or door and through the wall or door of your neighbor).
Personal defense = Glock or S&W .40 (don't get a .45)..My wife has a Walther P99 she loves

I also have a zombie katana just in case:-)

My advice to you if you really want to do it right is to go to a local gun range and see if they have any beginner packages. Usually these packages let you try out different models of revolvers and semi-automatics in addition to showing you which guns are harder on the trigger pull than others.

Here's where I go:

http://hoovertacticalfirearms.com/ba...raining-class/

[tec68]

I recently got a Glock .40 that holds 14 in the magazine. I love it! It is the first handgun I have owned.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by brainstorm

If you're only going to purchase one gun and have no plans to conceal carry then you'll want to stay with a larger handgun. They are easier to shoot.

Revolvers. They can be a good choice and you don't have to worry about jams. If the round doesn't fire then just pull the trigger again. I think a .357 is the best option since the .38 is pretty inept as a round. The Ruger GP100 and the Taurus 608 are good choices. The Smith and Wesson models are good as well but cost a good bit more.

To me, the big downside is the limitation in the number of rounds. Usually 6. While the experts will tell you that most gun fights in home defense situations are limited to a few shots that doesn't really make me feel comfortable.

Semi-automatics. There are numerous options. I like to start with the caliber first. I prefer the .45ACP for home defense situations. But, 9mm, .40S&W and .357SIG are good choices as well.


.45ACP

Many people say the 1911 is the best gun out there but they can be quite expensive. And they usually have 8 or less in a clip. Take a look at Dan Wesson, Remington, Colt, Kimber, Para Ordinance and Springfield.

For non-1911 .45 I prefer the Glock 21. Shoots great, handles recoil well and holds 13 in a clip. It is reasonably priced as well. Others to consider: Sig 220, FNP 45, Springfield XP.

9mm/.40S&W/.357SIG

The 9mm doesn't have the stopping power that other two have but is still a strong caliber. I prefer Glocks, like the 17 or 22. However, the Beretta ninety-two, CZ 75, SIG 229 and S&W M&P are good choices as well.

Ruger and Taurus are good names to remember. They make solid guns (semi-automatic and revolvers) at good prices.

I would recommend you go to a gun shop and hold some of the models to make sure they fit your hand properly.

Totally disagree about .38 rounds.

I own a .357 magnum and fire a lot of .38 Special rounds through it (yes, 357's can fire .38 Special rounds), because they don't kick as much in shooting practice nor are they quaite as expensive.

Also, just a little advice on a round that doesn't fire. Once in a rare while, you'll get a bad round, but if you fire a round and you here a loud "pop!" from the gun but not the usually loud "bang!" discharge of the gun, DO NOT FIRE THE WEAPON AGAIN!

You most likely have a round stuck in the barrel, so keep the weapon pointed down range in front of you or at about 45 degrees down and wait for about 45 seconds to make sure the round is dead before inspecting the gun. You'dhave to take it to a gunsmith to let him clear the bad round becuse if you fired again, you could really have a result you wouldn't want.

[gator7_5]

Originally Posted by The_Graygator

Totally disagree about .38 rounds.

You'd be in the minority. Brain is absolutely correct. I plink with .38's. I wouldn't use them for home defense, and most knowledgable shooter wouldn't.

.357 all the way.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by Minister_of_Information

I have a large hand as well. Don't know about the M9A1 but the Steyr GB80 was the best fitting and performing 9mm I ever shot. For pure home defense and most importantly deterrence -- other than a psycho who wants to kill someone unless it is absolutely necessary -- let me agree wholeheartedly with the shotgun idea. The sound of a pump shotgun alone will send most criminals scurrying like cockroaches when the light comes on. And if it doesn't, they are in a world of hurt. Stick with #4 Buckshot.

I have buckshot for all my shotguns, but always take a look at your surrounding houses and how close many are.

Map out your defense strategy within your own home an ddetermine what kind of weapon would best apply. If it's a shotgun, then think moderation.

Slugs? A big no-no in a crowded neighborhood. A slug, esepcially a 12 GA. slug, will easily go through an intruder and through a conder block wall an could even possibly penetrate another nearby home. Same goes with going through walls in your own home and possibly hitting another family member.

Myself, I wouldn;t use a 12 ga. inside, but I have a 20 ga. pistol grip riot gun for interior defense. Less flash-bang than a 12 ga. too.

That also goes with buckshot for interior home defense. Your best bet is to go with special HD (home defense) rounds or about #6 game loads (bird shot). Trust me, from 15 to 20 feet, a #6 or #7 game load is just as deadly and effective, and a lot less chance of hitting an un-intended target.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by Lawdog88

Michi, for handgun self defense inside a dwelling, you also may consider keeping a reliable, small, and blinding flashlight, such as the Surefire Elite (cheaper 3v versions are out there as well), on the nightstand, to hold in the other hand away from your body, until you determine exactly what the threat is. I prefer hand-held instead of firearm mounted, for obvious defensive reasons.

Unless you have available light and / or don't care to determine exactly what the threat is before . . . .

Just an idea.

Spot on LAW. A lot of people attach their lights to their guns, but it's best to have them seperate. You dont want to be surprised in a tense situation and turn your firearm-mounted light on a family memeber.

[Row6]

Originally Posted by MichiGator2002

This seemed topical, and figured go ahead and start it in Too Hot to save moving it here later

I am looking at purchasing my first gun. I would like something that is suitable for self-defense, but I am not sure what I should look at in terms of size or style because I have pretty big hands and I am skeptical of being comfortable holding a lot of the compact models. I don't have any definite preference between a revolver and a pistol, or in terms of caliber, just want something reliable and (relatively, since it is a gun after all) fairly beginner friendly.

I will admit up front part of me wants to get something that I know takes high capacity magazines (Glock 19 9mm is one I saw, for instance), but mostly for the passive aggressive delight of being able to tell people that it would annoy that I own one. Other than that minor factor, I would consider anything.

I read some review sites, i.e. the truth about guns, but the bottom line is, I don't know enough. And until I take some classes and maybe find a range that rents, I still won't know. But I also trust the experience of our gunowning community.

A couple things that caught my eye in research were the Walther P99, the Sig 226 or 229, the SW M&P among the pistols, and any number of S&W or Taurus revolvers (I think the Judge sounds/looks awesome, but doesn't seem to review well in what I have seen?).

Anyway, figured both for my own advice but also anybody else that wants any or for our gunowners to talk about what they have and like and why, here is a thread.

Thanks for the warning.